Directing and Producing for Television, 5th Edition

chapter tenDocumentaries

Background

Earlier chapters in this book explored the director’s and producer’s work in programs that were produced using multiple-camera techniques. In those formats there is an emphasis on the director’s and producer’s readiness to make “final air” decisions before the production goes before the cameras, even in those productions where there may be some post-production. For live events, news programs, talk shows, and nightly variety programs, everything that can be ready has to be ready before the event goes before the cameras.

Single-camera production, which includes major narrative television productions, commercials, PSAs, documentaries, and much of the material shot for digital video platforms such as YouTube, ...