Coursework Brief

7. An extract from an original documentary TV programme, lasting approximately five minutes, together with two of the following three options: 

• a double-page spread from a listings magazine focused on the documentary; 

• a newspaper advertisement for the documentary.

My Documentary

London to Leigh Documentary from Katie Pearl on Vimeo.

My Documentary Newspaper Advert

My Double Page Spread for a Listings Magazine

Evaluation Question 1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge codes and conventions of real media products?

Evaluation Question 2: How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?

Evaluation Question 3: What have you learned from your audience feedback?

Evaluation Question 4: How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

Production: Documentary Analysis

Production: TV Listings analysis

Tv listings analysis from KatiePearl1

Production: Documentary Advert Analysis

Editing: Final TV Listings changes

Whilst I was editing my double page spread TV Listings, I understood that the main body of the text in the left columns was difficult to read. To ensure that my products are perfect I changed the font of the writing. I also enlarged the size of the font and made the box a higher opacity so the writing is enabled to stand out clearer against the background. Collectively these changes made the writing easy to read. I also moved the pull quote from the middle of two columns to the center of one columns this made the page better aesthetically pleasing and fulfilled the continuity across all the text. I lastly added a drop cap to the first letter at the top of the page, this adds a strong visual emphasis. The first image below is the article before and the one underneath is the finished product after the changes.

Editing: Deciding on a suitable ident

Here is the video of both the idents I made and chose to place in front of my documentary for Channel 4.

I have decided on using the second version which I edited myself. This is because it still uses the rectangular boxes for brand identity and it is also more personal to the documentary by adding the detail of the name and time. It uses more skill and looks more effective to begin the documentary. I took the first ident from Channel 4 using a screen recording before one of their documentaries and this is less excellent than the one I decided on using.

Editing: Corrected introduction

I set out with my presenter to re film the introduction of my documentary. This is to ensure that all my shots and videos are perfect, especially as the introduction scene is one of the longest and most important. The previous introduction had some sound issues as I filmed along a busy road and the most suitable clip I had, had a car driving past towards the end which the audience can hear. As this was the only issue, I kept the script, shot angle, shot type and subject positioning the same or very similar. As a result of filming the introduction again on a different day, the lighting was better the second time so is clearer for the audience. I have included the before and after introduction below in one video to easily observe the difference.

Editing: Changes to Magazine Listings

As a result of my audience feedback I have changed certain aspects of my double page spread magazine listings for my documentary to make them look more professional, easier to read and to correctly adhere to many codes and conventions. I used a black outline for the letters in the title 'Q&A' this is to make them easier to read against the background they are on. I have also rearranged the information and the placing of the information in the yellow column box to make the box look more polished and aesthetically pleasing. Below is the finished article of this.

Editing: Documentary Title

I previously created a screen recording of two possible opening titles design as I was not certain which one was most appropriate and most effective. I have shown this video to my focus group and have collected their audience feedback below which was helpful for me to make my decision. I asked a long answer question so I could gather their opinion as well as their choice and will read and conclude with the responses. I have added the screenshots from the audience feedback below
.

All of these responses have suggested that the title cut out of the white box is the best choice as it is more creative and has a stronger brand identity. I personally agree too and therefore will be choosing this title as the opening titles to my documentary.

I also included a question based on the title in my last questionnaire to get the opinion of which title from a larger sample and the response has a 60% to 40% split with the majority also agreeing for the more creative titles.

Editing: Creating Channel 4 Ident

In order to create strong brand identity, I created an ident for Channel 4 to go at the beginning of my documentary. I found a video of many different Channel 4 adverts, videos and products and downloaded this using KeepVid. I then placed this into iMovie choosing the most appropriate and aesthetically pleasing ident to use. I normalized this clip to slow it down to a readable speed and I added text to the blank screen detailing the information of the name of the documentary and when it is appearing. This is to keep continuity and to adhere to codes and conventions of Channel 4 documentaries.

Production: Fourth Questionnaire Responses

I have collated all the responses from my questionnaire and analysed the responses to be able to apply the improvement ideas to my documentary and ancillary products.

Third questionnaire feedback from KatiePearl1

Production: Fourth Questionnaire

I have created another questionnaire to gather some important audience feedback to help improve my documentary and ancillary products. Some of the questions I have asked include an opinion based question of their preferred look, whether the listings is effective and uses codes and conventions and what improvements I can make to my productions.

