Observational Documentary

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

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.

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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

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

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

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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

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