Research Portfolio

 Primary research

Link to Missing steps Questionnaire

responses to Missing steps questionnaireresponses to Missing steps questionnaire

I created a questionnaire, here are the responses I got from Its questions. I can get a variety of responses to directly answer my questions and then review the overall results.

These are Images from direct interviews I made while creating a short documentary they are a good example of primary research because it demonstrates collecting the information directly from the source, the players.

Secondary Research

Unilever Rebranding Ben and Jerrys presentation. REBRANDING BEN & JERRY’S

Here I used search engines such as Google, to learn information about Unilever and Ben and Jerrys, then I took what I had read of other people's work and presented the information in a different form to inform others of what I had learnt.

Rebranded Ben and Jerry's advert

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o75ufCsTtRw" title="BTEC TV Advert &#39;Better Together&#39;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Quantitative research

Link to Missing steps Questionnaire

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJcWkQ4E-zE-D6-jZaHW4uSi4yuda7xoTEzHI9R4TwGDV1SA/viewform?usp=pp_url

Link to response to Missing steps Questionnaire Document - Copy (1)

These answers to the Missing steps questionnaire focus on the numerical responses, looking for the majority answer.

Qualitative research

Link to Missing steps Questionnaire

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJcWkQ4E-zE-D6-jZaHW4uSi4yuda7xoTEzHI9R4TwGDV1SA/viewform?usp=pp_url

Link to response to Missing steps Questionnaire

These answers to the Missing steps questionnaire focuses on the personal answers where the audience had to give a written response.

Market and Audience research

Unilever Rebranding Ben and Jerrys presentation.

REBRANDING BEN & JERRY’S

Product protection

Preproduction work from my rebranding Ben and Jerrys production

https://online.fliphtml5.com/eqqsp/wcvx/

In these pages it is shown that any and all personal information about the people in the production is redacted from the paperwork before anything is released.

The Nature and Purposes of Research in the creative media industries

 Primary research involves collection of original data, this data is collected from first hand sources and does not rely on data that is already existing. The first hand data is collected to answer specific questions or areas or research. This type of data can be collected in a number of ways including questionnaires, interviews, surveys and observations. Questionnaires can be submitted to a random audience, interviews conducted with authorities in a specific field, surveys of people of a specific genre interest or observations of individuals in a non intrusive environment. In all areas of research gathering primary evidence is vitally important to help scientists or researchers collect information to prove or disprove specific questions or hypotheses. Primary research also provides the most up to date and current information which can support an individual's research, this is a more immediate type of data over secondary research. I have done this by creating a questionnaire for other creators of script proposals. An official example could be a reporter questioning an expert on a relevant topic for the news.

Secondary research is a compilation of existing research from other people’s primary data, that has already been published. This type of research involves reviewing, selecting and gathering pre existing information to gain understanding of a given topic. Secondary data can include books, journals, government reports, websites and news articles. It is a cheaper and quicker way to gather information that can be used to support research. This information is valid when used as a supplement to primary research. This type of data is a valuable tool to help researchers generate large amounts of data quickly, it is also more time and cost effective. The drawback of Secondary data is that it has to some extent already been processed, which limits the accuracy of the data. Therefore all Secondary Data must be used with caution and careful evaluation of the sources from where the data was sourced. For example most historical sources are written from the winners point of view. A prime example of secondary research I have done could be included in this document due to relying on information from books, webpages and other secondary sources.

Quantitative research is studying and analysing numerical data. This type of analysis generally revolves around specific variables, yes/no answers the data is highly structured to channel the answers to simple choices. This forms the basis of most statistical analysis which follows the binary structure of a positive or negative response. This helps channel data into usable form without having to deal with a huge number of variables. This type of data allows large amounts of information to be gathered and analysed in a systematic way. It can also allow computers to predict results based on the data collected. This allows people to make valid inferences and generalisations about the questions posed from the sample matter. The downfall of this process is oversimplification of more complex issues. Therefore it is better to use a very large sample population to generate the largest amount of data possible to eradicate anomalies and help create the text book bell curve sample. For example this method is used in voting during an election. I used this to keep track of my results from my questionnaire.