Editing: Documentary Progress

Today, I continued editing my documentary, finalizing different aspects and making sure every shot is effective and works well together. I resized many of the shots from the interview with the coffee shop owner to ensure it flowed, this was also stated in feedback from my last questionnaire. I also changed the music over a voiceover in the middle of my documentary, this was also highlighted as it didn't necessarily fit with the topic. I also added two more transitions, these were between different scenes which makes the documentary more interesting and easy for audiences to read. The last thing I did today was changing some of the shots in the beginning introduction, I replaced some of the shots so that the visuals conformed to the voiceover. One part of the voiceover is stating how busy London is and I therefore had a different shot showing this rather than a master shot of London taxi's driving past.

Production: Finished Magazine Advert

I realized from preparing my feedback questionnaire and from responses that I had a few grammatical errors in the title of my magazine advert and have now changed these and below I have uploaded the finished article.

Editing: Documentary Title

I was unsure on whether the title I edited was the most effective in terms of aesthetics and targeting the audience, I therefore edited another possible title and have recorded both possibilities on this screen recording below. I will be asking peoples opinions on which one I should choose.

Audience Research: Feedback on Magazine Listing

I sent the image of my magazine listings double page spread to my focus group and other members of my target audience and I have the responses sent back below.

Editing: Finished Magazine Listings

I completed editing my magazine listings double page spread today and below is the finished article. I will ask my focus group for feedback and make the subsequent changes to make it exactly desired.

Planning: Content of magazine listings

Below I have written out the content of the double page spread magazine listings which includes programme descriptions, the main article and a Q and A with the presenter.

Feathers of the North

BBC1 Monday

David Attenborough is back diving into researching the unique birds of the North after the snowy Christmas air. The journey begins in Scotland and travels through the Nordic landscapes, between Finland and Iceland. This one off documentary broadcasts on BBC1 and reveals the complex relationship of the birds across the top hemisphere of the globe.

Comedy

E4 Wednesday

‘I am that person pushing pull door and tripping over my shoelaces in the office’. This is Rose Stone’s own story showing her stumble through life and bouncing back from wild relationships and experiences. This six episode series outlines Rose’s life through her diary she received for her 21^st birthday.

How long did it take you to film the documentary?

In total the filming for London to Leigh took about two weeks. It took a bit longer than normal because of the location changes and travelling between London and Leigh. The research and production teams were amazing, they set up some really good opportunities for interviews and eye catching spots so we were able to film the footage every day back to back in two weeks.

When did you know you were going to present in this documentary?

Well I didn’t know for that long before we started filming, obviously the economy is changing so rapidly and with a topic like this you cant afford to wait. They wanted me to start straight away and thankfully I was available so I said yes.

Would you consider moving to Leigh as a result of filming this documentary?

I absolutely would consider living in Leigh in a couple of years! Everything in the documentary and in the reviews from the residents is true, its a lovely town, very peaceful and kind. I can understand why Leigh is the chosen place although for now I am not quite ready for a big move!

Did you enjoy getting paid to explore London?

I do love my job and this has got to be one of my favourite projects yet. I get to meet many inspiring people along with going to exciting places. I even get to try different food so I’m not complaining!

What is your next adventure?

Good question. I have a few projects lined up but that’s all I’m saying for now! You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled but the future looks exciting!

Towards the end of the documentary, Cassandra ventures to London gathering information on the South Bank from everyday people and gains the full experience of a life in London. This documentary provides an insight to others lives in an aesthetically pleasing and interesting way which you can’t receive from other platforms. Join Cassandra on her journey through the research and experience of understanding this enigma of why Leigh on sea was voted the happiest place in the country, despite London appearing to have it all.

Cassandra Brown is not the stereotypical presenter but against the odds has become a household name in presenting interesting and thrilling documentaries. London to Leigh is a stand alone documentary guiding you through the pleasant journey of exciting areas to live. Catch her starring in our sister documentary 'Across the country' showcased on Channel 4 and on All 4. 

Generic Research: Channel 4 Posters

Click here for the link to the channel 4 website outlining the iconic new brand image.

This website helped whilst researching the brand of Channel 4 in order to apply the generic codes and conventions to my own documentary and ancillary products, adhering to their brand identity and presenting continuity.

The website outlines the fact that channel 4 had a brand new look for their channel in September 2015 and includes the videos of the (then new, but now current) idents used, a compilation film and a video about their prints and posters. I gained their overall desired look from these videos including the aspect of creativity and the focus on innovation, diversity and taking creative risks.

Generic Research: John Grierson

John Grierson

John Grierson was a documentary maker in the 20th century, creating the term documentary through his pioneering work with examples such as 'Housing Problems' and 'Coal Face'. His idea of documentaries was to give people a glimpse into a live of someone else.

