Codes & conventions of documentaries
- 1. Codes & Conventions of a documentary.
- 2. • Cut away shots • A roll, B roll • Green screen can sometimes be used. • Interviews • Voice Over • Archive footage • Narrative structure; Exposition, conflict and a solid ending is needed • Rule of thirds, looking into space • Real facts • Dramatisation • Mixed documentaries, always include a variety of; archive footage, interviews, ect. • Close ups and Long shots • Zooms can be used to highlight an issue. • Graphics are used for; Names, Locations, Titles. • Mise-en-scene • Non-Diegetic music, background music • Sound Effects • Variety of camera angles thoughout the documentary • Natural sound (dialogue) • Voice overs / Voice of God when relevant • Experts in the field are usually interviewed.
- 3. • Evidence is need to support an argument • Reconstructions can be included in the documentary • Vox Pops: fast cuts of peoples opinions and answers • Questions are never shown on screen! • Range of people being interviewed, ie; shop owner and customers • An balanced argument is needed • Slow motion can be used to emphasise a point as well as dramatic footage • Voice over which is relevant to the target audience, ie; Male, Female, Young, Ol d, ect.