Basic Conventions of Documentary making

A-roll-  Usually contains footage of interviewing the subject, E.G

The shot of the interview needs to be important and must look realistic and also relate towards the subject of the interviewer, for example:
Rule of thirds: A techinique used in film and photography, the rule of third uses grid like features on the image and tries to centre the subject onto the. For example, in a documentary, the subject shouldnt be in centre of the camera but instead go towards the left or right that way look like she is actually having a conversation with someone.


An example on how the rule of thirds should be used.

Eyeline: The subject in relation to the rule of thirds again must not only not be in the centre but not look into the centre. The subject must look at his/her interviewee to again make it look more realistic and as if they are having conversation.

An example of the subject making eyeline without looking directly at the camera.

Relevenant background: Similar in film in which they use Mise En Scene, Relevant backgrounds is important to relate to the persons occupation  and/or hobby. I.E The video of Vices Cute bunny competition shows of  rabbit trainers being interviewed. There is also the competition event in the background, identifying their occupation.

Rabbit trainer/competitor being interviewed with a rabbit cage in the background, showing their occupation.

B-roll-  A B-roll consists of various locations, footage of subject ,action shots ect. B-roll is used as either in between jump cuts to cover up the edit or as fillers for the documentary. I.E some one walking.
Archive footage-  Quick snippets of film used from other sources to reference the theme of the documentary. For example, if there is a documentary on space travel, they may add the moon landing onto it. Archive footage is pretty short.
Sound voice over-  Usually consisting of a narration to explain whats going on or to give factual information on the topic. The narration usually consisits of the interviewers voice to give perspective on the situation or his/her thoughts. This isnt always used in Documentarys though and is not that necissary.
Still images- Mainly used for documentarys based on one person where there are photos used for the person growing up. This could also be used for documentarys on crime to show drawings, photos and documentation. Similar to archive image except this surrounds mainly the subject.
Non diagetic sound- This would be for the soundtrack of the doucmentary. This can be important as it describes the mood and emphasizes situations. The songs usually are linked into the thmes of the documentary and are played mainly entirely through the documentary.