A documentary film is one of several creative modes, including narrative fiction and experimental avant-garde. Documentaries have a purpose, a point of view and an approach, and evolve from the formative process, whether scripted or spontaneous. Documentaries are limited to reality or news.
Most of the production requirements of documentaries refer to the fact that there are no sets, no actors are used, and real people, not actors, play themselves.
Documentaries have been credited throughout history for having a major impact on cultural meanings. Many film schools around the world teach the art of documentary filmmaking. Schools and classes teach to understand the fundamental aesthetic tools of documentary filmmaking, such as camera operation, sound, structure and also the interview.
Classes will often include exercises leading up to the production of a documentary film project, so students can learn directing and production skills, as well as learn the various types of documentaries.
There are always issues that both students and teachers face in documentary filmmaking that have to do with idea development, pre-production, and actual production.
Students in documentary filmmaking classes view video segments depicting major trends in the history of documentary filmmaking. There are usually guest filmmakers who lecture at the courses to provide guidance and further education.
Documentaries are a very challenging form of filmmaking, often controversial. Historically, the genre begins with the first films of the Lumière brothers, known as “current affairs films”, and ends with the latest postmodern explorations. Classics include Flaherty, Grierson, Riefenstahl, Rouch, Vertov, and Wiseman, along with contemporary works. The Documentary The course examines how changing social and political realities, changing technology, as well as the personalities and talents of individuals continually redefine what the term documentary means.
Documentaries often present challenges for cinematographers who often must work alone or in small teams. They must learn to capture beautifully framed, meaningful sequences during the low-budget and often chaotic circumstances that often surround filmmaking. The emphasis is usually on shooting cinema verité and lighting with a very small crew. Some aspects of the digital camera are shared with students as they work.
Documentaries are also a very popular art form. Awards shows have a place for documentaries and many are often covered by film critics, as evidenced as far back as 1942 when there were four winners including: The Battle of Midway; Kokoda front line; Moscow strikes back; and Prelude to War. In 2009, a recent documentary on military medicine, Fighting for Life, is expected to win awards.
