Codes and Conventions of a Documentary

Key Points for the opening

• Capture audiences attention quickly as possible, for example in Louis Theroux mention the 500 years.
• Central question must be posed at beginning.
• Quick snippets of interviews
• Incidental music plays, graphics are shown- voice-over, visual montage. Music should not overwrite voice-over.
• Titles should burst onto the scree especially the name of the documentary

Actuality- Filming real events as it actually happens however may need archive footage, for example 9/11, explosions and hurricanes.
Fly on the wall- Filming real things focusing on their lives such as sporting events and following an individual.

Voice-Over- Narration of what the programme is about, key information and introduction of topic.

Graphics- Graphics with written text. Maps, drawings and still photographs. Banner at bottom of the screen when showing who you are interviewing.

Interviews- Important to incude in documentaries. Ample knowledge of your topic and can give clear insight into issues is vitally important.

Vox Pops- Random interview with ordinary people on the streets using a hand held shot.

Talking Head- Shot of someone directly talking to camera as presenter of documentary.

Music- Should not dominate and over ride the sound of the voice over. Need to balance sound and images very carefully.

Author: Kiran Paul