User:Ravenswood Media

A webumentary is a documentary film posted on the Internet. Like a traditional documentary film it represents non-fictional events in an audio/visual format. Unlike the traditional documentary it offers more diverse options on how it is viewed. In addition to the audio/visual format, the webumentary references text articles, still images, and links to other sites that create a more interactive viewing experience. The program can run in a linear fashion or be broken up into short clips that are reassembled by the viewer. The webumentary is an evolving work. The webumentarian isn’t constrained by the finality of their program and can continue to edit or add to it even after it’s posted on the Internet. Audiences can offer their feedback through message boards and the producer of the webumentary can change the material based on comments from the audience. Webumentaries offer tremendous advantages for distribution. Once posted, the webumentary is available around the globe, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Through the use of the Internet, documentarians are now freed from the economic pressures of mainstream distribution outlets such as theatrical releases and broadcast television. Webumentaries offer the public a larger selection of topics and personal stories that would not have been available in mainstream media outlets.

Examples of webumentaries

Natural History Frogs Cave Biota

Social Rawanda Alive

Art Cycles: African Life Through Art