September 8th 2009

We talked about the purpose of documentaries and the different types:

Purpose of Documentaries:

• To inform
• Document - to record
  To document i.e. report with evidence something that has actually happened. It can show this by using actuality footage or reconstructions.
• Information is mediated to an audience
• Mediation - undergoing a process to make something easily understood to an audience (e.g. use of dramatics)

6 Main Types:

1. Fully Narrated:
   An off-screen voice over is used to make sense of the visuals and anchor their meaning, e.g. natural history documentaries.
2. Fly On The Wall:
   Origins in cinema verite. The camera is observing real life as it happens. Participants are "unaware" of the cameras presence.
3. Mixed:
   Using a combination of interview, observation and narration to advance the narrative.
4. Self-Reflexive:
   When the subjects of the documentary acknowledge the presence of the camera and often speak directly to the film maker.
5. Docudrama:
   A re-enactment of events as they are supposed to have actually happened.
6. Docusoap:
   Example - Airline. Usually occupation-based. Series of programmes following subject-making celebrities out of real people.