Codes & Conventions of Documentaries =]

All documentaries stick to specific certain codes and conventions and if they stick to these, it is ensured to be a successful documentary.

The codes and conventions are as followed:-

• There is always conflict starting usually in the middle of the documentary.
• Natural sounds are always used during interviews.
• Evidence and facts are used to make the documentary more believable to the viewers and understand the basics of the documentary.
• Reconstructions are used to show audiences different points of view.
• Establishing shots of locations are used to help the audience understand where the documentary is based.
• The interviewee is framed to the left or right of the camera
• Interviewee never looks at the camera.
• Graphics are always simple in an interview as not to detract from the interviewee.
• The eye line of the interviewee is a third of the way down the screen
• Mise-en-scene is thought about throughout the documentary
• Sound effects are used to dramatise the documentary
• Experts that are interviewed throughout the documentary are named
• Vox Pops are used to gather the public view point.
• A wide variety of camera angles are used to provide interest.
• Exposition is clear
• Cutaways are always used to anchor meaning to the documentary.
• Cutaways are always used when necessary.
• No questions are opposed
• Music beds are always used to help the audience feel a certain mood throughout the documentary and also so the documentary does not become too boring.
• Every documentary has a relevant title to the topic that it is based on.
• The opening title sequences are used to introduce the audience into the documentary.
• Questions asked by the interviewer are always simple and based on the topic, they are never personal questions.
• Voice over are always used, especially when a particular issue needs to be addressed.
• Documentaries tend to be a mixed style, so that it has something that everyone will enjoy in it.
• Experts are always named so that the documentary seems that all of their facts and figures are 100% right.