There are different approaches to documentary. Oftentimes, it is said that there are 6 primary types - Observational, Expository, Poetic, Participatory, Reflective, and Performative. Regardless of length, each of these type have unique things to offer. The most important aspect of any doc is the subject matter, story, or character(s). What could be said to be a secondary layer of importance is the production value of a piece. Meaning the style, artistry, and quality in which it was done.
A piece can be high in subject matter and lower in production value or style and still be a very enjoyable watch. An example would be this piece regarding the daily operations of one of the largest trash landfills in California. As space is in high demand when it comes to trash in a wasteful culture of disposal. Where thousands of landfill sites are reaching capacity and more new ones are having to be made. Important information for the public zeitgeist to realize which can be almost best translated through the medium of the screen. Yet the way this piece and frankly, most other documentaries are made is not artistic but more journalistic. Almost just like a live broadcast television newscast. That’s the vast majority of documentaries out there regardless of type.
Or a piece can be like this one, showcasing the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels, an annual event in Devon, UK. A tradition for hundreds of years, the exact origins are unknown, but every year on November 5th, Guy Fawkes Night, locals get together to burn barrels of tar and parade them through the town. Which could be said to have significantly less subject matter but way more style and art. Being a piece of cinema.
Our goal in the personal documentary work is to not only combine both of these two things. Meaning have some level of interesting or compelling subject matter of depth and substance, and/or tell an intriguing story, and/or feature rich characters, while also doing that with high production values, style, and thus make it art. So whenever something is made that checks most if not all these boxes it becomes a , “wish I had made it” piece of moving art. Truly memorable!