question 1 evaluation
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TRANSCRIPT
‘ I N W H A T W A Y S D O E S Y O U R M E D I A P R O D U C T U S E , D E V E L O P O R C H A L L E N G E F O R M S A N D C O N V E N T I O N S O F
R E A L M E D I A P R O D U C T S ? ’
Evaluation Q1…
At A2 level we were told at the beginning of the year
that we would be expected to produce the first 5
minutes to a documentary on a topic of our chose
that we felt would be insightful. Along with two more
ancillary tasks that will help to promote the
documentary, these were a radio trial that would
capture the interest of the target audience and
persuade them to watch the documentary. As well as
a TV listing article double page spread for a specific
magazine we could chose.
Our Task
We firstly conducted extensive research into documentaries as a whole to
get a feel for what our finished product would hopefully resemble in some
way. To make sure our products looked professional we studied not only
documentaries, but radio trails as well as double page spreads for TV
listing magazines.
We watched and analysed Morgan Spurlock’s ‘Super Size Me’
documentary to see what conventions he used, another we watched was ‘A
Good Smack’. My group took it upon ourselves to watch a documentary
that was closely related to our own topic of tattoos to get a feel of what we
should be including, therefore we watched ‘My Tattoo Addiction’
Real media products
To enable us to start brainstorming ideas for the documentary we must first
decided what kind of documentary it would be. We studied Bill Nichol’s theory of
documentary modes (2001) to see what our options were. We found the 6 types
were; the expository mode (Voice of God), the poetic mode (subjective, artistic
expression), the observational mode (window on the world), the participatory
mode, the reflexive mode (awareness of the process) and finally the per formative
mode (film maker as participant).
We found the most common was the expository mode as this emphasizes verbal
commentary and argumentative logic, often using a narrator (voice over). It
assumes a logical argument and a "right" and "proper" answer.
Therefore we decided our documentary would be expository.
Documentary genres
We then researched into the typical conventions of a documentary
we found that these aspects were of particularly high importance;
actuality, voice over, expert opinions, vox pops, archival footage,
interviews, reconstructions, montage of images with a variety of shot
types used throughout as well as many more conventions.
As we chose our documentary to be expository is must be factual,
and must include details that our viewer did not know before as well
as figures that would be relevant and interest them.
Conventions
I wrote the voice over script so that the viewer could be guided through the
documentary where needed. However we did not want to have an over reliance
on the voice over as we thought it would be more advantageous to gain the
interest of the audience by using more of our interview footage. The voice over
is there when needed to display facts and raise questions in the audience’s mind
to keep them actively thinking about what they are being shown.
We included facts such as: ‘Currently around 20 million people in the UK have
been inked’ as well as: ‘tattoos began thousands of years ago originally
associated with the aristocracy in England’
As well as keeping balance in the argument: ‘This is one view, however, on the
other hand many describe it as an art form’
Furthermore we included the rhetorical question of: ‘Are tattoos just a way of
expressing yourself in todays society?’
Voice Over
As mentioned previously our documentary has a lot of interview footage as this is were the
information is. We have included an expert opinion as we found in all expository documentaries this
is necessary as it shows knowledge the audience can rely and supports the point you’re making.
We also used three case studies that had information and stories to tell about their experience of
living with tattoos. Our viewers can hear about how discrimination does or does not affect them
along with employment aspects. All these interviews were framed purposely, they were medium
close ups that were filmed using a tripod therefore no shaking. The frame is tight and has mise en
scene specifically chosen. The employer Steve Brown is in an office environment in his usual attire
which conveys actuality to the audience. Ryan Jones has a background full of heavy metal band
posters which links with the stereotype of tattooed people all being into rock, also typically most of
the people in the posters have tattoos too. Katie Williams is in a living area where there are a suite
and blinds visible this subverts the stereotype of tattooed people as she could not look more
‘normal’ in how she is dressed and her environment. Finally Mike Smith also has appropriate mise
en scene of a plain green background with artwork to the side of him which links to how tattoos
are portrayed as art work. His tattoos on his arms are also visible. Following another convention all
interviews used the rule of thirds to ensure they looked professional. With the interviewees slightly
off centre allows the audience for looking room in the way that the person is facing.
