2. The Beginning
Needs 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 fulfilment of the exposition.
The End
Makes the exposition fully apparent by the resolution stage. The
audience by this time has no doubts what the argument is saying.
3. Conflict
Can 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 Movement
Can add strength to the narrative elements. The 3 forms are physical
movement, movement in time or psychological change.
Music and SFX
Sound effective in producing an emotional response in the audience.
4. Lighting
If you are trying realism or authenticity poor lighting is one of the
first things to give the game away.
Construction of Reality
When 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.
Visuals
What we see in the screen included with Archive footage. Stock
materials are used to support the intended meaning.
5. 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 through out
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
