This is the filming schedule for our production process (shooting). Chelsea had found a website and created the schedule for us, however we all had contributed to plan out dates, locations, props, and the timeline of the shooting. This blogpost is written by me (Audrey).
A schedule would help me by organising what I need to do and when I need to do it. It allows me to keep on track so I do not fall behind by the submission date for the project. I may be able to avoid hectic and unexpected events that prevents the continuity of the production progress as this visual aid may help me identify important dates which distinguishes shooting time and other activities. As a group, we may be able to allocate our time spent for the production in order for us to be ensured to meet deadlines and avoid the stress of last-minute works. This also helps us to track our progress together as we share this schedule. It's also ensures a smoother communication between teammates as the schedule brings out a sense of clarity to help with the efficiency of our progress and completion of our project.
Is it realistic?
It should be realistic because we have tight personal schedule that inhibits more time being spent for us to work as a group for our documentary progress. The schedule must be followed accordingly to ensure our project is finished completely before submission date. It acts as a benchmark for us to finish and tick out our to-do list for every week, specifically for the shooting. Chelsea found this website (Jotform) which provides an easy layout for us to separate filming schedule, to-do lists, and list of production requirements which makes it easy for us to understand and comprehend our needs for the completion of this project. Hence, the importance of this schedule to be followed.
What problems might I face?
I think the biggest concern would be unexpected or sudden events, such as sick/absence for school lesson or unable to come to shooting days or even weather that prevents shooting to continue, this would hold back our production progress. This is very concerning which is really why I hope that we can all prevent from this circumstance to happen. And if it does as it is completely out of our hands, we hope for the best that we can manage and deal with the possible challenges.
After production
Problems:
I was sick in one of the days where we had to shoot on the beach. The weather was also gloomy which concerns the continuity of the shooting process. This already foreseen by us which is why we had prepared another location to shoot if it rains. Luckily, it didn't rain and we added the gloomy whether to match the dark appeal in crime documentaries to conform to the conventions. My friends were also capable to conduct and keep the production going as I was absent that time.
Another problem identified was the unavailability of the cast to attend to the allocated date and time for our shooting.
Solution:
We had to change the dates in order for the whole cast needed can attend the shooting/production progress as this was really important. This was managed easily and calmly by me and my peers as we started to shoot our scenes earlier and prioritise to shoot our documentary project.
Action plan:
Although we had predicted the challenges we're gonna face, it is important for us to actually avoid these circumstances. We have to be able to create this schedule earlier so that we have more time to allocate and discuss our shooting dates with the other crews and cast.
This is the location scout and risk assessment for our production process (shooting locations). This report is created by Kalista and Rara. However, me and Chelsea helped in discussing the locations. This blogpost is written by me (Audrey).
Click hereto access the link directly to the file for our location scout + risk assessment.
This location scout and risk assessment is written by my teammates, Kalista and Rara. However, I helped on discussing the location choices for our filming. Overall, the risk assessment wasn't really time consuming as my peers and I was already familiar with the places that we had chose so we know the condition and situation of the locations.
Problem (P): However, the location scouting was particularly time-consuming as we needed to set a fixed setting for our documentary. This was a problem for us as we hadn't been able to complete the full planning of the chronology and plot of the documentary which made us indecisive to figure out the mise-en-scenes, especially the setting. In addition, after we decided on a location, we had to make changes on d-day due to weather or circumstances which had been discussed on the risk assessment. This was handled professionally by me and my teammates.
Solution (S): Firstly, although it took a long time to decide the locations and plannings of the documentary, we had been able to agree on a location and both Kalista and Rara had been able to complete the scouting and risk assessment smartly. Lastly, during the shooting, we had created changes on the location but it was no problem as we had already assessed a back-up plan included on the assessment above which gave us an advantage as we managed to save time to discuss more locations as we had many options for shooting locations.
Here is the storyboard for my documentary project. Me and Chelsea created this storyboard (I did the first half whereas Chelsea did the last half). This blogpost is written by me (Audrey).
This storyboard acts as a visual guide for the chronology of the events. I apologize if the final results does not seem perfect.
Click hereto access the link directly to the file for our storyboard.
I have made a storyboard for a previous project that I had last year on Media Studies and we also had a lesson discussing what elements are included in a storyboard. This knowledge had benefited me as I knew what I had to do (draw) and include in the storyboard which saves me time from researching storyboards from scratch.
Problem (P): The problem that I faced personally when doing my part for the storyboard was managing my time. We had other aspects of the project to focus on (script and plot) which prevents my focus and efforts to be sorted to the making of our storyboard. I had other things to finish (such as the research on crime documentaries and its conventions) as I also did not have enough time to finish them before moving on to the next part of my blog/next step of the project process. Other school works outside Media Studies were also on the way which inhibits me to focus completely on the documentary project.
