Revision of my original pitch: https://16607candidatenumber6052.blogspot.com/2020/03/planning-pitch.html
Following revision of my pitch, my recent research as well as audience feedback, I have found a few aspects that I am going to improve on or increase, both online and in the 3 minute documentary itself.
The name of the show still remains in consideration. I have some brief ideas that I will display and discuss with my focus group, as with my feedback the audience declared my original idea as too long.
I will continue with the original narrative, and learning from generic research 1 and 2 they both had narratives moving towards a big competition, so it could be an idea to have a specific goal that the talent wants to achieve in the long run that we can portray.
The convergence between platforms holds great importance for both the audience and brief fulfilment and so must be achieved accurately.
It was reassuring that the 16-25 audience appear to be the most active online and after watching a tv show, and so it is important to make them wish to involve themselves, or feel involved with the documentary itself.
Thursday, 30 April 2020
Audience Research Summation
Audience research summation
From my research into my focus group, I was glad to see the members have some interaction with documentaries, hours watching them ranging from three hours a week to 10 hours.
The focus group appear to be willing to involve themselves if the documentary appears gripping enough for them, highlighting the importance of a gripping and interesting opening to engage them and make them wish to conduct further research.
With my research into audience behaviour, it was interesting to discover that the audience analysed appeared very interactive, with 44% interacting further, and 70% claiming to have learned something new that they later shared. The 16-25 aged audience appear to be the most likely to interact later, on sites such as twitter and instagram.
However, I also noticed within the research of the guardian into film and documentary that film has a far greater impact on society, due to bigger budgets and audiences. Although the budgeting and popularity of documentary is on the rise, it is still clear that the favourite is film. From this, it also states that the audience is more likely to turn off a documentary within the opening few minutes than a film, due to lack of interest or preferring another show. It also highlights the importance of engagement and fulfilment of the BBC's remit, to entertain, inform and educate the audience from the beginning.
From my research I have reflected and learned the importance of influencing convergence between my platforms, with both social media and the website I will have made to enable further engagement with the audience. Although my targeted audience appear to be the most interactive, I think it will still need to be accurately made to influence them to engage fully.
From my research into my focus group, I was glad to see the members have some interaction with documentaries, hours watching them ranging from three hours a week to 10 hours.
The focus group appear to be willing to involve themselves if the documentary appears gripping enough for them, highlighting the importance of a gripping and interesting opening to engage them and make them wish to conduct further research.
With my research into audience behaviour, it was interesting to discover that the audience analysed appeared very interactive, with 44% interacting further, and 70% claiming to have learned something new that they later shared. The 16-25 aged audience appear to be the most likely to interact later, on sites such as twitter and instagram.
However, I also noticed within the research of the guardian into film and documentary that film has a far greater impact on society, due to bigger budgets and audiences. Although the budgeting and popularity of documentary is on the rise, it is still clear that the favourite is film. From this, it also states that the audience is more likely to turn off a documentary within the opening few minutes than a film, due to lack of interest or preferring another show. It also highlights the importance of engagement and fulfilment of the BBC's remit, to entertain, inform and educate the audience from the beginning.
From my research I have reflected and learned the importance of influencing convergence between my platforms, with both social media and the website I will have made to enable further engagement with the audience. Although my targeted audience appear to be the most interactive, I think it will still need to be accurately made to influence them to engage fully.
Generic Research Summation
Generic research summation
Documentaries are a recording of an event, generally based on peoples perspectives and/or genuine facts.
John Grierson describes documentaries as "creative treatment of actuality", so manipulating footage into a desired representation for the audience.
Typical conventions:
Plenty of footage - a range of shot types and locations are included in documentaries.
Narrative - There appears to be a narrative, such as with generic research 1, the Harlequins had a specific training plan in the build up to their big game, and shared the ups and down of that journey with the audience too. This was similar for generic research 2 with Chris Bungard as he prepared to fight against Terry Brazier.
Interviews - Throughout all of my generic research there has been many interviews with family, friends and fellow competitors. This gives some more of a background story about the people featured, and life behind the camera of sorts. It allows the audience to learn more about the people than just their ability in sport. There is text in each interview showing their name, and connection to the team/individual
Voiceover - Although this only featured in generic research 1, voiceovers are a good way to describe or inform the audience of the documentary and what it includes.
