Features of Documentaries

John corner - University of Liverpool said there are 5 central elements of the documentary genre.

Observation:

The programme makers pretend that the camera is unseen or ignored by the people taking part in the events, the audience is positioned as an eye witness.

Interview:

Most important aspect, people give opinions and information throughout. They use actuality footage. Documentary relies on this aspect.

Dramatisation:
All documentaries use a sense of drama through the observation element or dramatic reconstruction.

Mise-en-scene:

(Put in the picture) Documentary makers carefully construct shots.

Exposition:
The line of argument in a documentary. It is what the documentary is 'saying'.