Unit 3: Research Techniques for Creative Media Production - 1st Assignment for Steve Woods

Assessor: Steve Woods
Hand-in Deadline: 28th April 2017
Scenario: You have applied for a job as a researcher with a local media company. As part of the selection process they have asked you to produce a report for them on the nature and purpose of research in the creative media industries.

TASKS

In your own words fully explain the main types, methods and sources of research that can be used for a research project, and the main purposes of research undertaken within the creative media industries.

You must research the following:

• Types of research - quantitative and qualitative.
• Methods and sources of research - secondary, primary, data gathering agencies and self generated.
• Purposes of research - audience, market, production research. 

This assignment will be completed via Word document and uploaded on Google Drive.

Russell Brand from Addiction to Recovery - Factual Program Review

Russell Brand from Addiction to Recovery was a 2012 documentary broadcasted on BBC Three. The description on IMDB reads: "After the death of his friend Amy Winehouse from an overdose, Russel Brand looks back on his own years of addiction and wants to show that not all addicts turn out the same way."

It was written by Brand and directed by Ross Wilson. It follows Brand on his expository journey concerning his own demons with drug addiction and how he overcame them, as well as his investigation into other drug addicts' lives, attempting to offer a sympathetic view towards alcoholism and addiction, towards a more mainstream audience. Two years later he would continue with the documentary Russell Brand: End the Drugs War.

The program opens with Brand talking candidly about his past experience with drug usage and the death of close friend Amy Winehouse, giving context as to why he decided to take on the project of documenting 'Addiction to Recovery'. I find the opening to be a fair way of giving the audience a prologue to work with when getting down to basically as to why Brand decided to commit to this program. It is straight-forward, honest and clear in intention.

As for the rest of the program, we see Brand discuss addiction and its impact with an expert as well as having a rather tense discussion with Dr. Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of Practitioners. This scene is no doubt to cause a split between the viewing audience, depending on their allegiance or views on the issue. Dr. Gerada, of course, is an expert in her field and is more in line for a practical way of combating addiction. This is in contrast with Brand's beliefs and worldview, and it comes from a former user, who advocates for programs to help those addicted through a spiritual manner. The viewer is left to decide who they are more aligned with.

Personally, I see the tangibility in both arguments, with Brand's arguing for a more appropriate and effective way of combating addiction, while also taking into account the doctor's expertise. However, the abstinence vs. methadone argument seemingly betray's Brand here, who seemingly contradicts himself. He goes on to talk with one Professor Neil McKeganey who makes for a strange bedfellow, as he is on record for not agreeing with Brand's views that drug users should be decriminalized when the usage itself is.

His argument against the use of methadone is in contrast to that of the World Health Organisation’s view, a view that concludes that methadone is an essential medication; there’s evidence that methadone can reduce HIV risk, drug use, and criminality. Of course, this does not take away from the fact that those on methadone abuse it on top of other drugs, and thus can pose a danger to ones recovery. 

Overall I thought the documentary was done from a production stand-point, and offered us an opinionated take from Russell Brand concerning addiction to drugs and alcohol. As for my personal opinion, I am still at odds as to what I feel towards the opinion of Brand and his opposition. Regardless, it left me thinking about my own opinion concerning the issues of drugs, and for that I applaud it.

Unit 27: Unit Content & Factual Program Example

UNIT CONTENT

- Understand issues relating to factual programming for television -

Issues:

• accuracy
• balance 
• impartiality 
• objectivity 
• subjectivity 
• opinion 
• bias 
• representation 
• access 
• privacy 
• contract with viewer 

- Understand codes and conventions of factual programming for television -

News: 

• studio news readers 
• field reporters 
• links to studio 
• mode of address to viewer 
• interviewing 
• report structure 
• actuality footage

Documentary: 

• documentary formats (expository, observational, interactive, reflexive, performative)
• realism
• dramatization
• improvisation

- Be able to plan and research a factual program for television -

Genres: 

