Generic Research: The Phone call

As part of the research towards thinking of ideas to do for our own documentary, we had the task as a group to film an extract named 'the phone call.' We filmed the shots on two different electronic devices which meat it had the effect of a two way phone call taking place.

Also, this task enabled us to experiment more with imovie. This was really helpful as this application will be what I am planning to edit my video on.

Research: Theorists

Theories surrounding Documentaries... 

MICHAEL RABIGER- click here for a link to the source.

He  looked into the features of a documentary and here are some listed: He also wrote a book which is sourced as an image below (the Documentary, Sixth Edition), it focuses in on how to construct a documentary and is very useful for somebody studying this concept.

Have interesting characters, who are trying to achieve something

Develop knowledge of a character or situation

Are not objective (they are subjective)

Include contextual information

Convey person, critical perspective on human condition

Contain dramatic suspense and makes the audience judge/anticipate/wonder/despair

Show confrontation between two opposing forces with climax and resolution

JOHN GRIERSON- click here for a link to the source

1. Grierson’s major contribution to  the  future of  the  documentary was made as a producer whose enthusiasm could convince governments and industry of the value of sponsoring films that would make people more aware of social issues.
2. He established the National Film Board  of Canada in 1939.
3. Grierson called the documentary the “creative treatment of actuality.”
4. Although Grierson often stressed the social objectives of the documentary rather than its aesthetics
5. Grierson’s documentaries established the classical style in which the images are subservient to a verbal argument that has been scripted in advance. The speaker is apparently omniscient and remains off screen.

Generic Research: The pool lifeguard

I also decided to look into already existing videos that have been created around being a lifeguard. It was helpful to watch them and understand the typical codes and conventions that each of the creators use to make it look as effective as possible.

This first video was really good because it was very realistic. The actions carried out were all very typical of a normal everyday lifeguard, and the high resolution camera made the footage look really effective and nice to watch.

I then decided to look into the individual aspects of being a lifeguard, specifically the training that is needed to be able to undertake the role. After watching this, it has inspired me to focus in on one issue or topic within my chosen documentary. 

Generic Research: Genre, history, conventions and influences of Documentaries

GENRE...

HISTORY...

These short films were called "actuality" films; the term "documentary" was not coined until 1926. Many of the first films, such as those made by Auguste and Louis Lumière, were a minute or less in length, due to technological limitations.

Here is a link to the trailer

Nanook of the North is a silent documentary film by Robert J Flaherty

The documentary (1922) follows the lives of an Inuk, Nanook, and his family as they travel, search for food and trade in the Ungava Peninsula of northern Quebec. Nanook, his wife Nyla and their family are introduced as fearless heroes who endure rigors. 

Learning about the lands and people there, Flaherty decided to bring a camera with him on his third expedition in 1913, but knowing nothing about film. 

The Night mail is also another very early documentary, here is a link to my previous textual analysis regarding this specific genre.

CONVENTIONS...

• Voiceovers- This guides the audience through each scene, providing extra information
• Real life footage of events- This enhances the realism of the documentary.
• Interviews with the experts of the topic- This makes the footage reliable, forming logos.
• Use of facts and figures- Each point is more significant if it's backed up with numerical evidence. 
• Use of text and titles- This could potentially make the documentary easier to interpret.
• Sound- Sound bridges are used effectively between scenes
• Set-ups of a particular scene- This could be children participating in a classroom
• Visual coding/ mise-en-scene- The clothing the characters wear should represent them 

INFLUENCES...

I began by looking into documentaries listed on the Channel 4 website...


Firstly, I watched 'The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds.' I really like this style of documentary because it is from a perspective of what really goes on inside a 4 year old's head when they're playing with their friends. It is therefore, a covert observation due to their little knowledge if the camera crew.

Also, there were interviews with professional psychologists who're specialists in childcare. This provides the documentary with realism and a high level of reliability due to the statements being backed up with evidence.

Planning: Proposal

This is a screenshot of one of the responses I received from my questionnaire. So far, it appears that all of the people I have asked wish to see 'The life of a lifeguard' as an idea for a documentary. 

Generic Research: My initial thoughts and ideas

As my initial idea, I have decided to create a documentary. Here is a brainstorm of a few ideas that I came up with regarding my topic of interest. 

I have decided that I want to create a documentary that heavily represents actions that really do happen in the world. I want to bring up issues surrounding that topic, and give the consumer something to think about. 

Generic Research: Looking at other documentaries

Click here for a link to the extract of the 'Night Mail'

What are the similarities and differences it has with contemporary media? 

• The narration over the top of the clips informs the audience what the extract is about
• There are many facts and figures to back up what is being explained
• Foley sound is used for a sense of realism in regards to what actions are taking place
• Diegetic sound in the form of speech is used, to bring the characters being watched to life more
• The editing is fairly fast paced, with a dissolved technique between takes

• The camera movement is very shaky and often out of focus, which is often hard to watch
• It is in black and white due to colour not being available then
• There was a lack of interviews which nowadays would be heavily used in contemporary media
• There is no superimpose writing over the top of the takes e.g. the facts would now usually be written over the top of the take

Audience Research: First questionnaire

I have conducted a questionnaire on Google Docs. The aim of this is to discover what the habits of people are when it comes watching documentaries, and how I can ensure the product that I create is liked by a large amount of people. Here is a screenshot of all the questions that I have decided to include in the first questionnaire I conduct:

Generic Research: Evaluating other products

What was good...

1. It was evidently adhered to in terms of the codes and conventions of a typical documentary. The shot types being effective and linking in with the theme being spoken about. An example is a handheld shot type was used to enhance the realism, and close up shots on the elements that should be focussed on more.
2. Social media has been made use of  which is appropriate for the younger audience type, meaning they can engage more with the product which automatically makes it more appealing.
3. To do this, layers have been used which looks professional and effective.
4. Evidence was placed over each statement, for a sense of realism to be established
5. Consistency is present with the music being the same throughout and also links into the theme well.

What was bad...

1. During some music videos, the lips were not completely synced with the music in some specific places, which lead to the product lacking in the professional aspect.
2. Some of the clips were noticeably contrasted (in regards to light) in the products where the creators had clearly filmed the clips at different times due to not having enough footage to work with in the first place.
3.  The camera quality changed frequently throughout some of the products where the same camera was not used consistently throughout, which lead to the focus being shifted from the actual content.
4. Some of the editing was evidently poor, the clips did not link together in a way that they flowed.

What could be improved...

1. Some further advanced technology could have been used to enhance the realism of the products and provide them with more of a match to already existing documentaries and music videos. It would also mean that the individuality aspect can easily be met too.
2.  To improve, the talent could be picked carefully and make sure the person chosen is willing to learn the lines and act their part the best they possibly can.
3. Also, the creators could ensure they films all of the footage in one day, with the same camera the whole way through. This would mean that the appearance of the content would be the same and also look more professional.