A documentary uses factual images, videos, and interviews to tell a story about real people and events. It often employs conventions like voiceovers from experts, real footage and interviews to make the story feel authentic. Documentaries also use techniques like text, natural lighting, and handheld camera work to capture events as they unfold in a realistic style.

1. CONVENTIONS OF
DOCUMENTARY
Precious

2. WHAT IS A DOCUMENTARY?
A documentary is a film/ story that provides factual report on a
particular subject. This can be done by using pictures and videos with
people involved in the real event.

3. CONVENTIONS
Voiceovers – unseen commentator that explains/ tells a story during a documentary
this encourages the audience to believe in what they say
Images are used to illustrate the voiceovers
Real footages (of events) – real people are involved not actors e.g. London riots
Interviews - people speak about events encouraged by specific questions. This
gives a sense of realism especially interviews with experts.
Text – new documentaries tend to use text as a quick way to convey information
Realism – this comes through archive footage, interviews, location shootings e.g.
Nick Broomfield’s Biggie and Tupac. The film can be shaped in an argument or a
narrative
Hand – held camera

4. CONVENTIONS
Natural light
Indistinct sound
Jerky camera movements
Unintended sound
Non – diegetic/diegetic sounds
Mise en scene and props
Can be formal/ informal
Direct/indirect interviews
Montages
Cutaways