Monday, 28 April 2014
Monday, 21 April 2014
Documenting Documentaries Nicholls Modes
Realism
Realism is when a documentary represents the topic as it really is. There are many ways to see whether or not the documentary shows realism or not, some ways of how it is done is by making some of the shots hand held which makes it look more natural. This is because the shots won't be set up and prepared for, the camera man will be constantly moving trying to keep the shot good. Actual footage other wise known as archive footage are also used and this is because it makes the video look more authentic and this will make it more effective to the audience because they are able to see videos that are from the actual event. The reason for having this is it will appeal to the audience but also for the audience to know that no parts of the video is false and made up. It acts as a solid evidence to the audience.
Dramatisation
Dramatisation is where the producers use editing, music and framing, camera works to their advantage to make the documentary look as much entertaining as it could even if the information or story being told could be over exaggerated. The effect that this has on the audience is that the audience will be more engaged to the documentary because of the editing. Dramatised documentaries are simply made to entertain the audience more than informing them.
Narrativisation
Narrativisation is a documentary that is done without a presenter, this type of documentary usually have someone talking on a voice over and played through the documentary. This technique is used to tell a story to the audience and this is usually done professionally by having excellent camera language but also by having someone who could present and speak clearly and effectively. Usually the person who is chosen to do the voice over are white middle-class men. the reason why this is done is because the audience will easily trust and believe what they are saying but also, they would make sure that they speak clearly and do not have a strong accent because not many people would understand what is being said.
The Expository Mode
the expository mode is where there is a voice of god or narrator in the documentary that is going through what is happening in the documentary and what is the audience is seeing. the information that is being said are not always true, for instance, in nature documentaries, the narrator "assumes the logical argument". Usually, the person chosen to do the voice over are known to be are white middle-class men. The effect this has on the audience is that they will easily trust and believe the narrator and what is being said. The reason why this is done is because the documentary will need a "Voice of God" who that will go well with the general topic and documentary. For example, if there was a documentary about the WW2, the narrator would be an elder white middle class man because it would sound as if he knows what he is talking about but also because documentary would only appeal to a specific target audience and this would be the right person to choose. However, if a young adult who is slightly on the boarder will narrate the documentary, people would not believe what is being said and also it would not be as interesting neither would it appeal to the right audience.
Wild Lion Ganglands is a good example of this because throughout the documentary, there is a narrator talking about what is happening and what is is going to happen. This narrator is also giving the setting of the place so the audience will know where this is. the reason why this documentary uses a narrator is because having a presenter in this documentary will be too risky and hard to use. This would be because everything happens in a hurry and the presenter would not get in the shot in time. A voice over is also used because the it will guide the audience to what is happening, for example, during 1.45 to 2.16 the voice over says what is happening but also gives out a feeling also also atmosphere such as in 2.01 to 2.03 he said "impending violence is in the air" which shows what could happen. the way that the voice over says it makes it more effective because of how he added of a character to it so it would sound more serious because it was said in a low toned and slow voice. the voice over in this documentary is used for many reason and one other reason would be because it would be a good way for the audience to lean more about what they are watching by giving information and facts about it. An example of this would be on 9:48 to 9.54 where the voice over says what the giraffe would do next in that situation and what tactics they would do. apart from the documentary, the editing pace of throughout this documentary is slow because it allows them to capture everything and make it more interesting because it stays on one thing instead of jumping from one thing to another in every few seconds.
Realism in this documentary is done by what is being shown. the footage from the documentary are real and are what are really happening the world. Also the camera helps show realism by making the shots more unique such as adding slow motion so that the camera captures every detail for the viewer. However the fact that the documentary is just about the wildlife and nature, it makes it real because it is not something that could be staged or setted up, also the producers wouldn't know what will be happening after each step so they would have to keep up to what is happening. Dramatisation is also used in this documentary because in certain occasions there are more editing such as slow motion, this often happens when animals are fighting to emphasise the situation and to make it look more serious and interesting because the slow motion affect will capture every impact and action so the audience could see the force of this and also how a hit from a lion could be lethal. Narrator is also used in this because the documentary is shown in a story by starting with some animals and following them, this is done so that it would look as if the viewer is taking a journey with the animals and following them. but also, they could also capture footage of what would happen to any normal herd and the daily and common difficulties they face.
