- In this unit, we will build a short informational piece about an approved topic of your choice.
- The piece should be 3-8 minutes long and contain production elements we've accumulated along the way so far.
5 Steps to Making a Documentary - StudioBinder
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Formats of Micro Documentaries
Examples
Isolation - Impression format Cloud Juicer - Profile format Hope Credit Union - Issue Oriented format Ducati Invitational Race - Event summary Evolution of the Pencil - Info & Teaching |
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6 Ways to Make a DocumentaryObservational
Cinema Verite (truth film) or fly-on-the wall film where the film maker tries to show happenings without interrupting the subjects life or actions. |
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High School - Fred Wiseman (1968)
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Paris is Burning
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Participatory
Film known for being interactive. The film maker has a direct relationship with the subject and is even the actual subject sometimes. These films often feature a point of view by the film maker, which becomes clear in narration, voice overs or interviews. |
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March of the Penguins (2005)
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Expository
These films present a "point of view" which is supported by photos, videos and subject interviews. The voice over is typically third person omnipotent - like a god watching over and discussing the subject. |
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Man with a Movie Camera (1969)
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Reflexive
Known for behind the scenes action that reveals the inner workings of a subject. The film maker establishes a relationship with the audience to show them something. |
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Performative
These types of films feature a director or actor directly interacting and performing with the subject. For example, if you did a film about how long it took you to grow a beard, you are as much the subject as your beard. |
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Impressionistic
Sometimes a film maker will try and communicate ideas to the viewer simply by arranging various shots next to each other so that they elicit some response. Narration, voice overs, graphics and interview are excluded, and the images alone, and their placement, are meant to communicate. 
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Olympia Prologue - Leni Riefenstahl
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Last Days of Paradise High - Short Documentary Example
Point of View
A story can be told from different perspectives to change the message of a story.
StudioBinder explains Point of View
