New documentary techniques - Phil Brown Films

The New Face of Documentary Techniques

As a documentary filmmaker, I’ve noticed a seismic shift in the world of documentary production techniques—one that many in the traditional documentary community seem to have overlooked. The rise of YouTube and its creators has reshaped the landscape, opening doors to new and exciting forms of documentary filmmaking. With the affordability of equipment and the growing acceptance of lower production values, we’re witnessing a departure from conventional standards. While this movement may generate its fair share of subpar content, it also presents valuable opportunities for innovation and discovery.

The YouTube Revolution in Documentary

Creators like Andrew Callaghan’s Channel 5 (with over 2.8 million subscribers) have leveraged the immense archive that is YouTube itself. This platform offers a treasure trove of footage for cutaways, atmospheric shots, and essential narrative elements. For instance, a filmmaker could conduct an interview about a past event, such as Occupy Wall Street, and seamlessly integrate archival clips from YouTube to craft a compelling narrative.

Consider Wesley Winter, who transitioned from travel vlogging to protest journalism and now creates impactful documentaries like Gender divide – what happens when women speak. This YouTube documentary explores the intersection of trans rights and women’s rights while also highlighting women’s protests in support of their rights in Iran. Winter’s content combines protest interviews with added context through narration, news articles, court case footage, motion graphics, and excerpts from print media. While this multi-faceted format isn’t new, the accessibility of these resources at the click of a button, copyright free is transformative, empowering low-budget, independent filmmakers with tools once gate kept for major production companies.

This practice aligns with the principles of fair use, as highlighted by David Swisher, a video editor and producer who has been a YouTuber since 2007. According to Swisher, if a video employs limited excerpts to create a new creative work that adds meaningful commentary or dialogue, it falls within the bounds of copyright law.

Some creators have taken these documentary techniques even further. Take Defunctland, which delves into the history of failed theme parks using entirely repurposed YouTube footage, or Fiction Beast, which explores the lives of famous philosophers through a blend of graphics and archived clips. These niche topics attract millions of views, proving that there is an appetite for unconventional storytelling, even if it doesn’t adhere to traditional standards of professionalism.

Are Traditional Documentaries Losing Ground?

It’s worth considering whether the traditional documentary model is being left behind. Films showcased at prestigious festivals like CPH:DOX often struggle to find an audience beyond the festival circuit. Some may secure spots on television or streaming platforms, but how many of them achieve viewership numbers in the millions?

Meanwhile, YouTube documentaries thrive, even with minimal budgets and informal production techniques. This begs the question: are traditional filmmakers missing out on the broader reach and engagement these platforms offer?

The Rise of Travel Documentaries

Another thriving genre on YouTube is the travel documentary, particularly those that explore dangerous or off-the-beaten-path locations. Creators like Drew Binsky, who boasts over 5 million subscribers, have popularized this style. While some critics dismiss such content as “poor-nography,” there is undeniable charm in its raw, spontaneous approach.

Consider Drew’s video titled “I Spent A Day in Europe’s Largest Gypsy Slum.” In one scene, a young boy approaches Drew, saying he’s a fan. With his mother’s permission, the boy joins the adventure for a while, culminating in a heartfelt moment where he asks, “Can we be friends forever?” These unstructured, unpredictable interactions capture the essence of what makes documentaries magical—the raw, unfiltered humanity that’s often polished out in overproduced films.

Embracing the New Wave

The rise of YouTube documentaries challenges traditional filmmakers to rethink their approach. While high production values and classical narratives have their place, they risk becoming stale and predictable. By embracing spontaneity, unconventional storytelling, and the vast resources available online, documentarians can tap into a new world of possibilities—one where millions of viewers are just a click away.

The new face of documentary is here, and it’s time we take notice.

Articles