1. CONVENTIONS OF A
DOCUMENTARY
Demi-Leigh Chamberlain

2. The Voice Over
 The voice over is a main convention
commonly seen throughout documentaries
 It is used to be authoritative, and to provide
information usually on the image which is seen
 This will be useful to a short documentary as it
provides information over the top of an image
which is already being used
 Particularly useful with expository when
providing ‘voice of god’

3. Realism
 Ambient sound/lighting – this is a particularly
helpful tool when conducting interviews
 All events which are presented should be seen
as real
 Shown through continuity, or little editing
 Documentaries should bee seen as realistic as
they are provided to convince us that they are
real.
 Overheard exchange to record dialogue
between two or more people

4. Footage Skills
 This is particularly important within a short
documentary as it aids authenticity
 It is also a great help as it adds further
information to the film

5. Interviews with Experts
 This is a common convention within a
documentary as it provides exposition of the
subject
 Used to authenticate the views of the subject

6. Titles
 Titles are a particular strong point for quick
way of conveying information within a short
documentary
 It gives exposition
 Anchors images and subjects illustrated on
film

7. Mise En Scene
 Props used are another way to show
exposition to the subject
 Informative quick way of acknowledgement of
subject area (doctors office – computer,
stethoscope)
 Provides realism to the footage of the film