• news 
• documentary, eg docudrama, docusoap, infotainment, ‘reality’ TV, educational, wildlife, special interest, makeover
• magazine 
• discussion 
• review 
• chat show 

Develop ideas:

• program concept 
• target audience 
• development techniques, eg creation of narrative, scenario, synopsis, research process, interview questions 

Research:

• primary sources, eg contacts, interviews 
• secondary sources, eg broadcasts, reviews, internet, archives 
• checking information 

Legal and ethical considerations:

• filming in public 
• clearances and permissions 
• privacy 
• libel and defamation 
• requirements of the Broadcasting Act 1994 
• BBC producers’ guidelines
• Ofcom 

Planning:

• production organization roles and responsibilities 
• schedules 
• interview and contacts appointments 
• location recess 
• budget (planned, evolving) 
• risk assessments 
• documentation 

Proposal:

• subject idea 
• format 
• genre 
• style 
• audience 
• intended aim 
• budget 

- Be able to produce a factual program for television -

Production techniques: 

• filming (general views, interviews, cut-aways) 
• graphics 
• scripted pieces to camera 
• studio 
• location 
• public space 
• sound (ambient sound, wild track, interviews, presenter’s descriptions, studio sound) 

Production management: 

• monitoring progress 
• identifying and solving problems 
• production organisation, eg call sheets, equipment booking, location management, logistics management 

Editing: 

• creating narrative 
• conveying meaning 
• illustrating topic 

Example of a Factual Program

As per wikipedia:

"Super Size Me is a 2004 American documentary film directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock, an American independent filmmaker. Spurlock's film follows a 30-day period from February 1 to March 2, 2003, during which he ate only McDonald's food. The film documents this lifestyle's drastic effect on Spurlock's physical and psychological well-being, and explores the fast food industry's corporate influence, including how it encourages poor nutrition for its own profit.

Spurlock ate at McDonald's restaurants three times per day, eating every item on the chain's menu at least once. Spurlock consumed an average of 20.9 megajoules or 5,000 kcal (the equivalent of 9.26 Big Macs) per day during the experiment. An intake of around 2,500 kcal within a healthy balanced diet is more generally recommended for a man to maintain his weight. As a result, the then-32-year-old Spurlock gained 11.1 kilograms (24 lb), a 13% body mass increase, increased his cholesterol to 230 mg/dL, and experienced mood swings, sexual dysfunction, and fat accumulation in his liver. It took Spurlock fourteen months to lose the weight gained from his experiment using a vegan diet supervised by his then-girlfriend, a chef who specializes in gourmet vegan dishes.

The reason for Spurlock's investigation was the increasing spread of obesity throughout U.S. society, which the Surgeon Generalhas declared "epidemic", and the corresponding lawsuit brought against McDonald's on behalf of two overweight girls, who, it was alleged, became obese as a result of eating McDonald's food (Pelman v. McDonald's Corp., 237 F. Supp. 2d 512). Spurlock argued that although the lawsuit against McDonald's failed (and subsequently many state legislatures have legislated against product liability actions against producers and distributors of "fast food") as well as the McLibel case, much of the same criticism leveled against the tobacco companies applies to fast food franchises whose product is both physiologically addictive and physically harmful."

Morgan Spurlock is, of course, still alive and well following the project. The impact the documentary had saw McDonald's drop it's supersize portions, and raised awareness of the growing obesity around the globe, specifically in the U.S.

Overall, the production was received well but sparked various criticisms and controversies. Below are examples. 

Above link: https://web.archive.org/web/20071012135323/http://mcdonalds.co.uk/pages/global/supersize.html 

Above link: https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2004/07/super-size-me.html

Job Sites for Media

The following are websites that can be best used to find jobs within the media production:

• CV Library
• Indeed
• Mandy
• North East Jobs
• Gov

The following websites may also help (websites we have utilized previously):

• Wix
• Media Volt
• Linkedin

I hope that in the future these prove to be valuable tools in an effort to get a foot in the media industry.

Single Camera Productions

A film or TV of other footage made production that is filmed with a single camera is simply known as a single camera production. This could be a fiction or factual piece. In addition, cast and crew members need only to focus on a single set piece or scene at a time.

