Codes and Conventions of Documentaries

From the documentaries we have studied. We have noticed a few codes and conventions that make up most, if not all, of these products.

Interviews in which the interviewee never looks directly t through the lens of the camera
Cutaways
Archive Footage
Graphics introducing each interviewee
Commentary
Music bed
Mise-en-scene is considered for interview i.e. Green screen
Clear Narrative: Beginning, middle and end
Exposition
People
Follows a theme (s)
CU/MS/ MCU shots in interviews
Ambient Sounds
Conflict unfolds the narrative
Rule of thirds followed in interviews
Plain white graphics so not to distract viewer from interviewee
Never hear the questions being posed
Experts in the field used to interview
Vox-pops
opening titles
SFX sometimes
Based on truth
Variety of Camera Angles
Clearly sectioned Narrative
Evidence is supportive
Continuity kept throughout
Lack of special effects- not needed
Montages
Shot reverse shot.