The document outlines five main elements of documentaries: interviews, which are used to contrast observation sequences and can be uninterrupted or intercut; observation, which puts the audience in the role of an eyewitness; dramatization, which reconstructs events the filmmaker cannot access; mise-en-scene, which are carefully constructed shots using props and lighting; and exposition, which is the argument and message the documentary aims to convey through allowing audiences to make their own conclusions.

1. Features of a documentary.
Charli Williams
There are five main elements to a documentary...

2. Interviews: (Main Feature)
TV documentaries use interviews to make a contrast
between observation sequences. Interviews can
either be completely uninterrupted or they can be
intercut fragments.

3. Observation:
This is putting the audience in a role of an
eye witness. Also, it is where the
programme makers pretend that camera is
on scene.

4. Dramatisation:
Sometimes sequences are dramatised to
portray people and events, the film maker
cannot gain access to in real like
(reconstruction).

5. Mise-En-Scene:
The setting that the directors and producers use
in the frame, the documentary makers carefully
construct the shot using props and lighting, e.g. -
interviews.

6. Exposition:
The argument in the documentary, and what
the documentary is trying to say. Sequences
can be used to allow the audience to make
their own conclusions.