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Documentary

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Documentaries are a type of film or video that typically focuses on a particular subject, issue, or event. They are often used to educate, inform, or raise awareness about a topic. Documentaries can be made for a variety of purposes, including historical, educational, political, or social commentary.

Types of Documentaries

There are many different types of documentaries, each with its own unique style and approach. Some of the most common types include:

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Documentaries are a type of film or video that typically focuses on a particular subject, issue, or event. They are often used to educate, inform, or raise awareness about a topic. Documentaries can be made for a variety of purposes, including historical, educational, political, or social commentary.

Types of Documentaries

There are many different types of documentaries, each with its own unique style and approach. Some of the most common types include:

  • Historical documentaries tell the story of a particular historical event or period. They often use archival footage, interviews with experts, and reenactments to recreate the past.
  • Educational documentaries are designed to teach viewers about a particular topic. They often use clear and simple language, and they may include animations, graphics, and other visual aids to help viewers understand the material.
  • Political documentaries explore political issues and events. They often include interviews with politicians, activists, and other experts. Political documentaries can be persuasive or polemical, and they may seek to influence viewers' opinions on a particular issue.
  • Social commentary documentaries examine social issues and problems. They often use personal stories, interviews, and statistics to highlight the impact of these issues on people's lives.

Why Study Documentary?

There are many reasons why you might want to study documentary. Some of the benefits of studying documentary include:

  • Documentaries can help you learn about the world around you. They can provide you with insights into different cultures, historical events, and current affairs.
  • Documentaries can help you develop critical thinking skills. They can teach you how to evaluate information, identify bias, and form your own opinions.
  • Documentaries can help you become a more informed citizen. They can provide you with the knowledge and understanding you need to participate in discussions about important issues.
  • Documentaries can help you develop your creativity. They can inspire you to tell your own stories and make your own films.

How Online Courses Can Help You Learn About Documentary

There are many online courses that can help you learn about documentary. These courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand and analyze documentaries. They can also help you develop your own documentary projects.

Online courses can be a great way to learn about documentary because they offer a flexible and affordable way to learn. You can take courses at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can also learn from experts in the field of documentary filmmaking.

If you are interested in learning more about documentary, I encourage you to explore the online courses that are available. These courses can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to understand and analyze documentaries. They can also help you develop your own documentary projects.

Careers in Documentary

There are many different careers that you can pursue in the field of documentary. Some of the most common careers include:

  • Documentary filmmaker: Documentary filmmakers create and produce documentaries. They may work independently or for a production company.
  • Documentary editor: Documentary editors assemble and edit footage to create documentaries. They work closely with the director to ensure that the film flows smoothly and tells a clear story.
  • Documentary cameraperson: Documentary camerapersons operate the camera and capture the footage for documentaries. They work closely with the director to determine the best shots and angles for the film.
  • Documentary sound recordist: Documentary sound recordists capture the sound for documentaries. They work closely with the director to ensure that the sound quality is high and that the dialogue is clear.
  • Documentary producer: Documentary producers oversee the production of documentaries. They work with the director to develop the film's concept, raise funding, and hire the crew.

Path to Documentary

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We've curated two courses to help you on your path to Documentary. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Documentary.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of documentary film, from its origins in the early 20th century to its contemporary forms. Nichols explores the different ways that documentary filmmakers have used the first person to tell stories and engage with audiences.
Comprehensive guide to the art and craft of documentary filmmaking. Waldman covers everything from pre-production to post-production, and she includes interviews with some of the most successful documentary filmmakers in the world.
Classic study of the work of Robert Flaherty, one of the most influential documentary filmmakers of all time. Rotha provides a detailed analysis of Flaherty's films, and he explores the ways in which Flaherty's work has influenced the development of documentary filmmaking.
Concise introduction to the history, theory, and practice of documentary filmmaking. Aufderheide covers a wide range of topics, including the different types of documentaries, the ethical issues involved in documentary filmmaking, and the ways in which documentaries can be used to educate, inform, and entertain.
Explores the ethical issues that documentary filmmakers face, such as the need to balance objectivity and advocacy, the protection of privacy, and the use of archival footage. White provides a clear and concise overview of the ethical challenges of documentary filmmaking, and he offers practical advice on how to address these challenges.
Practical guide to the art and craft of documentary filmmaking. Rosenthal covers everything from pre-production to post-production, and he includes interviews with some of the most successful documentary filmmakers in the world.
Practical guide to producing documentary films. Nevins veteran documentary producer, and she shares her insights on everything from fundraising to marketing. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the business of documentary filmmaking.
Collection of essays and interviews by Werner Herzog, one of the most acclaimed documentary filmmakers of all time. Herzog reflects on his own work and on the nature of documentary filmmaking, and he offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of this art form.
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Fascinating account of the making of the documentary film _The People vs. George Lucas_. Ronson follows the filmmakers as they try to get to the bottom of why so many people hate the _Star Wars_ prequels. This book offers a unique insight into the process of documentary filmmaking, and it raises important questions about the nature of truth and objectivity in documentary films.
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