Codes and Conventions of Documentaries

Today in Media we created a list of the codes and conventions of documentaries. Here is the list we created;

Type Of Documentary:

Usually Mixed Documentaries.


Themes:

A common theme within the documentaries we watched was 'The Power of the Media'.

Camerawork:

The common camerawork techniques that are used in documentaries are Close ups, Medium Close ups, Handheld Camerawork and Point of View Shots.

Mise-En-Scene: 

Usually Chromakey is used within documentaries and usually during an interview


Sound:

Usually the voiceover is male, young and speaks standard English.


Editing:

Elliptical editing is a technique that is commonly used along with slow motion, fast motion and montage.


Archive Material:

Images and videos are the main samples of archive material that are used


Graphics:

The common font for graphics is white sans serif that informs the audience of the name and usually the profession or relevance of the person to the documentary


Narrative Structure:

The common narrative structures are Non-linear, Closed, Circular and Single Strand narratives