The observational mode
The observational mode is a mode that is best shown by the camera verity or direct camera in the late 1050's. this mode is when they try to capture footage to be very precise and accurate while the film-makers are observing behind the camera and being ignored the surrounding environment that they do not change or interferer with the footage that is being captured . All or the majority of the shots taken are hand held because of it all being actual footage and not staged so the cameraman would have to quickly get into position and to get everything while everything is happening. for this reason the footage captured would not always be clear because of the camera rushing to get the right position.
This is an example of observational mode because the camera man captures everything that is happening in that moment and the film makers are in the background observing what is happening without interrupting and allowing everything to flow. In 0.02 we see a man walking out the house being casual and the camera man capturing it. this would be observational because from 0.18 to 0.40 there was a short interview between the two people and the camera man had to get both the people in the same shot during the interview with one camera. for this reason, the shot was hand help so the cameraman could quickly get both of then by doing a fast pan from one person to the other. The shot was not staged so the camera man would have to get everything and try to get it better because they only have one shot because they could not do it again. On 0.55 to 1.05, there was a shot of them both going inside the house to see a camera. the cameraman showed this by zooming into the camera at 1.00 while they are talking about it then going back to them at 1.05 back to them talking.
In 1.38 to 1.48 there was an actual footage of the person they are talking about to make things more clear to the audience but also add more of an impact because the audience could see who they are talking about rather than just hearing them talking about the person. this is effective because they are showing real footage to the audience which would make everything more believable and more interesting to the audience.
There was a shot at 2.50 to 3.00 of the man walking his dog and the cameraman would have to capture what he could get. another reason why this is an observational mode documentary is because from 3.50 to 4.49 there was a shot of a man on the phone and showing his real reaction at 4.16 where the camera man does a close up shot of his face.
From 4.50 to 5.25 there was one whole shot of the cameraman following someone talking but also not having the best shot because the sound man was also in the shot but also their faces was not in the shot. However it was not staged so they could not do that whole shot again, the camera man would have to get the shot while it is happening.
Reality in this documentary is shown by the camera language because it is not perfect and in most times it is rushed and not steady as well as the shots not being well in position. from 0.18 to 0.40 in the short interview the were not well done because the pan from one person to another was not straight but also the forehead was cut off such as in 0.21. other ways that makes this documentary real are that some archive footage were used to and this helps because it there are real footage of real people in real situations.
The participatory mode
The participatory mode is when a documentary consists of the film maker interacting or being involved with the subject. this means that the film maker becomes a part of the event that are being filmed. this is the opposite of the observational mode because the film maker could be in the documentary rather than behind cameras.
This is a good example of a participator mode documentary because the film makes gets involved and also interacts with the subject and is also in the story. This programme is about two people who have been dating online but have never met so the film makers investigates and goes to see if the person in the relationship is real or who they say they are. This documentary is partly hand held and partly steady and the reason for that is to add feeling and also make more of an impact. the hand held camera would be in times such as in 15.00 when the film maker meets the guy, this would be hand held because it shows that it is a real situation so it makes more of an impact but also for the camera man to get the shots needed because it is not scripted so the cameraman would not know what to film at what time. Some of the camera shots showing the close ups of the people faces and also their names on the laptop from 2.00 to 3.45 introduced who it is about but also, they film it on the laptop to emphasise the point that the relationship is online and also that the only time they see each other is on the laptop.
This documentary shows realism by showing some of the crew members in the shot such as in 32.31 where the shot shows the cameraman holding the camera. This adds to the feeling of realism by showing that the show is not scripted so no one knows exactly where to be at what time. They use dramatisation in editing, for example, from 16.33 to 18.00 by using music to add more of an impact as it would make the audience more attached to the show because the music used gives a bit of mystery. Also the use camera language to their advantage such as in 17.40 to 14.45 by using a slow zoom in the the persons face showing his reaction and also the music used helps build up the tension and seriousness.
