Documentary observations

This is a list of quick observations about film-making which I shall continue to update with each art documentary I watch from now on. You'll find much more interesting posts than this one!

Anish Kapoor = Imagine

Must find out whether it is the BBC or a private film company that makes the Imagine series.
Occasional personal camera asides from the presenter ... the look on Alan Yentob's face sometimes was priceless.
Observing people interact with his sculptures and having short comments from visitors worked very well
When photographs are shown the picture is slowly zoomed in, perhaps moving in to one detail. The camera rarely stayed still over a photo.
Sometimes when an expert was talking, we would still be looking at a different shot before it switched to an image of the person talking.
Good mix of artist, viewers and art experts and an unintrusive presenter who brings the whole thing together.

Where is Modern Art Now?
Finally a black art history presenter! Loved the understated scene of a black art historian, interviewing a black artist about sculptures of the black male nude and the black gaze.
The programme was rich in scenery – from tatty Hackney galleries to whitewashed studios and a Hayward gallery private view.
Interviews with a range of artists -- from the well-known to emerging
Bustling events and chats over drinks at private views rather than the silent art gallery of say the usual Tim Marlow or Andrew Graham Dixon approach
Personal asides to the camera made by the presenter.
Unusual shots --angles from above, and below to give a sense of scale of the artwork
Seeing artists at work in their studios is always exciting. At one point Casely-Hayford helps an artist move her works

Art Deco Icons, BBC 4
David Heathcote, slightly scruffy but very personable presenter
Loved his informal, chatty style.
He talks about quite complex architectural issues in a very simple (but not patronising) style - you hardly notice that you are learning... and yet in fact you are taking a lot in.
Really focuses in on details of the architecture. The programme was as much or more about looking as listening to him. You never felt lectured at whilst looking... just gently guided.
His presentation reminds me of Carol Jacobi's teaching style
He gets involved... has a bath, makes cocktails, unpacks his case
The last episode, set on the Orient Express, took the opportunity to use the journey time to sit in the carriages summing up art deco
The journey gave the programme a clear shape
In the visit to the art deco house, the walk around the building gave his programme shape.

SCHOOL OF SAATCHI (BBC 2 9 PM)
Narrated by Hugh boneville
Mathew colling looking straight into the camera and then talking over archive footage
Personal candid commentary from Tracey Emin