Audience Feedback of Questionnaires

Football Hooligan Interview

This interview was conducted by myself in all pre and post stages.




We did this for the benefit of our documentary.

Analysis of Documentary

Horizon: The Lost Tribes of Humanity

This documentary represents one half of the hybrid genre signified in our own documentary. That genre is anthropology which studies the elements of human behaviour. In order to connote the importance of the genre to the target audience this documentary has used a variety of camera techniques to signify not only its genre but intrigue behind it as well. The camera movements, shots and angles are remarkable in the sense that they offer an active audience inspiration. The reason behind this is due to the fact that in order to signify the importance of this genre the camera work has to be so incredible that it inspires a modern day demographic. Through the use of various camera techniques e.g. establishing shots, variation in close up shots, aerial shots, low – angle shots and your pans and tilts.   Both ‘inspiration’ and ‘escapism’ offer the same end result which is self – satisfaction.

These camera techniques give the documentary a more meaningful and exciting purpose supporting them which enables this documentary to really capture the primary audience’s engagement. If you analyse one of these techniques in more detail, for instance: the variation in close ups it is true to say that they channel the target audience’s focus and engagement towards the direction in which the documentary is heading. Therefore, through the use of these camera techniques certain documentaries do have the ability to inspire demo and psychographics, which in turn, this achieves the documentaries goal. This is due to the philosophy behind documentaries which is to not only inspire but to provide informative, excitable and desirable engagement for their target audience. This ethos in which this particular documentary is connoting through its camera work and how it’s displaying its representation through this; can potentially link in with two audience theories. One being Blumler & Katz’s Uses & gratifications theory as you could translate the concept of ‘inspiring’ to ‘escapism’ because that is exactly what the audience is searching and in need for.

The second theory coming off of the previous one is that you could argue this particular documentary tie in with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The reasoning behind this is linked with the ‘self – satisfaction’ need that transpires into the basic human need which is at the bottom of Maslow’s Hierarchical pyramid. Therefore, ground – breaking camera work is required for audiences viewing documentaries – and this one in particular – because it provides the demographic with excitable engagement.

Moreover, another camera technique that is conventional of

documentaries and in this one in particular is the Rule that is conventionally followed. This generic convention is of course the rule of Thirds. It is demonstrated when the narrator is breaking the fourth wall and, more importantly, when interviews are taking place. Interviews within this documentary are a convention of not only documentaries generally but especially this genre as well. Interviews help audiences understand certain elements and genres like this one; this factor does come in handy as there is a lot to comprehend. The rule of Thirds aspect is present when interviews take place as it gives the footage a much more cleaner, elegant and professional feel to it. As a result, this affects the documentary and gives the illusion that the documentary is the same. This is exactly what demographics like due to Steve Neale’s genre theory because it suggests audiences enjoy “repetition” in media texts. These conventions are what turn a decent doc into a good documentary. When highlighting the Rule of Thirds element it is important to note that it makes the shot look interesting and realistic at the same time – which is exactly what documentaries aim to achieve because the sense of realism is crucial as there is supposedly nothing but truth behind documentaries and are absolutely factual. In addition there are various uses of not only deep focuses but shallow focuses too in order to describe in a literal sense that the documentary is indeed important.

The editing elements of a documentary are just as significant as the camera work. The editing techniques ensure the smooth running of the documentary by metaphorically aiding the narrative in its progression. In this particular documentary, the majority of editing transitions are indeed cuts because that is how the human eye cuts and therefore gives the sense of ‘realism’ and a realistic truth behind it. Although, there are a few examples of cross dissolves embedded into this documentary in order to connote the movement of time – especially in this typology of genre the progression over time is exactly what they’re trying to illustrate. The juxtaposition of human behaviour of a thousand years ago and today’s time. Another editing technique to note is that all the shots are short takes in the attempt to make the documentary more exciting. This is achieved by implementing numerous cutaways to aid the audience in their understanding of the concept being narrated at the time. The clever matching of visuals and the VO again, helps the demographic comprehend and contemplate the insightfulness the documentary is providing.

Furthermore, another generic convention of editing transitions within documentaries is displayed through the use of shot, reverse shot; due to the fact that interviews are a convention of documentaries and this one in particular, this editing technique is a convention of interviews. Thus making it a generic convention of this documentary. The purpose of this editing technique is to allow the target audience see characters reactions to certain elements. Also, another editing transition that has been implemented is a graphic match. This has been done in order to connote a clear link between two different scenes; possibly due to the connection between the subject matter (connection between various human species). This connotation has significant meaning behinds it supports the very foundation of the documentary and what it's regarding.

