There are many issues that face filmmakers when even in the planning stages of a production, more so factual filmmakers. They must be addressed before, throughout and after the filmmaking process to make sure there is no chance of upsetting or misleading their audience.
Accuracy: the quality or state of being correct or precise.
A documentary must be as accurate as possible, containing correct facts, quotes and statistics. The credibility of a factual programme/film is extremly important. The audience will trust what they see in a documentary. If something stated is wrong or a vital piece of information missed, the production company will develop a loss of reliability. Supersize Me is an example of a documentary that uses accuracy throughout. There are a number of professionals relevant to the film such as, health nutrionists and GP's; these push the 'realistic' thought in the audeinces mind, these are people they would trust in life if they were speaking to them themselves. Spurlock is shown in correct environments for the subject, hospitals etc.
Balance: a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
This means showing both sides of the subject and making sure that overall the documentary is fair. The topic for my documentary is teenage mothers. To ensure I am balanced I will be interviewing a range of different people each segment, not just teenage mothers. I will be speaking to members of the older generation, healthcare professionals, teenage mothers to be and individuals from the media industry. I want to be fair throughout and therefore will show both ends of the spectrum, keeping the opinions balanced.
Impartiality: decisions should be based on objective criteria, rather than bias or prejudice.
Linking with balance, both sides of the story are needed equally, without the filmmakers personal opinions. A presenter must be impartial, somewhat guiding the viewer to their own conclusion.
Objectivity - refers to how someone's judgement is uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.
Direct cinema is a method of filmmaking that attempts to record events objectively, without manipulating the story and without any direction. This isn't a style of filmmaking but a method. It means recording life as it unfolds in real time; the audience are unaware of the filmmakers presence. Questions that are asked aren't posed on screen along with no narration. Objective documentaries show both sides of a controversial story in a balanced manner. A multi-sided or non judgemental approach helps build tension and depth. This can be done through including opposing POV and contrasting opinions. By including these opposing points of view, the audience question their own beliefs and understanding of the subject.
Subjectivity: refers to how someone's judgment is shaped by personal opinions and feelings instead of outside influences.
Michael Moore makes personal, opinionated documentaries. In these films the director is normally a participant, either appearing on screen or as a voice behind the camera. In most cases they narrate the film as well. Although they are representing an individual opinion, subjective films try to be truthful from the filmmakers point of view. An example of a subjective documentary is Blackfish, which follows the controversial captivity of killer whales. It continously pushes a number of opinions and feelings towards Sea World being in the wrong e.g. the conditions they are kept in are terrible, whales can't be trusted around humans. Alongside breathtaking shots of these creatures in the wild and in a tank there's no doubting the personal reactions from the audience this documentary would provoke.
Although documentaries are called objective or subjective, there is no such thing as totally unbiased filmmaking. Every choice that a documentary filmmaker makes about what to include in the film and how to structure the story reflects their opinions and attitudes not only towards the subject, but influences the audiences reaction. Even the editing will have some significance.
Opinion: a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
A variety of opinions are needed in a documentary to keep a neutral standpoint. Going back to credibility, opinions are needed from people who are relevant enough to the topic that is being covered. For example, voxpops are a great way to fit in the general publics views on a matter in their society. However, a documentary on the 'theory of blackholes' is going to focus on the opinions of scientists, those trained in that specialist field. In my documentary, Healthcare professionals are involved with mothers of any age, before, during and after childbirth - their opinion is relevant to the subject.
Bias:
inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair.
Some topics covered in documentaries are controversial, they are what gain the most attention. But if bias is too strong it could come across as preaching a personal opinion. Sometimes in factual filmmaking there is an intended message but the necessary steps must be taken to keep the impartiality. People do not like to be told how to feel/think, an audience won't react well to an opinion being forced upon them. Especially if they are already bias towards the subject being covered.
Representation: the description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way.
How contributors are shown and represented on camera, can have a huge affect on a documentary. An example of negative representation in a factual programme is Benefits Street. The residents were rarely shown in a well interior decorated house, applying for a job. They were shown stood out on the front in their pyjamas, cigarette in one hand, can of Fosters in the other. The producers of the show knew exactly how to represent the contributors and furthermore push the bias most people have towards people on benefits. An audience are more likely to believe words coming from someone dressed smartly, with a professional background, rising through the high classes. The actual imagery must go hand in hand with the 'mental picture' of the people. In my documentary I will show the story how it is and let people make up their own minds. I will show the teenage mothers where they normally are, be that at home, doing their studies etc. I will show the healthcare professionals in a work setting.
Privacy: the state of being concealed.
Contributors have the right to withhold information (espcially personal) from filmmakers, they cannot be forced to spill every little detail of their lives. In some cases, victims will want their identity to be kept hidden. For this to happen their faces can be blurred and/or their voices altered to make sure their person is kept secret.