Ben Nichols 6 modes of documentary
From analysing Ben Nichols' theory of documentary, I can see that my documentary will be a mix of participatory and observatory format.
Participatory - The audience being invited to get involved/ask questions
Observational - Allows the camera to show true meaning of the footage used, and revealing true facts.
My plan
I plan to use a mixture of voiceover as well as interview in my 3 minute documentary opening to achieve common conventions as the ones I have studied.
As mentioned in my plan I will be using a range of locations within my footage, this being the stable yard, tack room, arena and the surrounding countryside.
Within the narrative, I will use a build up to the summer season, as well as including how the talent has built himself up to this point in time.
Documentaries are a recording of an event, generally based on peoples perspectives and/or genuine facts.
John Grierson describes documentaries as "creative treatment of actuality", so manipulating footage into a desired representation for the audience.
Typical conventions:
Plenty of footage - a range of shot types and locations are included in documentaries.
Narrative - There appears to be a narrative, such as with generic research 1, the Harlequins had a specific training plan in the build up to their big game, and shared the ups and down of that journey with the audience too. This was similar for generic research 2 with Chris Bungard as he prepared to fight against Terry Brazier.
Interviews - Throughout all of my generic research there has been many interviews with family, friends and fellow competitors. This gives some more of a background story about the people featured, and life behind the camera of sorts. It allows the audience to learn more about the people than just their ability in sport. There is text in each interview showing their name, and connection to the team/individual
Voiceover - Although this only featured in generic research 1, voiceovers are a good way to describe or inform the audience of the documentary and what it includes.
Ben Nichols 6 modes of documentary
From analysing Ben Nichols' theory of documentary, I can see that my documentary will be a mix of participatory and observatory format.
Participatory - The audience being invited to get involved/ask questions
Observational - Allows the camera to show true meaning of the footage used, and revealing true facts.
My plan
I plan to use a mixture of voiceover as well as interview in my 3 minute documentary opening to achieve common conventions as the ones I have studied.
As mentioned in my plan I will be using a range of locations within my footage, this being the stable yard, tack room, arena and the surrounding countryside.
Within the narrative, I will use a build up to the summer season, as well as including how the talent has built himself up to this point in time.
Sunday, 26 April 2020
Audience Research: Focus group questions
Following my research into audience consumption, I based a few questions from this to gather ideas from my current focus group. I hope this will give me some idea as to what can be done to make sure I have the most positive outcome and that my audience will be have a preferred reading, that they will enjoy it and be more likely to engage after what they view of the 3 minute documentary, be that on social media or through the website.
1. How long do you roughly spend a month watching documentaries?
2. Have you ever felt like acting on or influenced by a documentary?
3. Are you open to trying something new from a piece of media?
4. Are you likely to conduct further engagement online following a show/documentary you have watched?
5. What is you favourite genre of documentary?
Rachel
1. Probably 1-5 hours a month.
2. After some documentaries I have researched into the topic if I found it interesting, or to find out more on the story and how it was resolved/what happened.
3. If the piece of media is persuasive and engaging I would be open to trying something new.
4. If the show is good I may possibly tweet or view other people's view on the topic on sites such as Instagram or twitter.
5. Murder documentaries seem to be my favourite, and the resolution of events.
Izzy
1. About 10 hours
2. Definitely, especially natural world type documentaries.
3. I am always up for new ideas.
4. Possibly, but mostly just discussing with my family or taking time to think about it.
5. I like to watch animation, interview and mixed documentaries.
Charlotte
1. Usually one episode a week.
2. I like to do some research if I find it gripping or a big topic, as sometimes there is more information online to look at or see more.