Solution (S): We (me and Chelsea) were able to divide this task into two; I drew the first-half while Chelsea drew the other/last-half. This makes the job easier for us as we shared the responsibilities. At the end, I was able to finish my part of the storyboard even if it does not look professional. Either way, the use of storyboard is to guide us visually regarding to the chronology of the events on the documentary. This was enabled completely as our storyboard consist of all the elements and information needed for our production progress.
This storyboard acts as a visual guide for the chronology of the events. I apologize if the final results does not seem perfect (the document scan did not capture the drawings perfectly and could not be seen properly).
Here is the final script/screenplay of our documentary project. All four of us had collaborated on this (Audrey, Kalista, Rara, and Chelsea). I (Audrey) found the website (Arc Studio) and created the file. This blogpost is written by me (Audrey).
Writing a script/screen-play was a new concept to me as I have no personal, professional experience regarding the contents and creation of this. This means that I needed to do extra research regarding script-writing in order for us to conduct our progress professionally to obtain high scores from our teacher. We realised that this needs so much effort and time as we needed to collect information, gather knowledge, find websites, and start writing as we come up with the plotline. (P) This was a major problem for me as we struggled to plot out the chronology for our documentary story. We are able to decide on the main events and themes conveyed in our documentary however we struggled on how to showcase the scenes. (S) So, we gathered more research on true-crime stories, fictional crime movies, and other narratives to create a fixed plotline for the events chronologically to set up our documentary. (S) To save time, I had decided to ask my senior regarding to A level Media Studies Component 3 project. I asked regarding the platform used to create a script which is called Writerduet as they had claimed that this website is effective for collaborations. I initiatively checked the website online just to find that application requires membership and payments, and we didn't decide to sign up for it. So, I researched a few other applications/platforms to write a script professionally and neatly while enabling collaboration without payment to ensure effectivity and maximised results. Luckily, I had found a website called Arc Studio Pro which provides a free script-writing platform that supports collaboration. The platform offers an easier way to communicate with each other while writing on the document (Zoom meetings) and there was a template consisting of the elements of a script which made it easier for us when writing our script. We were excited to start our script and started straight away to catch up with the schedule/timeframe so it won't burden us later on. (P) Although, at the end, we were also behind schedule as our script wasn't fully finished as we started the production progress and shooting which causes the delivery of script to our chosen actors/actresses to be delayed to d-day. (S) This was solved easily as Chelsea took pictures of it and send the script via online that made it easy for our casts to access. We also collaborated well and helped ach other out when we needed ideas/inspirations when writing as we are able to finish the whole thing. Script is a vital element for our documentary project as it provides narration and a clear plotline and chronology of the documentary which is really needed to guide us. It's also easier to file the narratives for voice/audio recording or shooting (in general) and allows easier communication and understanding between cast and crews. This was a mini project for one term, but we decided to take it seriously to prepare for the actual/main project conducted next term so that we are already knowledgeable to what we're supposed to do on the next project. We also had the same ambition to obtain good grades so that's also why we decided to take our project seriously and professionally.
Here is a research that Chelsea had conducted on script-writing. This blogpost is written by Chelsea.
What is scriptwriting?
Scriptwriting is a detailed narrative that outlines the story, characters, dialogue, and other elements essential to the production of a movie. It provides a blueprint for filmmakers, including directors, actors, and producers, to follow during the filmmaking process. A screenplay format is essentially used to express the story visually.
In general, here is what a script/screenplay should look like:
All screenplays are built out of the same core formatting elements. However, different genres may have look different. The two main pieces of a script that fill up pages are usually action lines and dialogue. But genres like comedy for instance, tend to place a greater emphasis on dialogue while other genres, like action, often focus more on action lines. Different films make use all kinds of different story structures, but the core look and functionality of screenplay formatting remains the same across all story structures and genres.
Now I will get into depth to dissect each part of a screenplay or script. There are 6 elements in a script which includes: scene heading, action, character, parenthetical, dialogue and transition. Here is what they look like in a standard script format:
1). Screen heading (also known as Slugline)
↪ Marks any change in location or time
↪ To create a scene heading in slugline, begin with a new line with one of the prefixes: INT. (Interior), EXT. (Exterior), INT./EXT. (scenes in vehicles)
2). Action
↪ Tells the reader what happens on the screen
↪ Includes descriptive words
3). Character
↪ They are in uppercase and are followed immediately by dialogue
↪ Example:
DARTH VADER
Luke. Search your feelings.
4). Dialogue
↪ Comes right after character
↪ Dialogue cannot exist without a character element immediately before it
5). Parenthetical
↪ Elements wrapped in parentheses, and follows a character or dialogue element
↪ If you type an open parentheses (after a character element, slugline adds the closing parentheses) and places the cursor between them so you can type your parenthetical
↪ Example:
HUDSON
(cupping his mike)
He's coming in. I feel safer already.
