Issues in Contemporary Documentary

Jane L. Chapman (University of Lincoln)

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English

Polity Press
17 July 2009

Media studies; Media, information & communication industries

Documentary is fast changing: with the digital revolution and the enormous increase in Internet usage, the range of information and outlets for distribution continues to become more diverse. In this context, are the traditional themes and frequently irreconcilable critical positions of study still valid ? or are they changing, and if so, how? In short, what are the issues for documentary studies now?

The starting point of Issues in Contemporary Documentary is that although documentary history cannot be ignored, the genre needs to be understood as complex, multi-faceted, and influenced by a range of different contexts. Jane Chapman brings to life the challenges of contemporary documentary in an accessible way by balancing theoretical discussion with use of cutting edge material from Europe and North America and the developing world.

Whilst the need for critical appraisal of documentary is greater than ever before, Chapman believes that future discourses are likely to be shared between academics and specialist online communities as viewers become makers, and both categories may also become activists. Maintaining all parties can benefit from an awareness of continuity and change, she predicts that activist documentary will increasingly become a category to follow in the future.

Each chapter contains recent international case studies, and the content evolves thematically with definitions, representation, objectivity, subjectivity, censorship, authorial voice, reflexivity, and ethics as headings. This free standing, innovative study can also be used in conjunction with Documentary in Practice (Polity 2007) by the same author. The two books provide an essential 2 volume introduction for all students and scholars of film and media, plus those practitioners seeking insight into their craft.

By: Jane L. Chapman (University of Lincoln)
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 173mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 417g
ISBN: 9780745640105
ISBN 10: 0745640109
Pages: 244
Publication Date: 17 July 2009
Audience: College/higher education , Further / Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Acknowledgements vii Introduction 1 1 Definitions: Issues and Influences 8 2 Representation: Problems, Purpose and Perspective 28 3 Objectivity/Subjectivity: Pursuing Truth? 48 4 Censorship: Whose World Is It? 72 5 Authorial Voice: Editorial and Message 93 6 Reflexivity: Techniques and Reflection 114 7 Audience: A World View or Viewing the World? 134 8 Ethics: Shifting Boundaries 156 Conclusion 178 Notes 182 Bibliography 186 Filmography 196 Index 201

Jane Chapman is Reader in Journalism Studies at the University of Lincoln.

Reviews for Issues in Contemporary Documentary

Broad-ranging ... This book is undoubtedly recommended as an undergraduate textbooked, evidenced by its lucid exposition and easily accessible and clearly presented case studies; however, it nonetheless offers a useful account and summary of the key debates that surround and inform the terrain of the contemporary documentary. Times Higher Education In a clear, comprehensive style, Jane Chapman has vividly laid out the key issues in documentary. With attention to historical trends and theoretical debates this book will be of enormous use to scholars and practitioners of documentary. Paula Rabinowitz, University of Minnesota Jane Chapman's book offers students a clear introduction to some of the main questions and debates surrounding current documentary practice. Not only is the whole book developed around selected examples, it is informed throughout by the ethical, creative and technological challenges of actually making films and programmes. Its strongly 'insider' viewpoint usefully complements the 'outsider' framings of most film and television studies. John Corner, University of Liverpool