He described documentary as 'The creativity of actuality'. The first films screened were often referred to as 'actualities' because the films, by the Lumiere brothers, were brief segments of everyday life He also stated that 'You photograph the natural life, but you also, by your juxtaposition of detail, create an interpretation of it'.

 

Most historians also believe that the first documentary was 'Nanook of the North', from 1921, by Robert Flaherty. In this documentary, Flaherty recorded his travels in the Canadian Arctic as he was an American explorer and this was released as a feature film. Although Grierson thought that Flaherty was too focused on the aesthetics of the feature film and hadn't portrayed enough of the social purposed of the film to demonstrate the benefits of industrial development.

Furthermore, John Grierson established the style of having a voice of God commentary by having a speaker over the top of images and outline the verbal argument.

Editing: Listings Progress

In my lesson today, I continued editing my listings by choosing and adding the images to the right column of the page. These images outline the different programmes advertised for in the listings. I added all the relevant information underneath it along with a paragraph about the programme which adheres to the codes and conventions of magazines listings. I also added the page number to the bottom of each corner along with the 'Total TV Guide' masthead continuing the brand identity.

Editing: Documentary Progress

Todays lesson, I continued editing my documentary. I downloaded an indent from channel 4 and normalized the clip to slow it down and then added text to the font outlining the information for my production, to follow the look of channel 4. I was also continuing editing the coffee shop interview by adding more cutaways over the sound to make it more engaging as this is some of the feedback I received as an idea from my target audience questionnaire.  

Editing: Listings progress

Today I continued editing my double page spread listings, the progess I made included enlarging the main title size and changing the font to fit the channel 4 logo for brand identity and continuity across all the production of my documentary. I added the channel 4 logo to the right of the main title and changed the colour of the tagline. I changed it from red to white with black borders to look more professional and aesthetically pleasing and is also easier to read. I also added captions to all the images in a small white font to adhere to the codes and conventions of magazine listings. Lastly I created boxes on the right hand side columns to establish the desired layout for dimensions and text.

Editing: Listings Progress

Today I edited more of my double page spread listings by enlarging the pull quote, changing the font to italics. I also changed the article to fit the boxes and added a slogan below the title. I put two more images related to the documentary on the page with white borders behind it to stand out and adhere to the generic codes and conventions.

Editing: Listings Progress

I began editing my double page spread magazine listings for my documentary on InDesign. I added the chosen picture from audience feedback as the background and six columns to help with the layout of the listings by keeping to codes and conventions and looking aesthetically pleasing. I added a bright yellow columns on the left side of the page, later changing it to the right and adding white boxes with lowered opacity to enable the audience to see the background through it. I also added the article on top.

I added a box for the title at the top with a rough outline although I will change the font and size. I later added an image of the presenter and interviewee on a white box to give the image a white border and added boxes with writing on above the article, outlining the genre, channel, day, name and number of episodes.

Production: Listings Images

Below is a contact sheet of the images taken for the background image of the double page spread listings. I have taken a variety of images on a Canon 10D camera, these include the image from my flatplan and the other ideas from the questionnaire in case they look more effective.

Here is the final image for my double page spread listings. This idea came from feedback from the questionnaire as I asked my focus group and target audience what I should take the picture of and the image met my expectations of what I wanted it to look like in my flatplan. Although I took other images to be certain I believe the image of these houses is most relevant and aesthetically pleasing.

Planning: Listings flatplan

Below is the flatplan I have drawn for my double page spread listings designed for a magazine, this idea of a picture of houses was from feedback in my questionnaire. I have drawn this flatplan with the checklist I made after analysing existing double page spread listings to keep in line and adhere to the codes and conventions.

Production: Listings article

I have written below the article which I will paste into my listings for the double page spread. I wrote it out first to ensure there isn't any grammatical errors and so I can include it in my questionnaire to be able to send to my focus group and gain relevant feedback.

Double page spread listings article

In this one off documentary, Cassandra Brown researches into the phenomena of why 80% of people have left London in the last five years and where they are moving. House prices are reaching a record high and Londoners are unable to afford a life in the city, Cassandra discovers the effect of rising prices on those who have had to move out. ‘Researching and speaking to people I wouldn’t otherwise have spoken to, really opened my eyes to some of the troubles regular people are facing as a result of struggles in the economy,’ Cassandra says, ‘some people have experienced the positive and enjoyable aspects a new town has to offer, whilst others miss their old life and the people they were once closely surrounded with’.

The documentary follows Cassandra as she travels to both London to Leigh experiencing the differences in the culture and atmosphere and speaks to the locals, with first-hand knowledge, along the way. As well as speaking to families in London in their midst of finding somewhere else to live, Cassandra interviews a coffee shop owner who recently moved from London to Leigh on sea and currently prefers living in Leigh on sea. Sam outlines, ‘[I miss] the places to eat, places to drink and social life, the three things.’