6). Transition
↪ Indicate special information about how one scene transitions to another
↪ They are in uppercase and end in TO:
or begin the line with a > symbol for example, > FADE TO BLACK.
7). Emphasis
↪ To italicize. wrap the text in *asterisks.*
↪ To create bold text, wrap in **double asterisks.**
↪ To underline something, wrap it in _underscores_.
Since I'm writing a crime documentary script, unlike films. The format may be different, hence I also searched up tips for writing a documentary script from one of the famous documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns. Below is my summary:
1). Make the use of the narrative elements: It is important to tell the dynamic of the story when possibly can when writing a script. Don't be afraid to use narrative elements to add dimension of the documentary script instead of all narration conversation and talking heads.
2). Use earlier drafts to determine your narrative arc: The first drafts are immensely important in determining the story's arc as what comes out of the first draft is telling louder than anything else what the potential film has the possibility of looking like that can emerge throughout the filmmaking process.
3). Find impactful ways to tell your story: Instead of focusing on statistics and facts, try to reword and deliver it in a kind of poetic vehicle that makes sense to people. It is important to find a way to personalise the material with the use of words (you can still think about real issues while using creative language).
4). Build structure around facts: It is better to gain facts around multiple resources (such as interviews with people). If you don't have a strong structure based on fact, then it will lead to conjecture, theories and conspiracies.
5). Use different narrative points of view: The third person narrator describes what occurs while performing almost objectively, while the first person narrative has a certain intimacy suggesting that such events happened to them. Combining the two narrative perspectives will result in something more fuller, richer and more dimensional.
6). Words are not set in stone (or not permanent): The writer should not worry about whether there are images to illustrate as that is not the writer's job. The writer's job is to just write the scene. The script may continue to change during the post-production process, up until finish editing the final film.
7). Use caveats when the facts are missing: Instead of saying, "They did this or they did that." You can say, "He may (or would) have been looking for." It is a must to figure out ways to use language to communicate something that isn't absolutely true or proving something.
I was too busy with completing my other blogposts as I have so many assessments and outside school activities to do so I couldn't really focus on the research for scriptwriting. I wasn't that knowledgeable on scriptwriting as I did not know which elements are needed to be included in a script. I also do not know the structure. Chelsea helped me and the other teammates by conducting a research beforehand and sent out the results and examples in our group chat as we discussed it further. Luckily, scriptwriting isn't as hard as I thought. I also had asked my senior regarding to how we should write our scripts. Digital platforms found on the mass media is really helpful as there are so many websites that provides these services, giving a free script layout which enables collaboration with other people. I think I need to be able to manage my time and sacrifice my free times to conduct research on my own as I feel bad for Chelsea for giving many efforts to this project. I want to ensure a balanced effort given from all of my teammates, including me. Overall, this research was really beneficial as it gave me insights on elements needed for our script and how to make use of the layout. Hopefully, we may be able to create a script that is easy enough to be made and understood.
Here is the proposal for our documentary project. We (Kalista, Chelsea, Rara, and me (Audrey)) all worked together on this. This blogpost is written by me (Audrey).
The four of us worked together on this statement of intent as we discussed the rough planning of our crime-documentary project. I was able to complete the statement of intent thoroughly with little mistakes however we still struggle to how we were gonna showcase and portray the conventions and other technical elements that will be included in our documentary project.
Problem (P) and Solution (S): There wasn't really any problem throughout the completion as we managed to work together well as a team. All of us was familiar to how to write down our statement of intent as we have done it in the previous year so it didn't take a long time to complete it. (S) We were already decisive on our main theme and/or mood as we compiled our ideas into a single document on Google Docs. We collected ideas before the final planning should be reviewed and assessed by our teacher and before we were set to start the production stage of the documentary. We all started on our research to identify and explore conventions of a crime-documentary in order to create an appeal to our intended audience as stated on the statement of intent. We hoped that everything we had plan goes well and that our documentary turns out nicely as we worked hard to collaborate our efforts.
Here is the research for my documentary project. I examined a few crime-documentaries from Netflix and explored its conventions. This blogpost is written by me (Audrey).
Before I explore further into the genre of Crime-Documentary, I must understand how to define and explain it by its generic conventions that distinguish the genre with the others.
I noted down a few information regarding the genre and how its portrayed in the mass media.
A documentary is a popular media form presented as non-fiction films, televisions, or radio programmes intended to provide 'documents' regarding a real-life issue and/or event. The use of this is to report, inform, and educate audiences. However, a documentary may not offer the whole truth as it is a mediated version of the event meaning that filmmakers and their production team may alter the perspective to shape how the audience is going to take and read the codes and information given.
A crime-documentary is an exploration within the genre, a sub-genre, which particularly covers the topics including murder/killings, convictions, court cases, and other unlawful act that is presented through a unique perspective. Many crime-documentaries had helped serve justice as there were cases where a murderer had been identified during the making of a documentary.
