Documentary Conventions

Both types of documentary incorporate audio effects. This may be music over a certain frame or speaking over a frame. Although both docu-soaps and the classic documentary use this effect the classic documentary tends to use it more often within the programme. "Horizon" is a typical classic documentary. It deals with issues in the world of science. Many times throughout each programme it will include a short piece of atmospheric music over computer graphics (another convention!) or some other part of the programme.

Despite these similarities, this is where more or less the comparisons end. A docu-soap only shows the action of the situation and does not need so many conventions as the story unfolds within the characters actions or situations staged within the programme.

Other such conventions used within the classic documentary are as follows: visual graphics, such as stills or computer generated images that are used to help increase the audiences understanding of the subject.

Reconstructions are used when there is no footage that can be used to show what the director wants to be seen. A reconstruction sequence is clearly distinguishable in several different ways. Firstly a small icon or logo is displayed in one corner of the frame bearing the word "reconstruction". Secondly most reconstructions have a voice over explaining what is going on in the scene being shown. Thirdly and finally a filter is usually used within the sequence, usually a dark one such as blue. This creates an impact on the audience and indicates its not reality that is being shown here.

Archive Footage is also often used to add history to the programme in a factual way. It makes the programme more realistic. Real life footage is also used for this same reason and can be done in a number of different ways. The most common is the use of hidden cameras because the subject of the sequence does not know they are being filmed and their actions are therefore genuine.

The third type of documentary that I will briefly look at is the video-diary documentary. These are becoming more and more common because they give a personal tone to the programme with which an audience can relate too. These documentaries however, do not incorporate many of the conventions stated above. The style however, is very much different to the two previous type of documentary discussed. The most noticeable effect used within the programme is the one on one relationship with the camera. The subject expresses what they are feeling to the camera as if a real person or visually writing in a diary. This is very much unlike a docu-soap because the subject is supposed to ignore the camera and pretend it isn't there. This type of interaction with the camera is a new technique. It helps give audiences an insight into what the subject is feeling because their emotions are portrayed on screen.

All documentaries are there to show the "truth" or at least an edited version of the truth to help keep audiences captivated. This means there is no one definition of a documentary because now there are so many different types around for people to watch and each offer a different thing. The best documentary for portraying reality as it is is probably the video diary. Although edited to fit the slot on TV or to remove any unnecessary bits, it does show the subject, as a real person with feelings and emotions and this is what audiences can identify with the most.