The performative mode
The performative mode is where the documentary is about the film maker and where the documentary focuses mainly on them rather than any other topic. However, this documentary will only show the views, thoughts, opinions and feelings of the film maker so this could lead it to being bias. This type of documentary involves the film maker putting themselves into the situation and what outcomes they get. This is because it will emphasise the emotional and social impact to the audience.
An example of a performative mode documentary would be this because the presenter is putting himself into the situation. This documentary is about him eating a meal in McDonalds and showing the outcomes of it. The documentary shows the presenter testing out how good the food is health wise and what it could do to people. This type of documentary is very effective because the audience could see how anyone would react to this situation and also warn them so they would gain some knowledge from this documentary. Throughout 14.41 to 16.30, there are a number of interviews with ransom and normal people who the audience could relate to because they are asked their thoughts and opinions of the topic. However, 16.19 there is an interview with a police and this makes it more real, trustworthy and also believable to the audience because the police are people who most people would listen to and would trust. Also, to add on to this, there are also expert opinions from people who knows this topic very well such as in 18.48 to 19.11 and he also gives information on the topic. This will make it more interesting to the audience because they would gain good and solid facts and information on the topic.
The realism in this documentary is that the presenter is a real person and he is doing a test to himself to inform the audience, but what makes it real is how it affects him because the causes of that would be from eating too much but also the effect that McDonalds have on people. During the interview from 14.41 to 16.30 the camera was hand held because the crew would not know where the interviewees would be moving but also it has more of an impact because it shows it is not staged or in a studio, it is filmed on a road and random ordinary people are questioned about the topic. Dramatisation is used in this by edits such as from 38.50 to 39.30 where they use animation to show what is happening and this makes it more engaging to the audience and also it is a good way for them to show their point.
The reflective mode
The reflective mode is similar to a re-enactment of a topic what is not the truth but is a recreation of the truth. The documentary shows how it was created by making the audience is aware of the editing, the sound and the recording. This is done because it allows the audience to see the difficulties they may face while filming.
An example of the reflective mode is the man in the camera because it is a slapstick comedy movie and the film makers tries to capture everything in that is happening in that time. In 10.05 to 10.10 there is a shot of a person getting the camera ready then at 10.19 to 10.30 there is a shot of the a man being filmed so it shows the process of what is happening and what they are doing. This allows the audience to know everything that is happening but it also creates an impact because it gives a feeling of how it would be like being there and what it would be like. The film makers want the audience to know what it is like working like them and what they would have to do, an example is at 22.50 to 23.22 there is a shot of a editor looking at the footage on the clips and cutting it then it goes to a shot of the footage.
Realism in this documentary is is done by showing what the film makers would do in that position and also it would be the same atmosphere that they work in. Another way would be that in some parts of the documentary, there are shots of the machines that the film makers use and this is done because the audience will know what they use but mostly it gives out a feeling of realism because they are able to see what is behind the camera. Drama in this documentary is used only in editing by using music to their advantage, this is done by changing the music depending on the situation. For example, when there is a lot of things happening and it is busy then the music will also be fast pace to add in intenseness.
Realism is when a documentary represents the topic as it really is. There are many ways to see whether or not the documentary shows realism or not, some ways of how it is done is by making some of the shots hand held which makes it look more natural. This is because the shots won't be set up and prepared for, the camera man will be constantly moving trying to keep the shot good. Actual footage other wise known as archive footage are also used and this is because it makes the video look more authentic and this will make it more effective to the audience because they are able to see videos that are from the actual event. The reason for having this is it will appeal to the audience but also for the audience to know that no parts of the video is false and made up. It acts as a solid evidence to the audience.
Dramatisation
Dramatisation is where the producers use editing, music and framing, camera works to their advantage to make the documentary look as much entertaining as it could even if the information or story being told could be over exaggerated. The effect that this has on the audience is that the audience will be more engaged to the documentary because of the editing. Dramatised documentaries are simply made to entertain the audience more than informing them.
