This document discusses the history and development of realism and documentary film and photography. It covers several key points: 1) Realism in art emerged to include ordinary working class people and contemporary social issues. 2) Documentary photography was used for social investigation and reform but also reflected aspects of power and control. 3) Early documentary filmmakers like Robert Flaherty and John Grierson captured real-life scenes to provide insights into unseen realities and underrepresented groups. 4) Observational documentaries show unobtrusive observation while expository documentaries actively interpret and explain with narration. 5) New media and technologies have enabled more people to witness and share events, but this expanded

1. Mass Communication & Media Literacy 10 1

2. Raymond Williams A Lecture on Realism The development of Realism: A move towards social extension – including the working classes A movement towards action about the present – the inclusion of contemporary issues An emphasis on secular action – action including human figures the inclusion of the ordinary The inclusion of the profane * The development of technology 2 http://www.afterall.org/journal/issue.5/lecture.realism

3. Documentary Photography as a form of social investigation. The development of a close association between seeing, knowing and aspects of power. This reflected a will to philanthropic reform and control. 3 http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/Collection/Photography/PhotographsCollection/CollectionItem.aspx?id=1987-5201/28

4. Robert Flaherty Nanook of the North (1922) Capturing unseen ‘reality’. Ethnographic documentation. ‘Sometimes you have to lie. One has to distort a thing to catch its spirit.’ (In Heider, 2006) 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLERFRQl5EY

5. John Grierson(1898-1972) Coined the term documentary film Night Mail (dir. Wright and Watt, 1936) Provided insights into the lives of under-represented groups – the world of everyday work. 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WO7JxYlhOM

6. Observational Expository Unobtrusive observation of the world A series of found scenes Intimacy and access Events unfold before the camera Loose naturalistic organisation An active attempt to interpret and explain Narration that endorses a ‘god-like’ view Normally a single, coherent, authorial view is offered Representing a view of ‘others’ to ‘us’ 6 Documentary Film Making

8. The ordinary was the guarantor of truth

10. Nick Broomfield 9 http://www.nickbroomfield.com/home.html

11. Reality Media: The Ordinary 10

12. 11 Evidence of a democratic turn?

13. Cheap programming? 12 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_television_stations_in_the_United_Kingdom

14. Truth, responsibility and ethics 13 We are all witnesses of the world and reality Although not present, we often perceive events ‘live’ in co-presence Does our expanding knowledge of our times bring with it a collective responsibility?

15. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYOj_6OYuJc 14

16. Band Aid 15

17. New Media – Eye Witnesses

18. New Media – Eye Witnesses

19. New Media – Eye Witnesses