Documentary Essay
FILM 337 DIRECTING THE DOCUMENTARY
Midterm Exam
Name: _____Taber Allen_________Section:__Doc___
1. Using the textbook, write a short paragraph definition of “documentary.”
Documentary film is a broad category of moving pictures intended to some aspect of reality. A "documentary film" includes video and digital productions that can be either direct-to-video or made for a television.
2. Describe what is meant by a “Contract” with the audience.
The promise to the audience places the need for implicit audience belief of what is shown on the screen above any other consideration.
3. Describe Direct Cinema.
Direct Cinema is a genre in which the director and his crew impartially observe and record the events shown in the final movie.
Describe Cinema Verite’.
Direct Cinema is largely concerned with the recording of events in which the subject and audience become unaware of the camera's presence.
Combining natural techniques with stylized cinematic devices of editing and camerawork and the use of the camera to provoke subjects. It is also known for taking a provocative stance toward its topics.
4. What are the two essential ingredients in documentary filmmaking and explain some of the elements of these two ingredients.
The basic necessities for documentary filmmaking are a camera and an interest topic to record. The quality of recording, interest of topic and cutting of footage is what set standards.
5. The textbook lists four documentary modalities (qualities.) What are they? 1. To record, reveal, or preserve 2. To persuade or promote 3. To analyze or interrogate 4. To express
6. Explain the “Trial” analogy in producing a credible documentary.
Before credit is established a relationship must be built with the characters, narrator or situation at hand. Purpose must be obvious and audience should build
Midterm Exam
Name: _____Taber Allen_________Section:__Doc___
1. Using the textbook, write a short paragraph definition of “documentary.”
Documentary film is a broad category of moving pictures intended to some aspect of reality. A "documentary film" includes video and digital productions that can be either direct-to-video or made for a television.
2. Describe what is meant by a “Contract” with the audience.
The promise to the audience places the need for implicit audience belief of what is shown on the screen above any other consideration.
3. Describe Direct Cinema.
Direct Cinema is a genre in which the director and his crew impartially observe and record the events shown in the final movie.
Describe Cinema Verite’.
Direct Cinema is largely concerned with the recording of events in which the subject and audience become unaware of the camera's presence.
Combining natural techniques with stylized cinematic devices of editing and camerawork and the use of the camera to provoke subjects. It is also known for taking a provocative stance toward its topics.
4. What are the two essential ingredients in documentary filmmaking and explain some of the elements of these two ingredients.
The basic necessities for documentary filmmaking are a camera and an interest topic to record. The quality of recording, interest of topic and cutting of footage is what set standards.
5. The textbook lists four documentary modalities (qualities.) What are they? 1. To record, reveal, or preserve 2. To persuade or promote 3. To analyze or interrogate 4. To express
6. Explain the “Trial” analogy in producing a credible documentary.
Before credit is established a relationship must be built with the characters, narrator or situation at hand. Purpose must be obvious and audience should build