The Practical Guide to Documentary Editing

Preface

Documentary is often used as a synonym for a particular visual style—usually hand-held and rough. However, documentary isn’t defined solely by how it’s photographed. It’s much more about storytelling. So much so, that whilst there might only be one visual signature of the documentary genre, there is a whole range of narrative approaches one can take.

For example, observational documentaries typically focus on an aspect of ordinary life and circumstance, whilst presenter-led stories guide the audience through the perspective of an individual authorial voice. Drama documentaries mix real life events with dramatic reconstructions in order to tell their story. Further, documentary covers the whole gamut of human experience and accomplishment ...