Codes & Conventions of Factual TV Programming

Docu- Drama 

This is a film or TV programme in which events based on real fact have been dramatised for effect.
Coach Carter is a movie based on real events in Richmond college. At (9:00) we see Coah Carter meeting the team for the first time, which does not go that well. The premise for the film is about Coach Carter turning the team around, into students with good grades, staying of the streets of a rough neighbourhood, and trying to win the play offs. The film as a drama does maintain a high emotional level for the audience, we see the struggles at the start and then the big turn around to eventually reach the game. But as we invest much of our time in to certain characters not everything goes as smoothly which is perhaps better and more complex for the audience.
Another convention of this docudrama would be the suspense and climatic ending that it has. At (51:35) we start to see the players become a real team as they all help out one of the characters finish the fitness punishment that he failed to complete in the right time. Whilst this would set up the big ending there are still some tense parts to come before hand. From an audience perspective, we find joy in the team coming together we feel like the time we have invested in the film so far has been worthwhile as this proves to be a definitive point in the film.
We further see a more extended montage at (55:35) here we see some highlights from the games they win and some of training as well. The montage acts as a way of moving time forward in the film, they can show the audience the most important bits but swiftly move of to get to the scenes that carry a larger importance. For the audience the montage acts as a chance to see the teams cohesion growing, and not have to sit through another hour of matches and trying, the day to day things that don't matter to the resulting plot line.

Docu Soap

Docu- soaps tend to be a TV documentary series where peoples lives are filmed and presented as entertainment or drama.
The premise for this docu soap enters the lives of a cake shop in Baltimore USA, that construct these extreme cakes for special events or weddings etc. Perhaps what makes this programme so interesting is the fact that its so extreme, whilst anyone could have a show just baking cakes this premise is bigger, crazier, more extreme. At (15:26) which denotes the end product of a cake they have been working on all episode. Its 4 tiers, with a women standing on top, with pearls curling all around it as well. The concept of this show really unfolds when the audience can see that this is a standard cake for them, its wasnt even a big project and perhaps thats the defining factor for this show. The audience can appreciate the art that goes into some of these cakes but are excited by the big reveal at the end of programme.
The show also contains an opening montage to their show, which we can see from (0:00-0:20) this is a package of short highlights from the whole episode, which are designed to really grip the audience from the start. The process of this show is somewhat lengthy as it does show the whole creation of the cake until the big reveal. But the opening montage just gives the audience a little taster of what is to come so that they stay and keep watching.
One other convention of this show would be the interviews that it has running throughout. The interviews are a constant feature that talk about the cake they made and the struggles as well as the outcome of the cake/week at the store. At (1:43) we see an interview where she talks about what they are going to make and what one of their projects will be for the week. The interviews act as a way to narrate the show which is key for the show to make sense. From an audience perspective they need the interview to understand whats happening in the rest of the programme, for the whole show they need the interviews to bring everything together.

Infotainment

Infotainment are typically information based which includes entertainment content to enhance the popularity for the audiences.
Whilst the fifth gear presenters arent exactly professionals they are enthusiast and thus experts. They know everything about the car they are testing and compile these film packages to show the audience everything there is to know about the car. At (1:45) we see the presenter testing 2 audi TT's with different gear boxes, she races them around the track whilst presenting facts about each car. Vicki Butler-Henderson, before presenting she used to be a race car driver, so she can use her expertise throughout to entertain and educate.
Another convention of Fifth Gear is their presentation of facts, they use the film packages to throw loads of quick fire facts directly at the audience. At (23:05) we see how the film VT starts of with a series of different angled shots to make the car look good, whilst Tiff gives us some background information and facts about the car. At (24:29) Tiff talks about the feel of the car and the facts about the car, we are bombarded with lots of different information, which becomes more controversial as its sometimes hard to take everything in. Most of the time the delivery is fine but at times it seems more disjointed and harder to follow.
Lastly at the start of the programme we see the camera in a hand held position. At (1:12) the camera frames the presenters on the right hand side, it then cuts to a close up of the presenter and slightly zooms half way through her speaking. The camera language seems a little amateur, and the audience defiantly notice that something seems a little wrong. It doesn't flow, and makes the audience wonder why they decided to make this decision.