In this documentary, the mis-en-scene is essential when connoting the significance of the genre. Take the costumes of the presenter for instance, she is wearing travelling gear and adventurous, outdoor jackets in order to emphasise the movement and progression of humans over the years. Another, mis-en-scene convention is the choice of location. In this documentary all crew fly all over the world, for example: Germany in order to really set the tone and atmosphere of what they’re narrating about. The apprehension behind good location choices and why it is vital is simply down to how good the documentary would appear and how big the budget was. Audiences often think the bigger the better... Therefore, a variety in location choices will appeal to your target audience.

The sound aspect in any documentary is vital because it is used to convey information excitement. In this documentary there are a lot scenes located on the seaside near caves where exhibitions are taking place regarding anthropology. The ambient sound helps the audience get a feel for the atmosphere and provide them with the realistic sense that creates a documentary. Through the clever use of ambient sound it enables this documentary to offer their target audiences the sense of realism that they’re looking for. In addition, diegetic sound is part of this realistic use of technique in order to connote that the documentary is factual and true. One convention of documentaries and which this one demonstrates is the presenter and narrator directly addressing the demographic and breaking the fourth wall. This is considered a generic convention due to the fact that the documentary needs to communicate the sense of realism and truth through not avoiding the audience and not pretending like they’re not there – when in fact they are very much there! Therefore, in terms of conventional sound techniques, this documentary has followed it by the letter which in turn attracts a large primary audience.

Also, the tone of voice used in the voice over when narrating is critical as it engages the audience. The intonation in the presenters voice is utilised well, especially at the correct moments and therefore engaging an active audience.

The subject of anthropology has been represented through various technical elements mentioned above. Take editing; through the use of cross dissolves it illustrates the passing of time connoting the changes in human behaviour over the years. This subtle technique creates a large impact on the audience’s experience when viewing the documentary and therefore the subject and genre has been represented through this technical element.

The target audience will be engaged by this documentary, as it is extremely factual based and very insightful regarding human behaviour. Not only due to its content but the amazing camera work incorporated has to be praised and will be by audiences viewing it. The establishing shots always grabs the attention of an active audience, as they’re just simply outstanding. Therefore, the target audience will be engaged by this particular documentary.

In relation to Angela McRobbie’s theory it is difficult to identify where it can be applied. The reason for this is because it is challenged to such an extent that it is the complete opposite of what the theory suggests. The theory supports the view that women are stereotyped into roles and are subject to manipulation. This just simply isn’t the case with this documentary as the protagonist (main presenter) is indeed a female. She is a confident narrator and does seem to be intrigued herself by the subject of anthropology. The boundaries of the stereotypes, in regard to McRobbie’s theory are stretched to such an amount that the concept doesn’t even exist within this documentary.

The narrative structure is determined by the producer and partially by the presenter herself. The presenter’s clips are subject of the structure behind the narrative as it cuts in and out and keeps referring back to the presenter. In particular the presenter is often referred back to when she is explaining a diagram displayed in order to illustrate the variation in human species.  The scene is dispersed throughout the documentary and this is typically known as a ‘thread’ in order to give the documentary stability in terms of the narrative structure.

The audience’s reception when viewing this particular documentary will be well received as it provides the target audience with what they’re looking for. The audience reception can be easily identified by associating it with Richard Dyer’s Utopian Solutions Theory; this is due to the fact that the theory suggests audiences experience media texts to gain perfection which they can’t obtain from their real lives. Subsequently specific media texts can offer “utopian solutions” to audience’s problems. In this case, audiences could view this documentary to solve their problem of lack of knowledge. So their main problem is and this documentary solves this by offering insightfulness. In addition, in order to categorise audience’s reception to this documentary it is important to consider Young and Rubicam’s Audience Classification System. The reason being is that Y&R suggest that all audiences can be classified by their different personalities and behaviours. This can be applied to this particular documentary as a very specific demographic will view it. The type of category that will influence this documentary is the ‘explorer’ as this particular demographic requires new experiences and likes discovering things – exactly what this documentary provides by uncovering the secrets of human behaviour.

