Objectives:

  • examine different documentary styles

Documentary Styles

There are at least four different documentary styles. You need to be familiar with them so that you can decide what types of documentaries you wish to produce.

  1. Expository

    This is the traditional type of documentary where you hear a narrator's voice throughout the piece. Think of typical nature or historical documentaries. You've seen hundreds of these on T.V.

  2. Observational

    Sometimes referred to as the "fly-on-the-wall" style of filmmaking because it feels like the camera is just there, recording life as it happens. You don't hear the filmmaker's voice.

  3. Interactive

    In this style, you hear people being asked questions and you see people responding. The documentary filmmaker can then edit the questions and answers in any way he or she sees fit thereby producing a film that reflects a particular viewpoint.

  4. Reflective

    In the reflective documentary you see more experimentation. Here the filmmaker may call attention to the making of the documentary itself. You might see such things as the cameras themselves in action. This is the least traditional type of documentary and tends to be more experimental.



    For more information, check out filmeducation.org


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