Narrativisation
Narrativisation is a documentary that is done without a presenter, this type of documentary usually have someone talking on a voice over and played through the documentary. This technique is used to tell a story to the audience and this is usually done professionally by having excellent camera language but also by having someone who could present and speak clearly and effectively. Usually the person who is chosen to do the voice over are white middle-class men. the reason why this is done is because the audience will easily trust and believe what they are saying but also, they would make sure that they speak clearly and do not have a strong accent because not many people would understand what is being said.
The Expository Mode
the expository mode is where there is a voice of god or narrator in the documentary that is going through what is happening in the documentary and what is the audience is seeing. the information that is being said are not always true, for instance, in nature documentaries, the narrator "assumes the logical argument". Usually, the person chosen to do the voice over are known to be are white middle-class men. The effect this has on the audience is that they will easily trust and believe the narrator and what is being said. The reason why this is done is because the documentary will need a "Voice of God" who that will go well with the general topic and documentary. For example, if there was a documentary about the WW2, the narrator would be an elder white middle class man because it would sound as if he knows what he is talking about but also because documentary would only appeal to a specific target audience and this would be the right person to choose. However, if a young adult who is slightly on the boarder will narrate the documentary, people would not believe what is being said and also it would not be as interesting neither would it appeal to the right audience.
Wild Lion Ganglands is a good example of this because throughout the documentary, there is a narrator talking about what is happening and what is is going to happen. This narrator is also giving the setting of the place so the audience will know where this is. the reason why this documentary uses a narrator is because having a presenter in this documentary will be too risky and hard to use. This would be because everything happens in a hurry and the presenter would not get in the shot in time. A voice over is also used because the it will guide the audience to what is happening, for example, during 1.45 to 2.16 the voice over says what is happening but also gives out a feeling also also atmosphere such as in 2.01 to 2.03 he said "impending violence is in the air" which shows what could happen. the way that the voice over says it makes it more effective because of how he added of a character to it so it would sound more serious because it was said in a low toned and slow voice. the voice over in this documentary is used for many reason and one other reason would be because it would be a good way for the audience to lean more about what they are watching by giving information and facts about it. An example of this would be on 9:48 to 9.54 where the voice over says what the giraffe would do next in that situation and what tactics they would do. apart from the documentary, the editing pace of throughout this documentary is slow because it allows them to capture everything and make it more interesting because it stays on one thing instead of jumping from one thing to another in every few seconds.
The observational mode
The observational mode is a mode that is best shown by the camera verity or direct camera in the late 1050's. this mode is when they try to capture footage to be very precise and accurate while the film-makers are observing behind the camera and being ignored the surrounding environment that they do not change or interferer with the footage that is being captured . All or the majority of the shots taken are hand held because of it all being actual footage and not staged so the cameraman would have to quickly get into position and to get everything while everything is happening. for this reason the footage captured would not always be clear because of the camera rushing to get the right position.
This is an example of observational mode because the camera man captures everything that is happening in that moment and the film makers are in the background observing what is happening without interrupting and allowing everything to flow. In 0.02 we see a man walking out the house being casual and the camera man capturing it. this would be observational because from 0.18 to 0.40 there was a short interview between the two people and the camera man had to get both the people in the same shot during the interview with one camera. for this reason, the shot was hand help so the cameraman could quickly get both of then by doing a fast pan from one person to the other. The shot was not staged so the camera man would have to get everything and try to get it better because they only have one shot because they could not do it again. On 0.55 to 1.05, there was a shot of them both going inside the house to see a camera. the cameraman showed this by zooming into the camera at 1.00 while they are talking about it then going back to them at 1.05 back to them talking.
In 1.38 to 1.48 there was an actual footage of the person they are talking about to make things more clear to the audience but also add more of an impact because the audience could see who they are talking about rather than just hearing them talking about the person. this is effective because they are showing real footage to the audience which would make everything more believable and more interesting to the audience.
There was a shot at 2.50 to 3.00 of the man walking his dog and the cameraman would have to capture what he could get. another reason why this is an observational mode documentary is because from 3.50 to 4.49 there was a shot of a man on the phone and showing his real reaction at 4.16 where the camera man does a close up shot of his face.
From 4.50 to 5.25 there was one whole shot of the cameraman following someone talking but also not having the best shot because the sound man was also in the shot but also their faces was not in the shot. However it was not staged so they could not do that whole shot again, the camera man would have to get the shot while it is happening.
