Research

     Before developing our own documentaries, there was a whole learning process we had to go through. We began by learning what a documentary is, the conventions, and everything needed to know about documentaries before embarking on such an extensive project. 

    

Once we all had a good understanding of what documentaries consist of, we then began to watch full-length documentaries that would give us a good foundation of styles, techniques, and concepts of documentaries. We viewed pieces like "Exit Through the Gift Shop", a Netflix docu-series called "Abstract", New York Times Op-Docs, and my personal favorite, "American Promise". 

Exit Through the Gift Shop

Abstract: The Art of Design

The New York Times: Op-Docs

American Promise

    All these documentaries allowed us to experience a variety of pieces with different topics, styles, and techniques so that we understand all the necessary materials and tools we can use when creating our own pieces. These documentaries helped me know how the use of indirect/direct interviews will impact the piece, the prominent use of B-roll, and overall helped me fully grasp the concept of documentaries. 

    Each of these documentaries was very different and unique from one another. Therefore, with such an exploration of documentaries my group and I knew what style we were going to aim for when creating our own piece.