Aren't some of these "reality" programmes really documentaries - eg: the benefits programmes, rogue landlord programmes, etc?
No, as a documentary is based on fact or subjective memories of people a reasonable period of time after the events.
These reality show like the ones you listed above (and where previously called 'fly-on-the-wall documentaries to differentiate them from documentaries) are normally filmed at the time and accumulate tens or hundred of hours of footage which is then edited to fit a narrative (or story) that is predetermined by the producers of the show.
So when something happens that fits the narritive wanted by the producers then it is kept in, things that are against the pre-determined narrative are completely cut, and the stuff that interesting but neutral then it will be cut and edited in a way to fit in with the pre-determined narrative.
So these fly-on-the-wall documentaries/reality shows are at best augmented versions of reality, and at worst complete fabrications of events for the viewers entertainment/producers original vision.
No, as a documentary is based on fact or subjective memories of people a reasonable period of time after the events.
These reality show like the ones you listed above (and where previously called 'fly-on-the-wall documentaries to differentiate them from documentaries) are normally filmed at the time and accumulate tens or hundred of hours of footage which is then edited to fit a narrative (or story) that is predetermined by the producers of the show.
So when something happens that fits the narritive wanted by the producers then it is kept in, things that are against the pre-determined narrative are completely cut, and the stuff that interesting but neutral then it will be cut and edited in a way to fit in with the pre-determined narrative.
So these fly-on-the-wall documentaries/reality shows are at best augmented versions of reality, and at worst complete fabrications of events for the viewers entertainment/producers original vision.
If a documentary has to be completely subjective, I think you could make a strong argument that no true documentaries exist.
Comments
No, as a documentary is based on fact or subjective memories of people a reasonable period of time after the events.
These reality show like the ones you listed above (and where previously called 'fly-on-the-wall documentaries to differentiate them from documentaries) are normally filmed at the time and accumulate tens or hundred of hours of footage which is then edited to fit a narrative (or story) that is predetermined by the producers of the show.
So when something happens that fits the narritive wanted by the producers then it is kept in, things that are against the pre-determined narrative are completely cut, and the stuff that interesting but neutral then it will be cut and edited in a way to fit in with the pre-determined narrative.
So these fly-on-the-wall documentaries/reality shows are at best augmented versions of reality, and at worst complete fabrications of events for the viewers entertainment/producers original vision.
If a documentary has to be completely subjective, I think you could make a strong argument that no true documentaries exist.
And we can't always be sure that's real/true ^_^