-Research into similar media texts for the main task
-Research into target audience
-Planning of Main Task
-Production of Main task
-The Main text
-Research into similar media texts for the secondary task
-Planning for the secondary task
-Production of the secondary task
-The secondary task
-Research into similar media texts for the next secondary task
-Planning of the next secondary task
-Production of the next secondary task
-The next secondary task
-Evaluation and Analysis material
-Planning of Main Task
-Production of Main task
-The Main text
-Research into similar media texts for the secondary task
-Planning for the secondary task
-Production of the secondary task
-The secondary task
-Research into similar media texts for the next secondary task
-Planning of the next secondary task
-Production of the next secondary task
-The next secondary task
-Evaluation and Analysis material
I will be producing an extract from a new documentary TV programme, lasting approximately five minutes, together with:
• a double-page spread from a listings magazine focused on the documentary;
• a newspaper advertisement for the documentary.
• a double-page spread from a listings magazine focused on the documentary;
• a newspaper advertisement for the documentary.
In order to ensure that my coursework is completed on time I have made a very simple schedule for our project, shown below.
Research into Similar Media Texts (Main Task)
The link above is a wildlife documentary. At the beginning of this clip there is no non-diegetic sound, only the noise from the wildlife and surroundings can be heard. This gives the viewer a chance to listen to the peacefulness of the natural world as the animals move around elegantly and peacefully without human interruption. Each clip does not last very long in order to keep the viewer interested. Voice over is then used to describe what is happening in the case of the tigers eating their prey. Moments of silence are used in order to give a sense of reality and the natural world. A mixture of close-ups, mid-shots and panning shots are used to capture everything that’s going on. Close-ups of the Tiger cubs eating its prey help to increase dramatic effect. Background music comes in when suspense builds which also increase the dramatic effect and tension. This documentary seems to use simply editing and camera shots, nothing to adventurous or extreme. Each clip cuts straight to the next without the use of fading in or fading out.
The link above is a cricket documentary. It begins with a close up of a batsman’s pads and bat. A catchy background track is used followed by a voice over. The voice over is introducing the documentary and explains a bit about cricket. The editing style at the start is fast cuts and quick panning shots keeping the audience interested. It cuts back and forth quickly between the batsman and the bowler whilst the concept of cricket is being explained. A couple of shots are added that are not set on the cricket field but are of a monitor with a skeleton on whilst the narrator is talking about the human reactions and biological statistics. Therefore there is a clear link in this introduction on each camera shot that is taken and the narration that is taking place. Slow motion shots are used in order for the viewers to see clearly what is happening as much of the action happens at a very quick pace. Another theme tune is then used to signal the start of the show in which the title sequence appears. This title sequence is specific to the show as illustrates athletes taking part in sporting activities but has been specially edited. It is made to symbolise that the cricket documentary is about to take place. A main title is used and then a smaller sub-title is used which shows the specific theme of this documentary. Close-ups are used in the first few shots of the documentary to show the cricket stumps, pads and bats. Mysterious background music is used whilst a voice over is taking place. The background music interlinks with the narration in which the narrator says the word ‘alien’ giving the music its ‘mysterious’ feel.
The above is a link to top gear, a car show. The show starts with a catchy jingle unique to top gear. Different clips of cars and other automobiles are shown with the dark shadow of a person in front partially covering the clips. Jeremy Clarkson then introduces the night’s documentary with a voice over. The introduction is short and the clips edited together with the transition being the Top Gear logo. As the introduction music fades out the fades into the Top Gear leading the audience to think that the show is about to start. The camera shot is a slow zoom into Jeremy’s face as he is talking. As the scene changes to James May’s car, non-diegetic music comes into effect and James starts talks to the camera. Aggression shown towards the caravans correlates to the type of editing used at that same time which is quick cuts and short clips. Various different shots are taken of his car whilst it’s moving showing that he is travelling to a different location. When the doors open to the shed containing the hot air balloon both non-diegetic sound comes into effect which is the sirens and the thrilling, epic background music.
Above is a link for a sporting documentary. To begin the documentary the first thing that appears is the programmes logo shortly followed by the title. A compilation of different sport clips are used which are merged in with a unique background to introduce the show. As this is all taking place a bed track is used and over the top are some sporting effects. After this the title then comes up again, triggering a voice over which introduces the show. Another bed track is then used as a different narrator is used. The clips featuring the G4S team use wash out and in effects. These first few shots are of the G4S team, still shots, pan shots and close-ups are all used to that the team can be shown to the audience for the first time. Spread throughout the documentary there is a specific person talking to the camera and then in-between are clips of other events. The man who talks to the camera also does a voice over for a lot of the documentaries voice over which shows repetition in using the same person over and over again. As the program progresses different sports are involved, this will keep the audience a little more interested as the majority of the sports are not very thrilling or attention capturing.
