Documentaries can be split in to different sub-categories, some examples are:
- Expository documentaries
- Observational documentaries
- Interactive documentaries
- Reflexive documentaries
- Performative documentaries
What is an expository documentary?
An expository documentary is productions in which the viewers can listen to a narrative or view subtitles as an aid or almost a direct message to tell them what's happening. Some say this can fool the mind of the viewer and not leave them much room to imagine. However, sometimes it's a good idea for the more complicated subjects.
A good example of an expository documentary is 'The fear of 13', a documentary on the life of Nick Yarris. In this, Nick speaks directly to the audience, telling them about his experiences of prison and leaving a skewed view.
What is an observational documentary?
Observational documentaries are essentially what it says on the tin. Rather than being told what's going on, you're made to observe and sometimes draw your own conclusion to real life events.
The only use of narration is via the form of non-direct speech (e.g characters speaking to one another).
An example of observational documentary filmmaking is "16 and pregnant". The show follows the life of certain teenagers on their road to pregnancy.
What is an interactive documentary?
An interactive documentary is possibly the most criticised out of these five. It's more known for its multimedia and how good it looks rather than how the story is presented. The filmmaker has a large input on interactive documentaries but they're usually percieved as balanced.
The people being filmed are able to express their own opinions; the filmmaker then has the choice whether he can include a juxtaposing opinion to give a more balanced view to the audience.
A famous example of interactive documentaries is 'Bowling for columbine' - a documentary which explores the events of Columbine High School in 1999.
There are a number of different things to consider when filming documentaries. Due to documentary filmmaking being largely public, it's important to bare in mind the privacy of everyone being filmed.
Under the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, everybody in the public has the right to not be filmed if they feel it might affect their personal life. It's not illegal to film in public places, however, filmmakers should take into consideration and respect the needs of certain people in their film.
However, it's a different story when the location is not private. Like many other media productions, you must gain permission to the owner of the private property before filming.
Documentaries are quite a risky media format. Risky with the audience and risky with the people being filmed. The subjects seem to put their faith in the filmmaker to present them in the way they'd like to be presented. The filmmaker must be wary of this because even the slightest bit of misinterpretation could result badly; by this I mean the persona could come out and admit to the public that the documentary is 'fake' therefore ruining the filmmakers reputation.
The people being filmed are able to express their own opinions; the filmmaker then has the choice whether he can include a juxtaposing opinion to give a more balanced view to the audience.
A famous example of interactive documentaries is 'Bowling for columbine' - a documentary which explores the events of Columbine High School in 1999.
There are a number of different things to consider when filming documentaries. Due to documentary filmmaking being largely public, it's important to bare in mind the privacy of everyone being filmed.
Under the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, everybody in the public has the right to not be filmed if they feel it might affect their personal life. It's not illegal to film in public places, however, filmmakers should take into consideration and respect the needs of certain people in their film.
However, it's a different story when the location is not private. Like many other media productions, you must gain permission to the owner of the private property before filming.
What is a reflexive documentary?
A reflexive documentary is more aesthetic than other documentary forms and the audience recognise it. This is because some people like to be educated but some documentaries are unaesthetic to view and this puts the audience off from the point. Usually, the filmmaker is in front of the camera and he/she becomes a big part of the production.
The most famous example I can think of is Louis Theroux. For example, his documentary 'Behind Bars' shows him being toured around San Quentin prison and interviewing inmates as well as guards.
What is a performative documentary?
Performative documentaries are argued to be the most 'honest' of the documentary forms. It tells the story of filming as well as the story it's trying to present.
We're in a generation where performative documentaries are becoming increasingly popular but are starting to take on different subsidiary forms. An example, many YouTube videos follow the performative documentary rules
However, in terms of TV, a famous example of performative filmmaking is Bear Grylls. What Bear does is explore environmeants without script, and takes the audience along on the journey with him.
In my opinion, Interactive documentaries are the best form. When coming to make to my documentary, I will aim to present it in an interactive manner.
However, in terms of TV, a famous example of performative filmmaking is Bear Grylls. What Bear does is explore environmeants without script, and takes the audience along on the journey with him.
In my opinion, Interactive documentaries are the best form. When coming to make to my documentary, I will aim to present it in an interactive manner.
Documentaries are quite a risky media format. Risky with the audience and risky with the people being filmed. The subjects seem to put their faith in the filmmaker to present them in the way they'd like to be presented. The filmmaker must be wary of this because even the slightest bit of misinterpretation could result badly; by this I mean the persona could come out and admit to the public that the documentary is 'fake' therefore ruining the filmmakers reputation.
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