Codes and Conventions of Documentery Making

'In the Teeth of Jaws' and 'The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special in 3D on Ice Part 1'

Interviews

• Rule of 3rds
• Relevant backgrounds (mise en scene) - rienforces, acts as a quick visual reference, e.g. Family Guy writer background
• Eyeline 3rd way down screen
• Producer name
• Camera angle off centre
• Interviewee will be looking off camera

Camera

• Midshots
• Medium close ups
• Close ups - show emotions/reactions
• Additional cameras [Profile Shot]

Editing

Cutaways (maybe archived footage):

• While interviewee is talking, illuminates what is being said
• Also used to cover editing such as selecting dialogue from different sessions of same interview

Cut ins

• Using close ups to emphasise point, e.g. Fidgety hands
• Also covers up editing jumps

Lighting

• Source of light behuind the camera helps with colour/focus/glare/white balance

During interviews questions are edited out and the interviewees (as not to confuse viewers), are told to speak the questions in their answers, e.g. 'My favourite character is Marge' while just saying 'Marge' wouldn't make sense if viewers didn't hear the question asked

There may be a presenter in person or narrating over the top

Vox pops - Soundbites from people in the street

Footage of real time events



The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special in 3D on Ice Part 1





In the Teetch of Jaws Part 1