Codes and Conventions of Documentaries:
- Voice over - Commentary by the producer/film maker speaking either directly to a camera or a voice over clip that is put in, enabling direct speech to the audience.
- Normally there is no or little computer aided design and special effects
- A constant presenter - A documentary is normally presented and commentated by one person.
- Still shots - These are often inserted to create a sense of realism.
- Interviews - Used frequently in documentaries to talk directly with someone enabling them to ask questions or have questions asked to them.
- Text, labels and dates
- Non-diegetic sound e.g. Music
- Actuality - film footage of real life events, places and people which is not fictional. This is footage of real events.
- Reconstructions - They are artificial scenes of an event which has been reconstructed and acted out on film based on information of the event.
Research into Similar Media Texts (Secondary Task/Double page spread in a TV listings magazine)
Large font is used across the whole width of the left page placed at the top. The text has speech marks around it therefore is not the name of the actual documentary. A large picture cover the majority of the left page, capturing the audiences attention drawing them in with the faces in the picture encapsulated in a rectangular banner containing a circle in the middle which leaves the gap for their faces to show. The title of the show is just above where the main text is. 2 lines separate the header and the bulk of the text so that the time of the show, the channel is on and its name can all be clearly seen. The show name is in bold to make it stand out. The text is separated into two columns on the right hand page. There is also another small picture in the right hand corner of the right page which helps to split the text up a bit, not making it look dull. Quite a basic double page spread. The background is white and the font is black, with the use of bold font where appropriate. The separation of paragraphs is made clear by an indent. At the start of a new main topic the first letter is very large and bold.
A large title is on the top left of the double page spread. The font used is large, bold and white on a black/dark grey background making it standout. A large picture is at the top of the left hand page in black and white. There is a similar picture on the adjacent page, however it’s in colour. This shows the theme of the show which is ‘Is University Challenge getting easier?’ The black and white picture represents University Challenge in the past; the colour picture represents it at the present time. Underneath is a short statement used as a sub heading, below this is the name of the program in bold with the time it is on and which channel it’s on.
The main text is black on a white background. The use of speech/ speech marks is frequent throughout the text which helps to break it up and make it a bit more interesting. At the end of the main text a mixture of large font, bold and capitals are used to give it the finishing feel. To the right of this are two more pictures. One of them is simply the name of the show put inside a purple box; this helps to capture the audience’s attention and shows the name of the program clearly.
The pictures are surrounded by white borders which cannot be seen as a white background is used but we can tell these are present as text wrap is used to surround them. The second picture is of a few sample questions that have been used in the show, giving the audience an idea of what the program involves. The main subtitle is in-between two thin black lines; the text used for the show name is in Bold and a slightly larger font in comparison to that of the normal text. The time of the program is in normal text and the channel it will be screening on is in bold capitals.
The main header is in a large font covering the whole width of the left hand page. The font is white covering the blank space of a dark background picture making it stand out to the audience. There is a very thin white line across the top of the page above the main header. This line starts at the beginning of the left hand column and finishes at the far side of the right hand column. Below the header is another two lines in which the sub heading lies. Below this is the bulk of the text separated in two different columns.
The sub header and program name are both in capitals; the time the show is playing at is in normal font. Below the text are two pictures of the same size, a thin white border surrounds them. In one of the pictures a small caption had been written giving background information of the image to the audience. The background picture covers the whole of the double page spread. It is a stylish yet simply photo allowing text to be written in the large black spaces.
Codes and Conventions of a double page spread:
-Large mast head on the left hand page
-A large picture which either covers both pages or follows onto the right hand page
-Font is either black on white or white on black
-2 or 3 columns of writing are on each single page
-Text wrap is used in order for the text to go around any images
Codes and Conventions of a double page spread:
-Large mast head on the left hand page
-A large picture which either covers both pages or follows onto the right hand page
-Font is either black on white or white on black
-2 or 3 columns of writing are on each single page
-Text wrap is used in order for the text to go around any images
Research into Similar Media Texts
(Next Secondary Task/newspaper advertisement)
Waste Concern Newspaper Advert
This newspaper advert uses a very basic colour scheme in which 2 main colours are used. Green is used for the writing and the outskirts and white is used as the background colour. This makes the green writing stand out very well. The Mast Head it situated in the middle of the page in large capitals in order for the audience to instantly understand what the advertisement is advertising. One of the ‘O’s has been replaced with a recycling sign which in itself explains what the advert is about. A greyish colour is used to underline the Mast Head which makes it stand out more. There are large empty spaces on the page in which only the background is showing, making the advert look basic yet stylish.
