1. The Five Modes of
a Documentary

2. Mode 1- Expository
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhOy9kJqqks
Conventions of this mode:
• Voiceover, directed at the audience
• ‘God-like’ commentator
• Voice is presented over relevant images, to
illustrate the authors point
• Has a variety of shots, videos and perhaps
interviews
• Often bias about the subject- persuading the
audience

3. Mode 2- Observational
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngSGIjwwc4U
Conventions of this mode:
• Hand-held cameras
• Direct sound
• Often no voiceover
• Documentary maker is usually hidden from the
cameras
• Subjects don’t necessarily know they are being
filmed

4. Mode 3- Participatory
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQj2u4ap5bo
Conventions for this mode:
• Documentary makers interacts with the subject
• Interviews
• Archive- Footage, interviews, news, newspapers
headlines etc.
• Voiceover (sometimes)
• Documentary makers is visible to the audience

5. Mode 4- Reflexive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sviHM5rNZ5A
Conventions of this mode:
• Emphasises the nature of fiction films
• Voiceover- questioning and concerned
about the issue, usually unsure about the
subject
• Suggestion rather than fact
• Expressive light, dramatic music etc.

6. Mode 5- Performative
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbAWNnGSVCw
Conventions of this mode:
• Documentary makers and some film crew
interact with the subject
• Comments on the process of this documentary
• Documentary is shaped to a investigation, usual
not solved
• Emotional and direct connection to the audience
• Situation often to do with; sexuality, gender,
religion etc.