Rick Altman's Theory

A theory developed by Rick Altman suggests that audiences can identify a particular genre through two different elements. These two are called semantic and syntactic elements.
Semantic elements are physical objects the can be seen by audiences that automatically represent or indicate that the media product is of a certain genre. For example, a gun placed on the table may signify that the media product is under the action genre, or if there is blood shown somewhere, it could convey the media text as one under the horror genre. Semantic feature are often considered "obvious" indictions for genres. The same features are present in documentaries, and certain codes can help illustrate sub-genres. For my particular documentary, visual content of musical instruments or a mixing desk will help the audience to establish that the sub genre for my documentary is music.

On the other hand, syntactic elements are less obvious, and they often represent feeling, themes and emotion that aren't so clear to establish.  Feelings such as anger, love or hate are considered syntactic elements, and these are processes that audiences could could feel and understand. Portraying emotional themes may be harder to show as they aren't physical things that can be seen or touched, therefore it can be harder to notice. Directors commonly communicate syntactic elements through the use of actions within characters. E.g, if love is try to be represented, the colour red may be ever present, many affectionate actions may be done and the dialogue between characters may be tailored to communicating love.

In documentaries, semantic codes are easier to find than syntactic Just like regular films, documentaries often show certain objects or places that are associated with the genre of the documentary. In many wildlife documentaries, majority of the shot and scene contain some sort of animal within the shots. Consistently showing wildlife makes it obvious that they are the subjects of the documentary and that audiences should focus on them. Semantic elements are often easy to find in documentaries due to the fact that the semantic codes that are being portrayed are always the main theme of the documentary, therefore most shots, dialogue, music and features are built around that one theme.

In my documentary, there will be many semantic and syntactic elements to illustrate themes. Of course the genre of my documentary is music therefore, the main theme is be musical talent and passion. There will be many scenes of performances, rehearsal and music development,as well musical equipment such as microphones, instruments, mixing desks and headphones. These will alum be objects that clearly categorise my media text in the music documentary. Syntactic elements will also be used to demonstrate themes and emotions to the audience Determination, hard work and talent will be themes that I will try to present tithe audience, and I will try to do so by showing the subjects of my documentary in the studios late at night, as well as rehearsing regularly on a day to day basis.