Ladbrokes Newspaper Advert
A large Mast Head has been placed at the top of the page in white, bold capitals reading ‘How would you spend a million quid?’. This draws the reader’s attention as it is asking the audience a question directly. The word ‘Quid’ is slang for pounds which makes the advertisement seem a little less formal and makes it appeal more to an audience. The subject of money is one in which a vast amount of people are interested in and bringing it into the mast head will also increase the number of viewers as its talking about such a large amount (£1 million). White is used for the majority of the font and the background is mainly green. The ‘Ladbrokes’ is contained within a red box, and as nothing on the page is red it makes it stand out so that the audience will know who the advert is promoting. In the bottom left of the page is a golden box in which the words ‘The Ladbrokes Millionaire’ is encapsulated. The golden box signifies the idea of luxury, money and wealth which is what would be gained if you win a million pounds. The background picture is of an estate of normal houses with on house containing a football pitch as the garden lighten by 4 flood lights showing what could be done if that large amount of money is won.
Ford G Series Newspaper Advert
A large picture of a ‘Ford’ driving along a coastal road is used as the background with the car itself as the focus of the advert. You can tell instantly that it’s a Ford advert due to the way in which the car is displayed and also by the writing on the number plate saying ‘G Series’. Yet again the advert is basic which gives it a stylish look. The font below the car is all white which stands out well on the dark tarmac background. The ford logo can be seen in the bottom left hand corner of the page. The advert states that the car has been awarded 5 stars by using 5 golden stars in between the font to signify this. Attention is drawn to the stars as they are golden which represents the quality of the car. Stars are also situated in all 5 seats of the car which draws attention to the car itself.
Codes and Conventions of Newspaper Adverts:
-Large Mast Head (Often white on a black/ dark background)
-Simplistic
-Not much writing
-Around 2-3 main colours used throughout the advert
-Large picture which acts as the background and as a focal point
-Representation of words through other media styles such as pictures
Codes and Conventions of Newspaper Adverts:
-Large Mast Head (Often white on a black/ dark background)
-Simplistic
-Not much writing
-Around 2-3 main colours used throughout the advert
-Large picture which acts as the background and as a focal point
-Representation of words through other media styles such as pictures
Research Into Target Audience
Before being able to produce my extreme sports documentary I will need to find a suitable target audience. In order to do this I will need to research all of the documentary topics that I might be interested in producing, this is best done on a mind map. After I have the main topic I will need to research specifics to find the potential target audience. The popularity and accessibility of documentaries to the public will need to be reviewed in order to find whether or not the documentary will be a success.
Looking through the different ideas for the documentary, I have chosen one main topic with three sub topics. The main topic is sport and the 3 sub topics are surfing, skateboarding and trials biking. The reasoning for my choice is that I am a very keen sportsman and often surf, skate and bike. Also these sports are very prominent in Jersey ; therefore I will have the chance to film a variety of people.
Questionnaire
In order to find this information about the target audience a questionnaire will need to be produced. 100 people will randomly be selected and asked to answer the set of questions. A couple of basic questions will be asked first such as ones like, ‘Do you have access to documentaries?’ Then personal questions will be asked, for example ‘How old are you?’ these will be followed by more generalised questions.
As i am going to be producing an Extreme Sports documentary, I will need to research the target audience. As I surf, skate and partake in many other water-based and extreme sports I have a general idea of what I would like to watch and what I would capture my interest. I will also produce a questionnaire which will give me more information on who would be interested in the documentary.
Here are some of the questions I might be asking:
1) Would you watch a documentary that you had seen in a newspaper advert?
(This shows how other types of media advertisement help to promote a specific media text)
2) Are you more likely to watch a documentary if you had read about it in a TV listings magazine?
3) If there is a documentary series how often do you tend to watch more than one of the episodes ?
4) What type of programmes do you watch ?
(If the viewer does not watch similar programmes they may not be interested in the documentary that I am producing)
5) Which days of the week are you most likely to watch TV the most?
(Gives me a day in which the most amount of people will be watching the TV)
6) What’s your age ?
(Insight into what type of people watch TV and the documentary i will be producing or if they will be interested)
7) Gender?
(Insight into what type of people watch TV and the documentary I will be producing or if they will be interested)
8) Do you partake in any sports ?
(If they do it will give more familiarities between the viewer and the documentary being produced and whether they would be likely to watch it)
9) Would you watch a documentary on Extreme Sports ?
(Straight 'Yes' or 'No' answer, however even if 'No' is selected, if there is nothing else on TV they might have a look at the channel and see what they think of it)
(If the viewer does not watch similar programmes they may not be interested in the documentary that I am producing)
5) Which days of the week are you most likely to watch TV the most?
(Gives me a day in which the most amount of people will be watching the TV)
6) What’s your age ?
(Insight into what type of people watch TV and the documentary i will be producing or if they will be interested)
7) Gender?
(Insight into what type of people watch TV and the documentary I will be producing or if they will be interested)
8) Do you partake in any sports ?