3. I may do, depends on what the action is in taking part.
4. I may view online social media to see other people's opinions, but usually not so much.
5. Murder documentaries
Orla
1. Usually around 3 hours
2. Yes I have felt like acting on a documentary if I learn something and want to try it.
3. Yes I would be willing to try something new if it seemed good enough.
4. Yes I generally do some more research online or view the person's account.
5. Thriller
1. How long do you roughly spend a month watching documentaries?
2. Have you ever felt like acting on or influenced by a documentary?
3. Are you open to trying something new from a piece of media?
4. Are you likely to conduct further engagement online following a show/documentary you have watched?
5. What is you favourite genre of documentary?
Rachel
1. Probably 1-5 hours a month.
2. After some documentaries I have researched into the topic if I found it interesting, or to find out more on the story and how it was resolved/what happened.
3. If the piece of media is persuasive and engaging I would be open to trying something new.
4. If the show is good I may possibly tweet or view other people's view on the topic on sites such as Instagram or twitter.
5. Murder documentaries seem to be my favourite, and the resolution of events.
Izzy
1. About 10 hours
2. Definitely, especially natural world type documentaries.
3. I am always up for new ideas.
4. Possibly, but mostly just discussing with my family or taking time to think about it.
5. I like to watch animation, interview and mixed documentaries.
Charlotte
1. Usually one episode a week.
2. I like to do some research if I find it gripping or a big topic, as sometimes there is more information online to look at or see more.
3. I may do, depends on what the action is in taking part.
4. I may view online social media to see other people's opinions, but usually not so much.
5. Murder documentaries
Orla
1. Usually around 3 hours
2. Yes I have felt like acting on a documentary if I learn something and want to try it.
3. Yes I would be willing to try something new if it seemed good enough.
4. Yes I generally do some more research online or view the person's account.
5. Thriller
Saturday, 25 April 2020
Audience research: Audience behaviour
I have viewed a few websites to gather ideas on the use of documentaries by the 16-25 age group for my 3 minute opening of a documentary.
Source 1: https://www.magellantv.com/articles/survey-of-americans-documentary-watching-habits-might-surprise-you
70% of the interviewed audience reported that they learned something new during the documentary that they later shared to people around them, and 44% interacted further with the information they learned, such as taking further research and involving themselves with the information, such as taking part.
From data collected about millennials, 57% stated that they were inspired to change their lifestyle, far more than non-millennials at 40%. Millennials appear to be more willing to accept messages from documentaries compared to other audience types.
From this information, I can view that with the correct approach to my documentary, I can engage the audience and influence them to become active, and visit the website or wish to become involved. This also will help the success of the convergence between my two forms of media, which is an important aspect of the brief. From the beginning of the documentary, it needs to be engaging and interesting in order to fulfil the information given above about audiences, as the 44% with further interaction is what I would wish to engage or make larger on percentage.
Source 2:https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/oct/06/documentaries-puma-creative-impact-award
This article by the Guardian suggests how film and cinema has a far greater impact on society compared to documentaries, even though film presents a distorted/fake reality. Film has become an ever-popular feature of everyone's lives, however may prevent the real facts reaching them like what documentaries present, but they are less likely to be watching these.
Film has become a commercial vehicle to promote brands, from cars to chewing gum, and so are much more than what narrative they present for the audience to consume. Documentaries are designed to present an idea, an issue, or information, that is real and accepted compared to a false reality of a film, and so carry greater perspective and importance compared. However, the population is far more likely to pass on a documentary that they can learn information from.
This reinforces how my documentary must be engaging from the start, as the audience is far more likely to switch off a documentary a few minutes in compared to a film. It must be ensured that facts are given in an interesting and engaging way, that will encourage a passive audience to become active.
Source 3: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-golden-age-of-documentary-filmmaking/
Dan Cogan describes the current time of documentary producing as "the golden age", with consumption of non fiction film being on the rise. Documentaries are now earning more, costing more and being shown in mainstream theatres, so engaging greater attention from audiences. Netflix is congratulated for it suggesting what audiences may also be interested in, and so the audiences being influences by their own viewing history on a documentary to watch that they will certainly be interested in.
Although the revenue between film and documentary is certainly still large, with the top scripted film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens earning $802 million more than Fahrenheit 9/11, being top documentary of the year.
The visible audience preference of film is clear, however documentaries are becoming increasingly popular and feature more on streaming services and in TV schedules. This again highlights the importance to engage my audience aged 16-25 on both social media, through the website and the documentary itself in order to be successful.