Qualitative data is data gathered from informed people about a specific topic. Quantitative data is high volumes of data generated from the general public who are not specifically informed about a particular subject. The positive use of qualitative data is more informed and specific to relevant questions and more reliable. Quantitative research can be used to explore complex and nuanced phenomena that may not be easily quantifiable. There are positive and negative elements to quantitative data gathering. Both quantitative and qualitative research are valuable tools for researchers, and the choice between the two methods often depends on the research question being addressed and the type of data that is required to answer that question. Some research questions may be best addressed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, in what is known as a mixed-methods approach. 

Audience research is gathering information from the target audience. The target audience referees to the specified target audience that the specific research refers to. This can be used to map and organise the target's preferences, behaviours and motivations.  Audience research used to obtain a better understanding of those the media is being created for. With this information the media can be tailored to the right connected tone and style to interest the target audience. On the other hand, market research is a broad term that covers audience research. Using surveys, focus groups and analysis to compile information about consumer behaviour, preferences and purchases habits. This can be used for business decisions. Both of these research methods are important in understanding the audience.  They can both help create media that successfully reaches and resonates with the intended target audience. I did this on my survey when I asked what genre they are comfortable and familiar with. This can help create celebrated media that satisfies the audience.

Production research is a way of managing ways to improve the efficiency of business management. The main goal is to identify ways to increase productivity and reduce costs. These may be ways to identify areas that don't flow as smoothly as the rest  that might result in blockages in the efficiency of the process. This research method is about identifying these issues and developing  processes and strategies to help solve them. Production research helps reform plan and design, products, resource allotment and can also increase productivity of a company.

Single camera technique

 Single camera production enables the filmmakers to utilise a wide range of features. This technique has advantages that allows filmmakers to sequentially capture footage, retake footage and achieve a cinematic look through meticulous planning and refining set up to create the most dynamic footage wanted. The filmmakers can use this technique to create dramatic camera angles combined with strategic lighting setups. Although technically this process can aid continuity maintenance, in reality this is quite a difficult area to keep the set the same due to many external influences.  Although this technique does give the filmmakers more freedom when it comes to lighting and number of retakes that can be taken given a greater selection to use in the post production editing process. When filmmakers combine all these techniques they can create and deliver a captivating cinematic piece to convey their message in an inspiring and captivating way.

Composition

A key feature of single camera production is the ability to meticulously control the composition of the shots. 3x3 grids are used to create the cinematic look to place mise en scene. This helps to create balance within the frame, combining with depth of field and focal point of the subject. Depth of field is how far the subject is from the camera, the closer the subject is to the camera the narrower the number of options as to where it is placed within the frame. A range of focal points can emphasise different elements of a frame from close up to wide angle depending on the choice of the filmmaker. 

Camera Movement

Single camera production frees the filmmaker to use creative camera angles and movements to enhance the dramatic element of the storyline they are creating. An example of this technique is the use of a track to enable the camera to follow a character moving through an environment like a forest or a street, this helps to create a sense of urgency putting the viewer in the situation to intensify their experience; another is the use of a crane to move from street level to birds eye view in a single movement which is also used to heighten dramatic tension and give the audience an overview of the whole situation to add information to their perception of the scene. Added to the above mentioned techniques  other methods can be used alongside these to create even more dramatic effect for example use of titling, zooming and panning.

Camera Lighting

Lighting is a vital tool in the single camera technique, it allows the filmmaker to set the mood, tone, atmosphere, depth and highlight subjects. This single tool can create so many different effects, some examples being low-key lighting; it can create dramatic effects between shadows and light, it can enhance a mysterious atmosphere, create intrigue, suspense, tension and depth of emotion. Overall it is used to strengthen the audience's immersion into the storytellers world.

Continuity and Coverage

Continuity is vital to create a seamless transition for the audience to enter the world of the storyteller, if continuity is not kept it will create questions in the viewer's mind as to what they have missed in the changes, drawing them away from the  narrative. Examples of continuity and the facial expression of actors and object positions within a scene. Coverage which is linked intrinsically to continuity is shooting images using different camera angles and different depth of field to create numerous options for the editing process. Continuity helps the filmmaker to keep eye line, facial expression and actions linked from shot to shot, allowing the audience to maintain the immersion into the scene.

