This document outlines some common codes and conventions used in documentary television production. Interviews are typically framed slightly to one side, use close-ups and cutaways to avoid jump cuts. Graphics are used to identify speakers and their relevance. Voiceovers introduce topics, link items, and provide narrative coherence using standard English. Editing focuses on cuts without complex techniques. Music supports the topic. Backgrounds in interviews relate to speakers or topics. Footage and tripods are used except for responsive shooting.

1. Codes and Conventions of TV
Documentaries

2. Interviews
• Framed slightly to the left or right of frame
• Close up or medium close up or big close up
• Questions edited out
• Cutaways used to avoid jump cuts.
-relevant to what is being talked about
-archive material: pictures, film
-actuality footage

3. Graphics
• Used to anchor who the person is and their
relevance to the topic.

4. Voiceover
• Introduce the topic
• Link items together
• The glue that holds the narrative together
• Standard English
• Age and gender relevant to genre or target
audience

5. Editing
• Cut is the main edit
• No ‘fancy’ editing
• Subtle, doesn’t distract from content

6. Music
• Relevant to the topic
• Reconstructions
• VoxPops; voice of the people

7. Mise-En-Scene
• Background of interviews is relevant to
persons job, or relevance to the topic.

8. Needs
• Actuality footage/cutaways
-creative camerawork
• Tripod used for all filming except where the
camera needs to respond quickly to what is
happening
• A snappy title