Documentary Media: History, Theory, Practice
This book offers the following key features:Into Practice sections(each chapter) help readers to watch and analyze media, ideate and develop their own project proposal, and experiment with production using whatever technology is at their disposal.Practical examples and advice about various production scenariosare offered in each chapter, including assignable production exercises that do not assume access to a professional, unattainable roster of equipment.Withover 250 documentary frames and illustrations, the use of images to show multiple perspectives and facets referenced in media projects and visually explicate concepts and nuances a single still would never be able to depict is unprecedented in the discipline.Production work is grounded inhistorical contextthroughout the text.Theory and conceptsare made accessible through the use of plain language multiple media examples, and a clear delineation of political and ethical implications.Documentary ethics and ethically informed project planning(ch. 5) are considered alongside historical, critical, and practical contexts.Invaluableproduction tipsand a guide to modeling a clear production process (ch. 6) are provided.Production exercises(appendix) help the reader develop technical skills while grounding each exercise in critical ideas and historical referent.Easy access torelease form and call sheet templates(appendix)encourage students to consider project organization and legal protection.Aesthetic Planning(ch. 4) is presented through a range of examples along with a clear process for how to develop a detailed, practical plan for a documentary project.Thepost-production process and skills set(ch. 7)are explored as readers are challenged to consider all the conceptual and practical possibilities of editing.Audience Analysis and Distribution Strategies(ch. 8) include an emphasis on careful research and defining the target audience and the utilization of non-traditional distribution and community-formation strategies to share projects with a public.