London to Leigh has an emphasis on the current life in both places and provides a window into Leigh as a new area, especially as it was voted the happiest place to live according to Rightmove. The average sale price in London in £579,836 while the average price for those buying outside the capital is £333,181 which is a difference of almost £250,000, That being said the largest portion of people leaving London tend to head to places less than 25 miles away where house prices average out at £481,436.

Don’t miss ‘London to Leigh’ on Channel 4 at 8pm this Tuesday. Find out more at www.channel4.com/londontoleigh or use the hashtag #londontoleigh

Planning: Listings checklist

From analysing existing double page spread listings from magazines I have made a checklist for important points found in these to apply to my own double page spread listings to adhere to generic codes and conventions.

Listings checklist from KatiePearl1

Generic Research: Listings analysis

Production: Feedback Questionnaire Responses

Analyzed Questionnaire Responses

I have analysed the responses of the feedback from my questionnaire below which has helped me to improve the production of my documentary and ancillary product.

This summary of the responses from the a question on whether my documentary was informative shows that out of 22 responses, 95.5% said that is was very informative with 4.5% (one person) stating they believe it was quite informative. This was helpful by portraying to me that there is enough facts, figures and statistics in this documentary as nobody replied clicking the box for 'not informative'.

This question asked whether the individual would watch the rest of the documentary and the results received were very promising. 90.5% out of 21 people replied saying they would definitely continue to watch the rest of the documentary. One response stated they would 'probably' watch the rest and the other person stated 'if I was interested in housing I would'. I can understand that the content of my documentary would not be appealing to everybody in my target audience due to their interests and cultural competencies and therefore I am pleased with the responses.

This response was to a question about the target audience, whether the documentary appropriately targets 21-30 year olds in the B-C demographic. The responses were short answers with 100% of people saying yes with other responses such as 'Yes you have done this well', 'yes I think so' and 'yes, and older people'. From these responses I can understand I have effectively kept the audience in mind when researching, planning and producing my documentary. 

This question was particularly helpful for me to improve my documentary. I asked what improvements needed to be made to my documentary and the responses I received were short answers which I can make the amendments.  One of the responses said to 'change the font and sound in the Leigh section'. I can understand how the music I chose may not be the most appropriate and will change it. Some of the responses outlined some issues with the editing in the interview scene such as 'theres one part of the interview with the coffee shop owner where the audio and visual is out of time', 'the editing in sams interview overlapped a little so it jolted slightly', 'the interview could be cut down a bit' and 'maybe put in some more cutaways over the top of the interview'. The interview scene was the last piece of footage I collected and I was aware it needed some changes so these responses have helped me to clearly state what I need to do to make it better. I will check the editing of the shots with how I put them together to ensure they are smooth and professional. I will also cut some of the footage out of the interview and add more cutaways over the top of the existing footage to make it more engaging for the audience.

These responses of the aspects the readers like about my documentary were useful for me to know which aspects worked well and to maybe expand those parts to other sections of the documentary. It also allows me to know which points I have achieved in with adhering to the codes and conventions of documentaries. Many of the responses stated they liked the range of shots which I tried hard to achieve so I am glad this has come across in the documentary. I will continue to add a larger range through the cutaways I am adding in, in the interview. Other responses stated that the documentary had 'good sound and image quality', 'interesting interviews' 'good lighting and good setting', 'the pace of editing was good' 'aesthetically pleasing', 'the typography used is really good and appropriate', 'the presenter is also very professional' and 'everything'. These aspects are vital for a documentary so am happy with the responses that my documentary is reaching these key elements.

Out of 22 responses, 100% stated that they believed the article for the listings outlines the documentary accordingly so I will therefore be able to put this straight onto my double page spread magazine listings.

The last question I asked was about their opinion and idea of what image I should have for my double page spread.  I had a few ideas although I wanted to gain information on what my target audience would like. There was a range of ideas which were helpful, some of these included  'the presenter under a sold sign', 'a landscape of London', 'maybe use a plain background and use a variety of pictures on one half of the page'. These responses were good ideas and helpful but the most effective which I will choose (and which was the most popular) was having a shot of houses in Leigh. These responses included 'properties in Leigh', 'picture of either Leigh or London', 'maybe some houses', 'a picture of Leigh', 'general scenery', 'possibly a shot of Leigh to contrast the shot of London on the newspaper advert' and 'I think you should include an image of houses, as this is what your documentary is about!'.