
Video Production Agencies: Types of Documentaries
Picture this: You have just finished watching The Defiant Ones (2017), a gripping documentary that dives into the lives of two music industry giants, Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. The way the filmmakers captured their stories, blending personal struggles, triumphs, and behind-the-scenes moments, left you feeling inspired. The documentary made you feel like you were part of the journey. As the credits roll, a thought crosses your mind: I want something like this made about my company. Documentaries are versatile. Whether you want to share your company’s history, highlight your latest innovation, or give a behind-the-scenes look at your operations, knowing which style best fits your message is important. But where do you even begin? What type of documentary would best reflect your company’s story? What style will truly engage your audience? This is where understanding the different types of documentaries becomes important. This article will help answer these questions by exploring the various documentary styles, from traditional methods to those increasingly popular in the business world. It will also explain the role of video production agencies and how they can assist you in making this process much easier.
Traditional Documentary Styles
- Expository Documentaries
Expository documentaries are perhaps the most traditional and recognisable style. These documentaries aim to inform or persuade the audience with a clear narrative and strong visual elements. They often feature a voiceover narration that guides the viewer through the content, providing facts, context, and explanations.
For example, Ken Burns’ “The Civil War” uses archival footage, photographs, and expert commentary to provide an in-depth look at the American Civil War. Expository documentaries are frequently used in educational contexts, as they present information in an easy-to-understand format.
- Observational Documentaries
Observational documentaries aim to provide a more immersive, “fly-on-the-wall” experience. Video production agencies typically take a step back and allow the events to unfold naturally, without interference. This style relies on capturing real-life situations as they happen, giving the audience a sense of being present without the guiding hand of a narrator or scripted dialogue.
A classic example of this style is “Salesman” by the Maysles brothers, where the camera follows door-to-door salesmen as they try to sell encyclopedias. Observational documentaries offer an authentic view of the subject, which can be both fascinating and revealing.
- Participatory Documentaries
In participatory documentaries, the filmmaker becomes actively involved in the story they are telling. They often engage directly with the subjects, asking questions and becoming a part of the narrative. This style allows for a deeper exploration of the subject matter and can lead to more personal insights and revelations.
One well-known example of this type is Michael Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine,” where Moore investigates the impact of gun violence in America. By including himself in the story, Moore is able to challenge the audience’s preconceptions and engage them more directly in the conversation.
For video production agencies, creating participatory documentaries means working closely with the subject matter, often involving interviews and direct interaction. This style can be particularly effective in conveying strong personal stories or addressing sensitive issues.
- Poetic Documentaries
Poetic documentaries are less concerned with conveying factual information and more focused on creating an emotional or aesthetic experience. They emphasise mood, imagery, and symbolism, rather than linear storytelling. These documentaries often feature abstract visuals and music, with the aim of evoking a specific feeling or atmosphere.
An example of this type of documentary is “Koyaanisqatsi,” which uses time-lapse footage and a soundtrack to create a meditation on the relationship between humans, nature, and technology. The goal is to evoke thought and emotion through the use of visual and auditory elements rather than a straightforward narrative.
Video production agencies working on poetic documentaries focus on the visual and sensory aspects of the film. This style requires a high level of creativity, as well as the ability to convey complex ideas without relying on dialogue or narration.
- Performative Documentaries
Performative documentaries place a strong emphasis on the filmmaker’s personal perspective. These documentaries often blend personal experiences with factual content to explore a particular subject. The filmmaker may immerse themselves in the subject matter, offering their own interpretation and emotional response.
Morgan Spurlock’s “Super Size Me” is a famous example, where the filmmaker documents his experience of eating fast food exclusively for a month to explore the impact of fast food on health.
For video production agencies creating performative documentaries, it is important to bring an authentic, personal touch to the film. This style works well when there is a strong connection between the filmmaker and the subject matter.
- Reflexive Documentaries
Reflexive documentaries are self-aware and often explore the process of filmmaking itself. The filmmaker may reveal the mechanics behind the creation of the documentary, addressing the relationship between the filmmaker, the subject, and the audience. This style encourages the viewer to reflect on the documentary form and its impact on storytelling.
A classic example of this style is Dziga Vertov’s “Man with a Movie Camera,” which presents the process of filmmaking as part of the narrative. The film shows the camera in use and challenges traditional documentary techniques.
For video production agencies, reflexive documentaries offer a unique challenge. Filmmakers must be transparent about their methods and make the act of filmmaking part of the story. This can create a more layered and complex viewing experience.
B2B Documentary Styles
As the documentary form has evolved, video production agencies have adapted traditional techniques for the business-to-business (B2B) world. These documentaries focus on providing value to companies, partners, and clients, often by showcasing products, services, or industry expertise. Below are some B2B-focused documentary styles that have become more prevalent in recent years:
- Brand Documentaries
Brand documentaries focus on telling the story of a company, its values, and its impact. These films are typically centered around the company’s history, mission, and culture, giving audiences an inside look at what makes the company unique. A good example of this style is Patagonia’s “Artifishal,” which explores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This type of documentary can cultivate confidence among customers and showcase the company’s commitment to important issues.
- Case Study Documentaries
Case study documentaries focus on showing real-world examples of how a company’s product or service has made a positive impact. These documentaries often feature interviews with clients or customers who have benefited from the company’s offerings. They serve as testimonials, demonstrating the effectiveness of a business’s solutions.
For video production agencies, creating case study documentaries involves working closely with the client to highlight the problem, solution, and results. It is important to ensure that the documentary communicates the value of the service or product being featured.
- Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries
Behind-the-scenes documentaries provide an insider’s view of a company’s operations. These documentaries often feature employees, production processes, and company culture, giving the audience an understanding of how a company functions from the inside. Video production agencies working on behind-the-scenes documentaries focus on filming the day-to-day activities of the company while providing an authentic and transparent portrayal.
Thought Leadership Documentaries
Thought leadership documentaries focus on demonstrating a company’s expertise in a particular field. These documentaries often feature interviews with company executives or industry experts, offering insights and perspectives on current trends or challenges. They help establish the company as a leader in its industry.
- Event Documentaries
Event documentaries capture the highlights of a company’s significant events, such as product launches, conferences, or trade shows. These documentaries can be used to promote the company’s involvement in important industry events or to showcase the company’s achievements.
Video production agencies often focus on capturing the energy and excitement of the event while providing context for viewers who may not have attended. Event documentaries can serve as valuable promotional content for companies looking to highlight their industry presence.
- Testimonial Documentaries
Testimonial documentaries feature interviews with satisfied clients, customers, or partners who share their experiences with a company’s products or services. These documentaries serve as authentic endorsements. For video production agencies, creating testimonial documentaries involves working closely with clients to ensure that the testimonials are genuine and reflect the true impact of the company’s products or services.
Conclusion
Choosing the right documentary style to showcase your company can feel a bit like choosing the perfect outfit—each style serves a different purpose and helps tell your story in a distinct way. Whether you want to focus on your company’s evolution, share insights into your industry, or give a behind-the-scenes peek into daily life, there is a format that will suit your needs.
Understanding these options is important, and this is where video production agencies can help. They can guide you through the process, making sure the final product truly represents your company, not just as a business, but as the people and values behind it. With the right documentary style, your company’s story will speak for itself.
Thinking about creating a documentary for your company? Sound Idea Digital can help you figure out the best approach. Contact us today, and let’s start the conversation about how we can support you.
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
Contact us for a quote. | enquiries@soundidea.co.za | https://www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za| +27 82 491 5824 |