2. Documentaries rely heavily on traditional conventions of a narrative.
There should be a structure accompanied with a variety of other
conventions.
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
