Doc Handout

I've read through the handout we were given and it's really helped with my understanding of the different types of documentaries.

The first point I took from it was the fact that although most documentaries are considered to be reliable, truthful and factual information on the world. However, this doesn't mean that documentaries can't have elements of staging to them. I think this could be a thing to keep in consideration when doing our project. If we get them to do something for the specific for the camera it can still be a representation of what they would normally do.

There are 4 types of documentaries genres:

Compilation - images from archival sources.

Direct-Cinema - recording events as they happen, minimal interference from the filmmaker.

Nature - Recording nature, such as insects, etc.

Portrait - scenes from the life of a compelling person.

Most documentaries use one of more of these genres at once.

Another point I took was that there can be a fine line between documentary and fiction. Although i dont think that will be a problem with our short project, its good to make sure we dont cross that line.

There are 2 main Forms in documetnary films: Categorical and Rhetorical.

Categorical Form often begins by identifying its subject. Its patterns of development are normally simple, but because of these simple ways it risks boring the spectator. The Challenge to the filmmaker is to introduce variations and thereby to make us adjust our expectations. Either through an interesting subject matter, unusual patterns of film techniques, or by mixing in other types of form.

Rhetorical Form tries to make an explicit argument. Its goal is to persuade the audience to adopt an opinion about the subject matter and perhaps to act on that opinion. It's a from that centers most consistently on explicit meaning and ideological implications. There are 3 main types of arguments the film may use: realting to the source, to the subject, and to the viewer.
Arguments from Source - Arguments taken from reliable sources of information, like in an interview.
Subject-centered Arguments - Employs arguments about its subject matter.
Viewer-centered Arguments - Makes an argument that appeals to the emotions of the viewer.
A documentary's rhetorical form can organise these arguments and appeals in a variety of ways. One standard description suggests that it begins with an introduction of the situation, goes on to a discussion of the relevant facts, and ends with an epilogue that summarizes what has come before.