Reality TV

Reality TV is largely over dramatised or comical events that typically use ordinary people instead of actors. Occasionally a contest or a prize could be won in some programmes.
During this show, Masterchef junior, we see the use of 3 experts throughout the programme. At (12:50) we see the 3 experts/professional chefs talking about how the number of ingredients has impacted the contestants chances of making a good dish. From an audience perspective we see that the show is more structured and professional by having some high profile chefs on the show eg, Gordan Ramsey.
Another convention of this programme would be the music, this is designed to create a real atmosphere for the show and gather some intensity during certain segments. At (1:44) we hear this very melodramatic fast paced music, which happens at the start of the challenge. The music at this stage although its not has serious as later on still create this excitement for the audience as the challenge is about to start. At (18:19) where there is only 2 minutes left of the challenge the music intensifies greatly, now the music becomes louder, faster, and more intimidating. This allows the atmosphere  and the pressure to build and build, which in turn grabs the audience and leaves them on the edge of their seat awaiting the big climax.
Perhaps during the show there are certain points of view and some bias. At (19:08) we see one contestant bring her dish up for the judges. She stays on screen for around 2:40 seconds, which is a considerable amount of time. In comparison to another contestant that only received 40 seconds on screen. Perhaps they simply wanted to move the show along quicker but the imbalance of screen time for certain contestants leaves some viewers wondering why they don't all get an equal amount of time.

Educational TV

Educational TV's main purpose is to solely educate its audience, it can either become part of a series or they become a distance study. Educational TV will generally come from the Open university however most children's programmes will be educational.
Although Seasame Street is a more older programme its sound quality was not the best. At (0:57) we hear elmo speaking as well as the the sound effects coming from the door and eventually the penguins that come in. The sound perhaps is too loud and peaks at times, which for an older audience watching this show back becomes distracting. Of course for the target audience it is not a problem, but overall it does make the show seem low budget.
In terms of the programme as a premise and its presentation of facts it does it in a very fun light hearted way. At (6:10) we see Elmo asking to count the sliding penguins with him as they  come in to frame. This example connotes how the show and Elmo engages the audience to learn, which is the main purpose of the show. Sesame Street was able to teach the kids in a way that didn't seem like learning for them, which encapsulates the main aim of the programme.
Perhaps though the editing structure is more disjointed at times, at (1:30) the camera cuts between some real life footage of penguins and children learning about them with some very tacky music that plays throughout. As the programme cuts back and fourth it perhaps looses track and doesn't seem to have a main focus, as to what it wants to achieve.

Wildlife Documentary

Wildlife documentaries typically contain any non human living species, varying for animals or plants and the environment.
One convention of this Wildlife Documentary would be the voice over by David Attenborough. At (0:30) we hear him talking about the fish and the ocean, whilst seeing some underwater visuals. David Attenborough has this calm tone of voice whilst maintain a certain complexity in his language, something that not every viewer likes but for David its widely accepted. The audience are almost comforted by his voice, as he has such a presence and profile that we know how passionate he is about the wildlife and environment. The audience trust what he says is truthful and his description of certain fish whilst is complex still carries a certain relaxed awe about it (1:29).
Another convention of this documentary is the music, whilst there is background music that runs throughout, at (0:31) we hear the calming wind instruments coupled with the voice over. But at (1:36) there is a distinctive change in the music, it seems to get louder and more intense, this is because the scene has now changed. From an audience perspective the the music complements the visuals and voice over, it creates the atmosphere and engages the audience, the music subtly controls the emotion and intensity of the scene.
A third convention would be the presentation of facts, which happens through the voice over and can only be done well through David Attenboroughs voice. At (2:47) we hear him talking about the sharks and where they come from, in how many numbers and why. The presentation of these facts comes in a more natural way, its in typical Attenborough fashion and as the audience we believe the facts so much because of the respect we have for him. All 3 conventions are very dependent on each other and if they are produced well then we have a successful wild life documentary.

