Post Title - Narrative Structure

Supporting and Structuring a DocumentaryNarrative Conventions

Documentaries rely heavily on traditional conventions of a narrative. There should be a structure accompanied with a variety of other conventions.

The BeginningNeeds to capture the audiences attention. Central question of the doc can be posed at the beginning in an intriguing way. Quick interviews capturing conflict with different people is an example.

The Middle Otherwise known as the complication stage and needs to be the most compelling and often examines the issue in human terms i.e. the focus on people and their opinions. Conflict is strengthened to provide blockages for the fulfillment of the exposition.

The EndMakes the exposition fully apparent by the resolution stage. The audience by this time has no doubts what the argument is saying.

ConflictCan be between people with different beliefs, goals, circumstances or ambitions. Or it can be individual or a variety of others. Shown developing through different stages, which allows the documentary to use narrative technique.

Sense of MovementCan add strength to the narrative elements. The 3 forms are physical movement, movement in time or psychological change.

Music and SFXSound effective in producing an emotional response in the audience.

LightingIf you are trying realism or authenticity poor lighting is one of the first things to give the game away.

Construction of RealityWhen watch a documentary you should always ask yourself not just what they are showing but also question what they are not showing. This could be due to bias or preference along with the selection and rejection of information.

VisualsWhat we see in the screen included with Archive footage. Stock materials are used to support the intended meaning.

Narrative Structure

Open - The audiences is left to make their own mind up at the end

Closed - There is a definite ending and outcome

Single Strand - There is only one main plot throughout

Multistrand - There are many subplots which interweave

Linear - It is in chronological order. Time is disrupted in the same way e.g. via flashbacks

Circular - There is a question at the start which is revisited at the end. Circular narratives can tie in with open narratives

Construction of Reality – the documentary is edited for the audience but still looks real.

  Gatekeeping – the selection and rejection of information by editors or

producers. Voxpops – Vox pop is short for vox populi or voice of the people.