Research: Codes and Conventions

In every film has a genre that follows certain conventions to connect with the target audience and the genre. Over time, as films are being produced regularly, certain features i.e. characters, props, location and themes are repeatedly featured, becoming the stereotypes of a genre. As my genre is Documentary I have researched into this genre to have a clear idea of what conventions and codes to include in my trailer. The stereotypical codes and conventions for the genre of Documentary are;

Voice Over-

The voice over within a Documentary will be authoritative and encourage the audience to feel as though they have some kind of specialist knowledge. People such as Micheal Moores and Nick Broomfield intend to give an opinion that they think people should pay attention too. Here is an example of Micheal Moore's Trailer that uses voice overs:

Real Footage of Events-

A documentary is supposed to be seen as non-fiction events, however the event is there to make the audience feel a 'real' event is happening. This technique allows the convention to persuade and convince the audience that the event is real. Here is an example of a documentary that uses this convention to create a real effect for the audience. The example is from a trailer documentary called Code Black that uses real footage to show the audience about the hospital;

Technicality of Realism-

Including 'natural' sound and lighting. Nick Broomfield used this technique in his films. This convention connect with the audience as it gives them a sense of place and narrative to connect with the real footage and the sound.

Archive footage/Stills-

Also known as stock footage and is used to aid authenticity and also adds further information into the documentary that the film maker may not be able to contain themselves. This gives the audience a further understanding on the film and the realism towards it.

Interviews with 'experts'-

Using an expert in the trailer allows the viewers to become impressed by the professional standards of the perspective matter. It gives the audience a second opinion and allows the audience to understand the narrative more with the interviewer explaining in more detail. Here is an example in the trailer 'FED UP' which uses this convention of interviewers to draw the audiences in to the film;

Use of Titles/ Texts-

Documentaries often use labels, dates, etc. which tend to be believed automatically by the audience and are quick and cheap way of showing message to the audience. Often the titles are in bold and clear to get the message across and to show the importance to the audience. Also giving them a stronger understanding on the narrative the film.

Sound-

Sounds within documentaries can be used between cut scenes, to overlap photos or to present something in a certain way. They tend to use non-diegetic sounds to make the narrative more real and interesting for the viewers, also to help it follow more easily. They enhance the sound for example in wildlife programmes they enhance the sound to connect the audience with the main focus and importance through the sound.

Visual Coding-

This is elements such as Mise en scene in the trailer from customs to location. This is key in persuading the audience as it helps them to follow the narrative and connections with the genre easily. The convention allows the audience to create a connection with the characters and their able to understand the characters representation in the film, linking to the narrative.