Documentaries

What is a Documentary?
A documentary is an informative insight into certain topics. It is an attempt to capture or 'document' reality.
An example of a documentary is a classic, traditional documentary, stereotypically featuring David Attenborough if the genre is nature. These are usually slow paced, narrator-led, featuring an expert presenter, shows authority, features reconstructions, CUs-range of high quality shots, set ups, made by the use of technical kit (IMAX, hi-def) It can also be a documentary series which consist of long filming schedules and are usually expensive to make.

Types of Documentaries

• Nature
• lifestyle
• music
• science
• constructed reality (The Only Way is Essex)
• 'the making of...'
• Expert led
• celebrity led
• drama documentaries
• factual entertainment (My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding)
• Observational Documentary

What Affects the Type of Documentary made?

• Development of technology - more accessible to make and distribute
• range of climates and environments
• Access to people, location and information
• changes in society - liberal/open - more of a range of different types of documentaries and opinions
• more people have a voice
• world events - natural disasters, news events, anniversaries
• budget/talent
• commissioner and buyer - BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Sky