Source 1: https://www.magellantv.com/articles/survey-of-americans-documentary-watching-habits-might-surprise-you
70% of the interviewed audience reported that they learned something new during the documentary that they later shared to people around them, and 44% interacted further with the information they learned, such as taking further research and involving themselves with the information, such as taking part.
From data collected about millennials, 57% stated that they were inspired to change their lifestyle, far more than non-millennials at 40%. Millennials appear to be more willing to accept messages from documentaries compared to other audience types.
From this information, I can view that with the correct approach to my documentary, I can engage the audience and influence them to become active, and visit the website or wish to become involved. This also will help the success of the convergence between my two forms of media, which is an important aspect of the brief. From the beginning of the documentary, it needs to be engaging and interesting in order to fulfil the information given above about audiences, as the 44% with further interaction is what I would wish to engage or make larger on percentage.
Source 2:https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/oct/06/documentaries-puma-creative-impact-award
This article by the Guardian suggests how film and cinema has a far greater impact on society compared to documentaries, even though film presents a distorted/fake reality. Film has become an ever-popular feature of everyone's lives, however may prevent the real facts reaching them like what documentaries present, but they are less likely to be watching these.
Film has become a commercial vehicle to promote brands, from cars to chewing gum, and so are much more than what narrative they present for the audience to consume. Documentaries are designed to present an idea, an issue, or information, that is real and accepted compared to a false reality of a film, and so carry greater perspective and importance compared. However, the population is far more likely to pass on a documentary that they can learn information from.
This reinforces how my documentary must be engaging from the start, as the audience is far more likely to switch off a documentary a few minutes in compared to a film. It must be ensured that facts are given in an interesting and engaging way, that will encourage a passive audience to become active.
Source 3: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-golden-age-of-documentary-filmmaking/
Dan Cogan describes the current time of documentary producing as "the golden age", with consumption of non fiction film being on the rise. Documentaries are now earning more, costing more and being shown in mainstream theatres, so engaging greater attention from audiences. Netflix is congratulated for it suggesting what audiences may also be interested in, and so the audiences being influences by their own viewing history on a documentary to watch that they will certainly be interested in.
Although the revenue between film and documentary is certainly still large, with the top scripted film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens earning $802 million more than Fahrenheit 9/11, being top documentary of the year.
The visible audience preference of film is clear, however documentaries are becoming increasingly popular and feature more on streaming services and in TV schedules. This again highlights the importance to engage my audience aged 16-25 on both social media, through the website and the documentary itself in order to be successful.
Ben Nichols: 6 modes of documentary
Ben Nichols developed the idea of 6 modes/representation of documentary, that set up conventions that a given film may adopt, and then give expectations for viewers of the specific type.
1) Poetic
Poetic documentaries arrange footage in an order to evoke an audience through tone or rhythm.
2) Expository
This type of documentary constructs a specific argument or a point of view for the audience. Generally the formula is authoritative voice that tells you what the footage represents or shows.
3) Participatory
The audience are invited to participate in the documentary, and this is usually by being interviewed.
4) Observational
The producer allows the camera to show the true meaning, and capturing the subjects featured uninterrupted, in order to reveal to the audience through observation the true facts.
5) Reflexive
This feature develops the relationship between the filmmaker and the audience, rather than the filmmaker and the subject. It shows the man/woman behind the voice to the audience.
6) Performative
This type of documentary emphasises truth as relative, and favours a personal take over the objective lens of the camera.
Following reading Nichols' 6 modes of documentary, I can see that participatory and observational documentaries will be the base for my own 3 minute opening. I will be including interviews, as well as footage of behind the scenes and training .
1) Poetic
Poetic documentaries arrange footage in an order to evoke an audience through tone or rhythm.
2) Expository
This type of documentary constructs a specific argument or a point of view for the audience. Generally the formula is authoritative voice that tells you what the footage represents or shows.
3) Participatory
The audience are invited to participate in the documentary, and this is usually by being interviewed.
4) Observational
The producer allows the camera to show the true meaning, and capturing the subjects featured uninterrupted, in order to reveal to the audience through observation the true facts.
