TRADITIONAL DOCUMENTARY
Covers a person or event from the past.
It uses only voiceover narration and a combination of archival media and created media (still images and video).
It does not use interviews.
TRADITIONAL DOCUMENTARIES WITH INTERVIEWS
As above but with the addition of interviews to document the topic.
CINEMA VERITE
Covers present day events only.
Uses created media only – no archival media of any sort.
It does not use interviews.
CINEMA VERITE WITH INTERVIEWS
This form comes in two versions
– those that adhere to the original concept with the addition of interviews
– those that add interviews and then also add archival media (still or video)
SELF REFLEXIVE DOCUMENTARY
In this form the film maker is part of the film
– could be physically present (shown on screen)
– could be included in voiceover narration
– could be subjectively framing the film’s point of view so the audience knows
Uses created and archival media (still and video).
Usually contains interviews and voiceover narration.
Modern versions are also experimenting with the addition of animation, graphics and text
HYBRID DOCUMENTARY
This format combines any of the above into one film.
NOT A DOCUMENTARY FORM – PROPAGANDA FILMS
A documentary film presents one point of view but it does allow for alternative points of view on the topic.
A propaganda film presents only one point of view and strongly condemns any alternative points of view. It attempts to “persuade”, ie: brain wash, the audience of the correctness of its perspective.
