Observational Mode Case Study

Observational Mode Case Study

Definition

Observational mode helps the film maker engage with the subject of the documentary and with the audience. The film maker gives the impression that the camera isn’t there so that the subject acts naturally and behaves as they normally would.

The Great 5 Year Old Cake Off - The Secret Life of 5 Year Olds

This youtube video clip is about 5 year old children, showing how they would act when a specific day to day real life situation faces them. The observational meaning and mode fits this video precisely, this is because if the camera were obvious and the children were aware of the cameras, they would of not acted naturally to the situation. Therefore, that's why i think this documentary is good because the cameras are hidden and are given a activity to do and leaving them in a room for all of them to speak and let their thoughts and feelings naturally come out without it being influenced. Also, there are behaviour and mental professionals observing them to analyse their actions and thoughts. The camera techniques used in this are close ups to zoom into the childrens expressions and capture their reactions when coming across activities. And also transfering into different shots (shot reverse shot) around the room to different groups of children and get their reactions also. The documentary also uses a bit of participatory mode as cutter ways from the action and asking the children questions related to the activities to get their feelings and thoughts on it.