Codes and Conventions of Factual Programming

Alexander Blake

What are codes and conventions?

.Codes and conventions of a news programme or a documentary are what you would typically expect to see or hear from the presenter(s). However, it is not just the presenters that make up what we instantly expect from a factual news programme or a documentary each time we tune in. Some of these codes and conventions are possibly the main reason(s) as to why tune into the programme in question, they are essentially what keeps our interest and attention to the show itself. For example, when you think of television news presenter, you almost instantly think of them directly addressing the report to you, this in turn makes the viewer feel that the news presenter has your undivided attention. It can also make you feel like there is a personal connection between you and the anchor themselves, making you want to listen on more.

The 5 modes of documentaries.Investigative - most common genre of documentary, bases itself around a problem or question, and looks to find out more about it and eventually find some sort of resolution.

.Film example: Sicko by Michael Moore

.TV example: Panorama

Ethnological.Ethnological - documentaries that explore serious social, cultural, ethical and environmental issues in a negative way.

.Film example: The 11th Hour.

.TV example: Slumming It by Kevin McCloud

Expository.Expository mode - a mode of documentary which uses persuasive and convincing voice actors, known as the 'voice of God'. The voice connotes power and authority. This genre usually brings an argument, and its delivery strictly controls its meaning and the way the viewer thinks.

.Film example: The Corporation

.TV example: Educating Essex/Yorkshire

Observational

.Observational mode - the type of documentary that observes and follows the development of individual people throughout a journey. Comes across as a lot more authentic and relatable than other modes.

.Film example: Spellbound

.TV example: Toddlers and Tiaras

Interactive.Interactive mode - the documentary/filmmaker gets involved with the topic they are investigating. Interactive presenters make the documentary more human than usual voiceovers.

.Film example: Supersize Me

.TV example: Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends

Docu-drama.Docu-drama - documentaries that are about real events but feature dramatised reconstructions of the events in topic, using techniques found in fictional films.

.Film example: Touching the Void

.TV example: Crimewatch

Conventions of news programmes

In a normal news programme, you can expect to see these conventions:

.Anchor/presenter

.Direct address to the camera

.Stock footage (Cutaway clips)

.Studio guests/field experts

.Introductory music (Theme tune) - Dramatic tone

.Live reporters/field reporters

.Talking heads (Interviews)

.Other studio reporters (News/weather)

.Voiceovers

.Professional conduct from presenters (Smartly dressed, serious tone of voice).Breaking news bulletins

Conventions of a news programme

News anchor Direct address Stock footageStudio guests/field experts

Live/field reportersTalking heads (interviews)Studio reporters (News/weather)

Professional conduct (Smartly dressed/serious tone of voice/confident body language)Breaking news bulletins

Conventions of a news programme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqveaYhQckc.BBC News Northern Ireland Voiceover segmenthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htbi_biqZ_M

.BBC News introductory theme