Narrative Structure of Documentaries

An Open Narrative Structure: Questions left unanswered at the end of the documentary. The audience is left to make their own minds up about said issue. e.g assisted suicide, abortion

Or

Closed: No loose ends, everything is tied up at the end of the documentary, there is a definate ending. e.g 9/11 documentaries.


Linear: The programme is in chronological order (order of time/ events)

Or


Non Linear: When there is no chronological order time is disrupted in some way, e.g flashback.


Single Strand: Most Documentaries- There is only one narrative thread (storyline), e.g poilce drama.

Or


Multi Strand:More than one thread, threads may overlap. Central Theme within a theme.


Circular Narrative Structure: At the start a question is poised and the narrative explores the question and returns to it in the end, e.g assisted suicide- explore both sides.


Linear and Non Linear
Open and Closed
Single and Multi
Circular
They cannot mix together. 




Television is a visual medium- The programme needs to be visually stimulating and maintain audience interest.

Archive Material: This would include stock footage depending what the structure is called. Imagine it like a library. This could be historical footage, extracts from other media, films, radio, newspapers- a variety of archive material.

Interviews: The most important part of any documentary. Can be held anywhere but the mis-en-scene is important in relating the interviews to the topic, e.g scientist. The background of an interview is important.

Vaux Pop: The voice of the people. Ask one question to alot of people then choose the most interesting answers for use within the programme. It can be a good cross-section of the audience, reflecting aimed audience.

Voice Over: Can effect/alter meaning. It anchors the meaning of the visual. The Voiceover acts as glue holding the narrative together.

Gatekeeping: The selection and rejection of information. Works as a editor.

Construction of Reality: By editing and gatekeeping, media producers create an artificial picture of reality.