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Documentary

Witness and Self-Revelation

John Ellis author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:20th Jul '11

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Documentary cover

This insightful book explores the evolving nature of documentary filmmaking, focusing on the interactions between filmmakers and their subjects in today's digital landscape.

Digital technologies have significantly changed the landscape of documentary filmmaking, impacting both creators and viewers alike. In Documentary: Witness and Self-Revelation, the author emphasizes an audience-centered approach, suggesting that the experiences of filming and being filmed have led to a more discerning and sophisticated viewer. This shift marks a new phase in the long history of documentary, where the focus is increasingly on the interactions between those who film and those who are filmed. The book raises important questions about the nature of these encounters and what they reveal about our understanding of reality.

Drawing from extensive experience in documentary production, the author delves into the intricacies of technological advancements in the field. While new technologies promise enhanced realism, they often complicate the quest for authenticity. The author introduces the concept of 'Slow Film' as a countermeasure to the rapid pace introduced by digital editing tools, advocating for a more reflective approach to documentary storytelling. This perspective encourages filmmakers to consider the implications of their methods and the relationships they cultivate with their subjects.

Documentary serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars in film, media studies, and visual culture, providing insights that bridge theory and practice. It invites readers to critically engage with the evolving nature of documentary in the digital age, making it an essential addition to contemporary discussions surrounding visual storytelling.

"Documentary: Witness and Self-Revelation is one of the best accounts of the documentary process I've ever read: accurate, wise, perceptive and very readable."–Roger Graef, CEO, Films of Record

"Although the author focuses on documentary filmmaking in the UK, the information he provides will prove relevant for anyone studying the genre, making this volume an excellent supplementary resource. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty."–A. F. Winstead, Our Lady of the Lake University

"Recommended. Noting the media sophistication of contemporary audiences, the author deconstructs what makes viewers skeptical of what they see in documentary films by pointing out the major technological developments in film that enable anyone with a cell phone to make, edit, and distribute films online…Although the author focuses on documentary filmmaking in the UK, the information he provides will prove relevant for anyone studying the genre, making this volume an excellent supplementary resource."CHOICE,A.F. Winstead, Our Lady of the Lake University

ISBN: 9780415574198

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 360g

184 pages