Codes and Conventions of the mixed documentary drama

Single strand narrative

· Editing – Cut is the most common edit - so it does not distract from what is on screen. Editing should be invisible unless for a specific purpose. Editing techniques may be used on actuality footage and archive material

· Voiceover is used to anchor – it is the glue that holds the narrative together. Gender is sometimes relevant depending on the topic. Relevant age to the documentary topic in some way. Standard English and a clear and calm delivery

· Creative and varied camera work. But use conventional framing on interviews For interviews the camera is usually static (tripod) – interviewee also sitting down on a static chair

· When filming archive material (Websites/Newspapers/Magazines/Photos) – camera movement is used when filming still images to keep flow. Variety of archive footage and relevant to what is said

· If Chromakey is used it shouldn’t distract from the interview

· Relevant music – does not obstruct what is on screen – used as a music bed for what the visuals lie on. Sound levels need to be right

· Graphics are used to anchor person/time/place – they are not obstructive – usually 2 lines – 1^st line is name then 2^nd is relevance to documentary

· Editing – Well paced – no interview lasted longer than 2 minutes – other visuals used can be used over the sound of an interview