Research: Documentary Theorists

After carefully considering my options regarding my advanced portfolio I believe that I am going to complete an extract from a documentary. Over the next months I will be watching lots of documentaries and analysing the different aspects of them to fully understand the codes and conventions of the genre as well as key elements used to add to the professionalism.

John Corner

When researching I discovered a theorist named John Corner. He named 5 features of a documentary which he stated were observation, interview, dramatisation, mise-en-scene and exposition.

Observations - he believed that observations were used to make audiences become a part of what is being shown almost as if it was from their POV. Observations could anchor meaning and understanding to the documentary.

Interviews - he believed that documentaries rely heavily on interview to support views or contrast opinions. They could be used to further emphasise a point or if an interview with an expert opinion could show a more educated view.

Dramatisation - he believed that building arguments or creating more harsh contrasts of views would add an extra exciting element to the documentary and build drama encouraging audiences to watch the documentary.

Mise-en-scene - this is always a very relevant aspect with any media product. The mise-en-scene has to be carefully considered to fit with the genre and theme of the documentary. For example, if the documentary was on a sad subject which could upset viewers, the background may be darker to suit the subject. Low key lighting may be used.

Exposition - this refers to the section of the documentary which explains the theme and is emphasised through the use of interviews and cutaways which are supported by voice overs.

A quote from John Corners report titled 'Television Documentary and the Category of the Aesthetic (2003)'stated that

'Documentary portrayal is often drawn to a literalism of representation, its composition, framings, angles, lighting, colourings and movements designed to engage a kind of unselfcoscious, realist assent'

Steven Barnetts

He theorised the theory which he named 'Disneyfication'. This theory refers to the need for TV channels to show programs which they know would receive high ratings rather than documentaries which would cause more questioning. He believes that documentaries have been dumbed down for audiences to appeal to a wider demographic because it is now the norm and it tends to be cheaper.

I found an article relating to Barnetts theory about how broadcasters desire for 'bright, safe, glossy and formulaic guaranteed ratings successes' https://www.theguardian.com/media/1999/oct/25/mondaymediasection.broadcasting1