Pros:

• cheaper to make
• simpler to film
• small-scale setting need only apply
• only a small crew is needed
• with only one camera, it reduces the risk of catching other cameras in a shot
• only one cameraman required 

Cons:

• continuity errors may occur
• possibly low production values
• requires a change of angles and space between scenes
• it is a long process and movement of camera between shots is necessary
• one camera means that if it breaks then it requires another
• can put a strain on actors as well as the rest of the cast and crew

Raging Bull's breakfast scene with actors Robert de Niro and Joe Pesci sees the use of a single camera take, with both individuals being filmed with a single, lasting camera.

Directed by Martin Scorsese. It makes the impression that multiple cameras were used; however, this was entirely single camera, and still managed to use overlapping dialogue, as well as adding different shots.

In a single camera production, each scene is filmed from one particular angle, with multiple angles requiring the set to be reassessed and repeated, as well as sequenced correctly in order to avoid continuity errors. 

TASK

Our task is to recreate the following scene from Ex Machina. 

The crew consists of I, Brandon, Kevin and Al. Our two talents are Al and Kevin, with Al playing the role of Oscar Issac and Kevin as Dornhnall Gleeson's character. Brandon will serve as director and storyboarded, as well as producer. Meanwhile, I will be cameraman and production scholar. 

Research Techniques

Link: http://careerssearch.bbc.co.uk/jobs/job/researcher/10496

An example linked above of a career starting job, offered by the BBC. This the role of a researcher, whose job is "collecting, managing, analysing and visualizing data, multiplatform media production experience and/or basic knowledge of coding would therefore also be useful additions." This would be aptly described as a 'foot-in-the-door' job, a way of starting out in the industry. 

RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

Using this link, these are the following research techniques.

Observation: this technique focuses on seeing what the users actually do as opposed to what they say they do.

Site visit / Field research: this refers to research conducted outside a traditional lab setting, in a user's natural work environment. It involves visiting the site where the product is used and observing the usage in action. It can reveal interesting insights on environmental circumstances affecting the usage of the product, and supplementary tools and work-arounds used along with the product.

Contextual inquiry: the contextual inquiry research technique combines observation with interview-style question and response. Participants get to explain their actions or "think aloud" as they work through a task or activity.

Survey / Questionnaire: useful to gather information on the profile of the user, his or her job responsibilities and opinion of the current version of product (if available) or similar product (if this is a new release). It is easy to collect both quantitative and qualitative information using surveys. Surveys may be online or face-to-face. Online surveys may be conducted using tools such as SurveyMonkey. Face-to-face surveys may be conducted in combination with observational techniques such as site visits or in a usability lab.

It is important to know how to ask the right questions the right way to get quality input for design. This means not asking leading or confusing questions.

Focus groups: a qualitative research technique where a group of individuals are asked their opinions, perceptions, beliefs, attitudes or practices regarding a product, service or concept. It is important to pay attention to group dynamics when conducting a focus group since the loudest voice may dominate the conversation and drown out other opinions.

Interviews: a "guided conversation where one person seeks information from the other." An interview may be conducted in conjunction with other requirements-gathering activity such as a site visit, or as a solo activity. There are various types of interview you can choose from based on your project needs and constraints. 

Interviews may be conducted remotely (via the phone), or face to face. A structured interview is one where the list of questions is prepared in advance and the researcher tries to solicit answers from all participants. A non-directed interview is one where the interviewer primarlity listens to the subject and provides minimal input or direction.

Diary studies: involves asking the test participants to record and report their experiences related to a particular subject over a period of time. Depending on the type of study, participants may use paper diaries, emails, twitter or a combination. Such studies can be flexible and easy to execute. They are particularly appropriate for understanding mobile device usage since it allows the user to provide their input on-the-go. Like most research methods, diary studies need to be well designed and have a focus to be effective. A poorly designed study may yield a lot of data that may be difficult to sift through to create meaning.

