MAKING A DOCUMENTARY
FILMMAKING NOTES

DOCUMENTARY FILM – TIPS for Documentary Film Production

THE FOUR BASIC DIVISIONS OF STYLE

1) EXPOSITORY DOC’S
Commenting on the Acting of the scene rather than being a part of it
-A lot of times Propaganda films (TV NEWS)
-Express point of view clearly and leave little room for misinterpretation

2) OBSERVATIONAL DOC’S
MIRROR TO THE WORLD – Way it’s going on, is going on
-Keeping the camera rolling
-Story comes out of the life of the people, not from the actions of individuals
-Conveys the rhythms and texture of everyday life

3) REFLECTIVE DOC’S
A relationship between the filmmakers and its subjects
-Filmmaker is a part of the film. -Seen through the eyes of the filmmaker. They are usually the main character in their own film

4) IMPRESSIONISTIC DOC’S
NO RULES-Poetic instead of argumentative-Generally categorized under Experimental film

WE ALL LOOK AT OURSELVES AS…