Documentary Genre Conventions

 Doc Series Genre Conventions/ Tips:

Because of my earlier documentary project, I already have a lot of notes on genre conventions and the basic necessities in a documentary, some of which include:

• demonstrate "slice of life" (what do story or focused, life representation do you want to tell)
• subgenres to choose from (probably will be biographical or making of)
• hand held camera (realism)
• interviews
• archived footage
• established POV/ Bias
• B-roll
• Direct/indirect interview

But, for this research post, I want to investigate ways to attract audiences in documentaries, so I have different approaches/tools to use when making this FIVE MINUTE documentary excerpt. 

HOW TO ATTRACT AUDIENCE QUICKLY?

 used this video.

Beginning DOC

Something to hook audience in first 30- 60 sec, reveal a bit of story & include hook (make relevant

 to subject chosen and your audience)

• have the interviewee in a familiar place of there's/ new setting for audience
• do cool staged b-roll under narration (interview sound, NARRATION VOICE IS RELATABLE TO AUDIENCE, creatives make what they will resonate with)

MIDDLE DOC:

Pacing is important, reveal interviewee information, or on subject matter (history, learn about them) AND (bring in conflict)

END DOC:

Resolution of doc/film (but don't make too structured/strictly formatted, play with doc questions and let answers somewhat guide you)

Overview:

Overall, this helped me get ideas of what to include in the first 5 mns of documentary and is helping me decide if I should make the doc in the middle of doc or the beginning. I also want to watch these two videos regarding cinematography, which I will cover in my next blog!

(Luc Forsyth and Studio Binder)