Mind map
Features of a documentary

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Features of a documentary
5 Central Elements
- Interviews
- TV documentaries use interviews to make a contrast between observation sequences. Interviews can be either completely un-interrupted, or they can be in fragments, could be split and observations are put between the interview, reconstruction or image of the conversation the interviewee is talking about.
- Observation
- Putting the audience in a role of an eye witness. Where the programme makers pretend the camera is on scene.
- Dramatisation
- Sequences are dramatised, to portray people and events the film maker cannot gain access to in real life, e.g. reconstruction.
- Mise en scene
- Setting the directors and producers use, the documentary makers carefully construct the shot, using lighting and props for example in interviews.
- Exposition
- The argument within the documentary, what the documentary is saying. Sequences can be used to allow the audience to make their own conclusion.
- Interviews