Brainstorming: a tool for creative problem solving, wherein a group of people come together to contribute ideas spontaneously. It is particularly useful when you want to break out of stale, established patterns of thinking, so that you can develop new ways of looking at things. When a interdisciplinary product team brainstorms to come to a common vision of the solution, it helps get buy-in for the chosen solution.

Gamestorming: as the name suggests, refers to the use of games for brainstorming. The term Innovation Games also refers to this technique. Presenting the problem in a game format suspends some of the normal protocols of life and frees the participants to think creatively to solve problems. For example, if the goal is to prioritize a list of features in a product, gamestorming may involve giving each participants a limited set of resources and allowing them to buy / bet on features to see which ones come out on top.

Web Analytics: refers to gathering and analyzing usage data to gain insights into consumer actions and attitudes. Tools such as Google Web Analytics and Omniture have made it possible for companies to adopt a real data driven approach to understanding usage patterns to optimize the experience for the user. In the case of gamification, it is very useful to know the impact on player behavior to adjust and optimize the strategy as needed.

A / B Testing: an experimental approach to user experience design. It presents two versions of a website (Option A and Option B) to the user, and analyzes users' behavior. Typically, it tries to track the effect of the differences of the two options against a desired goal. For example, if a website is trying to increase click through rate, they may present a version to one set of online users, and a different version to another. They could analyze if these differences have any impact on the metric they care about.

Primary Sources: provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art. Primary sources include historical and legal documents, eyewitness accounts, results of experiments, statistical data, pieces of creative writing, audio and video recordings, speeches, and art objects. Interviews, surveys, fieldwork, and Internet communications via email, blogs, listservs, and newsgroups are also primary sources. In the natural and social sciences, primary sources are often empirical studies—research where an experiment was performed or a direct observation was made. The results of empirical studies are typically found in scholarly articles or papers delivered at conferences.

Secondary Sources: describe, discuss, interpret, comment upon, analyze, evaluate, summarize, and process primary sources. Secondary source materials can be articles in newspapers or popular magazines, book or movie reviews, or articles found in scholarly journals that discuss or evaluate someone else's original research.

AUDIENCE RESEARCH 

BARB is a website used to track audience viewing. With this, we can complete our task in researching and creating a children's TV program. 

One idea we have on our children's TV program is based on college life and educating children on the whole concept and struggles one would face. While this would no doubt attract a teenage audience (those who would relate to college more), we also hope to give a perspective on college life towards those growing up and looking forward to college, and perhaps reassure younger demographics. 

Another idea we had was a Gogglebox-styled program where we sit down our target audience (children) with their parents to watch TV shows that either the parents or children watch or had watched. This way, we would see both demographic's reactions and analysis their preferences. 

Market Research

Market segmentation 

This is the process of dividing a broad consumer or business market, normally consisting of existing and potential customers, into sub-groups of consumers (known as segments) based on some type of shared characteristics. It is the process of dividing an entire market up into different customer segments. Targeting or target marketing then entails deciding which potential customer segments the company will focus on. A target market is a group of customers a business has decided to aim its marketing efforts and ultimately its merchandise towards. A well-defined target market is the first element of a marketing strategy.

This website will help in researching target audience and demographics in the UK. These statistics show weekly, monthly and yearly audience viewings. This too can help us divide with audience affinity. 

STP Strategy 

Today, Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning (STP) is a familiar strategic approach in Modern Marketing. It is one of the most commonly applied marketingmodels in practice. In our poll asking about the most popular marketing model it is the second most popular, only beaten by the venerable SWOT / TOWs.

Customer Segmentation

Customer segmentation is the practice of dividing a customer base into groups of individuals that are similar in specific ways relevant to marketing, such as age, gender, interests and spending habits. Acorn, developed by CACI Limited in London, is a segmentation tool which categorises the United Kingdom's population into demographic types.

Audience Affinity 

This new targeting option takes more of a long-view in terms of audience creation. Rather than looking at one particular purchase intent, like In-Market, Affinity targeting analyzes someone’s overall interests, passions, and lifestyle to get a better sense of their overall identity.

