Narrative conventions-structuring a documentary

Must capture the audience attention

The beginning

Central question of documentary can be posed at the beginning in an interesting way.

One way of doing this is quick interviews, capturing conflict with different people.

The middle

Otherwise known as the complication stage

Needs to be the most interesting sectionExplores the issue in human terms

Conflict is strengthened during this stage

The end

Makes the exposition fully apparent

By this stage the audience should be clear what the argument is trying to say.

Conflict

Be between people with different beliefs, goals, circumstances or ambitions

Or can be a variety of others.

Sense of Movement-

Can add strength to the narrative elements

There are three types of movement we see in a documentary;

physical movement e.g. change of location

movement in time e.g. day to night or change of seasons

psychological change e.g. witnessing how someone deals with new situations.

Music and SFX

Sound effective in producing an emotional response in the audience

Lighting

Can be extremely important in creating the mood or adding realism to the documentary.

Visuals

What we see on the screen including archive footage

Construction of Reality

When you watch a documentary you should be asking yourself not just what you’re seeing but also what you are not seeing.

This concept is known as gatekeeping (selection and rejection of information by editors or producers)

Narrative Structure

Open narrative

Audience makes up their own mind at the end.

Closed narrative

There is a definitive ending and outcome.

Single Strand

Only one main plot running throughout the programme.

Multi-strand

Many sub-parts that interweave.

Linear

In chronological order.

Non linear

Not in chronological order.

Circular narrative

One question at the start. Question is revisited at the end.

Circular narratives can tie in with open narratives.