A documentary film is a non-fiction film that describes a situation, condition, or event that occurred, or is occurring. It often includes opinion, and can be made with the explicit intention of convincing or persuading the audience of a particular viewpoint or position on the situation being documented. A documentary usually (but not always) includes interviews with experts, or with ordinary people affected by the event or situation, or both. It generally does not include actors, though it may also include re-enactments, especially if the event or situation being documented is historic. For example, a documentary about the assassination of Caesar might include segments of actors dressed as Brutus, Cassius, Cinna and the other conspirators, and may even include a re-enactment of Caesar's death.
The simple definition of documentary is “nonfiction film.” In fact, many filmmakers and film festivals prefer to use that phrase to better describe the wide range of films commonly grouped under the documentary umbrella.
Documentaries may also be made in a balanced manner; presenting arguments on both sides of an issue, almost in a debate format, which allows the audience to review issues on both sides of a controversy and make up their own minds.
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Is a nonfiction project easier than say writing a fictional story or making up a movie? How are you allowed creative and literary license with this project?
Take your definition now and work with your team members and their definitions to come to a compromise. Develop a meaningful, group definition of documentary. You'll want to identify the common elements and craft a team definition. This will guide your efforts for your project.
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