Lara McEvoy - 319311
Unit 13: Final Major Project
Research Interpretations - 2.2
On this page is where you will find the conclusions to my research. In these I have summarized what I have learnt and how it has influenced my proposed idea. I have written the conclusions in the same order I undertook the research, so starting with the content research.
Content Research Conclusion
(10/03/24)
The content stage of research has really allowed me to deepen my understanding of documentary and explore what I could do for my idea. Starting off by looking at the codes and conventions gave me a chance to start thinking about what I could include within my documentary to make it feel more professional and like a documentary. From this I was able to take that I would like to use archival footage, graphics, real people, jiggly camera and voiceover/narration. Each of these elements will help the audience understand that what they are watching is a documentary, and for me this means I can implement them into my idea and explore the use of them further on in pre-production. The modes of documentary section acted as a recap for me, however it did further reinforce the fact that I want to utilize the observational mode of documentary the most. This is because for the documentary vibe, so to say, that I am going for I want it to feel natural I want the audience to watch these three pupils and feel as though they are going through the shows with them.
​
The existing examples section is what I found was most beneficial. Within this section I was able to explore in depth an existing example which is very similar to my own idea. From this I could explore how conventions were used and take inspiration from the documentary itself. The main area I took inspiration was their interviews as they were mostly in the moment ones, rather than set sat down ones. I love this idea as it is them in the moment, expressing how they feel, which for the audience it can create a sense of connection as you are watching someone talk about how they feel openly before going onto stage to perform; also this creates authenticity for the people within it as they aren’t being told what to say and when to say it, its just them there in the moment. The other documentary example I used also has the in the moment feel, but also breaks it up with the interviews done in the homes of the people, so this is something I would consider using as well.
​
Overall, I would say that the content research section has allowed me to better visualize the idea in my head. It now differs from the proposed idea, but that’s fine, its why the research is undertaken to help inform my idea.
Audience Research Conclusion
(10/03/24)
When it comes to the audience research, I would say that this is an area I found more difficult, however it has allowed me to explore my audience and audience theories in more detail. At the start of the audience research, I was very much under the impression that the only potential/target audience I had was only pupils + the parents of those pupils of the dance school. This was a combination of me thinking that no one would want to watch a documentary focused on 3 pupils of a local dance school and that I wasn’t confident it either. However, since undertaking just the primary research stage, I was quite wrong with my initial assumption. From the survey I was able to work out that my potential audience is a lot wider than I had originally thought. The survey showed me that there were several people from different age ranges, gender and people who don’t do dance that would be interested in it. Which for me means that the audience is wider than I had originally though, and that this idea could be more engaging than I think it is.
From the survey I was also able to develop my idea further, as some people left comments talking about how I should pay more attention to the pupils rather than the show itself. After reading this comment the idea did a little flip in my head and I realized that rather than worrying about the dance school I should follow 3 pupils and get their story. This still needs to be worked on and logistically thought about, but I feel as though the documentary will be better following the three pupils about them personally rather than focusing on the dance school.
​
To conclude, the audience research section has allowed me to see where I need to incorporate the relevant audience theories and what needs to be done to create an engaging piece. Through developing a deeper understanding of audience engagement, I realize the importance of making content engaging so when filming I should focus on the more engaging aspects of the show/pupils rather than the more mundane aspects.
Production Research Conclusion
(10/03/24)
Production process research was an amazing opportunity for me to explore how I am actually going to produce my documentary. Through exploring how to create a short documentary, I was refreshed on the fundamentals I need to keep in mind when beginning post-production. Then moving onto sound and lighting, undertaking secondary research then putting it into practice for primary really gave me the chance to see if the research I had done was effective. Along with this I could see if what I had been picturing in my head was possible in practice, which it was. Making the decision to take kit home during this stage was one of the best decisions I could’ve made because I was able to practice setting up an interview scenario that I would like to use and see how long it would take so when it comes to production, I know what to do. To go with this from the practice and creating the kit list, I have decided the best camera for me to use is the Canon 90D. This is because I have used this a lot in the past, and with the extra practice I am confident with this choice.
​
In conclusion, this research stage took a more practical turn meaning I could explore areas of uncertainty and give myself more confidence that I understand what I am doing.