Analysis of Documentary

The Class of ‘92

The camera movement, shots and angles are all a crucial element in signifying the genre of the documentary. The genre of this particular documentary is in fact a hybrid of sports and historical aspects – the sub genre, in terms of sports, is football. Various camera techniques have achieved a good overall complexion of the documentary in the sense that it looks professional, clean and realistic. Providing the documentary with these characteristics and signifying the genre is due to a number of reasons, specific camera techniques have been incorporated to do this. The documentary opens up with an aerial establishing shot followed by a long, high angle shot of a football stadium (Camp Nou) with a loose frame. [INSERT PIC] These impressive camera techniques engage the demographic almost immediately as they provide an entertainment factor. This is classed as entertainment due to the fact that it is not only engaging the target audience but also inspiring them at the same time. We can categorise the audience related to this factor by turning to Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications Theory as the theory suggests audience watch media texts for a specific “function”, one these “functions” do indeed include entertainment.

Another camera technique that has been demonstrated is the use of floor shots and hand – held shots, [INSERT floor PIC] the floor shot allows the audience to get closer to the action and is a generic convention of documentaries classified in the sporting genre. This camera shot is a genre signifier as it is considered conventional of the sporting genre. In addition, through the use of hand – held shots it enables you to provide the documentary with a sense of ‘realism’ and gives an active audience the experience they desire.  This element of desire is linked in with Richard Dyer’s Utopian Solutions Theory. The theory suggests that audiences watch media texts in order to gain perfection they can’t receive from their real lives. This is the foundation for the theory whereby it believes media texts offer “utopian solutions” for the target audience. Therefore, audiences use the element of desire in order to solve the problem of frustration.

In relation to camera techniques, in terms of conducting interviews there is an essential rule that directors must follow in order to create a good looking interview. As a result, this engages the audience that little bit more and ultimately establishes a connection with your demographic. Thus why this rule is considered a generic convention of not only interviews themselves but also documentaries as a whole. This rule is referred to as the Rule of Thirds, whereby the director positions a character or prop near the sides, or where the lines cross on an imaginary grid. The Rule of Thirds is vital because it makes the shot look more interesting and realistic at the same time. Of course this documentary has illustrated this element on all of their interviews. [INSERT PIC OF THIRDS] Interviews and the Rule of Thirds go hand in hand and are both known as conventions of documentaries, and this one in particular as they not only provide additional insight for the target audience to help them understand and comprehend such themes, but also because audiences like “repetition”. By this I mean audiences enjoy conventions and elements they recognise in specific genres of media texts and therefore and more engaged when accompanied by such conventions. Interviews within documentaries are considered generic conventions and can potentially link in with Steve Neale’s Genre theory. This theory suggests that audiences enjoy viewing particular genres as they offer “repetition” thus engaging target audiences more.

Furthermore, on the topic of conventional interviews, another camera techniques that can be incorporated are the use of an over the shoulder shot. This has taken place in this particular documentary [INSERT OVER THE SHOULDER] in order to engage the demo and psychographics due to the fact that that this type of shot is utilised to make the audiences feel part of the scene and display the concerning character’s perspective. This technique is conventionally implemented to enable an addition of a certain depth to the perceived documentary. In this particular documentary, the over the shoulder shot is in shallow focus whereby the character in the foreground is out of focus and the character in the background is in focus. It connotes the importance of what the character is saying in his dialogue.

Moreover, a significant camera movement that is worth mentioning is the use of a silhouetted tilt included within this documentary. [INSERT SILHOUETTE] A tilt is usually implemented in order to show off and specific object or character(s) and this case; the tilt has been used to show off certain characters. This has been done to signify to the audience the importance and significance behind these characters (The Class of ’92). [3 MAN SHOT] This camera technique isn’t necessarily considered a generic c convention suited to his particular genre but is still an essential aspect to be consisted of.

In terms, of conventions that accompany documentaries, one feature that is typically included are through the use of archive footage. Archive footage is referred to as a convention as it provides the documentary with specific content and adds more depth to the context in which the director is denoting. [INSERT ARCHIVE] In The Class of ’92 the incorporation of archive footage is key when signifying the genre as one branch of the supposedly ‘hybrid genre’ is indeed the historical element. In order for audiences to identify this historical element genre signifiers must be implemented.

The editing techniques embedded within this documentary are useful  in order to engage the target audience.