The definition for “affinity” is as follows: (1) a natural liking for or attraction to a person, thing, idea, etc., and (2) inherent likeness or agreement; close resemblance or connection. A specific user may not have searched for your product/service but they may have a natural liking or attraction to an Affinity category as exhibited by their online patterns, or they may have a close resemblance or connection to someone who would be interested in a product.

Think about your browsing behavior. What do you often read? What are your most common queries? Can you see themes and patterns in your behavior?

Maybe you subscribe to blogs on Scandinavian design, shop around at cool online shops looking for new pieces for your place, and check out websites for your favorite remodeling TV shows. This would probably drop you into the “Home Décor Enthusiasts” Affinity Audience available in Google AdWords.

You should view Affinity Audiences as individuals who have a general, long-standing interest for a specific Affinity Segment. I may not have searched for your specific home décor product but based on my browsing habits, I am very interested in this topic and I am likely to make a purchase if I see a relevant ad.

Assignment 4: Music Video Production

Assessor: Keith Lawler
Hand-in deadline: 9th March 2017
Unit: 29 - Music Video Production
Scenario: After demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of music video production, and completed all pre-production tasks and planning tasks, you can now film and edit your music video production. Complete your music video production working within appropriate video conventions. 

TASK

Work as a team to complete your music video production to a near professional standard.

Managing Production:

• Produce a production file to help with the production.
• Create a production schedule and update where necessary.
• Ensure all members of the team exchange roles.
• Ensure everything is documented.
• Maintain professional behavior and health and safety requirements at all times. 

Editing:

• Each member of the team will edit their own section of the footage.

EVIDENCE REQUIRED: Individually edit and export the music video, as well as document a team production file.

MANAGING PRODUCTION 

01/19/17: On this day we have begun the animation of our lyric music video for The Weather Girls' "It's Raining Men". So far so good, as everyone has pitched in on editing footage, albeit in different ways and by their own accord. With this beginning we have the groundwork to move forward on creating our very own animated music video. 

01/20/17: Thus far we have produced our team production file and completed all of the necessary paperwork for our documentation. All members of the team have exchanged roles as editors and we are working well together. Today is just a bit of self reflection. Moving forward we need only focus on the editing of our music video and updating our process.

02/02/17: Today, we have allocated our separate clips among our five team mates (including myself). The song has been split in five parts for each individual to work on and edit to their desire. We first encountered problems in exchanging the sound file for the song across computers, trying various ways to sent it to team mates. We resorted to sending each individuals spliced audio to them to edit how they see fit. A continuity of sorts will take place, with the background going from dark to light blue (resembling the sky). As for me I will be working on the second to last clip of audio.

02/09/17: Jodie is on a trip to Paris, thus delaying her part of the editing. Nothing to worry about however, as we have all made good progress. I have sorted all my lyrics into the correct arrangement, now all that remains is editing them into a way that is not boring or mundane like any other typical lyric video. Rebecca has made good progress on on making transitions between lyrics, and it has helped us a ton, as she has shared this knowledge with the group. Mattie has made strides, sorting through the background and lyrics. As for Annie, she has also made efforts in her production.

02/16/17: as of now, Jodie and Annie have begun adding in their lyrics and are making an effort to complete their respective works. Mattie is continuing editing while Rebecca is almost done. Meanwhile, I need to add in animations for my lyrics to make them more flashy and appealing, and less plain and mundane.

02/17/17: thus far Rebecca has pretty much completed her part, with Mattie still behind, and Annie and Jodie getting on with help from Rebecca. As for me I am carefully trying to apply animations, and finish off the project. Rebecca has confirmed that her part of the music video editing is complete.

03/02/17: the original deadline. As of now, I Rebecca and Mattie have completed our part of the production. We will be assisting both Annie and Jodie in finishing theirs.

03/09/17: this is our deadline. Still awaiting Jodie and Annie's work to be finished. Jodie is confident it will be done and dusted; however, in contrast, Annie is not so certain. Help will be required. 

