The Five Modes of Documentary

Bill Nichols, an American academic, introduced the theory of documentary modes in 1991 as an attempt to theorise documentary practice.
I have used the presentational device Prezi in order to display the various modes of documentary as shown below: 

- Information from BFI -

Some of the modes show in the presentation above display many of the similar conventions, therefore it is much easier to identify various types of documentaries when separated into these two groups show below: 

Expository/Observational: 

Participatory/Reflexive/Performative:

"The Family" began in 1974 and was one of the first 'fly on the wall' documentaries.

Storyboard

Below shows the storyboard that I created before I start the production of my project. Although the sketches are rough, it benefitted me to organise my thoughts and ideas regarding the content that I want to include. I can now begin the filming! 

Marketing Campaigns for Films and Documentaries

Research into Documentaries

Horizon: "Cannabis - The Evil Weed?"
 

Possible Fonts

It is essential for the chosen font of the documentary is suitable for the target audience and genre of the documentary. It would look incredibly unprofessional if the wrong fonts were used, therefore I have selected a few which I find aesthetically pleasing which will be shown to the focus group. Consequently, this will enable me to choose the preferred font, in order to make the documentary as professional as possible.

Font 1

"Ah Carbon!"

Font 2

"Thurston"

Font 3

"Media Blackout"

Font 4 

"Promenadenmischung"

I am going to ask my focus group to gain opinions on which is the most popular font to use on the both the documentary and ancillary texts.

Here, I have created a Pie Chart in Excel to present my results from my focus group. This displays Font 4' proving to be the most popular and 'Font 1' to be the least popular. I have also asked my focus group featured in an earlier post, for their comments and advice regarding all of the various fonts.

Anna Bradford: "I particularly like 'Font 4' as it depicts the topic and provides a specific image which I believe fits this type of documentary regarding cannabis. However, I have noticed that in most documentaries that more simpler and generic fonts are used."

Charlie Fox: "My favourite font is 'Thurston' as it provides an edgy look, which seems like it would suit this documentary."

Alex Trayling: "I think that the fourth font will appropriately fit this type of documentary out of the choices above. As the font will be used on posters and in the documentary, it is essential that the font fits the theme, providing an insight into the documentary to the potential audience. I also believe that a font such as, 'Helvetica' would be ideal for a documentary accompanied by two promotional products."

Kirsty Carswell: "I like the third font as it stands out, and would make a very strong point, however I believe it could only be used as a title, not throughout the documentary to display large amounts of information."

Joe Bell: "I believe 'Font 4' will look the most aesthetically pleasing when featured in this documentary, as it accepts the codes of a documentary of this type. Although, I have noticed that most documentaries on a serious matter acquire a simpler font."

As a consequence, despite 'Font 4' appearing as the most popular font, I have acknowledged the feedback that I received. Three members of the target audience argued that although they prefer 'Font 4', they believe that a simpler font would be more suitable for a drug-based documentary aimed primarily at teenagers and parents. Therefore, I have chosen to use 'Helvetica', a commonly used and widely recognised font across all media products, influenced by Gary Hustwit's documentary on the font. It will appeal to the target audience and conform to the codes and conventions used in popular Channel 4 documentaries and on the ancillary, promotional products.

Research into Short Films

Researching the short film, "Dealer" has inspired me to use various concepts relating to a drug programme. Although I am creating a documentary, the research process has aided me to have a clearer focus when I start filming. It has also given me a deeper insight into lives of drug dealers and addicts.

General Info on Cannabis

Marijuana can relieve the symptoms of neuropathic pain, arthritis, asthma, glaucoma, and nausea, it is an appetite stimulant for those suffering from HIV, the AIDS wasting syndrome, and dementia, current research is showing that it may help protect the body against cancer and treat a huge range of other illnesses, one doctor stated "Marijuana will be the wonder drug of the next century".

Drugs and their side effects do kill and can have a wide range of very negative side effects, even so called "safe" drugs like marijuana; some organisations believe that ignorance is one of the biggest killers and that simple prohibition does not work.

• As well as exploring the negative effects in my documentary, I also hope to show the apparent medicinal benefits of cannabis for terminally ill patients. The information above shown in green demonstrates that research suggests that the drug can have positive effects when used as a form of palliation for terminal care.
• This also is an exmaple of my intentions to challenge typical conventions of a documentary by presenting a two-sided, objective debate. 

During this lesson I have been researching producer Nick O'Dwyer and his work from 'Landmark Films', who has produced similar short films that will perhaps influence my creative media thinking. 

Shot List and Concepts

Before I begin filming, it is essential that I plan the type of camera shots I will use, in order for my documentary to appear as professional and aesthetically pleasing as possible. This will also help me to organise what, where and who to film using which particular shot or angle. Some of the shots that I will be using will demonstrate the generic codes and conventions of a documentary as I have researched into various shot types and concepts. These are only examples of shots, as once I start filming I will be able to judge what shot will work the best.


Shot Types for Documentary

Production Companies

I have created a powerpoint to display three possible institutions that I could use for my own documentary. Consequently, after some in depth research, I have made a decision with regards to what i believe will be most suitable and successful for my documentary and target demographic.

http://www.landmarkfilms.com/films.html

http://www.bfi.org.uk/filmtvinfo/library/

Whilst researching the Production company, 'Landmark Films', I became interested in the work of producer, Nick O'Dwyer, therefore I researched into his work and decided to find a short film similar to the documentary I am in the process of creating. I found BBC's "Tracy and Joey" from 1996. 

This research will help me decide on the final decision regarding which Production company will produce and distribute the products.

Whilst looking at the News, I found this article regarding the Cannabis ban in coffee shops in the Netherlands, which is a huge part of the cannabis culture, in an attempt to cut down on drug traffiking. However, this will also have a negative effect on the local economy. I thought this article is extremely useful in the research process of my documentary, as I could possibly ask opinions about this decision by the Dutch Government.

"Maastricht bans cannabis coffee-shop tourists"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15134669