DOCUMENTARIES

A documentary is normally perceived as a work of nonfiction attempting to bring awareness on a particular subject. That subject could range from historical events or figures, to scientific discoveries, to political and social issues. Another very popular usage of documentary genre are pieces illustrating the methods and behind the scene makings of motion picture films. These types of documentaries have been subjected to becoming special features included in the DVD releases of many major motion pictures.

Because documentaries fall into the genre of nonfiction, it allows a certain level of believability perceived by its audience. This phenomenon may be related to the success of reality TV. Rather than watching actors portray certain fictional character and events, documentaries allow viewers to hear testimony straight from alleged experts and eye witnesses. As a result, documentaries have achieved much success as tools of information, promotion, propaganda, and entertainment produced within a relatively low budget.

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Gallery of Gifted Youth
This documentary displayed the determination and struggle from a mother who organizes and manages a non-profit program that provides art and music education for mentally challenged children in hopes such efforts would help stimulate and improve their learning, problem solving, communication and social skills.

Instances of commercial success for documentaries are not uncommon. The genre's commercial success has actually resulted in successful theatrical releases for a number of documentaries. An Inconvenient Truth grossed $45 million worldwide in 2006. This may not be too impressive considering it also starred a former Vice President in Al Gore. But then consider the documentary film, March of the Penguins which grossed $106 million worldwide whose stars were penguins. And of course, who could forget Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 that grossed over $200 million worldwide in which it only cost $6 million to create the documentary. Now, when you also consider the commercial success of DVD sales, it even further supports the feasibility of producing documentaries even if the documentary will not be released theatrically.

But besides its commercial success in the entertainment industry, documentaries have been used successfully as tools to either promote or educate viewers as it was mentioned earlier. Several ideas may explain why the format of documentaries has been so effective. For one, a documentary provides a combination of visuals and sounds telling a story just like any movie. Such techniques can be used to invoke certain emotions and reactions leading to keeping an audience engaged and even persuaded.

Another reason attributed to this format's success may be because it "focuses on unwelcome facts", according to historian Erik Barnouw. Whether those "facts" are really facts or rather just inaccurate assertions portrayed as fact, may not be what's truly relevant. But perhaps it is the controversy in its ideas that in general stirs up interest, curiosity, and discussion.

Because a documentary provides a medium to promote or create awareness on whatever subject, businesses, corporations, and organizations have used this tool to their advantage. Organizations can create a documentary that further explains their cause or goals. Businesses can even promote their services or products directly or indirectly. For example, a television manufacturer can create a documentary about how the television evolved throughout time eventually affecting the lives of many throughout the world.

The documentary would not necessarily be about their company or their product, but in the piece itself they can show themselves as experts of TV's history and what to expect in the future from the technology. This could in turn result in viewers having a positive perception of the company without feeling as if they are watching an direct infomercial.

With the proper research and planning, creating a successful documentary is certainly achievable. Adept Eye can help you from the beginning of your documentary's inception all the way to post production and editing. We can help outline key points in your story and recommend which production techniques and methods will be most effective. When it's time to cut the footage, we are experts in pacing the documentary and making sure it is coherent. But most important, we make certain the documentary communicates the message you wish to express to your viewers.

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