Here are other reasons to why a filmmaker might be motivated to mediate reality though crime-documentaries:
- Preserve footages and recording taken
- Inform and reveal information
- Persuade and promote
- Interrogation and examination
- Expressing perspective
In a crime documentary, there are several conventions that differentiates them from other genre. This can be identified by audience and separates this sub-genre.
1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as? 2. Who is the target audience? 3. What typical documentary conventions were used? 4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre? 5. How does it create suspense using the following: - Camera - Sound - Mise-en-scene - Edit 6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as?
Sports-crime documentary. This crime documentary falls under the sub-genre of sports-crime as the main event told by the documentary is about a sports events that had caused a big riot.
2. Who is the target audience?
↦ From the genre itself, we can identify that the main target audience are mostly adults (age 18 and above). The reason for this is that there are several footage including violence, drinking, an use of substance that are considered 'matured' topics which would be most suitable for viewers who are adults.
↦ Moreover, the documentary has the sub-genre of sports-crime which means that the documentary would be most appealing to sports enthusiasts, specifically, football fans since it is about a riot that happens during the finals of a football tournament in 2020.
↦ Since football is a common sports that are liked and well-enjoyed by mostly males, the documentary attracts more attention from males.
↦ The setting/location of the documentary could also be a supporting factor to whom the targeted audience is. This documentary revolves around England (Wembley) which would make sense if most of the audience are English.
3. What typical documentary conventions were used?
↦ There are several conventions of a crime documentary that is used by the documentary such as interviews. The documentary includes snippets of interviews from victims, assailants, and authority figures who was there during the riot incident. Documentaries usually aim to report incidents or events that had happened to gain public awareness which makes sense to why interviews are usually included in this genre.
↦ Moreover, voice-overs are used to describe what happened during the event as they showcase pictures and scenes of the location, usually slow establishing shots or close ups.
↦Slow camera movements are used to evoke tension and suspense of the audience as it slowly builds up to the climax of the event. This is a typical way to keep audiences engaged to the documentary, prolonging their attention to peek their interest.
↦Louds sound effects (thumps and crescendos) were used to emphasize the intensity of the documentary, this evokes the audience's emotion and showcasing how "real and scary" the events were.
4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
Documentaries, specifically in the genre of crime, is popular for the dark and scary moods that is brought by the events of it. Crime documentaries are usually presented with slightly dimmed lighting exposure as the producers connotates realism and fear to be evoked from the audience. However, this documentary showcased realism without that generic conventions, raw footages and interview clips were shown with a bright exposure and environment. Moreover, the few minutes from the opening scene evoked a completely different mood for the audience as the producers build up joy and hype from the sports event, showing how cheerful the circumstance were before the climax of it. Because of this, the audience wouldn't expect a riot will arise as the climax builds up, this means this is the 'hermeneutic code' by Barthes that played a part to keep audience guessing/engaged to the documentary as it builds suspense throughout. The mood and the atmosphere changed as the event goes, subverting the constant "dark" appeal and feels from generic crime documentaries.
5. How does it create suspense using the following:
🎦 Camera
- Establishing shots are used to show and reveal locations that are shown on the events. Specifically when the scene reveals the intensity of the crowd which shows the audience that so many people were involved in this case. This emphasizes the stakes of the situation as it brings up a sense of danger.
- Lighting, contrast, brightness. In the interview clips, low lighting were used as it connotes seriousness from the shadows which seems eerie, juxtaposing the brightness when scenes of the football match and riots were shown as the appeal was brighter. The audience may understand the complexity within the events which keeps them guessing and hooked.
- Random camera movements, hand-held and shaky camera were used that connotes realism as the footage feels raw and unfiltered. The audience may feel as if they are involved in the middle of the action. Moreover, the shaky movements may connotes panic as it gives an unstable view from the audience which may heightened the mood and tension.
- Slow camera movements such as pans were used to force audience to view the scenario longer which may create a feeling of inescapability as the events unfold. This creates anticipation from the audience which builds suspense as it keeps them guessing to what's going to happen next.
🎦 Sound
- Non-diegetic sound effects
- Non-diegetic scores and background music (crescendos) were used to rise up the tension. This is because the intensity from the gradually increased volume may connote something important is about to be revealed/happen.
🎦 Mise-en-scene
- Use of actual/real footage, clips, pictures, and snippets from the incident which emphasizes realism throughout the whole documentary. This brings out the authenticity of the documentary which draws the attention of the audience as it provokes a feeling of involvement as they witness the events as it unfolds. Audiences who are invested to the events unfolding may be affected emotionally as footage of real life people who was involved in the events were shown which creates a direct connection to the victims and/or suspects creating a more personal and suspenseful mood.
🎦 Edit
- Pacing and duration between scene (slow to fast) were used to build up tension in the atmosphere as it gradually increases creating suspense from the audiences' view. This works as glimpses of different scenes withholds the event creating a sense of eagerness from the audience as they waited for revelation.