The participatory mode
The participatory mode is when a documentary consists of the film maker interacting or being involved with the subject. this means that the film maker becomes a part of the event that are being filmed. this is the opposite of the observational mode because the film maker could be in the documentary rather than behind cameras.
This is a good example of a participator mode documentary because the film makes gets involved and also interacts with the subject and is also in the story. This programme is about two people who have been dating online but have never met so the film makers investigates and goes to see if the person in the relationship is real or who they say they are. This documentary is partly hand held and partly steady and the reason for that is to add feeling and also make more of an impact. the hand held camera would be in times such as in 15.00 when the film maker meets the guy, this would be hand held because it shows that it is a real situation so it makes more of an impact but also for the camera man to get the shots needed because it is not scripted so the cameraman would not know what to film at what time. Some of the camera shots showing the close ups of the people faces and also their names on the laptop from 2.00 to 3.45 introduced who it is about but also, they film it on the laptop to emphasise the point that the relationship is online and also that the only time they see each other is on the laptop.
This documentary shows realism by showing some of the crew members in the shot such as in 32.31 where the shot shows the cameraman holding the camera. This adds to the feeling of realism by showing that the show is not scripted so no one knows exactly where to be at what time. They use dramatisation in editing, for example, from 16.33 to 18.00 by using music to add more of an impact as it would make the audience more attached to the show because the music used gives a bit of mystery. Also the use camera language to their advantage such as in 17.40 to 14.45 by using a slow zoom in the the persons face showing his reaction and also the music used helps build up the tension and seriousness.The performative mode
The performative mode is where the documentary is about the film maker and where the documentary focuses mainly on them rather than any other topic. However, this documentary will only show the views, thoughts, opinions and feelings of the film maker so this could lead it to being bias. This type of documentary involves the film maker putting themselves into the situation and what outcomes they get. This is because it will emphasise the emotional and social impact to the audience.
An example of a performative mode documentary would be this because the presenter is putting himself into the situation. This documentary is about him eating a meal in McDonalds and showing the outcomes of it. The documentary shows the presenter testing out how good the food is health wise and what it could do to people. This type of documentary is very effective because the audience could see how anyone would react to this situation and also warn them so they would gain some knowledge from this documentary. Throughout 14.41 to 16.30, there are a number of interviews with ransom and normal people who the audience could relate to because they are asked their thoughts and opinions of the topic. However, 16.19 there is an interview with a police and this makes it more real, trustworthy and also believable to the audience because the police are people who most people would listen to and would trust. Also, to add on to this, there are also expert opinions from people who knows this topic very well such as in 18.48 to 19.11 and he also gives information on the topic. This will make it more interesting to the audience because they would gain good and solid facts and information on the topic.
The reflective mode
The reflective mode is similar to a re-enactment of a topic what is not the truth but is a recreation of the truth. The documentary shows how it was created by making the audience is aware of the editing, the sound and the recording. This is done because it allows the audience to see the difficulties they may face while filming.
An example of the reflective mode is the man in the camera because it is a slapstick comedy movie and the film makers tries to capture everything in that is happening in that time. In 10.05 to 10.10 there is a shot of a person getting the camera ready then at 10.19 to 10.30 there is a shot of the a man being filmed so it shows the process of what is happening and what they are doing. This allows the audience to know everything that is happening but it also creates an impact because it gives a feeling of how it would be like being there and what it would be like. The film makers want the audience to know what it is like working like them and what they would have to do, an example is at 22.50 to 23.22 there is a shot of a editor looking at the footage on the clips and cutting it then it goes to a shot of the footage.
Realism in this documentary is is done by showing what the film makers would do in that position and also it would be the same atmosphere that they work in. Another way would be that in some parts of the documentary, there are shots of the machines that the film makers use and this is done because the audience will know what they use but mostly it gives out a feeling of realism because they are able to see what is behind the camera. Drama in this documentary is used only in editing by using music to their advantage, this is done by changing the music depending on the situation. For example, when there is a lot of things happening and it is busy then the music will also be fast pace to add in intenseness.
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