Research Summary

Research Summary 

A documentary often focuses on untold stories, ongoing social issues, cultural shifts, environmental challenges, the natural world or historical events 

Currently true crime documentaries are in demand due to the rise in streaming platforms and a more active young audience. 

Other popular themes are science and nature, history, social and cultural, sports and music 

Some documentaries that have made a difference to the world are , “an inconvenient truth”, “black fish”, “super size me” and “triumph of the will”

Some of the most watched documentaries are “Micheal Jackson this is it”, “planet earth”, “shoah” and “man with a movie camera”

It is estimated that over 400 documentaries were released globally in 2025

The History Of Documentary 

Technically the first films released were documentaries as they captured moments of real events like boats at the dock. These are often referred to as newsreels.

In russsia 1920s during the revolution young poet and film editor Dziga Vertov and group created a series of educational newsreels called “kinoeye” (cinema truth). 

The first documented use of the term documentary was in 1926 by Scottish filmmaker John Grierson. He used it to describe non fiction films.

In 1930s-through to the 1940 Nazi Germany, Britain and America used documentaries as key tools for propaganda 

1960s-1990s had heavy emphasis on journalistic and educational programs. Which was likely a result of the wars.

Target Audience For Documentaries

Documentaries typically target audiences between 16-55 but this depends on the topic

War Documentary 

Target audience : young men, interested in military or history older men seeking historical context or conflict’s impacts, veterans wanting to see the restored footage, educators, patriots, interested in geopolitical affairs, ages 25-54

Nature Documentary 

Target audience: 20-50, both male and female, those interested in the natural world, educated

Political documentary

Target audience: adults 30-45 typically male educated Young audience 16-24 who are politically engaged aiming to educate provoke thought they want social change 

BBC3 Documentary

• target age bracket 16-24
• Focuses on underrepresented groups and regional stories > needs to be relatable 
• key aspects: 

- innovative 

- modern 

- cultural 

- creative  

- relevant to current affairs 

- tackles social issues 

• often people label releases as controversial 
• 76.8% of characters or actors are of underrepresented status (e.g female, ethnic, disability, sexuality)