Conventions Of a Documentary.

Rule Of Thirds.

The rule of thirds is a 'Rule of Thumb/guideline' which applies to the process of composing images, videos and paintings. This means that the visual image should be imagined as being divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.

In a documentary, the interviewees eyes should be placed on the top horizontal line, and the left or right vertical line; facing into the empty area.

Interviews
An interview is where the documentary asks real people (Scientist, Workers, Etc..) about the subject matter of the documentary, for explanations and evidence.

Archival Footage and Photographs
Archival materials include old photographs, newsreel footage, and even shots from fiction films. Archive material can be from anything that relates to your documentary subject matter.

Talking Heads
Talking heads are people interviewed to provide an explanation or comment on the text’s subject. These people usually are shown in their work place (sometimes with objects and extra scenery to reflect their occupation) or in their homes. 

Voice over Narration (voice of god)
Voice over narration occurs when a non-diegetic voice is heard over videos and archive footage without a source of sound. In other words we hear the voice speak but we can't see the speaker utter the words. The voice of god narration is there to explain about certain videos/archive footage and/or information about the documentary that the viewer may not understand.

Re-enactments
A re-enactment stages real events that already have occurred. This is used because footage or evidence of the events were not recorded. These sometimes feature the people who were in the events, or actors who fill their

Themes/Music/Graphics
These are what are used to set the scene and feel of the documentary. For example a documentary about Ghosts/Supernatural occurrences, will include scary music.