- Quick cuts were used as the events shown on the documentary escalates quickly from the short durations of clips being shown to the audience. This creates a sense of urgency from viewers as they might feel like something important or dangerous is about to be uncovered.
6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I enjoyed how the opening changes the atmosphere and the mood throughout the documentary as the events and storyline unfolds. It gives a dramatic effect to the audience because they do not know what's going to happen next as it is unpredictable. This draws in the attention of the audience longer as we keep them hooked. In this case, the mood and atmosphere is controlled mostly by the use of crescendos, slow duration shots and quick-cuts, and brightness of the documentary which gradually increases as the events are unfold.
Worst Roommate Ever, Netflix (2022) (S1EP1: My BFF Tried to Kill Me)
1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as?
True-crime documentary. Murder.
2. Who is the target audience?
Along the genre of 'crime documentaries', the target audience would be adults (18 years and above). This is because of gory visuals and scenes that showed injuries of the victim along with substances use which is not appropriate for younger viewers, therefore it is more suitable for ages 18 and up. Moreover, the documentary revolves around the story of female murders which would possibly attract the attention of females rather than males (though not much difference). This is hinted in the episode's title name: My BFF Tried to Kill Me. The term 'BFF' tend to be associated with female's close friendship (an acronym of Best Friend Forever) popularly used in the modern media.
3. What typical documentary conventions were used?
The documentary shown real-life pictures of the murderer and victim which would be one of the generic conventions seen in this documentary. Real-life pictures are used as visuals for the audience as proof that what's happening is real and may keep their attention hooked. As they are showing those pictures, voice-overs of the victim (in this case, may be anyone with association to the events of the documentary) were used to describe, narrate, and explain to the audience the events that happened chronologically which may act as the 'proairetic code' by Barthes. The audience may have a clear and deeper understanding to what they're seeing/being exposed to.
4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
There are multiple pictures of the murderer and the victim, the incidents, and the injuries from the terrible events of the murder chronology. I think this opening conforms to the general crime documentaries for including the pictures of the events as it is one of it's most general conventions. Showing actual pictures regarding the incidents will show audience that what happened was real to hook and keep up their interest to watch the documentary. In addition, the slow duration and close-ups highlights the details of the pictures for the audience to view more of it which may be implied as realism from the producers; that this happened in real-life and is not just made up. Not only that, there are more conventions from most crime documentaries that has been spotted in this opening: uneasy and eerie music (Non-diegetic), dimmed lighting exposure, establishing shots, voice-overs, and many more.
5. How does it create suspense using the following:
🎦 Camera
- Handheld camera movements were used to make the scenes feel real for the audience which keeps them engaged as shakiness may connote panic, heightening the distress and tension from the viewers.
- Close-ups were used to capture the victim's expressions (distress and fear) and conditions (injuries) which forces a focus on those footages/clips/pictures as the audience feels the intensity of the circumstance.
- POV shots which includes glitched effects that connotes distress and depicts instability (mentally or literally) as events may be traumatic from staircase being shown, meaning that something bad must've happen in that area as POV angle makes the audiences to view the experience in the victim's perspective.
🎦 Sound
- The documentary used unsettling background noise (non-diegetic sound effects) to heightened the suspense created throughout the opening as it unfolds the events. This was layered in the voice-overs of the victim as she uncovers the story and reveals what happens which may further connote danger as the audience hears the storytelling from the victim with the eerie scores.
🎦 Mise-en-scene
- The lighting in the documentary used overall was dimmed and dark which connotes mystery and danger as the mood and atmosphere changes into a more serious, tragic, or sensitive subject. This increases the suspense felt by the viewers.
- Use of glitching effects connotes malfunction and disruption, in this case, this is shown mentally as it reflects the chaos and trauma of the event experienced by the victim. This allows audience to feel the states of the victim which heightened the fear and danger felt by viewers regarding the circumstance.
🎦 Edit
- Slow durations and pacing were used to emphasize and create focus on a particular scene which is important for the viewers to view. This draws out key moments to be more impactful and suspenseful as the events uncover making the audience realise the danger from the dramatic actions.
6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I was inspired by the glitching effects and it appeals to me the most because it is a technique to showcase confusion, distortion, uneasiness, and distress to the audience. Glitching is a denotation of malfunction which may be used to represent the documentary in a particular perspective. This perspective may be further elaborated psychologically which where the connotation of unease and distress comes from.
Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story, Netflix (2022)
1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as?
True-crime documentary.
