Technique Effect/ purpose

Voice over voice of God. Often Male. To give us the information we need and often
male due to them being in front of the camera,
so it makes sense for them to narrate as well.
Men are very often seen as being more
authoritative and more trust-worthy. If a
woman narrates a topic that isnt necessarily
seen as a womans issue its taken less
seriously/trusted less whereas a man can
narrate any issue.
Parallel Sound The sound being heard matches the
action/images on the screen.
Enforces/emphasises the message especially
in a documentary. Also influences the audience
to see something the way that the documentary
is trying to portray it.
Use of diegetic and non-diegetic to influence Influences the audience to feel a certain way
about the issue being portrayed on the screen.
audience.
Real footage stock or current. Has to contain real footage to maintain the
documentary style and give perspective. Stock
footage can be used to portray a perspective of
a historical issue or period and current can
show factual proof of what the documentary is
addressing. Seeing is believing .
Use of establishing shots Aspect of reality and sets the scene for the
audience, as they are able to see where the
documentary is set and where it takes place.
Use of close ups/ extreme close ups Used during interviews shows extra
perspective and gives more detailed look into
the person being interviewed. Can be used to
focus in on something and give depth to the
issue.
Experiment with hand held and Steadicam Through the eyes of the documentary maker.
Adds even more immersion to the audience and
draws them in further, creates realism. It can (if
overused) be seen as bad footage, needs to be
used effectively to create influence the
audience.
Realistic visual coding realistic mise-en-scene. Constant reminder of
topic and creates realism.
Vox Pops and Interviews with experts / witnesses To inform
Adds depth to argument and topic
/ participants
Presenters To inform
Stereotypical/over-the-top people creating an
impression of the topic an inform the audience
Low key lighting Realistic looking lighting. High-key lighting
creates a studio and professional filming
environment effect.
Linear narrative From start to end/chronological order and tells
 a factual story. Realistic and not confusing/easy
to follow.
Use of text/ subtitles Quotes or titles adds factual information and
detail to whats being discussed
Intercutting Helps detail the topic, for example showing
footage of whats being discussed while its being
discussed during an interview.
Codes and Conventions
Consider the effect or purpose of classic documentary codes/conventions. You must evaluate at
least 5 of these.