Conventions of a Documentary

Documentary conventions

- Archival/found images (not created by documentary maker) – adds credibility to the subject. Essential in documentaries about the past, for example war time
- Talking heads – people interviewed about the documentary’s subject. Often in peoples homes or offices with corresponding mise en scene.
- Voiceover – used to explain and comment on visual elements. Alternatives are title cards or on screen presenter
- Re-enactments – to show audience exactly what happened, can add realism especially if the subject is improbable or difficult to comprehend.
- Real people – documentaries rarely using actors (with the exception of during re-enactments), again adding to realism