2. Who is the target audience?
Although it doesn't show at first, the documentary's main plot/climax discusses sexual violence which is considered to be a heavy and 'matured' topic to be brought up. It is reasonable that the intended age for viewing must be above 18 or is an adult as younger viewers may be exposed to something that haven't been introduced to them which they will not understand. Moreover, people within the ages of 50s or people who have heard of Jimmy Savile when he strived in the 1970s would be a target audience as the documentary revolves around him. This may brought back his previous 'fans' who may return to watch his downfall and what had actually happened to him which is why older audience may be more interested in this documentary. In addition, Jimmy Savile was an English media personality who has appeared in many TV programmes throughout England (BBC and others) which made him extremely recognisable in that particular country. This is evidence that the target audience for this documentary is the English as they might be more interested in someone they had recognised previously. Jimmy Savile was known in both genders which means that there isn't a particular gender that this documentary appeals to predominantly.
3. What typical documentary conventions were used?
This documentary shows many archival footage of Jimmy Savile during his career, including interviews, TV shows, and other public appearances which acts as an introduction to audiences who wasn't present or known Jimmy Savile when he was popular. The main focus of this documentary is Jimmy Savile which the audience may expect to be shown more (screen time) in this media text. The use for these snippets is to provide a real evidence which supports the authenticity of the documentary. Audiences are more likely to be hooked in stories that they believe is true.
Voice-overs were heavily used to guide the audience regarding the chronology of the following events. It furthers supports information as Jimmy Savile is reintroduced in this documentary. The narration layered on the scene gives audience a clear understanding to follow as the events unfolds, enabling an easier decoding of the media text.
The documentary is presented with eerie and unsettling background music as events unfold chronologically. This is used commonly to build tension as audience may feel discomfort from the dramatic. It also conforms to sub-genre of crime as the overall mood and tone of the scenes were supported with this technique provoking negative feelings for the audience.
4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
Contrapuntal sounds, where the sound contrasts with the visuals, such as the eerie scores and unsettling background music were used as it juxtaposes to the bright coloring and tone of the sceneries. This subverts the generic/stereotypical way of documentaries presenting the events to provoke fear and discomfort. This subverts the conventions as crime-documentaries usually rely on the mise-en-scene (dark appeal/lighting/tone) of the documentary to connote evil or maliciousness as it showcases a grim setting/reality in order to be able to create tension to provoke fear from the audience. This overthrows the expectations of the audience, keeping the documentary and its chronology from becoming predictable to prolong the attention and interest of the audience. As Neale's Genre Theory states that a media text should be similar enough to be recognise by the audience while remain interesting and different to appeal to the audience, this statement/theory supports the intention of the filmmaker to create this documentary in order for the audience to enjoy documentaries while staying interested in that particular genre.
The documentary also includes snippets of interviews which is an element which can be commonly found in documentaries as the purpose of a documentary is to 'document' and report real-life incidents to the mass media. This conforms to the Uses and Gratification Theory by Stuart Hall which includes 'surveillance' to be the main reason to why and how an audience may consume a media text. The use of interviews allows explanations directly from individuals or groups who are associated the most in the events. In this case, an interview with the victim was presented, this gives audience context and details as audience may be able to decode information easily.
5. How does it create suspense using the following: 🎦 Camera
- The use of close-up shots on faces focuses the emotional intensity which creates a direct connection with the subject. During the interview snippets, the audience was shown clearly the facial expressions of the interviewees (victim) which allows a connection between the subject and the audience, engaging and drawing viewers in as if they feel like they are uncovering something personal which creates a higher tensity from the events reported.
- Low angles were used on Jimmy Savile to present him which may connote intimidation and threat which implies that he was sinister during the events creating a sense of unease from the viewers, increasing the suspense.
- Slow camera movements (zooms) on important parts of the events builds up suspense as the scenes draws the attention of audience as they force them to view more of the scene. This heightens up the mood during revelation when the events unfolds.
🎦 Sound
- Eerie backtracks were used as it creates an uneasy atmosphere during the events of the chronology/storyline. The audience may feel fear as it discomforts them which implies the scariness and highlighting the darker side to the events even if the visuals does not convey this emotion.
- The documentary's voice-overs or audio recordings heard in the text were grumbly and low-frequency which denotes that the events happened in the past where technologies weren't advanced which indicates that this storyline sets in the past. Although, a connotation of this technical element would be danger, this is supported as this sound builds a sense of unease for the viewers which make them feel anxious. By this, audience are engaged as they sensed threats from the subject as he is represented.
🎦 Mise-en-scene
- Bright lighting. This typically conveys safety and cheery atmosphere as scenes are presented clearly, however as it is paired with the narrative and sound element (dark contrasts and unsettling sounds) from this documentary, it makes the events feel disturbing which increases the feeling of discomfort and uneasiness from the viewers.
🎦 Edit
- The pacing of this documentary was slow and calm which prolongs the exposure of the scenes to the audience. This allows the audience to feel eagerness and anticipation to uncover the events which intensifies the suspense within the documentary.