EDITING

Annie, Becca and Jodie have all pitched in and made efforts on our primary music video production, adding ideas and features to the product. Mattie and I have tried our hand at our very own music videos via Adobe Premiere, using the same song. I personally have been able to develop my thoughts and skills while working on my own project, and has helped me to time my edits right. I keep a little Word not journal to help document my edits, according to the time signatures.

As of now we have split the music track into 5 separate parts among our team mates. Each shall individually work on their own part and then come together to collaborate and put together our lyric video. The end result should see all individual's edits come together to make a full-fledged lyric video.

Assignment 4: Interview Production

Assessor: Gilly Hope
Hand-in deadline: 15th March 2017 (2:30 PM)
Unit: 36 - Interview Techniques for Creative Media Production
Scenario: You have been commissioned to research, plan and record a 4 minute interview to be broadcasted within the college, either radio/audio broadcast or a filmed recording.

TASK

Research and produce your own interview with anyone. Plan the structure of the interview and identify purposes. You must think of:

• the purpose of the interview - inform; educate; entertain.
• the plans - location; date and time of recording; setting; recording methods; interviewee.
• the structure - question formulation; interviewing style; introduction; summary.
• the preparations - consent; copyright issues; agreements; dealing with talent.

You must then conduct the interview according to your plans, as well as make note of any changes made. Finally, you must then record your interview for broadcasting.

- Address the criteria -

Ideas:

• Interview my girlfriend about hairdressing?
• Chat with a lecturer concerning coursework?
• Discuss stuff with a class mate?
• Maybe an interview with my brother? 
• Perhaps interview someone after a viewing, giving a sort of interview-review angle to the broadcast?
• Nate Anderson - interview a wrestling trainee?

I have come to the conclusion that I shall interview my lecturer, Gilly Hope, on her work at the BBC. Initially, I had a deal to work and interview with aspiring wrestler Nate Anderson; however, due to disclosure agreements in his contract, I was unprivileged to do so.

The Purpose

To become more informed on the topic of works that the interviewee is involved in, as well as ask opinions she may have about her work or what it concerns. Questions will concern work in the BBC and here in Bede campus. 

The Plan

Location: Sunderland College, Bede Campus

Date: 03/09/17

Time: 11:45 am - 12:05 pm

Setting: a quiet, closed-off area (preferably an empty classroom)

Recording Device: camera

Interviewee: Gillian Middleton a.k.a Gilly Hope

The Structure

Formula - the following are the questions:

1. Did you work firstly for the BBC or here at Bede?
2. When did you first decide you wanted to work within the media industry?
3. How did you get into the media industry yourself? How did you apply yourself into the BBC and get work here in Bede?
4. Is it at all what you expected? 
5. What are you working towards: continuing your career path in the BBC or in education?
6. Do you have any regrets regarding your choice in career path?
7. Speaking on your current occupation as a morning radio weather broadcaster, do you hope to expand your range by venturing into other forms of broadcasting?
8. Concerning mainstream media news, do you think it often times gets a bad reputation or is well earned by audiences?
9. Are there recent events that have either encouraged or discouraged you into delving further into broadcasting?
10. What are your favorite parts about working in education and in media?

Style: laid-back, informative and personal; non-confrontational 

Introduction: to be shown via title cards following video editing

Summary: an interview with Gilly Hope a.k.a Gillian Middleton on her work at both Bede College and the BBC.

The Preparations

Consent

I have discussed this with Gilly and she has agreed to the interview, and there shall be a written form of consent signed. 

Copyright Issues 

No issues will be made out of copyright. All material used is original and of my own use. Audio material will be uploaded and edited from a voice recording device.

Agreements 

A form of written consent shall be made before the interview is made. The following screenshot below is the consent form.

Dealing of Talent

Talent will be notified at a determined time for when the interview will take place. This must occur before 15th March hand-in deadline, and preparations must be made on the part of the producer. 

