Types of documentaries & their conventions

There are various typologies of documentaries that are all coupled with generic conventions suited with their genre. In some cases there can be a fusion between genres in documentaries – known as hybrid genres. Each and every convention related to their particular genre not only appeal to their specific target audience but also offer a sense of satisfaction. In order to gain this element of satisfaction, you need to look directly to Richard Dyer’s Utopian Solutions theory as the cornerstone of this theory is obtaining that sense of satisfaction. The theory believes audiences’ use the media to experience perfection that they can’t get from their real lives.  Therefore, target audiences use “utopian solutions” to satisfy them; this can be achieved by implementing conventions that the demographic is used to and enjoy. Furthermore, this element of ‘satisfaction’ cannot only link in with one theory but potentially another theory can be introduced. Take Steve Neale’s Genre Theory, it suggests audiences enjoy specific media texts because of ‘repetition’; this connotes the conventions incorporated to certain media texts in order to satisfy demo and psychographics.

One type of documentary is the wildlife / nature genre. There is a wide range of conventions implemented into this genre aiding the target audience in the entertainment factor, which subsequently results in the sense of satisfaction. One of these conventions is visualising the animals in their natural habitat through the utilisation of simply incredible camera shots, angles and movement.  It does indeed offer the demographic an element of ‘satisfaction’ just by taking in breath-taking camera work to connote the significance behind the beauty of nature. Also, stills maybe presented for the primary audience’s pleasure. Another generic convention is the narration of these particular documentaries, it requires a smooth and quite remarkable tone of voice in order to capture the target audience’s attention and engage them thoroughly. For instance: the most well-known and credible narrator for this genre of documentaries is David Attenborough (knighted for his broadcasting legacy).
 The voice over and visuals are like two sides of a coin, they go hand in hand, thus why the narration is so important and why it is considered a generic convention.

Another type of documentary that is categorised is the sporting genre. This particular genre offers entertainment to its specific demographic by introducing certain conventions that are indeed linked to the genre. These types of generic conventions are popular with target, active audiences as they enjoy the ‘repetitive’ aspect of it – tying in with Steve Neale’s Genre theory. One generic convention could be the implementation of specific editing technique – known as an action match. The significance behind an action match is to make the shot more exciting and / or indulge the primary audience. The reason why this editing technique is considered a convention is because the sporting genre is very much action focused and the only goal is to emphasise this, what better way to do it? It also helps that active audiences love it as it gives the overall complexion of the documentary and smooth and professional finish. Another convention of the sporting genre is the chosen location, for instance: take a football documentary, it will be set and shot around a footballing stadium or a football training facility. This is to connote the enhancement of the realistic element of documentaries. In addition, an aspect that is equally important is technical codes, incorporating a P.O.V shot is conventional as it offers the demographic an alternative perspective through the sportsmen and see the game through their eyes. This does indeed build a rapport - due to emotional attachment - between the target audience and the documentary. This can potentially link in with Rick Altman’s Genre theory as it suggests the genre is connoted through using two different elements, in this case the utilisation of Syntactic Elements are involved which offer an emotional theme and / or connection between media text and active audience. Also, the use of an Established shot of the location of the sport in order to enable the target audience to not only see what is going on but also feel apart of something greater. Furthermore, a handheld camera shot can help bind the connection and relationship between the sportsperson and an active audience on a personal level.

The iconography is a crucial part in the generic conventional process. Another convention of this genre is the use of lighting being focused and exemplified on an individual character in order to light up all his / her angles which connotes the representation behind: how all angles / aspects of the sporting industry matter on an essential level. Also, through the use of props this can help identify the genre, which in turn reflects the conventions of particular genres. These generic conventions for the sporting genre may include props from sports equipment to football boots. Therefore, iconography is a significant conventional aspect when constructing a specific genre for a documentary.

One more type of documentary is the informative and educational aspect. The majority of documentaries aim to inform their primary audience but some focus more on that factor than others. Take Panorama for instance, they investigate current affairs and attempt to educate their demographic. This typology of documentary does indeed come with its own conventions. Some of these conventions include the use of archive footage in order to illustrate and signify the theme behind the documentary. This convention aids the attempt in conveying the message of the documentary and helping an active audience understand the concept.

Another convention of this genre of documentary are the set up of specialist interviews with experts. This convention enables the direction in which the producer is taking it to be authenticated and given the impression of 'realism'. In addition, in terms of the conventional voice over (VO) that is typically incorporated there are two branches of VO's. The "voice of authority" which comes into play when a presenter is front of house and directly addressing the audience to camera. The type of shot is conventionally a hand - held shot in order to provide the audience with a 'realistic' element. The other type of VO is often referred to as the "voice of god", this concludes the narration by a voice we can't put a face to. This factor is what we are going to be representing as it potentially gives more of an impact to an active audience. The demographic suited to this genre and type of documentary will enjoy this category due to the fact that it provides insight into the concerning topic.

Moreover, a crucial part of Panorama's conventional aspects and that are suited to this typology of documentary are the re-enactments and reconstruction footage. This is considered a convention of documentaries as it incorporates an additional aspect to the entire documentary. Therefore, the additional aspect engages the primary audience more effectively, resulting in the overall documentary demonstrating a sense of professionalism.