More broadcast networks are introducing documentary news features into prime time. These shows feature strong narrative presentations and are more relatable than Hollywood superhero blockbusters. As the public increasingly craves authenticity in storytelling, there is a growing market for these types of programs. But what are the characteristics of a good documentary? And what makes it different from mainstream news?
Documentary filmmaking
While documentary filmmaking is in its infancy, there are some notable developments to keep an eye on. Many independent films begin their journey towards distribution on the festival circuit, where filmmakers screen their projects in hopes of catching the eye of a distribution company.
In the past, filmmakers were not always successful in finding the funding they needed to complete their projects. Now, more streaming services are making it a priority to acquire these works.
Documentary films are becoming more lucrative. Some studios are stepping in to support the emerging genre. For example, HBO is releasing the Emmy-nominated “Allen v. Farrow,” while Hulu and Netflix have signed up Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
While these production companies are taking a stand in the documentary space, they often rely on independent filmmakers and film festivals to ensure their work is worthy of their time and money.
Documentary filmmakers must be careful not to misuse copyrighted works in their films. While fair use has many exceptions, filmmakers must be mindful that they may be violating copyrights by using copyrighted media content.
For example, if a documentary film uses commercial TV adverts to criticize the consumerist culture in the U.S., the filmmaker could face a copyright infringement lawsuit.
Documentary filmmakers often make use of interviews in their films to establish a character, struggle, or world. As a result, they can use more mat sound and time than a traditional film. Many documentary filmmakers want to educate the public and try to improve society.
Differences between documentary and journalism
There’s a lot of controversy over the differences between documentary filmmaking and journalism. While both types of journalism use investigative reporting to inform the public, there are many important differences between these two forms of storytelling.
One difference is the degree of neutrality and objectivity. A journalist’s job is to report on news and facts, whereas a filmmaker’s goal is to evoke an emotional response.
While most commercial films are fiction and based on real events, the line between documentary filmmaking and traditional journalism is blurring. The difference is more subtle than you might think. For example, a documentary film may feature a fictional voice, but is still a fictional work.
In addition, documentary filmmaking does not typically follow industry guidelines or a code of ethics. Still, this new field of storytelling has been growing in importance in informing the public.
While both types of storytelling use the same principles, the difference in presentation is fundamental. A documentary filmmaker is more likely to present information to consumers and elicit a response.
While journalists tend to be more objective in their reporting, they also carry their own ideas and opinions. This can affect how people perceive the news and facts.
Some audiences may have already made the distinction between documentary and journalism. Films like Citizen Kane and All the President’s Men are classic examples.
Another example of a documentary film is Collective, about a club fire in Bucharest, Romania. This fire was the result of pyrotechnics gone awry during a metal band show.
Characteristics of a good doc
Documentaries are a type of news program that focuses on a particular subject. These shows are usually much longer than news segments, and their subjects tend to be more real.
Documentary producers also hope to inspire the audience to demand change. Some common examples of good documentary news include crime documentaries, which highlight the reality of a particular situation.
One distinguishing feature of a documentary is its use of music, which can be used to create different moods. In contrast, news does not use music as often.
Documentaries frequently incorporate content that is protected by copyright laws. This means that they will frequently use archival photographs or audio recordings in their reports.
In addition, they will often quote short bits of copyrighted works. In many cases, these infringements do not impact the film’s fair use claim.
A documentary can range in length and subject matter, but its primary purpose is to educate the audience. The format of a documentary can vary greatly, depending on the outlet and distribution. The most basic style of a documentary is expository, and it should be presented in an accessible way.
However, there are other styles of documentary news, such as video essays, which cover a particular topic with exciting visuals and straightforward narration.
Good documentary films must be able to portray the subject matter in an honest and accurate way. A good director will be open to the possibility of being wrong, but will still seek to portray the truth.
The director must be able to understand the subject and interview subjects.
If the documentary is about an investigation, he or she will often have to piece together different strands of evidence to make the viewer believe what he or she sees.
Criticism of docs
A film critic can’t ignore the criticism of documentary films. Criticizing a film is a delicate balance between recognizing its qualities and avoiding a “slipstream” approach.
The goal of criticism is to help the public understand the film. Criticism should place the film in its proper context within the ecosystem. Documentary films often explore a controversial topic.
For instance, one film, “Muhammad Ali,” has been criticized for the fact that it fails to acknowledge the racism that has plagued the Muhammad Ali documentary.
Critics of documentary news claim that this form has lost its authenticity. Although documentary films have remained popular, their commercial success may be due to the change in narrative. Some critics even question the genre’s ability to be called a “documentary” at all.
They refer to these films as “mondo films” or “docu-ganda.” Furthermore, critics point out that many filmmakers have distorted documentary subjects, a practice that may be inherent to the form.
There are some ways to counter this. One method is to watch a documentary film in its entirety. The producer of a film should make clear whether they have a financial stake in it or have conflicts of interest.
Documentary news producers should also label their films, just as they would with books. Some documentary films have literary merit, such as memoirs and “as told to” autobiographies.
Observational vs. expository documentaries
An expository documentary establishes a specific point of view in an attempt to persuade its audience. It often features a voice-over, and uses archival footage or b-roll to support its argument. The film can also include re-enactments of historical events.
A famous example of an expository documentary is Ken Burns’ Dust Bowl, a history of the Great Depression drought. This documentary uses photos and facts to show how the drought affected the American West.
Observational documentaries are different from expository documentaries in many ways. While expository documentaries are meant to explain a topic in a more formal way, observational documentaries are often more personal and intimate.
They tend to offer first-hand access to the most important moments in a subject’s life. They have become very influential over the years and have even influenced filmmakers working in other genres.
Expository documentaries, on the other hand, are more likely to feature an authoritative voice-over. The voice-over in expository documentaries is usually authoritative and explains the rhetorical content of the film.
It is also more likely to include interviews and rhetorical questions to help convince the audience of its argument. The documentary is often about a specific subject, and its goal is to influence the audience to think and feel a certain way.
Observational documentaries are more intimate, allowing the viewer to engage in the action. The camera is often silent, making the audience feel as if it is a ‘fly on the wall’.
This gives the audience the feeling that they have a unique perspective on the subject matter. The audience is called to play an active role in the interpretation, which is often achieved through the careful selection of scenes.
Current trends in docs
The rise of streaming services and the popularity of documentary movies has led to an explosion in documentary production. Previously, such films were only available in film festivals and art houses.
Now, many of them are available on popular streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple. One popular film made for Netflix is Moonlight, which won three Oscars and a Golden Globe.
Though streaming platforms have become increasingly popular, there is a growing appetite for news-adjacent content on TV.
As a result, more news companies are looking for licensing deals with streaming services around current events. This growth in documentary content has resulted in an increasing number of new unscripted series and documentaries being produced.
The production of documentary films has become easier than ever. In the past, filmmakers had to rely on old equipment such as 16mm Bolex to produce their films.
Today, they use mirrorless cameras and interchangeable lenses. Smartphone cameras are becoming more powerful, and the use of software tools has further democratized the production process.
Netflix has helped increase the popularity of documentary films. In 2016, over 73 percent of its subscribers watched a documentary.
Moreover, the movie Tiger King gained 34 million viewers in the first 10 days after its release. With these trends, it is safe to say that documentary movies can be a key component of global conversations and trends.