(If they do it will give more familiarities between the viewer and the documentary being produced and whether they would be likely to watch it)
9) Would you watch a documentary on Extreme Sports ?
(Straight 'Yes' or 'No' answer, however even if 'No' is selected, if there is nothing else on TV they might have a look at the channel and see what they think of it)
Questionnaire Results
1)
75% of the people asked said ‘Yes’
15% said ‘Maybe’
10% said ‘No’
2)
100% said that they would be more likely to watch the documentary if they had previously seen it in a TV listings magazine.
3)
70% of people said that they would watch the documentary series every week
20% revealed that they often miss other episodes and may watch another 1 or 2. the other 10% of people asked said that they often only watch one episode in a documentary series.
4)
40% Wildlife/Nature documentaries
40% Action/‘Adrenaline pumping’ documentaries
10% Reality show documentaries
10% Other
5)
90% said all throughout the week
5% said Sundays
5% said Saturdays
6)
The ages ranged from 9-58. I tried to get 4 distinctive age groups. 8 of the people were from 9-13, 11 of the people were between the ages of 14-23 and the rest were 24-30 and 31+ years old.
7)
I made sure that half of the people questioned were male and the other half were females, which enables me to make compare the two genders.
8)
65 people said that they participated in sporting activities. The whole majority to the two younger aged groups stated they did, however a minority of the other age groups answered that they take part in playing sports. 40 % of the people that played sport who were questioned were in the age group 9-13, 20% were from the age range 14-23, 4% were from the 24-30 age range and only 1 % came from the 31+ age range.
9)
85% said ‘Yes’
15% said ‘No’
Some of these results can now be made into graphs and/or charts in order to make comparisons between them more effective.
In the table below are the answer that the people who took the questionnaire gave to question number 4.
‘What type of programmes do you watch ?’
Below a chart shows the splitting of each age group in the answer to question number 9. ‘Would you watch a documentary on Extreme Sports ?’
These questions should give me an idea of what people like to watch on television and an insight into how many people will watch the documentary or even flick through the channel and see what it's like.
From the above results I have found that the majority of people who would be interested in watching a documentary series such as mine are males aged between 9-13 and 14-23. The results of the other two age groups show that the 24-30 age group are more likely to watch an Extreme Sports documentary than the people in the 31+ age group. Throughout this questionnaire I have found that the male gender is also more likely to watch this documentary than females.
Therefore the target audience will be males around the ages of 9-23. These results can be linked to the popularity of the sport surfing itself as the majority of surfers are of the male gender and the majority of these surfers are in their teens and 20's and 30's. The program will also be targeted towards sportsmen such as amateur surfers, skaters and bikers which are also looking to achieve a career in their sport.
Planning-Main Task
The first step of my main task planning is story boarding. I will create basic storyboards for the initial idea and then develop this idea making alterations until I feel satisfied.
As I now know what I will be filming I can gather up all of my equipment, explain what the plan is to the sportsman featuring in the film and then I can go and start the filming stage. Here is some of the equipment I will need:
1) Video camera
2) A tripod
3) A normal digital camera for any still shots
4) Voice recorder
Other things that I will need to have to produce the video documentary consist of:
1) Experienced Surfers, Skaters and Bikers
2) Adobe Photoshop
3) iMovie
4) Suitable weather conditions (e.g. If I am filming surfing there will need to be surfable waves).
Locations will need to be looked at for each different sport. Biking and skating can be filmed in very similar or the same locations.
Below are a few examples:
- Skate park
- St.Ouen’s mini ramp
Random street
Surfing can be filmed:
- Along the whole length of St.Ouen’s beach (The one I will focus on most is The Watersplash as the waves form nicely here and it is a very consistent break.
- Greve De Lecq
St.Brelades Bay - Petit Port
Plan of Double Page Spread
Plan of Newspaper Advert
My Documentary
My documentary is a TV series based on athletes from around the globe wishing to make it up to a professional standard. In the show I will film surfers, skateboarders and bikers in action as they try to make it to the top. Interviews with these sportsmen will take place describing the journey they’ve taken to make it to there current position and the steps they will take to better them selves into becoming professional. I also may be featured in the documentary however will set up all shots on a tripod for an assistant to film under given instructions. The knowledge I have with these sports will become very useful as it gives me the ability to film knowingly of the sportsman’s next move and how to capture this well on camera.
1) The weather conditions may not be right to film in, for example if it is/has rained heavily. This means the camera may get too wet and become damaged and no skateboarding or biking outside will be possible
2) The surf may not be adequate enough to get good footage
3) The sportsman I need to film may not be available
4) The tides may be at the wrong height
5) And the bike/skate spots may not be available to skate or bike at.
I will be using a few of my friends to feature in the documentary as sportsmen in the trials bike, surf and skate scene. These friends are quite experienced in their sports giving me the possibility to get some good quality footage.
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