Post Production Editing

Post Production Editing is essentially the filmmaker's final decision on how he wants his story to be viewed. This involves organising and assembling the footage to create a coherent story. One effective editing technique is match cuts, where the editor uses similar visual elements or actions to create consistency between shots or scenes, this gives the viewer a smooth transition from one shot to the next. A classic example of a match cut is the use of a door, where you see the character exiting one scene through a door and entering another scene through the apparent same door. Another example of an editing style is cross cutting or parallel editing, this is where a story cuts from two key elements to create tension and develop a link between two events to add anticipation to the conclusion of the sequence. Overall effective editing makes or breaks the success of the storytelling.

Sound

Use of sound; this is another tool for the filmmaker to further immerse the audience into the world of the story he is telling. This element will build tension, create poignancy, create emotional connection with characters and remove external distractions through the style and genre of the music. One of the most famous musical tension builders in the history of cinema is the low ominous repetitive two note theme, which slowly builds in speed and volume as the megalodon Jaws approaches. 

Here are a few examples of single camera production genres; A Period Drama is a historical piece set in a particular era, with costumes, setting and props linked to the time period; Crime Drama is a genre based on murder with a hero element set to solve the case. Horror is a genre based on the stereotype of creepy slow tension building up to a jump element to scare the audience. These types of productions due to their nature lend themselves to single camera production which gives the filmmaker most control over the process.

The following examples are more likely to use multi camera techniques due to the speed in which episodes are turned out weekly for an extended period of time. Comedy, specifically filmed in a studio keeps static lighting which does not specifically add to the storyline just adding illumination. A Soap Opera which is based on real life is a continuous story which does not have a specific ending in sight and characters are written in and out as needed, due to the weekly production of episode multi camera filming is needed for speed. A Series generally has a set cast with individual stories which are concluded each episode so dipping in and out of these is possible for the audience with no loss of continuous storyline, these also due to weekly production and series length are recorded with multi camera to speed. A Serial is a long form tv drama, its story has a beginning, middle and end through the whole series, but there are smaller narratives within each episode and season. Therefore it is harder for an audience to jump in mid-way due to character development throughout the storyline. A Serial can be either single or multi camera depending on the budget and time constraints. A Single Drama is a single story told in one episode which has a beginning, middle and end, it is a stand alone and is to be viewed as such.

Multi Camera is the alternative to single camera production, this is a much faster technique and is most useful when filming live shows where action is not rehearsed but needs to be followed from different angles instantly to give the audience the best perspective. This technique involves multiple cameras set up in pre-arranged positions, which covers many angles. The director then will choose to switch from different camera positions as the live action progresses. This method is also used as previously mentioned in filming of Soap Operas and Sitcoms for fast turnaround of episodes.

In conclusion the advantages of using a single camera for filming can be summarised as giving the director more artistic licence in all areas, to itemise these is as follows; there is less film wastage as one one reel of film is used even if multiple takes are filmed. The lighting and set is arranged for each shot and the crew are not left hanging around to re-organise each time this is more time effective in man power, but less time effective in having to retake shots to obtain the best possible effect. The actors also have the benefit of being able to vary and develop their performance in multiple takes giving the director a wider scope during editing. The cost of the amount of equipment is also reduced as there is only one camera to buy, insure and maintain. 

In contrast there are fewer disadvantages, but this can be a significant factor in the deciding process, when the genre of the filming is limited to a single technique, like soap opera which needs a fast turn around for the weekly episodes. This reasoning highlights the most key disadvantage of single camera filming which is time. The process is time consuming and therefore increases the budget, this involves needing actors and sets for longer time periods. Finally the continuity between shots can be difficult to maintain and without care in editing the overall production can appear a little disjointed.