5) Reflexive
This feature develops the relationship between the filmmaker and the audience, rather than the filmmaker and the subject. It shows the man/woman behind the voice to the audience.
6) Performative
This type of documentary emphasises truth as relative, and favours a personal take over the objective lens of the camera.
Following reading Nichols' 6 modes of documentary, I can see that participatory and observational documentaries will be the base for my own 3 minute opening. I will be including interviews, as well as footage of behind the scenes and training .
Sunday, 19 April 2020
Audience Research: Focus group
Focus Group
For my focus group I tried to find a primary audience, those who will be more likely to be interested, and a secondary audience, those who may possibly be interested. My focus group will consist of all being 16-25 years old in order to fulfil the brief and have the best outcome for my documentary and website.
Name: Isobella Carolan Hall
Age: 18
Occupation: Student
Isobella is a student from Nottingham currently in her last year of a levels before she hopes to take a gap year before going to York university. She spends her free time at the stables with her horse Harry, and loves to travel to competitions to compete herself or watch the professionals.
Name: Rachel Stead
Age: 16
Occupation: Student
Rachel is a student from Chelmsford in her first year of A levels. In her free time she likes to watch sporting events online and live on TV. She aspires to run a half marathon in a few years. Rachel is open minded towards sport and is always willing to try something new.
Name: Orla Price
Age: 17
Orla is a student from Southend in her first year of A levels. Orla spends her free time boxing, doing weights and sprinting. She loves to try something new and challenging, and learning about other sports.
Name: Charlotte King
Age: 23
Charlotte is a team leader at a private hospital, and used to take part in show jumping competitions when she was younger, however does not do it currently. Charlotte hopes to become more involved in the sport and frequently reads magazines and updates provided by British showjumping.
For my focus group I tried to find a primary audience, those who will be more likely to be interested, and a secondary audience, those who may possibly be interested. My focus group will consist of all being 16-25 years old in order to fulfil the brief and have the best outcome for my documentary and website.
Name: Isobella Carolan HallAge: 18
Occupation: Student
Isobella is a student from Nottingham currently in her last year of a levels before she hopes to take a gap year before going to York university. She spends her free time at the stables with her horse Harry, and loves to travel to competitions to compete herself or watch the professionals.
Age: 16
Occupation: Student
Rachel is a student from Chelmsford in her first year of A levels. In her free time she likes to watch sporting events online and live on TV. She aspires to run a half marathon in a few years. Rachel is open minded towards sport and is always willing to try something new.
Name: Orla Price
Age: 17
Orla is a student from Southend in her first year of A levels. Orla spends her free time boxing, doing weights and sprinting. She loves to try something new and challenging, and learning about other sports.
Name: Charlotte King
Age: 23
Charlotte is a team leader at a private hospital, and used to take part in show jumping competitions when she was younger, however does not do it currently. Charlotte hopes to become more involved in the sport and frequently reads magazines and updates provided by British showjumping.
Saturday, 18 April 2020
Generic research: Textual Analysis 2
The Bad Guy
My second choice of media piece to aid the production of my own documentary is one based on the Scottish athlete Chris Bungard, and his success and training for his sport of mixed martial arts, and the buildup to his fight with Terry Brazier.
This documentary was up close and personal, showing every aspect to the talent's day, which is something that I would wish to portray to my audience.
The main aspects I highlighted as important or interesting during the documentary:
- In this documentary it is far more of a personal stance in the way that it is shown. There is no presenter, only clips put together of Bungard explaining his routines, as well as interviews with his friends, team mates, and coaches. Although this was different to the newsbeat documentary in the way of how it is presented and it worked, I will still have a presenter to fulfil the brief of having two people within my 3 minute opening.
- Mixed martial arts and its dangers is established, this is not a sport I had heard about before, and for some of my audience it will be similar to this for horse riding. It will be important that I establish a grounding of what the sport is within my opening sequences.
- The documentary analysed his opponents, which may not be as achievable as how they conducted it, as it is a much wider field in showjumping.
- There is huge amounts of behind the scenes in the documentary, from his home in Scotland, training in Ireland, and the night before the fight. This gave plenty of options for shot types in the different locations, which I would like to achieve also to make it more interesting and varied for the audience.
