Codes and Conventions of Documentaries

• They have a voice-of-god.
• All contain a narrative structure which is present throughout the documentary.
• Cutways are used as a way of relating to what the documentary is about and to keep it entertaining.
• Handheld camera work is also used in order to add more drama and involvement.
• They contain interviews.
• Archive material is used relating to the voice-over.
• Talking head interviewing is also present.
• Non-diegetic sound is used.
• The interviewee looks at the camera with a space next to them (the same side they look into - "looking space")
• Graphics of names/charts/information.
• Vox pop interviews
• The mise-en-scene always signifies something to do with the documentary.