This documentary followed the process of mummifying scientist Alan Billis after his death to study the ancient Egyptian mummification techniques. It had a linear narrative structure as it chronologically documented each step of the mummification. Interviews with scientists and historians provided context on the cultural and scientific significance of mummification. Close-up shots were used to showcase key objects like the mummy and Alan's body. Establishing shots of Egypt, Sheffield, and Torquay situated the places important to the documentary. The documentary aimed to educate viewers on mummification through recreating the historical process on Alan.

1. ‘Mummifying Alan:
Egypt’s Last Secret’
Analysis

2. Type of documentary and its themes
• This documentary was a mixed documentary
because it had a variety of content including:
interviews, observation and narration.
• The main theme of the documentary was
mummification as this is what it was focused
on.
• Other themes were also science and history
along with family values.

3. Narrative Structure
• The narrative structure of ‘Mummifying Alan’
was linear as it followed the story from the
beginning. Although Alan is shown and heard
in parts even though he is dead.
• It is a single strand narrative as it focuses on
mummification.
• It also has a closed narrative because at the
end of the programme all of the questions are
answered.

4. Cinematography
• Conventional interview set up is used for the
interviews: framing the subject to left or right
of the frame.
• Close ups are used on significant objects. For
example, close ups on Mummy’s came often
and close ups on Alan were used throughout
the documentary.
• Various shots were used on Alan including:
ariel shots, tracking shots and depth of field.

5. Cinematography
• Establishing shots of Egypt were used at the
beginning of the documentary to signify the
importance of Egypt.
• There was also establishing shots of Sheffield
and Torquay as they were significant cities in
the documentary.

6. Mise-en-scene
• The main mise-en-scene is the laboratory and its
plainness along with the science coats of the
scientists and investigators.
• As said before, there is footage filmed in Egypt
and this shows relevance to Egypt and where
mummification started and what the
documentary is about.
• Apart from these two main settings, there is
some parts of the documentary filmed in homes
and in some museums.

7. Sound
• The first piece of music used in the
documentary was Egyptian music which
proves relevance to the main themes.
• A standard English voice over is used to
illustrate what is happening.
• Vox pops are used at the start of the
programme to create enigma for the
audience.

8. Sound
• Orchestral music is often used in the
documentary to reflect on the theme of
history.
• Alan’s voice is taken from interviews in the
past and put as a voice over throughout the
documentary as well.

9. Editing
• Mainly cuts are used.
• CGI is used to show inside of Alan’s body and
the medical procedures that are not possible
to see naturally. X-ray images are also used.
• As with the sound, Alan’s voice is put as a
voice over, over images of his body.
• Fast motion is used to lapse time over
establishing shots of the cities.

10. Archive Material
• There isn’t much archive material in this
documentary apart from two things.
• Images of Stephen’s, the scientist, written
analysis of mummification is shown
highlighting certain important words.
• Also, actuality/handheld footage is taken from
a female Egyptologist who films tombs in
Egypt.

11. Graphics
• No graphics were used for interviewees or
their relevance as the narrator explains it all.
• There are no graphics to indicate time or place
either throughout the entire documentary.
• The only graphic used is the title in between
adverts.