2. Supporting and Structuring a Documentary
Narrative Conventions: Documentaries rely heavily on traditional
conventions of a narrative. There is normally a structure
accompanied with a range of other conventions.
3. The Beginning:
Needs to capture the audiences attention and draw them in. Central/main question of the
documentary can be posed at the beginning in an intriguing way. Quick interviews capturing
conflict with different people is an example.
The Middle:
Also 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 End:
Makes the exposition fully apparent and clear by the resolution stage. The audience by this time
has no doubt/questions what the argument is saying.
4. Conflict:
Can be between people with different beliefs, ambitions, circumstances or
goals. It can be individual or a variety of others. This shown developing
through different stages which allows the documentary to use narrative
technique.
Sense of Movement:
This stage can add strength to the narrative elements. The 3 forms are
physical movement, movement in time or psychological change.
5. Music and SFX:
Effective sound in producing an emotional response in the audience.
Lighting:
Used if you are trying realism or authenticity poor lighting is one of the first
things to give the game away
6. Construction of Reality:
When watching a documentary you should always ask yourself what the documentary is about
and what the message they are trying to tell you is not just what they are showing but also
question what they are not showing. This could be due to bias or preference combined with the
selection and rejection of information.
Visuals: What we see in the screen along with Archive footage. Stock materials are also used
to support the intended meaning.
7. • Narrative Structure
Open: The audiences is left to make their own conclusions 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.
