Expository
The purpose is to inform and educate the audience about a subject. Screened material can include original and archive footage. Camera and crew are normally visable to the audience. The material is tightly scripted and often accompanied by a voice-over narration, normally by an expert or actor.
Observational
Since the 1960s lightweight film and video cameras have enabled filmmakers to record people in their natural environment with a minimum of fuss. This approach aims for a greater degree of naturalness as camera and crew take a back seat.
Fly-On-The-Wall
An extention of observational mode, fly-on-the-wall aims to blend into the background as the subjects go about their daily business. Filming may go on over a long period of time. The aim is to give the audience unmediated access to the world.
Interactive/Reflective
In this mode the filmmakers presence is fully acknowledged. The filmmaker is often both author and character in his or her movie, often appearing in shot and interacting with other people in the film or programme. The film might offer suprises, play with conventions or aim to provoke reactions from subjects and the audience.
Drama Documentary
In the absence of archive footage or access to witnesses, the filmmaker might stage dramatic reconstructions.
Mockumentary
Fictional films which parody the forms and conventions of documentary, often for humorous effect.
Personal
Often shot on video and generally feature the maker addressing the camera directly, sharing his or her views with the viewer.
Investigation
Looks at topical issues. May use hidden cameras and aims to expose or prove something at the end of the documentary.