Special interest Documentary

Special interest documentary typically is a documentary that is very traditional, and carries a very niche audience.
Through this segment of this programme we see a more technical convention in a hand held camera. Whilst most of this segment contains a hand held camera we see it more specifically at (0:10.) The scene denotes James May presenting this next segment of the show, he further walks past the camera which tracks him from behind. We can notice that the camera is hand held as it does shake because the cameraman has to move back to frame James May. Whilst this is not a major issue for the audience it does make the programme feel more cheap and low budget. It raises the question as to why they didn't use more equipment eg, tripod. to make the shot seem more stable.
An interesting thing about this programme is its premise. This show, presented by James May, takes some of out most loved toys and uses them on a large scale. At (0:17) we see a high angle shot which gives us a more overview of the build, which is to make a full size LEGO house. As we move further into the video we can see at (0:59) a more close up shot of the walls that they have built. For the audience this show perhaps brings back a sense off nostalgia as adults can relate to when they used to play with these toys. Much like Ace of Cakes this show takes something and puts it on a much larger scale, which is supposed to be better.
Perhaps another convention of this programme is the presenter himself, James May. The nature of his character allows him to have this more dry humor which the audience are allowed to laugh at. At (1:10) we hear this humor by James saying, 'and if it was you who did this, i hate you.' Which for an audience we find funny because the joke is quite dry.

Make over show

A Make over show is generally a more reality TV based programme, it uses members of the public to transform or change their lives in one way or another.
This programme starts with an opening montage which ends at (1:09) here we see a sequence of short clips from the whole series which some of them will be from, 'tonight's programme' they create excitement for the audience as they only convey the best bits. This opening montage is allowed to show some of the crazy mistakes people want covered up and some of the big reveals, however this does not ruin the show because the audience need the full story. This montage just gives an audience a taster of whats to come, and whilst it perhaps is very long it does create this more melodrama surrounding some of the people.
Another convention of this programme in particular is the editing style that Tattoo Fixers uses. At (1:22) we have this short scene surrounding a weird topic/conversation, perhaps to make the next scene seem more natural. Following from this at (1:40) we have the, 'customer' come in and tell their story, to which it has this made up cut scene of the story. What perhaps makes this show successful is the fact that they have so many segments, that they can constantly switch to and use, that the production of this show is relatively different each time. This would in turn make the show more entertaining then many of the other make over shows.
Following an interesting editing style by this show, they also use a hand held camera in some places. At (5:45) we see the camera being held as she shows them the drawing, there is a further camera also handheld which shows the customers reaction as well as one on the Tattoo artist. The use of handheld cameras during this scene is too allow the scene to follow better and perhaps seem more natural. Whilst at times it could look less professional it does allow for a more free flowing scene.

Discussion show

A discussion show is a conversation between experts/professionals with a live audience based on a specific theme/topic.
This show heavily relies on its experts, the whole premise of the show is to allow an audience, the public, to pose questions to the experts. At (1:17) we see a question about education and grammar schools asked, Anna Soubry the conservative former business minster, answers the question first. For the audience the use of experts are supposed to provide comfort as a more positive debate over a question should happen. However, in reality the experts use this time to perhaps doge certain questions and pass blame on to other political parties.
Perhaps in connection with the experts, should be the presentation of facts, at (17:20) we see Alstair Campbell talk about the percentage of pupils that have free school meals, 3% of pupils have free school meals. This is compared to 15 % of pupils in state schools who have free school meals. Perhaps for the viewer for the experts to have facts and figures like this gives a comforting sense to know that the experts know what they are talking about. Whilst in this instance the facts was used in a more positive way there are some cases where they are used to blame other parties.
One convention that is key for the this programme to function is the live audience themseleves. Whilst they pose the questions to the experts which can be seen at (1:08.) Here someone from the audience starts the whole debate by asking if grammar schools are the answer. However, this is not the only role that the audience have in this programme, at (7:58) we see someone from the audience ask why struggling state schools do not have more money injected in to them. As a viewer of the show, it provides a sense of meaning to have our thoughts and concerned voiced, and heard by the experts the show.