- Interviews made a large part of the documentary, with family, friends, and coaches. This is something achievable within my documentary, as well as online if it is unable to be placed within the 3 minute opening, as it could be an opportunity for a 'team' aspect and getting to know them.
- The documentary does not focus purely on mixed martial arts, but also swimming, running and weightlifting that Bungard took part in to ensure peak performance. This is something that may be good to include in my documentary as well as online as it could open a 'how to keep fit' for this type of sport, and Harry (my talent) giving his opinion on what is best.
Some screenshots of the opening few minutes of 'The Bad Guy':
The opening of the documentary is a series of different shots of the talent, Chris Bungard. The body language he portrays emphasises his confidence and power within the arena, and so that he is a well respected man at martial arts.
The title is clear, short and memorable, which I quite like. It features a close up sideways shot of Chris Bungard, anchoring that he is the 'bad guy' of the show, and the talent that is featured. The use of lighting highlights his face, and his lack of a smile anchors his seriousness and confidence to the audience.
The following two shots are from different fights that Bungard won. These also give an insight to the actions that take place in mixed martial arts to the audience, and the brute strength it requires.
These two shots also show Bungard as the dominant man of the competition, displaying the opponents in a weaker place and so him as a definite winner.
Here is another wide shot, this time of training. The camera looks down to the mats that Bungard and his team mates train upon. This gives an insight to what goes on behind the scenes in preparation for the ring.
This medium shot displays Bungard in 'down time', however discussing his next opponent Terry Brazier. The use of a relaxed body posture within his home despite discussing his opponent emphasises Bungard's confidence to the audience.
The documentary features many interviews with Bungard's team mates and coaches, as well as family. Both interviews with Brian Gallagher and Paul Craig are medium shots, and are used consistently throughout their interview. They discuss Bungard's success, his lifestyle, and his work ethic that makes him so successful within mixed martial arts. This is an important idea to emulate in my documentary as it gives the audience a sense of how hard sportsmen have to work in order to achieve success.
My second choice of media piece to aid the production of my own documentary is one based on the Scottish athlete Chris Bungard, and his success and training for his sport of mixed martial arts, and the buildup to his fight with Terry Brazier.
This documentary was up close and personal, showing every aspect to the talent's day, which is something that I would wish to portray to my audience.
The main aspects I highlighted as important or interesting during the documentary:
- In this documentary it is far more of a personal stance in the way that it is shown. There is no presenter, only clips put together of Bungard explaining his routines, as well as interviews with his friends, team mates, and coaches. Although this was different to the newsbeat documentary in the way of how it is presented and it worked, I will still have a presenter to fulfil the brief of having two people within my 3 minute opening.
- Mixed martial arts and its dangers is established, this is not a sport I had heard about before, and for some of my audience it will be similar to this for horse riding. It will be important that I establish a grounding of what the sport is within my opening sequences.
- The documentary analysed his opponents, which may not be as achievable as how they conducted it, as it is a much wider field in showjumping.
- There is huge amounts of behind the scenes in the documentary, from his home in Scotland, training in Ireland, and the night before the fight. This gave plenty of options for shot types in the different locations, which I would like to achieve also to make it more interesting and varied for the audience.
- Interviews made a large part of the documentary, with family, friends, and coaches. This is something achievable within my documentary, as well as online if it is unable to be placed within the 3 minute opening, as it could be an opportunity for a 'team' aspect and getting to know them.
- The documentary does not focus purely on mixed martial arts, but also swimming, running and weightlifting that Bungard took part in to ensure peak performance. This is something that may be good to include in my documentary as well as online as it could open a 'how to keep fit' for this type of sport, and Harry (my talent) giving his opinion on what is best.
Some screenshots of the opening few minutes of 'The Bad Guy':
The opening of the documentary is a series of different shots of the talent, Chris Bungard. The body language he portrays emphasises his confidence and power within the arena, and so that he is a well respected man at martial arts.
