Factual Theory
The term "factual programming" is a loose one, as it encompasses many different styles of television, all of which are non-fiction. This means that factual programming is not limited to documentaries. The phrase also applies to reality TV, cooking shows and game shows, for example.
Accuracy
As factual programming is non-fiction, a producer of most (if not all) factual programmes has a responsibility to portray information and events as accurately as possible.
This is to avoid the presentation of misleading information and biased opinion. It is important to make it as clear as possible when an opinion is given, where applicable.
For example, a documentary on world war two should be as accurate as humanly possible, giving facts from both sides, rather than being favorable to one particular side.
Balance
As mentioned before, balance plays a huge part in factual programming. There are two sides to every story and it is an integral film maker/producer's duty to ensure that both sides of an argument are presented equally and fairly. In order to paint a full picture of a situation, it is essential that all effected parties are given the same opportunities to voice their versions of events.
A producer of any kind of factual content must work on the assumption that consumers are going to form an opinion on whatever the topic being represented is. Therefore, it is important to give the audience all the information they need in order to make an informed decision.
Impartiality
Presenting balanced information means remaining entirely impartial. As a producer, it is important to not give more importance to one issue than an another, or to one side of an argument and not the other. It is unavoidable for a content producer to perhaps have an opinion, but it is important to leave these opinions out of the equation, which leads us to objectivity.
Objectivity
Producers must also remain impartial to the events taking place. Getting too involved with a particular subject or having preconceptions about it will undoubtedly lead to a bias even if that bias is accidental.
Objectivity is a key part of professionalism, and essential in order to remain impartial and present balanced arguments.
Subjectivity and Opinion
To achieve objectivity, one must avoid subjectivity. Subjectivity is all about opinions, and having a strong opinion on a topic will no doubt project some kind of bias into the programming. As mentioned before, representing opinions within factual programming is fine, as long as it is made clear to the audience that what they are hearing is an opinion.
Bias
Bias essentially means being predisposed to one particular side of an argument or story. Bias is formed through personal opinion and is individual to the person. It is important for anyone who is producing factual content to ensure that bias does not play a part in the programme.
News
Most news broadcasts follow a similar structure and style and although some may vary slightly, a lot of conventions stay the same.
For example, there is always a studio news reader. This is someone who stays in the studio and presents the news by reading from an autocue.
This opposite of this is a field reporter; someone who the company producing the news will send out to the actual place where an event is happening, in order to provide a more personal, first hand and in depth report.
Interviewing is a feature which is often used in news and documentary features alike. This is where a presenter or reporter will ask a subject a series of question in order to gain a better understanding of the subject at hand. Often, experts on a topic or eye witnesses (someone who saw the event) will be interviewed as this provides a clearer and more reliable source of information. Reports are often structured in the same way, with an introduction outlining the nature of the report, followed by a scripted spoken report and interviews, before finally a conclusion of some kind is given.
Documentary Types
There are many ways of producing a documentary, and a style which may prove effective for one topic may not be suitable for another. Which style of documentary a film maker decides to use very much depends on the subject at hand and whether it is right for the tone of the piece.
Realism is a very transparent way of documentary making. Events, people and places are represented as they actually are.
Dramatisations are a cross between documentary and drama. Events, people and places are usually accurate to a point, but actors are used and sometimes story lines/characters are invented for dramatic effect and to add a level of emotion.
News
Most news broadcasts follow a similar structure and style and although some may vary slightly, a lot of conventions stay the same.
For example, there is always a studio news reader. This is someone who stays in the studio and presents the news by reading from an autocue.
This opposite of this is a field reporter; someone who the company producing the news will send out to the actual place where an event is happening, in order to provide a more personal, first hand and in depth report.
Interviewing is a feature which is often used in news and documentary features alike. This is where a presenter or reporter will ask a subject a series of question in order to gain a better understanding of the subject at hand. Often, experts on a topic or eye witnesses (someone who saw the event) will be interviewed as this provides a clearer and more reliable source of information. Reports are often structured in the same way, with an introduction outlining the nature of the report, followed by a scripted spoken report and interviews, before finally a conclusion of some kind is given.
Documentary Types
There are many ways of producing a documentary, and a style which may prove effective for one topic may not be suitable for another. Which style of documentary a film maker decides to use very much depends on the subject at hand and whether it is right for the tone of the piece.
Realism is a very transparent way of documentary making. Events, people and places are represented as they actually are.
Dramatisations are a cross between documentary and drama. Events, people and places are usually accurate to a point, but actors are used and sometimes story lines/characters are invented for dramatic effect and to add a level of emotion.