6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I enjoyed how the filmmaker juxtaposed the use of mise-en-scene (bright and colorful: connotes cheery, joy, light moods) and the sounds (eerie background music and low-frequency audios) which creates an uneasy atmosphere as it feels disturbing. It also disconnect the audience perception of Jimmy Savile's public personality shown positively with mise-en-scenes with his criminal actions as the documentary discusses the criminal acts seriously. I like this technique because it draws my attention the most the predictability of the storyline and chronology is incomprehensible.
1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as?
True-crime documentary.
2. Who is the target audience?
The events focuses on a female subject (Jennifer) as her story becomes the center of this documentary. The documentary revolves around the murder of her parents conveyed and presented through her perception of the experience, this may build more sympathetic connection from female audiences as the documentary is reflected through a women's perspective.
Audiences who are passionate and enthusiastic in crime stories may be interested to watch this documentary. Audiences who are already introduced to the genre of crime-documentary might be able to enjoy this media text more than other groups as they may engaged actively in guessing and predicting the following real-life events as it uncovers.
Adults, those who are above 18 years old, would be the appropriate target audience for this documentary as it includes mature themes and graphic content which makes sense if the intended viewer for this media text would be adults. They have the capability to understand sensitive and complex themes explored in the documentary which includes violence, psychological trauma, and criminal acts.
Moreover, this documentary may appeal to Asian audiences as the lead subject is Asian. Asians aren't represented dominantly in the mass media which would make it appealing for Asian audience as this media text revolves around the story and experiences of an Asian lead as it may provide an accurate representations of issues relevant to the Asian communities.
3. What typical documentary conventions were used?
The documentary uses actual photographs which acts as evidence from the events. The usage of real-life pictures serves to add authenticity and convey realism in the topics discussed throughout the media text. The viewers are able to understand that the events happened in real life.
Moreover, crime scene footages were shown to the audience to give them a depiction of the real setting of the events. It gives details for audience to understand the context of the events and provide a visual explanation of the crimes which gives the audience an opportunity to understand the story clearly. The purpose of a documentary is to 'document' and report/inform real-life events to audiences which would be an explanation to why crime scenes were shown in the documentary which is to report the events to the viewers.
Voice-over commentaries were used to further explain the details of the crime auditorily. This guides the audience through the narrative as they are given context and information regarding the events.
Establishing shots were used to introduce the crime scenes or other locations related to the crime. This acts as a visual aid for audiences in order for them to understand the story completely.
4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
The documentary includes and showcases the involvement of police and other authoritative figures. This is a common feature for true-crime documentaries as authority figures being involved in the investigation adds realism and authenticity for the audience from the professionalism of legal conducts and lawful acts showcased, connotating seriousness in this case. This can be seen in the interviews and establishing shots (police cars were shown) which further conforms to the convention in crime documentaries.
In addition, real-life footages and crime scene clips are included in this documentary which may be found in all non-fictional documentaries to portray the real-world and that it's actually happening. This conforms to the expectations of audience regarding the genre as the elements increases the value of realism presented in this media text. The audience may have a direct connection to the story as the events unfold as they believe it even more.
However, the documentary had created suspense by not revealing that Jennifer was actually the assailant/murderer in the storyline. This subverts the typical way of documentaries to present the assailants as the audience are not immediately revealed whether or not Jennifer is an assailant or a victim. This can also be implied in the title itself 'What Jennifer Did?' which acts as a hermeneutic code (Barthes Narrative code) which builds suspense and engagement from audience by making them predict and guessing to uncover the truth as it wasn't revealed fully.
5. How does it create suspense using the following: 🎦 Camera
- Long duration camera shots were used to create a sense of anticipation as audience were exposed to key scenes in a long time which prolongs their focus as it affects an emotional impact to the viewers.
- Establishing shots were used to showcase the location and the crime scene. This acts as a visual aid for audience to understand the setting of the events. By showing the location, the mood and atmosphere may be tensed.
- Furthermore, audience are exposed and shown the expressions of the subjects from close-ups of detailed facial expressions and body movements. These subtle hints are highlighted by the filmmakers to emphasize the intensification of the circumstance creating a tensed atmosphere.
- Surveillance footage creates a sense of realism and authenticity which makes it seem as if the viewers are witnessing these scenes at real time provoking uneasiness from the audience's perspective.
🎦 Sound
- Eerie background music was used to create the uneasiness of the atmosphere. Ominous or discordant music enhances the suspense of the scene as it provokes a strong, unsettling emotional tone for the audience.
- A diegetic dialogue which Jennifer cries for "help" as she calls 911 creates a sense of urgency and panic arose from the circumstances. The voice of a 911 operator makes it seem realistic and authentic. These low-frequency, grumbly audios enhances the suspense of the scene as it holds an uncomfortable, tensed feeling/emotion.
🎦 Mise-en-scene
- Dimmed and dark lighting were used throughout the documentary to create a from and eerie atmosphere. This visual style creates a sense of seriousness of the crime. This is also a generic convention of crime documentaries as low brightness and 'dark' appeal follows the negative and eerie mood and atmosphere of a crime documentary.
