# Documentary — Category

> Non-fiction films / series. Real subjects, real events. Investigative or observational.

## What documentary is

Non-fiction filmmaking. Real subjects (people, events, places). Distinguished from narrative film (fictional) by truth claim.

## Universal documentary principles

### 1. Truth-telling
- Facts must be accurate
- Edits must not deceive
- Subjects represented fairly

### 2. Perspective acknowledged
- All docs have POV
- Acknowledge bias
- Audience trusts honesty

### 3. Subject ethics
- Consent matters
- Privacy considered
- Power dynamics aware

### 4. Reality vs reality-show
- Documentary = pursuit of truth
- Reality show = manufactured drama
- Distinction matters

### 5. Filmmaker presence
- First-person sometimes
- Observational sometimes
- Both valid

## Documentary vs reality TV

| Aspect | Documentary | Reality TV |
|--------|-------------|------------|
| Subject | Real people | Cast members |
| Editing | Truth-respecting | Drama-manufacturing |
| Length | Variable | Episodic seasons |
| Goal | Truth-telling | Entertainment |
| Format | Films / limited series | Series |

## Length

- Short doc: 5-30 min
- Feature doc: 60-120+ min
- Series: 4-10 episodes typical

## Sub-formats

- Interview-driven
- Vérité (observational)
- Essay documentary
- Personal documentary
- Investigative documentary

## Voice / approach

- Documentary cinematography
- Often natural lighting
- Talking head interviews
- B-roll footage
- Archive footage (when applicable)
- Narrator (sometimes) or subjects' voices

## Compose with

- Sub-format (above)
- Persona (documentary director style)
- Subject matter
- Length

## Common pitfalls

- Manipulation of subjects
- Sensationalism
- Hidden bias
- Inadequate research
- Privacy violations
- Misleading edits
- Padding
