The Documentary Genre

The Documentary GenreBy Olivia Lark Fully Narrated An off screen voice over conveys the exposition. The voiceover is used to make sense of the visuals and dominates their meaning. Often referred to as The voice of god Examples of this include programmes like: Frozen Planet LifeNatural history

Fly on the wall The cameras are left to record the subject without interference. A fly on the wall documentary is where the camera is unseen or ignored, it shows the real events which take place with little or no narration. Often referred to as Cinema VeriteExamples of this include programmes like:Educating EssexEducating Yorkshire24hrs in A&EBig Brother

The MixedThe mixed documentary uses a mixed combination of interview, observation, exposition and Narration. They also include archive footage of a certain event or issue.The narrator in a mixed documentary links everything together and backs up the narrative. Examples of this often include:Debunking 9/11 Myths Animal imitators

Self reflective When subjects of a documentary acknowledge the presence of the camera and often speak directly to the film maker. Examples of this include:An idiot abroadThe moaning of life Katie

DocudramaA re-anactment of events as they are supposed to have actually happened. This gives the audience an idea of the atmosphere and the feelings surrounding that event.Examples of this include programmes like:Roman Britain from the air

DocusoapThis documentary follows the life of an individual usually with a designated occupation.Examples of this include programmes like:Arrivas Bus driving school