The title is clear, short and memorable, which I quite like. It features a close up sideways shot of Chris Bungard, anchoring that he is the 'bad guy' of the show, and the talent that is featured. The use of lighting highlights his face, and his lack of a smile anchors his seriousness and confidence to the audience.
These two shots also show Bungard as the dominant man of the competition, displaying the opponents in a weaker place and so him as a definite winner.
Here is another wide shot, this time of training. The camera looks down to the mats that Bungard and his team mates train upon. This gives an insight to what goes on behind the scenes in preparation for the ring.
The documentary features many interviews with Bungard's team mates and coaches, as well as family. Both interviews with Brian Gallagher and Paul Craig are medium shots, and are used consistently throughout their interview. They discuss Bungard's success, his lifestyle, and his work ethic that makes him so successful within mixed martial arts. This is an important idea to emulate in my documentary as it gives the audience a sense of how hard sportsmen have to work in order to achieve success.Monday, 13 April 2020
Generic research: Textual Analysis 1
Newsbeat Documentaries: Tries, tackles & title dreams
I have focused my 3 documentary pieces on sport in order to emulate the best possible result for my own sport documentary. It has been very interesting to watch different sports that I would have originally been interested in, such as "Tries, tackles & title reams" being for rugby fans, and this made me realise that this is what I want for the audience, that it is not only for the original fans of the sport, but wanting to engage others too for the best result.
The main aspects I highlighted as important or interesting during the documentary:
- Plenty of interviews with members of the team, coaches, other significant members.
- Lots of behind the scenes, not just the real games.
- The lady who voiced over and interviewed the team discussed the sport in general before introducing the Harlequins.
- There was a huge range of shot types that were very good to set the ideals of the team and their professionalism.
- Upcoming competition plans, what the team want to achieve in the long and short term in their individual places on the playing field.
- Showing reality, the setbacks of the sport. Injuries, recovery times.
- Other activities that the team are involved with other than rugby, their real lives apart from sport.
- Maintaining good mental health within the sport, what the teams conduct in order to keep in control with the stress of the game.
- Interesting cover of a recent scandal with the Saracens and problems within the sport that are discovered.
These are some of the screenshots I took of the opening 5 minutes.
Other games, not necessarily the Harlequins, are featured whilst presenter Eleanor Roper discusses the sport of rugby during this establishing shot.
Behind the scenes of a less competitive, and more jokey team. The use of this shot is to anchor perhaps that these professionals are not always serious and have down time also. It is good to have many shots of the team in different circumstances also.
This mid shot of player Mike Brown in an emotional speech also anchors to the audience of that the sport is difficult, and with problems such as the world cup choices of players and dreams not coming to plan have an effect on them, and this show allows a real insight into their true identity.
The title is bold and clear for the audience, something I need to make sure I emulate. Furthermore, the use of three 't's' becomes a memorable title for the show, which is important.
The following 3 varying shot types establish the hard work and training that go into the Harlequin team's success. This is important to show to the audience that there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to have the success they do.
This close up shot of warm-ups is different to the shot before as it is at night during a friendly game, and so practising is consistent and takes place at any time. I think this is an interesting idea to include, and certainly something I can emulate for my audience for showjumping as it is certainly a 24/7 lifestyle.
This shot is interesting of online articles about Saracens and the scandal that took place.. I could possibly include the idea of drugging horses/riders for better performances within the documentary, or alternatively include this on the website.
Many interviews took place within the opening 5 minutes, including Chris Robshaw, who had his hopes set on competing for England but did not make the team. It shows an insight to his reaction to not being chosen and how he wished to improve his chances for the following world cup.
Setbacks are important to show that this is not always a sport that goes to plan.
However, there are good moments of success and happiness, as they win another game and celebrate in the changing rooms, behind the scenes. Again it shows a sense of reality, that the good outweigh the bad, and that they are a hardworking team. I want to emulate this to my audience through Harry Bateman, that not all ideas go to plan, however when they do they are well celebrated and deserved through hard work and determination.
I have focused my 3 documentary pieces on sport in order to emulate the best possible result for my own sport documentary. It has been very interesting to watch different sports that I would have originally been interested in, such as "Tries, tackles & title reams" being for rugby fans, and this made me realise that this is what I want for the audience, that it is not only for the original fans of the sport, but wanting to engage others too for the best result.
