A documentary is a broad term to describe a non-fiction movie that in some way "documents" or captures reality. Documentaries are often used to reveal an unusual, interesting or unknown angle. Topics are limited only by ones imagination. Documentary filmmakers are often motivated to make their films because they feel a particular story or viewpoint is not being (adequately) covered by mainstream media.
Documentary Genres:
Expository:
The aim of the expository documentary is to be descriptive and informative, or to provide a particular argument. For example, it may celebrate a set of common values, or a particular lifestyle. Expository documentary is the 'classic' mode of documentary, which is now more commonly used in TV documentaries, where abstract information is conveyed via the voice over commentary.
Observational:
A observational documentary follows a person around to observe and film events that has happened in their life.
Ideas for my Documentary:
For my documentary I am thinking of doing a short film about either my grandfather or my uncle. Both of them lived and my uncle fought during WWII so I thought I could interview them about their experiences and about their life during this.
I could also follow them during their daily life and see what it is like being in their shoes, but also still ask them questions about what their life was like when they where younger and maybe compare it to what it is like now.
Ideas for my Documentary:
For my documentary I am thinking of doing a short film about either my grandfather or my uncle. Both of them lived and my uncle fought during WWII so I thought I could interview them about their experiences and about their life during this.
I could also follow them during their daily life and see what it is like being in their shoes, but also still ask them questions about what their life was like when they where younger and maybe compare it to what it is like now.
Clear introductory research - try to make links between theory and your ideas for your own production.
ReplyDeleteAlso, think about where to source examples of existing media so you can start to collate the codes and conventions and carry out some detailed textual analysis.