Documentary Codes & Conventions (By Zoe Woodstock)

Codes and Conventions are documentary techniques used to present the information for the subject in question. Hence re-representing reality. They are used to record important events and ideas for example. 
Vital techniques include:

Exposition

The exposition occurs at the beginning of a documentary and introduces the important themes of the film. It is important because it creates the viewer's first impression and introduces the viewer to the content.

Dramatic segments of the documentary are specially chosen in order to catch the viewer’s attention.

Actuality

Actuality refers to film footage of real life occurrences, places and people. This is contrary to fictional films that use actors, scripted stories and artificial sets. This needs to be impartial, informative, clear, accurate, sourced and creative.

Sound and Voice-over

This should be combined diegetic and non-diegetic sound, with the mix indicating where attention should focused.

The voice-over can be spoken while the camera is filming or added to the soundtrack however all sound should be clear and delivered in an accent that is understood by the whole audience. The 'acrolect'(a high standard version of English regarding the grammar and vocabulary) should be followed.

Structure of the voice over:

1. Begin the with question or problem – summarise the key issue

2. Key facts

3. Opinions and more facts

4. Conclusion and projection – what’s happening next

Visual Coding: Mise en Scene and Props

The Mise-en-Scene is extremely vital in producing high quality filming. The lighting must be natural and of high-key so the interviewees are in complete view. Nevertheless too much illumination must be avoided and interviewees skin colours must not contrast with the background.

Interviewees
The positions of the interviewees can be alternated to display the contrast of people who have different opinions. Interviews on opposing sides of an issue may be shown to give the viewer comprehensive information about a topic.

The main object in the frame must be the topic of focus therefore the background shouldn't include any distracting action.

Camerawork

The Rule of Thirds must be followed so the interviewee is the main focal point.

Normal interviews begin with an establishing shot, followed by mid shots, ending with close-ups.

The eye-line must be considered with the interviewee looking off screen at a mid point diagonally of about 30 degrees.

The camera must also be attached to a tripod and positioned at eye level to avoid dramatisation e.g. high angle to show vulnerability.

Graphics

These can be in the form of text, to portray a message to the audience in a simple yet effective form.


Editing

Continuity enables the footage to flow smoothly as intended in a documentary. Techniques such as the 180 degrees rule; match on action; eye-line match and the 30 degrees rule should be used. Cutaways are essential in documentaries unlike jump cuts.

The on screen graphics should consist of adequately sized, bold lettering for the names, basic font for the roles, white on a black bar (to make it clear). These should all be presented by fades in and fades out.

Straight cuts are significant so the audience can comprehend the information before the footage is cut.

Adapted from class notes and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Documentary_film_techniques.