In her eyes

 

Missing Steps script proposal

research dossier

http://btecmediaen2.blogspot.com/search/label/G.%20Assignment%206%20-%20Screenplays?updated-max=2018-09-03T01:24:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=20&by-date=false

Competitions

The Blue Cat screenplay competition-  Applying to a competition is slightly riskier as there can only be one winner and hundreds and thousands of entries, whilst some can be shortlisted and others can be runner ups, it’s like applying for a job knowing thousands of others with different levels of experience are also applying for, however there can be producers and more who see these competitions, as well as search at festivals to see if they can find budding talent. One of the winners of the 2021 BlueCat competitions was Beverly Chukwu, with her screenplay called Prince of Lavendale Street.

https://www.bluecatscreenplay.com/competition/rules-guidelines/       October 2022

studio 21 competition-       Studio 21 works with top level industry executives and leading showrunners to discover the best up and coming writers in a global market. They support their writers with bespoke strategies for their best development. Providing support financially, writers room support and consultancy. They aim to develop fresh ideas and promote writers' portfolios on an international level through the parent company C21 Media’s products. It appears that each year Studio 21 runs a competition which is open for new writers to submit their work. This can be a variety of genre and previous winners are now in the process of having their project developed with leading producers. Their website also has email contact details, but it is unclear if this can be used for submissions. Some of their competition’s winners are Jan Smith creator of Parasomnia, Alister Mc Dermott creator of Bakersfield and Grace Link creator of Crack of Dawn. The winner of their competition is given £10,000 to help develop their works as well as a chance to connect with the global drama business through C21Media’s Content London in December.

https://www.studio21.com/              October 2022

Commissioning body

The BBC offer a chance for work to be seen though their writing room, so pitching to a corporation. Each year the BBC partner with around 10-15 writers, through independent production companies, when they are conditioned, they attend masterclasses, and workshops with more experienced writers throughout the year whilst continuing to help those who have agreed to develop their script with developing the script. The aim is for that script and series idea will be taken up by the BBC. Once the writer has sold their script, although it may not actually be used, they are not allowed to sell it to another corporation. An example of a TV series that the BBC has produced is His Dark Materials, this was originally a book by Phillip Pullman.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/our-groups/tv-drama-writers-programme/

(Example from Honey Evens- Oct 2022)

Some examples of Sources that you could use to get inspiration from for writing or planning a screenplay include books, novels are good inspiration for writers, whether fiction or not, they can give information on a subject that the reader isn’t particularly knowledgeable on, or just inspire different story ideas.

They could also base their scrip on a certain book they like, or think would make a good movie or Tv show, for example The lord of the rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien was adapted into several movies. Another example could include movies and Tv shows, a pending writer could watch many movies and Tv series for, story world, plot ideas and character concepts.

They could also reference older movies in their scrip to draw in a bigger audience, for example they series stranger things uses many references particularly in the first episode to E.T. Another way writers get inspiration from talking to those around them, whether other writers or not, sometimes it can mean writers form a group to inspire one another with their scripts or a writer could ask for opinions online, if not either of those I could just be a writer discussing and bouncing ideas of their friends.

Finally, they could get inspiration from real life events, whether historical or current for example they could write their script on a tragic historical even like titanic or a real inspirational story like dolphin tail, these tend to be movies and usually at the end credits the movie states that it is based on real events.

It is good for writers to use different sources to widen their database that they use to create their ideas, the more they read, watch and hear the bigger that database is.

Internet, books and people can be used as source of information for a script, it could be easier to contact people online.

I listened to the ideas that the people in my class had, after spending some time watching as many movies as I could stand between reading a couple of books I had not read in a long time. After hearing others’ ideas, I remembered part of a horror story a friends older sister told me one nigh in the wood, I cant remember the original story I was told although I remember the rough idea and fill in the blanks from inspiration from what others told me of their ideas and stories they heard.

The internet is useful for quickly looking up anything you don’t have a working understanding off, and a library has many books focusing on specific topics going into great depth. And it is not too difficult to ask those around you who have studied or just have a general knowledge. If reading the information or watching videos online aren’t an option, it is also possible to talk to people who have a working knowledge of the information you require.

Talking to people has been the most useful source of inspiration to me. Some inspiration others have offered me has not entirely fit with the idea I had started to imagine so I shuffled though to what would fit best with the story, what characters may be easier to connect with the audience and trying not to follow in the stereo type of women needing saving constantly calling for men to protect them. I am using word documents and google docs to store my note at the minuet.