This document outlines various codes and conventions used in documentary filmmaking. It discusses exposition techniques like using interviews and factual information to persuade viewers. Narration is used to explain or argue the documentary's content. Actual footage captures real events and people, unlike fictional films. Voiceovers provide commentary from the filmmaker. Interviews allow subjects to speak directly to the filmmaker's questions. Archival footage is pre-existing material that provides historical context. Reconstructions reenact events. Background music and statistics are also used to set atmosphere and support arguments. Vox pops interview the public for outside perspectives.

1. Post 7 : Codes
and Conventions
By Lewis Whyte

2. Exposition
 Uses rhetoric factual information and opinions which is given
by interviewees which is then passed onto the viewers as a
way to persuade.
 Narration is to distract the innovation of the expositional mode
of documentary , this is the omnipresent voice over.
 We have narration to explain or argue/ give reason for the
documentary ‘s rhetorical content
 Segments which are usually dramatic are selected in a way
that it catches the audiences attention. This usually means
the camera is specifically positioned to persuade viewers.

3. Actuality
 Film footage which is of real life events ,
places and people.
 Unlike fictional films , which are actors ,
scripts and artificial sets, its recorded as the
events unfold, this is called Raw Footage.

4. Voice Over
 The voice over is commentary by the film
maker which is spoken while the camera is
filming or added on production
 The speaker talks directly to us, the viewers,
offering information ,explanations and
opinions.

5. Interview
 This is one of the most common documentary techniques.
 This allows people being films, the subjects to speak directly
about the events, prompted by questions from the filmmaker
themselves.
 Vox pops are interviews with the general public.
 These interviews can take place on screen or off screen, or
even on a different set.
 The questions are only asked if rationale to support the main
theme which is being presented within the documentary.

6. Archival Footage
 Archival or stock footage is material that has
been gathered from a film library or an
achieve and has been inserted in a
documentary to show historical events or to
add detail without the need to do additional
filming.

7. Reconstructions
 These are often in documentaries and are common.
 They are artificial scenes of an event that has been re-
enacted based on information gathered about the event;
realism as though it happened right in front of them
 Often indicate that the footage isn't real by using changes
such as lighting effects, distortion, blurring etc.

8. Background music
 This is music which is often played behind the
film/image to create atmosphere/emotion or
effect.

9. Statistics
 Statistics are figures which are factual and are
used as evidence to back up a point/opinion.
For example, 1 in 20 people are obese in the
USA , this is a fact, a statistic.

10. Vox Pop
 Vox pops are interviews with the public, these
are used to give the documentary outsiders
opinions other than the filmakers.