Documentaries aim to document real people and events to allow audiences to form opinions. They use techniques like observation, interviews, dramatization, mise-en-scene, and exposition. Documentaries can be fully narrated, fly-on-the-wall, mixed format, self-reflexive, or docudramas. They typically follow a beginning, middle, end structure and focus on conflict to drive the narrative forward. Elements like music, lighting, and visuals are chosen carefully to shape the intended meaning.

1. Documentaries
Sophie Moran

2. Central to a documentary is the focus on and
questions, actual people and events, often in a social
context, placing the audience in a position to form an
opinion about who or what we are seeing.
The term documentary was coined by John Grierson in
1926.
The purpose of a documentary is to document something
that has actually happened. It can be shown using actual
footage or reconstruction. It can use a voice over
(narrator) to anchor the meaning or rely on the
participants themselves with perhaps an occasional
interjection by the narrator.

3. Features
According to John corner of the University of Liverpool there are five
central elements of a documentary, these are:
Observation (Fly on the wall)
•The programme makers are observing the action
•The camera is ignored by the people taking part – unseen observation
puts the audience in the role of witnesses
•There is indirect address to the audience
Interview
Can be used to make a contrast with the observation sequences. The
interviewer is either seen or unseen. The interviewee addresses the
interview, not the audience. Pictures can be dubbed over the speaker’s
replies, in support of what has been said. Interviews can be constructed in
two ways:
•Run fully
•Segments of interview, with cuts

4. Dramatisation
Although documentaries use a sense of
drama, this feature is specifically used to
portray people and events the film maker
could not gain access to. These sequences
are based on fact.
Mise-en-scene
What the director or producers put into the
frame, for example, props or clothing
Exposition
The line of argument in a documentary

5. Types of Documentary
Fully Narrated
Direct address, use of an off screen voice over to convey the exposition. The voice
over helps make sense of the visuals and dominates their meaning. The narrator
gives authority about the topic. Critics called it the “Voice of God”.
Fly on the wall
Rely on the observation. No commentary or narration. The cameras are left to record
subjects without interference viewers come to their own conclusions.
Mixed
Uses combinations of interview, observation and narration to advance the argument.
Narration is often in the frame.
Self reflexive
The subjects of a documentary acknowledge the presence of the camera and speak
directly to the film maker. This style makes a point of drawing attention to the
film makers role in constructing a view of reality.
Docudrama
A reenactment of events as they are supposed to have happened. In the this style
the elements of argument and exposition are combined with those of fictional
narrative, the resulting story is based on fact.

6. Docusoaps
A phenomenon of recent years which follows the daily lives of individuals with a
designated job.
Current Affairs
These are different from documentaries, they are journalist based, they aim to
address news in more depth. For example, Panorama. The differences are:
• Include the pressure of deadlines
• They have to be up to date
Structure
Relies heavily on traditional conventions of narratives. In other words, there is a
beginning, middle and end. Strong focus on character and conflict. Other
conventions of narrative forms are also used including music, special settings
and lighting.
Beginning
The central question is posed. Alternatively the most dramatic piece of action
footage, or some quick interview cuts in conflict with each other can get
audience attention.

7. Middle
Known as complication stage, often examines the issue in
human terms, with a focus on people and opinions. Conflict
is strengthened to provide blockages for the fulfillment of
the exposition. All complications must support the
exposition.
End
Makes exposition fully apparent by the resolution stage, the
audience has no doubt what the programme is saying.
Conflict
Can be between people with different
beliefs, goals, circumstances or ambitions. It can be within
an indiviual, surroundings, generations or social classes.
*conflict must be shown in action. Usually some kind of
confrontation, for the camera. Often it develops through
stages.

8. Sense of Movement
Add strengths to the narrative of the documentary, there are three types:
• Physical e.g.. Change of location
• Movement in time e.g. change in season
• Psychological changes e.g. ex prison adjusting to outside world
Music and sound effects
Sound is effective in producing a emotional response.
Lighting
To achieve realism and authenticity you must ensure good lighting is used.
Poor lighting gives it ways.
Construction of reality
When you watch a documentary you need to ask not just what they are
showing but also question what they are not showing you. This could be
due to bias or preference along with the selection and rejection of
information ‘gate keeping’.
Visuals
What we see in the screen included with achieve footage stock materials are
used to support the intended meaning.

9. Narrative Structure
Open- Audience left to make up their own mind
Closed - Definite ending and outcome
Single strand- Only one main plot throughout
Multistrand -More than one main plot, they can cross over
Linear- In chronological order
Non linear- Is not in an order
Circular- Question at the start is revisited at the end. Circular can tie in with
open.
Voxpops -Short for the ‘Voice of the People’, consists of street interview of
public, each person asked the same questions, the answers are strung
together in fast sequence. These are good for suggesting either a general
argument or opposition.