Combination of pull focus & cross dissolve

Slow Mo

Super imposed graphics

(This is half finished)

Tribal Digital Advertisement Poster - Extra

Again, I got ahead of myself and created a portrait version in order to express my commitment to the documentary. This portrait version can be used in my magazine spread article.

Tribal Digital Advertisement Poster

I decided to get ahead of the game and create this landscape version of my advertisement linked with my documentary. 

There are a few minor tweaks that need to take place but overall it is looking good. It would be important to mention that, the reason behind using different characters on the front of the advertisement - rather than the model featured in our documentary - is due to the fat that although it demonstrates consistency, the significance connoted through the variation in characters offers the target audience a dynamic range of characters to relate with. In addition, it denotes to audiences that the tribal element is found deep within us all and not just a single representation. The fact that it identifies with various audiences ties in with a particular theory. 

Anonymous Police Interview

This interview was filmed by the group but edited by myself.

Applying Tribal FacePaint

This is the first half of our model applying his relevant face paint...

Produced by group but edited by myself.

Analysis of Documentary

New York: America’s Busiest City

Technical codes like camera movement and angles are crucial when creating a documentary. They encourage the demographic to engage with not only the visuals but the narration supporting it; thus why it is so important to capture the target audience’s attention in order to enable them to gain insightful thoughts regarding the documentary. Active audiences for all genres are impatient in the sense that they want to be entertained almost immediately and as a result producers have to adapt to this environment. Documentaries achieve this by setting the atmosphere of the documentary straight away by incorporating establishing shots at the start in an attempt to amaze and dazzle the active audience – especially a passive audience; they require even more engagement to feel satisfied. For instance: in this particular documentary we open on an establishing shot of the skyline which was of course: New York City. This immediately draws in the audience and engages them. This could be considered a generic convention due to the fact that majority of documentaries represent their professionalism through the use of these camera shots. Such shots could include Aerial shots (typically executed by a crane, drone or even helicopter) in this case a helicopter was used.

In addition, specific camera movements are implemented in order to transition the subject matter across horizontally to the demographic through the use of pans. Also, if the camera is moving vertically then a tilt is introduced and again helps get across the subject matter more smoother within the mis-en-scene. These technical codes are indeed generic conventions of documentaries as they create the illusion that the documentary is actually interesting! In relation to generic conventions, it can potentially link in with Steve Neale’s Genre Theory due to the fact that it offers “repetitive” elements that target audiences enjoy. Although this is just one aspect to his theory, it still applies to more than ever to modern day documentaries that are attempting to penetrate the market and appeal to certain psychographics.

Moreover, on the subject of camera techniques, it is important to take into account the shots utilised when conducting an interview within a documentary. Interviews are a dominating aspect of documentaries as they provide the audience with an ever gaining understanding of not only the background but the narrative as well. Thus why they are considered a generic convention of documentaries and must be executed to a high quality standard. This is done by using various camera angles, for example: extreme close ups, close ups, medium profile shots, two shots etc. These variations in camera angles collate and collaborate together to produce a good looking interview for an active audience’s pleasure. Furthermore, it is a significant aspect to note regarding the Rule of Thirds when conducting a specialist interview. It gives the interview a much more cleaner and elegant look when in the post – production stage and provides the audience with a sense of professionalism. It is also a generic convention within interviews to correspond with the Rule of Thirds. This has taken place in this documentary.

The editing process for a documentary is essential to get right in order to perceive what is expected. On the topic of interviews, a shot, reverse shot is incorporated in order to highlight the interviewer and interviewee’s differences and enable the target audience to visualise the interviewees’ reactions. Also, another editing technique that is present in this particular documentary is the cross cutting element where the narrative is split between different presenters representing and presenting different aspects of the documentary. Depending on the genre of documentary this is conventional in documentaries because it forms a link between the two aspects. In addition, documentaries are a realistic insight into the target audience’s interests. Therefore, the editing transitions are a simple cut because the human eye cuts as well, so it’s to emphasise the truth behind the narration. Cuts between scenes amongst documentaries are considered generic conventions. Although, one editing technique you could include is a fade to black if it is to convey an ending of something. And this has been done in this particular documentary.

The mis-en-scene in documentaries is especially important because it’s the first thing the demographic experiences and it must meet to their demands. The presenters demonstrate a lot of body language e.g. in this documentary all the presenters have a confident pose. This is to tell the audience how they feel about what they’re promoting and it definitely shows. Also, they have to be presenting on a location that is relevant to the voice over behind it. In this case, when the presenter is narrating Central Park in Manhattan; she is at the heart of it all. Location choice is crucial when shooting a documentary.

