Codes and conventions of documentaries

Codes and conventions of documentaries

• 1.
  Codes and Conventions ofDocumentaries By Callum Garnett
• 2.
  SpellBound,2002  Target Audience– 10 years– adults. Americans who appreciate the English language.  Market research – The documentary was originally shown at a wide selection of film festivals, in an attempt to widen the possible consumer market. It has since been broadcast on several channels in: USA, Canada and UK.  Codes and Conventions – Direct mode of address, indirect mode of address, Reflexive/objective documentary mode, inset titles, narrative devices: Newspapers and News Reports, Expert/past contestant interviews.
• 3.
  Andy McNab’s Tourof Duty  Target Audience – Most predominantly British adults who have either directly been involved in military conflict or indirectly involved (relatives). Also aimed at youth looking to join the army – notable references about ‘brothers in arms’.  Market Research – Being shown and advertised on Sky, a channel which is advertised on all media forms: Internet, TV and newspapers.  Codes and Conventions – Direct and indirect mode of address, Voice of god is more common to associate with the viewers, inset titles.
• 4.
  Night Mail, 1936 Target audience – The demoralised British public, post- war, mostly adults but aimed at entire British population.  Market research – Commercially supported by the Post Office, a nationally respected industry.  Codes and conventions – Indirect mode of address throughout although little amounts of vocabulary other than the voice of god, Poetic mode, emphasis on rhythm of train throughout.
• 5.
  David Attenborough: PlanetEarth  Target audience – Mostly aimed at older audiences, due to the subject matter often being considered ‘boring or outdated’ by the youth, however certain educational subjects may require information, thus in certain instances a younger audience may observe.  Codes and Conventions – Expository mode, direct mode of address, Voice of god, events seem observed and un- tampered with, observation, naturalistic sound to emphasise nature.
• 6.
  Dynamo – Magicianimpossible  Target audience – The show attempts to associate with the teenage market, by using star vehicles such as Tinie Tempah, which is commonly associated with recent youth culture.  Market research – incorporates localised areas and vocabulary  Codes and Conventions – Participatory mode, he himself documents and appears in the entirety of the film, possibly staged events, direct/in direct mode of address, inset titles, common sounding documenter – not necessarily voice of god but more relatable.