codes and conventions of a documentary
TRANSCRIPT
CODES AND CONVENTIONSOf a documentary
Footage
Actuality footage Archive footage Reconstructions may be used Based on factual evidence More than one point of view/opinion A range of different interviews Interview questions are edited out Single stranded narrative
Camera
Interviews are in line with the rule of thirds
- eyeline ¾ of the way up the screen The interviewee is also looking into space Interviews switch from left to right of the shot Medium close up shots used for interviews
<- Switching from right to left of shot
Sound
Voiceovers – cannot see narrator – anchors meaning Non-diegetic music that fits with themes Natural sounds can be heard during interviews
Mise-en-scene Backgrounds of interviews appropriate and relevant Always and expert being interviewed
<- Backgrounds of The Simpsons characters and Jaws
Graphics
Name and relevance of interviewee Simple graphics, to not distract from the image Title sequence
Editing Simple cuts are used Cut aways used in interviews – provides proof Pace of editing matches what is going on VOXPOP’s can be used