Documentary codes and conventions

Codes and Conventions of Documentaries

Camera Work:
• The types of camera work depends upon the type of documentary, which may vary through the documentary
• Rule of thirds used during interviews
• Interviewee is framed either to the left or right of the screen during the interview
• Camera is often static – on a tripod
• Some documentaries use handheld camera work – more realistic
• Establishing shots used to situate the documentary

Archive Material:
• The camera moves, e.g. pan, zoom when filming some archive material such as images or newspaper articles
• Chromokey is often used, sometimes blurred out or subtle so it doesn’t distract the audience from the interview
• Relevant music is used during archive material – doesn’t interfere with the voiceover of interviewee

Graphics:
• Graphics give a short description of who is being interviewed e.g. their name and title, often shows their job title too
• Can anchor a time frame
• Simple details, usually spaced out over 2 lines

Interviews:
• If there is more than one interview throughout the documentary, the camera angle used normally alternates
• Filmed in either; medium shot, medium close up or close up
• Mise-en-scene background reinforces the content of the interview or is relevant to the topic of the interview or the interviewee
• The interviewee looks at the interviewer, not the camera
• The interviewer should stand as close to the camera as possible
• Framing follows the rule of thirds eye-line
• Anonymous interviewees are framed in dark lighting with dubbed voice


Editing:
• Cut is most commonly used as it doesn’t distract the viewer from the story line
• Cutaways are editing into the videos to break up interviews and give examples of what they are talking about or to archive material
• Superimpositions are often used to show the story leading onto another interview or a different part of the story
• Editing should be un-noticeable
• Visuals or chromokey are often used during interviews to show what the interviewee is talking about
• Can effect the reality of the situation allowing the audience to see an event in a different way

Voiceover:
• Hold the narrative together, makes sense of the images on screen
• Often a male voice
• Well spoken voiceover with no accent, calm and clear delivery of voice
• Standard English is used
• Voiceover often occurs when an interviewee is speaking and the interviewee takes over the voiceover during their interview