This document defines observational documentaries as productions where the producer follows and observes subjects without interviews or voiceovers. It provides examples of observational documentaries like 16 and Pregnant, which follows pregnant teenagers without interviews, and Teen Cribs, which tours wealthy teenagers' homes while they discuss it. Both shows are classified as observational documentaries because they simply observe and follow their subjects without traditional interviews.

1. Observational
Documentary

2. Definition of Observational Documentary
 The documentary producer follows behind the person to view the events that
are occurring in their lives
 Hand held cameras are usually used
 No interviews or voice over included in the production
 Long takes are more regular

3. 16 and Pregnant
 This is a documentary styled TV programme that follows the lives of pregnant
teenage mums and how they deal with their lives throughout and after the
pregnancy
 The episodes usually begin with teenagers around the stage of being 5 months
pregnant and then it ends with the baby evidently being born.
 It is produced in the form of a documentary with an animation on a notebook
paper sheet showing highlights during each episode.

4. …
 16 and pregnant is classed as an “observational documentary” because it
follows the pregnant teenagers around and therefore observes their everyday
lives and how they cope
 There aren’t any interviews in the programme, however the girls do discuss
what they are doing, and how it makes them feel

5. Techniques
 Editing- post production editing using a notebook style format is used to
emphasise the main parts of the series and it also makes it far more
interesting visually for the viewers
 Sound- music helps to entice the viewer
 Camera Shots- A variety of shots are used especially long shots

6. MTV’s Teen Cribs
 This is a reality documentary programme originally airing on MTV. The basis of
the show features tours of all of their houses, of the wealthy teenagers and
their families.
 Before it was Teen Cribs it was just MTV Cribs, which featured the very big
houses of really rich celebrities

7. …
 This famous show is classed as an observational documentary because it
follows teenagers around the house. The camera focuses on all of the
expensive items in the house, both inside and out
 Interviews aren’t included in the programme but both the teenagers and their
parents talk about the house on air whilst they are doing the aforementioned
tour

8. Observational Documentary examples-
 16 and Pregnant
 Teen Mum
 MTV’s Teen Cribs
 Big Brother