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
