Documentary-specific Multimodal Conventions

Documentary-specific Multimodal Conventions

1. Camera Angle and Shot Type

• Definition: The position and framing of the camera during shooting.

• Purpose: Different angles and shot types can influence how the audience perceives the subject, creating a sense of power, vulnerability, or intimacy.

2. Colour & Lighting

• Definition: The use of light and color to create mood, highlight aspects of the scene, or convey symbolic meanings.

• Purpose: Lighting and color can affect the tone and atmosphere of the documentary, enhancing the emotional impact or drawing attention to specific details.

3. Mise-en-scène

• Definition: The arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including setting, props, actors, and costumes.

• Purpose: Mise-en-scène helps to create a sense of place and time, supporting the narrative and thematic elements of the documentary.

4. Diegetic Audio

• Definition: Sound that originates from within the film’s world, such as dialogue, natural sounds, and sound effects.

• Purpose: Diegetic audio adds to the realism of the documentary, making the audience feel as if they are part of the scene.

5. Non-diegetic Audio

• Definition: Sound that is not part of the film’s world, such as background music, voiceovers, and sound effects added during post-production.

• Purpose: Non-diegetic audio can influence the audience’s emotions, underscore themes, and enhance the storytelling.

6. Object Symbolism

• Definition: The use of objects within the film to represent larger concepts or themes.

• Purpose: Symbolic objects can add layers of meaning, subtly conveying messages and enhancing the documentary’s depth.