Interviews included
We noticed in many documentaries it is popular to have a section where vox pops are used to
get the opinion of the general public. We only included 3 short clips as they aren’t informed
opinions but none the less add another dimension to the views already explored. They help bring
in more opinions that many may have, representing their demographic. Not only this we found
they also helped to create a breather for the audience and break up the interviews.
To again look professional we tried to keep the background consistent, however they could have
been framed better as they are in the middle of the screen yet looking to one side this is due to
cropping we had to do further into production and as they were put on the spot they were
nervous therefore some did not feel comfortable enough to look down the barrel of the camera.
As our vox pops were filmed in the college canteen there is the background noise of a busy area
but this could help to create ambience of the college as we stated what location we were filming
at.
Vox pops
Archival footage is a popular feature in the media, even on the news you
may still see archival footage of the riots from surveillance cameras. In
documentaries they help to show what you’re talking about is important and
already in the public eye. We found it added diversity to our documentary.
We used the archival footage of the introductory titles of tattoo show LA
Ink that runs without sound whilst the voice over is playing. It is fast paced
and adds excitement as well as being aesthetically pleasing as there are all
kinds of shots, also famous tattoo artist Kat Von D’s tattoos are visibly
displayed which clearly links to our subject topic. The show is something
that our viewers are probably also familiar with.
Archival footage
At the beginning of our Skin Deep documentary we used a montage of
images. We noticed that Morgan Spurlock in SuperSize Me used many montage
of images of fast food, obese people and fast food restaurants and as you can
see below images of his mum cooking, we found this interesting to watch as the
audience so therefore thought we would also include this convention.
We used tattooed people we were aware of in the public eye this immediately
is recognisable for the viewer as they are subconsciously picking out who they
know and what tattoos they have. It also helped highlight a point in our
documentary that tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, the fact so many
images are used together shows this statement to be correct.
This took time and patience for us to get right as we YouTube’d how to do it
and watched a video of somebody explaining how it is done. Getting the right
images to come in at the right time and in the right place was tricky but we
thought in the end was hopefully effective.
Montage
We also researched into narrative structures to ensure that the structure
of our documentary worked and emulated a professional style.
Todorov’s narrative theory states the classic notion that a story has a
beginning a middle and end and documentaries often follow this order that
in the end leads to the audience reaching a goal and coming to their own
conclusions.
Although we only had 5 minutes to create an opening we tried to make
what we had look as if it would follow in the same structure and follow this
feature where the audience comes to a decision on their thoughts after
hearing all the point and facts.
Narrative Structure
Shot types are extremely important when creating a documentary. After watching various
documentaries we noticed that interviews were medium close ups. When entering a relevant
place establishing shots would be used hence why we got a shot of the Solihull Sixth Form
sign and did a pan of the whole college, this makes the audience feel like they are also
coming on a journey with you.
Another shot type we used was an extreme close up of the dictionary with the definition of
discrimination stated. This is used as a cutaway. As well as an extreme close up of a tattoo
being done. We used a zoom into an extreme close up of the front of a tattoo book so you can
see the artwork clearly.
In addition I used a close up shot of the employer typing on the laptop to give the viewer
variety this is also a cutaway.
Another shot we used was the slow pan of the artwork on the wall, this was then
accompanied by a downward pan of the skeleton, this was relevant as it was a piece of
artwork as well as it being the human body which is appropriate with people getting their
bodies tattooed. We also panned the background of Ryan’s frame so all the posters were
visible, this allows the viewer to feel as if they are exploring his environment.
Camera
The lighting throughout a documentary is usually really important as it
helps to create mood and atmosphere.
However we did not have control over this aspect therefore all of our
footage was using lights that were already fixtures in the rooms we were
in or natural lighting.
In majority of places this was not a problem, however in one of the case
study interviews, the one with Mike Smith there were spot lights in that
room so it was not ideal as it creates a shadow over his face and leaves a
very bright head but he is still visible therefore is not too much of a
problem.
Lighting
All the documentaries we saw had background music however it was only evident when it was
pointed out as we decided if you as a viewer were focusing on the music when a voice over or
interview was on then the information is not interesting enough.
We used a copyright free track found from Garage Band, its main feature is the guitar this seemed
appropriate for our documentary as tattoos are stereotypically linked to music and bands so this
was perfect.
At the beginning where the title of ‘Skin Deep Tattoo Discrimination’ type writes across the screen
we have imported copyright free sound of a tattoo gun buzz to create a feel of being in a tattoo shop
and what diegetic sounds you’d hear there.