Review show

A review programme is a whole TV show which is dedicated to reviewing a certain subject or a single product.
Gamer.TV is an example of a review show as for the duration of the programme, it reviews the most recent games that have either been released or are due to be released. It runs for 24 mins, exhibiting game play of the game being talked about whilst also sometimes talking to developers of the game. At (0:28) we see one of the producers of the game, 'Crash Bandicoot' talk about the new innovations that we will see in the new game, whilst also seeing the relevant game play. The interview allows information to be brought to the audience in a more objective way because the source is more reliable to the audience, as opposed to hearing the information from the presenter. It further creates a definitive structure and segment for the show. Gamer.TV can start with this interview and then move on to a more opinion based segment, thus an actual review of the game.
However through this segment of the show and the through the interview there is a poor sound quality for a TV programme. At (0:53) whilst the producer is talking about how Crash can take control of the enemy, we can easily hear a lot of background noise as he speaks. This perhaps is coupled with the poor editing choices as to when they cut from the game play to the interview.
 It seems a little disjointed as at (1:20) the audience is watching relevant game play, but ass he moves on to talk about another feature, the game play does not follow and it subsequently just cuts to the interview. The little disjointedness of the structure of the show does not allow for a free flowing segment
Furthermore, to be a review show there must be a point of view or a bias, equally the show could be completly neutral and leave the audience to decide on how good the product will be. This show does leave the audience to decide it presents all the facts and inclusdes interviews but ultimately doesnt come to any conclusion, instead it leaves the audience to do that. Whilst this segment only covers an interview of the game, at (3:27) the presenter sums up the whole game including saying, 'tactics exclusive to the wii' this allows the show to be completely neutral.

Chat show

A studio based programme in which celebrities or the public talk about their lives, issues, or new releases.
One thing in a chat show that is key is the presenter, in this instance we have Ellen. The chat show is perhaps mainly based on how good the presenter can make these interviews and any other segments to the show. At (0:50) we see Ellen start to interview Chance the Rapper and really talk about what & why he is doing some things. Perhaps what separates Ellen from many other presenters is not only her kindness but her humor as well. At (1:55) whilst they are having a more serious conversation, Ellen is able to keep the atmosphere very light and moves on to talk about a more fun, anecdote involving both her and Chance.
The whole point of this type of chat show is the interview itself with the celebrities. This interview here is a more conventional one that the viewer would see on an episode of Ellen. At (0:48) we see the beginning of the interview, allowing Chance to talk about why he hasn't signed for a label and what he's trying to do. Ellen is able to use many of her experiences outside of the show to relate back to the celebrity (1:50), by using anecdotes in the interview it makes the audience feel like the interview is more intimate and more natural. The interview emulates the TV programme of a, 'chat show' by Ellen using the anecdotes.
Perhaps with the Ellen show there is a certain bias point, because whatever a celebrity is talking about the atmosphere and feel of the show has to remain light. Whilst most shows such as this one Chance talks about something he really believes in, there are other times where perhaps the celebrity talks about something wrong and Ellen still has to maintain a more superficial out look on it. At (0:55) we hear Chance talking about how he wants to set an example, which is very admirable. But this is not always the case in every episode and perhaps Ellen has to lead the audience into thinking something is alright when its not.

Magazine show

A magazine show is made up of many different elements and short features to produce a whole show. Typically a magazine show will have VT packages, experts and a make up of studio based content as well as some outside broadcasting.
Top Gear as a magazine show is perhaps very reliant on their presenters, the trio in Clarkson, Hammond and May create this childish comedy between them which perhaps makes it better then some other car magazine shows. At (2:15) we hear an anecdote being used to set the show up, but the 3 presenters talk in a more normal, unprofessional register when talking about the producers of the show. By using an informal mode of address it makes the show more natural to watch, the presenters then make the show more entertainment based and less about the cars. Whilst at times the audience may find this inappropriate, generally it does create a more relaxed atmosphere and allows the audience to escape into the show for 1 hour.
The premise of the show is very important considering that it is a magazine show. Throughout this episode there is a focus on the challenge they undertook in the form of a VT package. However at (15:11) we see another segment of the show in the news, where the presenters talk about any new concept cars or anything to do with the motoring world. We further see another different segment of the show at (32:50) which would be the, 'Star in a reasonably priced car' here we see some form of a celebrity talk about any recent things tat they have just done and then do a lap on the track. The many different segments allow for lots of different angles for entertainment. The audience enjoy watching many parts to this show, which from the BBC's perspective is good to see they have the right formula.
However, during the news segment of the programme, they do have some opinions/points of view. At (16:20) we hear Clarkson talk about the types of people that drive hybrids and now, 'normal people' can drive them too. The implication that others that aren't normal drive hybrids, whilst it is part of Clarkson's humor it can be seen as a little offensive to some of the audience.