According to Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications theory, audience’s use media for a variety of reasons. Specific media texts provide a certain “function” for audiences and in this case, the documentary offers not only educational & informative aspects but a sense of entertainment as well. This is exactly what conventional documentaries provide for the audience, resulting in the primary audience becoming more intrigued into the documentary.

Another technical code is sound. Sound engineering is a very important part of the documentary framework that binds all the technical codes together to achieve an extremely desirable documentary. The first generic convention found in documentaries and in this one in particular, is the voice over. The crucial aspect underpins everything that is happening via a narrator; an element that goes hand in hand with this is the tone of voice. The tone of the intonation has to be spot on in order to emphasise certain aspects of the documentary – this is what separates the good, the bad and the ugly.  Fortunately, in this documentary the narration, voice over and tone of voice accompanied is well thought out and carefully treated. Another generic convention is the direct addressing to the target audience (also known as breaking the fourth wall). This is a convention of presenters to talk directly to the audience; due to the fact that it allows them to connect with their demographic and provide a sense of realism and escapism within the documentary which is exactly the case with this one. It helps the target audience to view the presenter as an equal or someone they can sympathise with – almost like you’re actually there experience the atmosphere for yourself!

Also, diegetic sound is present in this documentary and is considered a convention as it can set the mood and ‘atmos’ of the media text and the target audience can view a documentary scene as realistic.

In reference to Angela McRobbie’s Gender Theory, she believes that women are manipulated by the media into thinking they should act a certain way. She believes that the media try and socialise women into particular gender roles. However, this particular documentary challenges the boundaries of this theory as the main protagonist – the predominant presenter – is in fact a female. Thus why, it stretches the stereotypes surrounding women and revolving around this fabricated theory. As a result, this documentary does appeal to the female gender too.

The representation behind the documentary is clearly illustrated through the use of technical codes. The incredible camera work of the city represents it in a light that shouts ‘spectacular’! This is what the producers of the documentary is trying to achieve to its audience and is doing a fantastic job of it. In addition, through the sound elements the experiential aspect of it all really shines through. This is executed by introducing a sense of realism within the foundation of the documentary. These representations are what create the make-up of the documentary and really connote these representations through various technical coding.

I have talked about how the target audience are being engaged by the documentary throughout this analysis and it purely comes down to the technical elements demonstrated.

The narrative structure for this documentary is left closed with an explanation behind everything. This closed narrative is a convention of documentaries as they’re supposed to be informative thus leaving no stone unturned. This narrative structure, to a certain extent, can link in with Richard Dyer’s Utopian Solutions Theory due to this particular theory suggesting that audiences use the media to experience perfection which they can’t obtain from their real lives. The theory suggests that media texts that offer these “utopian solutions” to audiences will be the most successful. This is done by providing the audience with the educational and informative aspect of it all (exactly what this documentary offers regarding New York). Through these solutions, the main problems that audiences express are solved by viewing this documentary. Therefore, tying in perfectly with this theory.

Furthermore, the narrative links in with Tzvetlan Todorov’s Narrative Structure Theory as it suggests all media texts follow a very similar structure. The documentary opened up on equilibrium by introducing New York as a whole, subsequently starting a story describing the New York lifestyle. The disruption comes into play when it is faced with problems, for instance:  trying to maintain its enormity and proceeds to be a tough job. For example: the organisation behind events being held in Central Park etc. However, the battle for a resolution is won by introducing a new managerial organisational structure and things get flowing again. A new equilibrium is introduced through a new aspect of New York. Therefore, this documentary follows the generic conventions of narrative structure when concerning Todorov’s theory.

Archive footage has been implemented into this documentary in order to enable the demographic gain a meaningful insight into the past of New York. The producers aim was to spark intrigue and engage the audience more; depending on the psychographic, this will be achieved. Also, it adds a sense of realism to the documentary.

The genre of this documentary to a British geographical audience, it is considered to be travel. The sub genre of this documentary is urban lifestyle and this is signified through various techniques. One technique used to signify urban lifestyle is through camera angles (in particular a panning, medium, shallow focus shot) of a penthouse building in the heart of Manhattan and the types of clients and customers that buy it. Therefore, technical elements have been utilised in order to signify the type of sub genre – which is urban lifestyle.