Lynda - Introduction to Documentary Video Storytelling

Introduction to Documentary Video Storytelling breaks down the narrative elements of documentary film. Staff author Ashley Kennedy explores the grammar and story structure of nonfiction filmmaking, and discusses how history and technology have impacted how today's documentary filmmakers shoot and edit their projects. She examines the many different styles and modes of documentary filmmaking—from expository to observational to participatory—and more. Along the way, she references several dozen clips from well-known and award-winning documentaries throughout the last 120 years of cinema.

Introduction
Welcome

1. Defining Documentary
What is a documentary?
Exploring documentary storytelling

2. A Brief History of Documentaries
The first documentaries: Actuality films
Documentaries of the early 20th century: Creating standards for nonfiction films
Midcentury documentaries: Newsreels, propaganda, poetry, and educational films
Changing culture and technology: Exploring direct cinema and beyond

3. The Modern Documentary: Borrowing from the Past and Shaping the Future
The rise of the modern documentary
The modern documentary: Classic expository techniques
The modern documentary: Exploring the modes of documentary storytelling

Conclusion
Next steps