Factual Program Research (homework)

NEWS REPORTING

News, particularly that of the mainstream flavor, has long followed a set of codes and conventions that keep with the programs theme, setting and forward momentum. This enables a program to flow fluently without its audience being lost along the way.

News Reporting in the U.S.

Link - Donald Trump elected president
Codes & Conventions:

• Wolf Blitzer of CNN standing in the forefront with a graphic declaring the finally result of the U.S. general election of 2016.
• Commentates over footage of the Trump family at their HQ in New York. 
• Dressed sharply and informative of the event, standing stoutly and announcing the result.
• More action driven and focused based off of the focus on the family and the emphasis of the Trump win.

News Reporting in the U.K.

Link - US Election: Moment Ohio was called for Donald Trump - BBC News
Codes & Conventions:

• A panel of broadcasters with practical background exhibiting graphics of polls.
• All dressed appropriately and smartly, as expected with news broadcasters.
• Commentaries over footage in addition to an interview being done. Multi-tasked.
• Progressed more with informative news as well as a need to focus on what is next. 

DOCUDRAMAS

A drama is the deportation of an exciting, emotional, or unexpected event or circumstance. A documentary is a film or television or radio programme that provides a factual report on a particular subject. Combined, docudramas can be more often or not based on true events, the hypothetical or even fictitious projects.

Example of U.S. Docudrama

Link - The Day After
Codes & Conventions:

• Bigger budget, Hollywood-like.
• More recognizable cast.
• Better special effects 
• More up front and out there in is less subtle in story telling.
• More hopeful of the future.

Example of U.K. Docudrama

Link - Threads
Codes & Conventions:

• Lower budget, local actors + relatively unknown.
• BBC made film with minimal budget.
• Less special effects, more practical.
• Subtle in it's story yet informative and factual.
• Very grime outlook on the future for humanity.

Unit 27: Factual Programme Techniques

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Understand issues relating to factual programming for television.
2. Understand codes and conventions of factual programming for television.
3. Be able to plan and research a factual program for television.
4. Be able to produce a factual program for television. 

UNIT CONTENT

Understand issues relating to factual programming for television:

• Issues - accuracy; balance; impartiality; objectivity; subjectivity; opinion; bias; representation; access; privacy; contract with viewer etc.

Understand codes and conventions of factual programming for television:

• News - studio news readers; field reporters; links to studio; mode of address to viewer; interviewing; experts and witnesses; report structure; actuality footage etc.
• Documentary - documentary formats (expository, observational, interactive, reflexive, performative); realism; dramatisation; ëarrativisation etc.

Be able to plan and research a factual program for television:

• Genres - news; documentary, eg docudrama, docusoap, infotainment, ‘reality’ TV, educational, wildlife, special interest, makeover; magazine; discussion; review; chat show.
• Develop ideas - program concept; target audience; development techniques, eg creation of narrative, scenario, synopsis, research process, interview questions.
• Research - primary sources, eg contacts, interviews; secondary sources, eg broadcasts, reviews, internet, archives; checking information.
• Legal and ethical considerations - filming in public; clearances and permissions; privacy; libel and defamation; requirements of the Broadcasting Act 1994; BBC producers’ guidelines; Ofcom.
• Planning - production organization  roles and responsibilities; schedules; interview and contacts appointments; location recess; budget (planned, evolving); risk assessments; documentation.
• Proposal: subject idea; format; genre; style; audience; intended aim; budget.

Be able to produce a factual program for television:

• Production techniques - filming (general views, interviews, cut-aways); graphics; scripted pieces to camera; studio; location; public space; sound (ambient sound, wild track, interviews, presenter’s descriptions, studio sound).
• Production management - monitoring progress; identifying and solving problems; production organisation, eg call sheets, equipment booking, location management, logistics management
• Editing: creating narrative; conveying meaning; illustrating topic.

Source: https://boadigital.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/unit-27-factual-programme-production-techniques-for-television.pdf

Examples of factual programs are shown in clips below.

Planet Earth - Documentary 

Newsnight - News

How Television Works - Educational

The Specials - Docusoap

Threads - Docudrama