Features of a documentary

Features of a documentary

1. 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.

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