Documentary Conventions Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key documentary conventions, cinematic techniques, and definitions from the Documentary Conventions Guide lecture.

Voice-over narration

A spoken commentary played over the visuals to explain information, guide the audience, or shape interpretation.

Interviews/talking heads

When people speak directly to the camera or are shown answering questions about the topic.

Archival footage

Real footage from the past, such as old news clips, home videos, recordings, or historical material.

Statistics / facts on screen

Numbers, graphs, or factual text shown on the screen to support the documentary’s ideas.

Reconstruction / reenactment

A recreated scene showing an event that was not originally filmed.

Observational footage

Footage that shows real people or events unfolding naturally, without obvious interference from the filmmaker.

Music/soundtrack

Background music or sound used to shape the mood and influence the audience’s emotional response.

Sound effects

Extra sounds added or emphasised to make moments more powerful or realistic.

Close-up shots

A camera shot that shows a person or object very closely.

Wide shots / establishing shots

A camera shot showing a large area or setting.

Editing

The way footage is arranged and cut together.

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting images, ideas, or interviews next to each other.

Montage

A series of short clips edited together, often quickly, to show an idea, pattern, or passage of time.

On-screen text / captions

Words placed on the screen to identify people, places, dates, or important facts.

Symbolic imagery

Images that represent a bigger idea rather than just showing something literally.

Rhetorical questions

Questions asked to make the audience think, rather than expecting an answer.

Emotive language

Words chosen to create strong feelings such as sympathy, anger, fear, or hope.

Expert opinion

When a specialist, scientist, doctor, historian, or other expert is included.

Cinéma vérité

A documentary style that tries to capture life as it really happens, often using handheld cameras, natural lighting, spontaneous moments, and minimal interference from the filmmaker.