4 Documentaries that are in the WKC library
1. A Portrait Of Scotland
2. Touching The Void
3. 5 Broken Cameras
4. The Lookout
Who was the founder of British documentary film making?
The Founder of British documentary film making was no one other than the famous John Grierson.
Which decades did he work in?
John Grierson worked in the decades 1930’s – 1940’s.
What are 2 distinctive characteristics of the film Night Mail?
One distinctive characteristic is how they deliver the mail. What they do is, they put the bag of mail (separated by district) into the strong leather pouch, seal the pouch and then attach to standard using a spring clip, which is secured by string. So when its hits the nest it releases.
The other distinctive characteristic is the poem (rap) near the end of the film because it creates an upbeat atmosphere, which is a change of pace from start to finish and that keeps the audience (me) engaged even though its near the end.
What are the 5 modes of documentary and describe each on, giving an example and your opinion
The first mode of documentary – The Poetic Mode
The Poetic mode is a type of documentary that uses tonal or rhythmic elements such as description as well as it’s form.
For example, Nas: Time is Illmatic, he is a rapper that tells us about his life.
This documentary is uses rhythmic elements such as description however, it also has observational mode qualities as well.
The second mode of documentary – The Expository Mode
The Expository mode is a type of documentary that is used to produce arguments. The structure is solid because the statements presented to the audience are backed by evidence. Voice overs are used as commentary while the footage provides evidence.
For example, America’s most wanted, this show tells the audience about situations that occurred in the real life which I think produces arguments because you ask yourself or people watching this, why would do something so stupid etc.
The third mode of documentary – The Observational Mode
The Observational mode is a type of documentary where the viewer is the observer (Fly on the wall) and the film maker remains behind the camera and does influence the footage that is being captured.
For example, Celebrity /cribs, a show where celebrities show the audience the house as well as how much things cost. 16 and Pregnant, Teen Moms, Big Brother, Wildlife documentaries etc.
The fourth mode of documentary – The Participatory Mode
The Participatory Modes is when the film maker and the subjects attract more, therefore the film maker is more involved and is literally part of the events that are filmed.
For example, Living with Michael Jackson. Martin Bashir interacts with Michael Jackson and is in the documentary the majority of the time. However, A lot of the footage (documentary film) uses voice overs (The Expository Mode).
The fifth and final mode of documentary – The Reflexive Mode
The Reflective mode is used to create awareness, whether it is a govern documentary ( in a Mockumentary format). It is used to point out assumptions and conventions, which increase our understanding of how films construct representations of reality.
For example, A man with a movie camera,
List documentaries you have recently seen. Do you think they fit any of the 5 modes?
My Murder, BBC – The Observational Mode and Reflexive Mode
Girls Behind Bars: Stacey Dooley in the USA, BBC – The Participatory Mode and The Reflexive Mode
Benefit Street, Channel 4 – The Reflexive Mode
How is a ‘fly on the wall’ documentary filmed? Give an example and your opinion
Fly on the wall documentaries are filmed where the cameras are unseen or ignored. Showing real life footage, the influence the audience by giving them their own opinion on what they have witnessed.
Examples are programmes such as Big brother, Educating Yorkshire etc.
What is an Docudrama?
A Docudrama is a television drama or film that is based on real life events for example the true movies on sky show docudramas. Even EastEnders is an docudrama on occasion (from time to time) because it includes real life situations as well as telling the audience where can get help it solve it.
Stories that are performed and presented to the audience that people may or may not relate to, real life events that shown to evoke empathy and sympathy. Making the audience ask questions like ‘how could someone actually do that in real life’. A film called My Murder shown on BBC is an Docudrama.
Which documentary have you watched that was most effective?
A documentary that I have watched that was most effective is called My Mum and Mum hosted by Tulisa Contosavlos.
Stephanie Corr-Amajor 
Where are your examples? what makes you say Eastenders is sometimes a docudrama ? which techniques were used in Cathy Come Home to heighten reality?
You need to develop your analytical skills –
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