- Clothings (costumes) wore by Jennifer were messy which suggests that she is experiencing a distress. The audience may decode this information easily as the events reveal which brings up the tensity of the atmosphere.
🎦 Edit
- Slow pacing were used to prolong the attention of audience towards key scenes. However, the pacing was gradually increased as filmmakers decides to use quicker cuts to create a dynamic rhythm throughout the media text. This was used to build up anticipation and may deliver sudden revelations which enhances the overall suspense in the documentary.
6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I like the use of CCTV footage and surveillance camera shots which conveys realism as viewers may be given a direct perspective of the events, this is a great technique to engage the audience more. The glitch effect is a visual style that I plan to incorporate in my documentary project. This is appealing visually as it is unique and creates a sense of unease which conforms to the overall mood delivered by most crime documentaries. I was really inspired of the narrative and camera/visual style of the documentary which would act as a main example for my documentary project.
American Murder: The Family Next Door, Netflix (2020)
1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as?
It is considered a true-crime documentary as the events and narratives of this documentary follows a real-life storyline and chronology. The documentary unfolds the following events of a murder (Shannan Watts and her children).
2. Who is the target audience?
Unlike typical crime documentaries where exposure of injuries, blood, substances, and drugs are shown heavily, the opening of this documentary did not include any heavy exposure of illegal and/or 'matured' contents. This means that the documentary is suitable for young adults. This was also supported by usage of social media page to show real clips, this appeals to young adults as they are more familiar with the integration of this technology.
3. What typical documentary conventions were used?
Security footages like doorbell cameras and surveillance clips gives viewers a real-time view of the circumstances. This gives them a raw experience when watching as the events may feel more real. Officers/authority figures were showcased in this documentary to provide authentication and realism of the events to provide credibility for the audience.
Voice-overs were used to narrate the events going on so audience understand the circumstances and the details of the crime.
4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
This documentary conforms to the typical conventions of the genre as it includes elements such as real footage, interviews, and authoritative figures that were showcased on the documentary.
5. How does it create suspense using the following:
🎦 Camera
- Security footage
- Close-up shot
🎦 Sound
- Eerie background music/scores (non-diegetic)
- Voice-over of 911 calls
🎦 Mise-en-scene
- Suburban location
🎦 Edit
- Pacing that gradually increases
These technical elements engaged the audiences' attention as it draws in their interest. This prolongs the exposure of the context and details regarding to the events in the documentary which emphasizes the realism of the narrative. The audience are able to have a personal/emotional connection with the perspectives and experience of the main subject in this documentary which provokes a sense of concern from the audience, this increases the tense between scenes as it slowly reveals the chronology and following events. Moreover, audience are also affected as there are many elements which connotes fear and the overall grim theme evokes a a negative emotion from viewers.
6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I really like the use of technology/social media page to showcase the real footage of the events. I aim to incorporate this for my own documentary project to appeal and attract younger adults.
These are the documentaries that I have watched to inspire me regarding to the narratives and the technical elements for me to integrate to my own project.
Hopefully, after this research, me and my group are able to start our production progress smoothly as we are already knowledgeable regarding to crime documentaries and its conventions.
I was really excited to start my documentary project as it was a new experience to me. I never have watched any documentaries before so I didn't really had background information to the conventions of a documentary, let alone crime-documentaries. This research is very beneficial for me as I learned how filmmakers integrated technical elements to deliver messages to the audience as I learned the implementation of it. I can understand which of the conventions that I must consider to include to my project to be able to target the correct audience and follow the conventions of this genre to be recognisable.
Problem (P): Watching gores and listening to murder stories isn't something I am used to which was a bit of a challenge for me. Documentaries (especially Crime-Documentaries) are mainly intended to target older audiences (18 years ++) as it includes suggestive/mature contents, substances usage, bloods, and other 'adult' topics and/or contents that are exposed. Other than that, I wanted to finish my research in just one week after starting it. However, this ideal planning was not achieved well. Considering we were given one lesson per week in class to continue our projects and our blog, we must spare time outside school hours to finish it. This was a major challenge for me; completing my research quickly.
Solution (S): I easily overcame my 'fear' from the exposure of adult content (gores) in order to complete my research. I needed to analyze crime-documentaries in specific details to explore the generic conventions, patterns, and connotations within this genre. I'm able to thoroughly analyze the opening scenes of crime documentaries from further researches I did (on Google) regarding the conventions of this genre which makes it easier for me to identify the technical elements used in crime-documentaries. This is very beneficial for me as I may be able to implement and use these conventions and how they work in order for me to create my own crime documentary project.
Action Plan: I must be wise to manage my time to complete my research (and the rest of my blog) so it wouldn't burden me much when I am submitting/collecting my work in the last week of submission.
