Documentary Practice

These are all aspects of what we can include in our documentary when we go and film it for semester 2. They are not all compulsory as including all them can actually have a negative effect on the film. But what we must recognise is which ones are firstly possible for us to achieve and if possible would it work and be necessary for our documentary.

• Exposition
• Voice-over
• Interviews
• Archival footage
• Reconstructions
• Montage

Documentary Techniques

Direct Interview technique - We see subject talking on camera, and we see and hear the interviewer asking questions in the same shot.

Indirect Interview technique - We see subject talking on camera, but we don't see or hear the interviewer asking questions in the same shot; this gives the impression of the character speaking directly to the viewer.

Voiceover narration - In one case, we hear a character speaking about some issue/problem/conflict, and we may or may not see that person engaged in some action on the screen at the same time; gives impression of audience overhearing the character reveal thoughts and feelings / in another case, the voiceover is done by a narrator who comments on action.

Direct narration - We see and hear the narrator of the film as the narration is presented; suggests an intimacy between narrator and audience. This form of narration can be very biases reflecting what the speak wants you to hear and think.

Graphics - Use of titles or other written information displayed on the screen; often used in Ken Burns' documentaries to suggest divisions of the film.

Music or sound - Within scenes or through scenes, to complement visual images; sound track, themes, montage-music, all  very to aid the visuals of the film.

Camera Framing

Camera movement - Tracking shots left or right, up or down, panning, lens movement in or out.

Symbolic placement of objects within the frame - An object in the foreground comments on background objects; when characters are placed on the center vs. edges or top vs. bottom of the frame, different interpretations are possible.

Type of shot - Interpretations vary depending upon type of shot: extreme long shot, long shot, medium shot, close-up, extreme close-up.

Ofcom rules and regulations

Below is a selection of Ofcom rules and regulations that will be specific to our documentary ‘May Contain Heroes’. As a documentary that is based around people who will be in public and on the streets trying to stop criminal offences there is medium to high chances that there be some sort of violence, offensive language and law breaking. As we are to follow the ethnic codes just like all other documentary’s that are shown to the public if they be on Television or at a festival.

3.1 Material likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder must not be included in television or radio services.

3.2 Descriptions or demonstrations of criminal techniques which contain essential details which could enable the commission of crime must not be broadcast unless editorially justified.

3.6 Broadcasters must use their best endeavours so as not to broadcast material that could endanger lives or prejudice the success of attempts to deal with a hijack or kidnapping.

Violence, dangerous behaviour, and suicide

2.4 Programmes must not include material (whether in individual programmes or in programmes taken together) which, taking into account the context, condones or glamorises violent, dangerous or seriously antisocial behaviour and is likely to encourage others to copy such behaviour. (See Rules 1.11 to 1.13 in Section One: Protecting the Under-Eighteens.)

Generally Accepted Standards

2.1 Generally accepted standards must be applied to the contents of television and radio services so as to provide adequate protection for members of the public from the inclusion in such services of harmful and/or offensive material.

2.2 Factual programmes or items or portrayals of factual matters must not materially mislead the audience.(Note to Rule 2.2: News is regulated under Section Five of the Code.)

2.3 In applying generally accepted standards broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context (see meaning of "context" below). Such material may include, but is not limited to, offensive language, violence, sex, sexual violence, humiliation, distress, violation of human dignity, discriminatory treatment or language (for example on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race, religion, beliefs and sexual orientation). Appropriate information should also be broadcast where it would assist in avoiding or minimising offence.

7.1 Broadcasters must avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes

7.3 Where a person is invited to make a contribution to a programme (except when the subject matter is trivial or their participation minor) they should normally, at an appropriate stage:

•          be told the nature and purpose of the programme, what the programme is about and be given a clear explanation of why they were asked to contribute and when (if known) and where it is likely to be first broadcast;
•          be told what kind of contribution they are expected to make, for example live, pre-recorded, interview, discussion, edited, unedited, etc.;
•          be informed about the areas of questioning and, wherever possible, the nature of other likely contributions;
•          be made aware of any significant changes to the programme as it develops which might reasonably affect their original consent to participate, and which might cause material unfairness;
•          be told the nature of their contractual rights and obligations and those of the programme maker and broadcaster in relation to their contribution; and
•          be given clear information, if offered an opportunity to preview the programme, about whether they will be able to effect any changes to it.

7.14 Broadcasters or programme makers should not normally obtain or seek information, audio, pictures or an agreement to contribute through misrepresentation or deception. (Deception includes surreptitious filming or recording.)

8.1 Any infringement of privacy in programmes, or in connection with obtaining material included in programmes, must be warranted.

8.2 Information which discloses the location of a person's home or family should not be revealed without permission, unless it is warranted.

8.3 When people are caught up in events which are covered by the news they still have a right to privacy in both the making and the broadcast of a programme, unless it is warranted to infringe it. This applies both to the time when these events are taking place and to any later programmes that revisit those events.

8.4 Broadcasters should ensure that words, images or actions filmed or recorded in, or broadcast from, a public place, are not so private that prior consent is required before broadcast from the individual or organisation concerned, unless broadcasting without their consent is warranted.

8.16 Broadcasters should not take or broadcast footage or audio of people caught up in emergencies, victims of accidents or those suffering a personal tragedy, even in a public place, where that results in an infringement of privacy, unless it is warranted or the people concerned have given consent.

Copyright

The law gives the creators of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, sound recordings, broadcasts, films and typographical arrangement of published editions, rights to control the ways in which their material may be used. The rights covered; broadcast and public performance, copying, adapting, issuing, renting and lending copies to the public. In many cases, the creator will also have the right to be identified as the author and to object to distortions of his work. International conventions give protection in most countries, subject to national laws.

It is an offence to perform any of the following acts without the consent of the owner:

Copy the work.

Rent, lend or issue copies of the work to the public.

Perform, broadcast or show the work in public.

Adapt the work.

The author of a work, or a director of a film may also have certain moral rights:

The right to be identified as the author.

Right to object to derogatory treatment

Winchester University

Off-site activities are those which take place outside the main campus of the University and when staff and students are engaged on official University business. In order to comply with current legislation, the University requires an assessment of the risk factor to be undertaken by the organiser, before any off-site activity is commenced. It is the responsibility of the Dean of Faculty/Head of Professional Services Department to ensure course organisers are competent and trained to undertake the organisation of off-site activities, risk assessment and to be responsible for the safety of participants.

The University has employer liability and public liability insurance. These policies cover off-site activity in the UK and in all other European Union countries. Please check with the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic)’s Office for clarification if the activity is to take place outside the European Union.

The University’s insurance cover does not include personal insurance for its staff or students. That is the responsibility of the individual.

Off-site activities are classified as low, medium or high risk?
‘May Contain Heroes’ - Medium to High