The document discusses various narrative conventions for structuring documentaries. It suggests capturing audience attention at the beginning by posing the central question in an interesting way, such as through quick interviews. The middle, or complication stage, should be the most interesting as it explores the issue in human terms and strengthens any conflicts. By the end, the audience should be clear on the argument. Conflict can exist between people with different beliefs or goals and adds interest. Movement, music, lighting, visuals, and narrative structure are also discussed to effectively structure the documentary.

1. Narrative conventions-
structuring a documentary
Must capture the audience attention
The beginning
Central question of documentary can
be posed at the beginning in an
interesting way.
One way of doing this is quick
interviews, capturing conflict
with different people.

2. The middle
Otherwise known as the complication stage
Needs to be the most interesting sectionExplores the issue in human terms
Conflict is strengthened during this stage

3. The end
Makes the exposition fully apparent
By this stage the audience should be clear
what the argument is trying to say.

4. Conflict
Be between people with different beliefs,
goals, circumstances or ambitions
Or can be a variety of others.

5. Sense of Movement-
Can add strength to the narrative elements
There are three types of movement we see
in a documentary;
physical movement e.g. change of location
movement in time e.g. day to night or
change of seasons
psychological change e.g. witnessing how
someone deals with new situations.

6. Music and SFX
Sound effective in producing an emotional
response in the audience

7. Lighting
Can be extremely important in creating the
mood or adding realism to the
documentary.

8. Visuals
What we see on the screen including
archive footage

9. Construction of Reality
When you watch a documentary you
should be asking yourself not just what
you’re seeing but also what you are not
seeing.
This concept is known as gatekeeping
(selection and rejection of information by
editors or producers)

10. Narrative Structure
Open narrative
Audience makes up their
own mind at the end.

11. Closed narrative
There is a definitive ending and outcome.

12. Single Strand
Only one main plot running
throughout the programme.

13. Multi-strand
Many sub-parts that interweave.

14. Linear
In chronological order.

15. Non linear
Not in chronological order.

16. Circular narrative
One question at the start. Question is revisited at the end.
Circular narratives can tie in with
open narratives.