Linear structure: Linear structure is a quite basic structure that can be easily used in a documentary. According to Fox (2018) it’s a “three-act dramatic structure with a beginning, a middle, and an end.” (p.96) If I am using this structure in a documentary it will become “asking a question”, “looking for the answer” and “stating the conclusion”. It is a very easy and neat structure and doesn’t require a too complicated script. As a rookie in documentary, this will probably be the structure I will be using for my first documentary film, and I also quite like this kind of simple structure because I think it is also easier for audience to accept.

Episodic structure: Episodic structure is far more complicated than linear structure. It is also a structure I would not consider using for my film because it requires too much information and planning which is not suitable for my project of searching an answer. According to Fox (2018) “successful episodic structures still contain discrete sequences or modules, each with its own inherent question and its own beginning, middle, and end, but these sequences may not be linked by causality as in the linear structure but rather by factors such as time period or character.” (p. 98) In my understanding, to have a good episodic structure, the film needs a “symbol” that can link everything together and it has to be relatively secret so it adds a bit of fun in this film. I also think this kind of film will require a longer length so every little part of the film can be build up and become strong enough to be an “episode”. It can be very fun if this structure is well use but due to the big amount of information needed it is not suitable for our assignment.

Thematic structure: Just like episodic structure, I might not consider using this structure for my film but I am still very interested in it due to its special characteristic. According to Fox (2018) “In a thematic structure, events and sequences are not related through chronology or causality, as much as by thematic focus. Each sequence still contains an inherent unity and point, and together all the sequences add up to a synthesizing claim, but the links along the way may be far more conceptual or associative rather than literally derived from chronology, causality, or characters.” (p. 98) This structure can work very well in a poetic mode because both thematic structure and poetic mode can be used well to present an artistic looking film. They both require a concept and imagination to successfully work. The result can be abstract or might be harder to understand, but this kind of film will requires a longer time for audience to digest in order to truly understand the meaning behind the film. It is also the charm of it.

Reference: Fox, B. (2018). Documentary media : History, theory, practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.