The main aspects I highlighted as important or interesting during the documentary:
- Plenty of interviews with members of the team, coaches, other significant members.
- Lots of behind the scenes, not just the real games.
- The lady who voiced over and interviewed the team discussed the sport in general before introducing the Harlequins.
- There was a huge range of shot types that were very good to set the ideals of the team and their professionalism.
- Upcoming competition plans, what the team want to achieve in the long and short term in their individual places on the playing field.
- Showing reality, the setbacks of the sport. Injuries, recovery times.
- Other activities that the team are involved with other than rugby, their real lives apart from sport.
- Maintaining good mental health within the sport, what the teams conduct in order to keep in control with the stress of the game.
- Interesting cover of a recent scandal with the Saracens and problems within the sport that are discovered.
These are some of the screenshots I took of the opening 5 minutes.
Other games, not necessarily the Harlequins, are featured whilst presenter Eleanor Roper discusses the sport of rugby during this establishing shot.
Behind the scenes of a less competitive, and more jokey team. The use of this shot is to anchor perhaps that these professionals are not always serious and have down time also. It is good to have many shots of the team in different circumstances also.
The title is bold and clear for the audience, something I need to make sure I emulate. Furthermore, the use of three 't's' becomes a memorable title for the show, which is important.
This close up shot of warm-ups is different to the shot before as it is at night during a friendly game, and so practising is consistent and takes place at any time. I think this is an interesting idea to include, and certainly something I can emulate for my audience for showjumping as it is certainly a 24/7 lifestyle.
This shot is interesting of online articles about Saracens and the scandal that took place.. I could possibly include the idea of drugging horses/riders for better performances within the documentary, or alternatively include this on the website.
Many interviews took place within the opening 5 minutes, including Chris Robshaw, who had his hopes set on competing for England but did not make the team. It shows an insight to his reaction to not being chosen and how he wished to improve his chances for the following world cup.
Setbacks are important to show that this is not always a sport that goes to plan.
However, there are good moments of success and happiness, as they win another game and celebrate in the changing rooms, behind the scenes. Again it shows a sense of reality, that the good outweigh the bad, and that they are a hardworking team. I want to emulate this to my audience through Harry Bateman, that not all ideas go to plan, however when they do they are well celebrated and deserved through hard work and determination.
Wednesday, 1 April 2020
Audience Research: Feedback on pitch
The qualitative response to question 2 was what I had hoped for, with some recommending shortening to just 'Bateman:...' rather than his full name.
Some struggled to understand the term 'grassroots' so it may be an idea to adapt this so a wider audience can understand the title.
I also understand how the term grassroots may be an intriguing aspect to the audience, to understand what this is by watching the show and looking on the website, so it may possibly work in some cases.
With question 4, and 4 saying that more links for engagement are needed, I think this could be solved by including links both online and in the video for how to get involved with the sport if they feel inspired to do so. This could be to websites such as British showjumping or British horse society.
Another suggestion as a way to get the audience involved is by sending in pictures of their own horses, or people getting involved with the sport in other ways too. I really like this idea and I think it would be great to include it.
The website is a great place to include more links to many different societies and groups, creating a feel of involvement for the audience with the show.
A competition is a fantastic way to get the audience to visit online and sign up to newsletters also, and I could achieve this by having a competition to win tickets for HOYS, The horse of the year show. This show is not only for equestrians, but for audiences who want to experience something new, so is really suited
The idea of setbacks during his journey is great to show realism, and that every road is not smooth. It would be a great addition to the website, and as a way to show to the audience how the sport has its negative sides also, where it is extremely dangerous.
Majority said that this should be included on the website, of which I agree, as it allows audio visual content to also be featured, or just an audio of Harry describing the texts and how he enjoys them.
Furthermore, I can widen ideas to the Olympics, and this can be mentioned in both forms, such as a news update on the teams for the Olympics, international competitions and so on.
The feedback I have gathered has helped me tweak my ideas in some ways, and finalise that this idea can be successful if shot and made correctly both in documentary and online, so I am positive with what I received.
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