Modes of Documentary

Expository Documentary

• most commonly seen in TV documentaries rather than film documentaries 
• usually includes a voiceover narration that is commenting on he images and explaining what is happening 
• the aim of this type of documentary is to inform the audience about something that they are not familiar with and will develop an argument - it is not objective 

Example

Observational Documentary 

• referred to as "fly-on-the-wall"
• attempts to present the world as it is 
• uses long takes, hand-held camera shots but has no interviews or voiceovers 
• audience should not be aware of the filmmaker 

Example

Participatory (interactive) Documentary

• filmmaker is in the foreground making it explicit that the film is made from their point of view 
• filmmaker is often the central charter in the film with the emphasis on their interactions 
• includes voiceovers, hand-held camera and emphasis on informal interviews 

Example

Reflexive Documentary 

• investigates the relationship between the real world and the way in which documentaries work
• reveals how documentaries are produced as representations based on the construction and manipulation of the image 

Example

Performative Documentary 

• investigates the relationship between the real world and the way in which documentaries work 
• takes the reflexive idea further 
• challenges the idea of documentary truth, emphasising instead on the process of film language 

Example

The Phone Call Video

The Phone Call from Amy Morris on Vimeo.









For filming this clip we used two Cannon Legria cameras, one on a tripod and the other one used as a hand held camera. By using a tripod it ensure a smooth pan for the opening shot of the clip, as well as stable shots. This then made the clip more professional. By using two units it made it easier for us to film a variety of shots.
By working in groups it meant that the work load could be distributed between four people. However, there were some problems with communication, which led to difficulties in editing. There was also a problem with the script of the phone call, as there was none. This then meant that it became much harder to edit the clip in order to ensure the conversation made sense.
The clapper board was extremely useful. This is because it made it much easier to edit the shots together as they were filmed out of sequence. This also made filming easier, as it was much easier to film all the shots in the same location together, than having to keep going from location to location.
iMovie was very useful to use in editing the video. This is because it is very clear and laid out in a way that makes it very easy to edit.

My feedback gave me many factors to remember when filming again, especially background noise and actors. My feedback also reminds me to make sure that I use a steady camera.


Targets:
1. Make sure I do whatever possible to minimalize background noise
2. Make sure everyone in shot can be heard clearly
3. Make sure that there is a clear sense of continuity