AS:Codes and conventions of documentary interviews

Usual codes and conventions of documentary interviews

- Interviews with different people are edited together to create a coherent narrative
- Interviewees do not look directly at the camera; instead they look at the interviewer who tends to be off camera
- Questions are edited out
- Graphics are used at the bottom of the screen to introduce the interviewee

- Cutaways are used between head shots to illustrate what's being said
- Background mise en scene is chosen to be relevant to the subject

- Green screen is often used, so that things can be edited in on Photoshop
- One person interviewed at a time
- They are usually positioned at the corner of the screen, which makes the shot look more professional
- Head of the interviewee is positioned on left or right of the screen

• When interviewed, the graphics are simple in order to not loose focus from the subject
• Experts are used if needed and always have their names included
• Conflict is introduced in the middle
• Variety of camera angles
• Voice over used if needed
• Music creates mood
• Evidence
• Mixed style
• Reconstructions
• Vox pops
• Questions asked are simple


Codes and conventions used in examples of documentary interviews

Notes on: Jaws Documentary



- Mid shot is used to show facial expressions
- The camera tends to focus on one person at a time
- Background image is used throughout; this is of a shark which is related to the topic being discussed
- The name of the interviewee is put underneath them when they are talking, some also have their profession
- The title of the documentary is made aware near to the beginning
- There is also the use of examples of props, such as a script
- The interviewees are mainly men (1 woman, this reflects the time it was made
- The use of a famous director boosts the value; Steven Spielberg is seen as one of the best directors in the world
- Statistics are also involved, such as dates the filmed on
- Cast names are used, such as actors involved
- The topic is discussed in detail

Notes on: The Simpsons Documentary



- There is the use of a narrator, to tell important facts
- Names and their profession is put under each interviewee
- Examples, such as props that were used
- The logo is also shown
- The mise en scene in the background is related to the subject, often a picture of a Simpson character they like the most
- Explain how got the names of characters, important facts are revealed
- Give example of one of the first episodes to show the difference in quality
- There are interviews of important people, such as the actors
- The actors also give examples of their voices
- The interview seems relaxed and comfortable
- Music is played in the background, mainly the famous Simpsons theme tune
- It has obviously been edited due to the back and forth between different interviewees, but the cutting is done to make the interview seem continuous.