Codes, Conventions & Techniques

I researched into the codes and conventions of documentaries so I know what to include in my final product. I have also looked into the techniques used in documentary making. This is especially important when looking at how camerawork and editing is used.

Codes and Conventions:

• A voice-over. A voice-over played over the on screen images will encourage the audience to think that the narrator has superior knowledge on the subject being discussed. They can either be by the presenter of the documentary or someone else with lots of knowledge on the subject.
• Archive footage. Old footage from other programs is used to add authenticity or enforce a point being made. This type of footage is often used as cutaway clips during long interviews.
• Real time footage of events. This includes new footage which has been shot on location. Using this in documentaries helps add a sense of realism.
• Non diegetic background music. Background music helps the documentary seem more interesting to the audience. The music should match the tone and mood of the documentary. 
• Interviews. Interviews from third party representatives like experts in the specific filed and family and friends help add a sense of authenticity. The interviews are set against a nice background and is focused on the interviewee.
• Camerawork. Steady cam is used throughout documentaries to make them look professional. In interviews the composition of the shot is different as the interviewee is given 'looking room.'
• Presenter links. This is where the presenter introduces a new topic by talking directly to the camera.

A diagram showing what is meant by the term, 'looking room.'

Documentary Techniques:

• Editing to create meaning. Archive footage is edited together in a montage to create an overall meaning being described by the voice-over.
• Direct interview technique. This is when we see the interviewee answering a question to the camera and we also hear the question being asked.
• Indirect interview technique. This is when we see the interviewee answering a question but we don't hear the question being asked. This creates the sense of the audience being spoken to directly

References:

1. Slideshare Codes and Conventions of a Documentary Presentation http://www.slideshare.net/crosswaysfederation/codes-and-conventions-of-documentary
2. Wikipedia Documentary Practice Website 13/7/10 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Documentary_practice 23/9/1
3. TC A Primer of Documentary Film Techniques Website Robert Yahnke http://www.tc.umn.edu/~ryahnke/filmteach/My-Archive-of-Film-Notes/x-documentary-techniques.htm 24/9/11