The History of Documentaries

Today we learnt about the basics of a documentary, about what one is and the different types there are. The different styles of documentary all have their different conventions that are used whilst filming. 

The history of the documentary and the different styles are explained in detail in this presentation:

http://prezi.com/3acrfweve7dy/

The documentary that we are trying to make is in the fly on the wall style. This means that the film-makers stand back from the action and allow it to happen, and try and influence what happens as little as possible. Shooting a documentary in this way makes it feel a lot more natural to the viewer. This style is often referred to as a 'Fly on the Wall' documentary. 

Shooting in this style is often done by taking very long shots, with movement from one shot to another being done without cutting. Cutting is then done in post to make it looks as if it is a completely new shot.