We used 2 different non diegetic sound tracks throughout the documentary to eliviate the
audience getting bored of the monotonous repetitive track. Both seemed to interchange quite nicely.
These tracks were played were we deemed necessary, below the voice over which helped make
sound levels appear more consistent, when footage alone was played and also under the vox pops in
attempt to mask the diegetic background noise of the busy canteen . Not only this we also repeated
the track on the last clip and made it come in slowly towards the end so it wasn’t an abrupt finish as
the documentary would have continued as this was only the first 5 minutes.
We used microphones and headphones in order to get a loud and clear sound from the interviews.
Sound
We predominantly used straight cuts in our documentary as this is what is used in
most documentary therefore we followed this convention in attempt to stay
professional. It was important for us to ‘snap’ the clips together on Final Cut Express
so that there were no accidental flashes of black screen where nothing was playing.
Editing
Straight Cuts
Fade to black/ Cross DissolveThe other feature we used was fade to black and cross dissolve. We thought this would be
more professional than using lots of varying transitions as then it loses it’s serious nature. The
fade to black allowed the audience to take in what had just being said and chance for them to
think about it without moving straight onto the next feature, therefore acting as a breather.
We also found fade to black helped the documentary flow better as you can tell that one
segment was meant to end and something new was beginning.
We may have challenged usual conventions of documentaries by not including certain
features. These aspects include;
Reconstruction- we felt it would be too hard to create a reconstruction that would
seem realistic and would be relevant to add to our footage, it would seem
inappropriate to have somebody discriminating against somebody with a tattoo as it
would not come across as genuine and we would lose the serious and professional
vibe.
Graphics- this was another convention we decided not to use, it can be very effective
at the right point as we witnessed in SuperSize me. However we did not feel there was
a point where computer generated images would have worked, not to mention we
wouldn’t know what images to create, as this didn’t seem fitting we decided to leave it.
Challenging Conventions
TV listings magazine double page
Research became a main factor again when
thinking about creating a double page spread for a
TV listings magazine.
We had to pick what magazine we wanted our
double page to be featured in; we chose the Radio
Times, therefore we must ensure we follow all the
correct conventions so it would be compatible.
Double Page
Radio Times
Conventions
Every magazine writes in columns
Pull quote- an important/ interesting quote from the copy that will entice the reader.
Channel 4 logo- highlights the channel
Page numbers
Main image- it is always essential to have a min image, on the Radio Times they take up majority of the page
Date of issue and magazine title
Title/ mast head- at the top of the page so is noticeable, clear and easy to read. Font is artistic to link with the topic. We chose this colour as it is a skin colour.
Text wrap- a common convention so the text goes around the image neatly
Cut out images with feathered edges so they fit together neatly
Drop capital- signifying where the beginning is.
Bold lines found in all Radio Times
Details of the documentary
Image relating to the topic, tattoos are on show for the reader to see.
Stand first
We used Times New Roman for the font at size 12 as this is the same as the Radio Times.
We did not include any other images apart from the main one, here we are
challenging the conventions of a double page spread as most have more than one image. We did cut another out ready to use however we were not sure where to place it therefore left it out as our main image is 3 main images really. I think it works fine on its own.
Before creating our radio trail we researched some professional ones to give us an idea of how
ours should sound.
We analysed David Attenborough’s Life Story, the Italian Grande Prix and Stephen Fry’s English
Delight.
After listening to these we noticed that they last approximately 40 seconds, in the end our s
lasted 36 seconds therefore we followed the time length convention.
Another aspect we picked up on was the fact that most of that time was taken up by clips from
the documentary this in attempt to interest the listener and hopefully would make them want to
tune in. The radio presenter does not say a lot, other than what it is called, maybe a little bit of
information on it, the channel, time and date. Those key features are then repeated at the end so
the viewer can try and retain the important information.
We included 5 different clips from the documentary all a few seconds long giving a quick opinion,
as you can tell it is different people’s voices I think it works quite well it’s short and sweet as well
as intriguing to what else these people may have to say in the whole documentary.
Music was also used underneath the clips and the narration, again this must not be too
overpowering as we want the audience to hear the facts. We used the same music clip that we used
in our documentary to keep a constant between the different products.
Radio Trail