Representation, Dramatization, and Relationships: a Film Case Study as it Pertains to Common Themes in Documentary Filmmaking

This thesis focuses on three major themes in documentary filmmaking: ethical representation, dramatization, and filmmaker-participant relationships. Each one of these themes is heavily influential in the outcome of a documentary. Ethical representation refers to the portrayal of participants on film. This first theme embodies the core of documentary films. How participants are portrayed on film determines the message an audience will receive. Dramatization is the creative aspect of documentary film. The incorporation of reenactments gives filmmakers the ability to capture the past and future. Finally, the filmmaker-participant relationship is the interaction that takes place behind the camera. Through a thorough analysis, these themes are dissected and explored, giving readers a clear perspective on the importance of these themes in filmmaking. In order to put these themes into a real world application, the researcher traveled to Quito, Ecuador to produce a documentary. This trip served as the basis of the case study this thesis is centered on. Throughout her journey, the researcher was exposed to all three themes simultaneously during the production process. The researcher recorded the details of the production process, from both her memory, and some documented notes. Also, in order to add depth to her study, the researcher measured audience opinion as well as the input from her former film crew using survey analysis. Overall, it was determined that the three themes have a critical impact on audience perception. Specifically, the representation of the participants in the researcher’s film, Sigo Adelante, was perceived as ethical. Also, the dramatization used in the film mostly had a positive impact on those who noticed the reenacted scenes. Additionally, it was determined that the filmmaker-participant relationship is extremely valued in the eyes of both the audience members and the film crewmembers that participated in this study. It was concluded that the genre of documentary filmmaking is largely complex. There are many different layers, practices, and themes to the classification of nonfiction film. Each of the themes examined in this thesis each play a significant role all the way through to the final film. Through research and the case study, the researcher determined that, aside from thorough research, the best way to begin to understand the complexities of documentary filmmaking is to apply the practices through real world experience.M.S., Television Management -- Drexel University, 201