This document outlines various documentary conventions used to convey information to audiences. It discusses the use of actual footage, interviews, voiceovers, exposition from experts, archival footage, reconstructions, text/titles, visual coding through mise-en-scene and props, and background music. The conventions aim to introduce themes, provide factual information from various perspectives, emphasize points, and create a sense of realism, all in order to guide audiences and effectively communicate the filmmaker's message.

1. Documentary Conventions

2. Actuality
Real life footage of real life
events, places and people- NOT
reconstruction. It’s a record of
real events as they unfold.
Occurs at the beginning of the documentary and
introduces the main themes. Factual information
given by interviewees and the narrator. The voice of
exposition will guide the audience and show both
sides of the conflicting arguments. Usually
segmentation shots are used to catch the viewers
attention
Interviews
Voiceover
Commentary by the film maker;
• this can be the presenter talking
directly into the camera offering
information and statistics as well as
their own opinion
• ‘Voice of God’ where there is
narration throughout the
documentary but no one can be
seen.
Exposition
• People with authority on the subject
being discussed will be known as the
‘Expert’ and offer their professional
opinion.
• Vox pop (general public) answer
themed questions asked by the
presenter which provides both sides
to an argument

3. Archival Footage
Old stock footage from other archive and
programmes inserted into a documentary to show
historical events which the film maker cannot film
they are often used to emphasise a point.
Reconstruction
Real life events are constructed
after they have happened .They
are factual and often indicate its
reconstruction by blurring,
distortion or changing the colour.
Reconstruction gives the
audience a sense of realism
Text and Titles
Small amounts of text used to
introduce someone or give a brief
description. They are a quick and
cheap way of conveying
information
Visual coding
Includes the mise en scene
and props, it creates a much
more realistic environment
i.e. professionals interviewed
in a suit and office
Music
Often used in the background when
archival footage is showing or a sequence
of event with no narrative. It makes the
audience feel and think in a particular
way