Codes and Conventions of a Documentary

Narrative Structure:
Single strand


Camerawork:
Varied shot types and movement to keep the audience interested
Stationary camera (tripod)
Handheld camerawork is used for actuality footage where necessary
Establishing shots used
Pan and zoom are used when filming still images – slow zoom
P.O.V shot sometimes used to position the audience in the action
Interviews: close up or medium close up is conventional. Big close up or extreme close up can be used
Eyeline roughly 1/3 way down screen
Framed to left or right of screen


Mise en scene:
If chromakey is used it shouldn’t detract from the interview
The mise en scene is carefully constructed


Sound:
Always a voiceover – holds the narrative together, standard English, usually calm and clear delivery. Gender and age is sometimes relevant depending on the topic.
Music used relevant to subject – it shouldn’t interfere with interview
Interviews – no background noise, so audience can clearly hear what is being said


Editing:
Questions are edited out
Editing creates pace
Cuts most common edit
No editing effects used unless relevant so it does not distract the viewer
Cutaways are used - relevant to what is being talked about
Other visuals are used over the interviewee – creative editing


Archive material:
Still images require camera movement to keep the audience interested in the documentary
There is a variety of relevant material: newspapers, photographs, website, video footage.


Graphics:
Used to translate were necessary
Title – Title is unique
Credits – usually scrolling off screen and all archive material is credited
Name and relevance to subject or role of interviewees – usually two lines.