Research Plan
So to start my research im going to look into different films that will be similar to my type of genre that im aiming to capture in my production, i will also be looking deeper into the way this type of genre interacts with the audience and the techniques they use to create a powerful script. I will then go on to the streets and conduct some vox pops and one to one interviews to help me understand my genre better and get a wider understanding of my target audience. i will also conduct a survey using survey monkey and this will also help be gain more responses from people regarding my genre, this will also then go one to sending my survey out through social media as this will also help maximise the amount of responses that im aiming to get. For my secondary research im planning to look deeper into to way screenwriters write their scripts and how i can use this in my own production. After this i will go on to creating some info-graphics to present all of my findings from my primary and secondary research so i can show that i have learnt from this and i can use this research to help toward filming my production. By doing all of this research it will really help me gain a deep understanding of my genre and target audience and will play a massive part in producing my pre-production and my filming. I am going to be entering the Raindance film festival and for my research im going to look at last years competition winner and i will look at their short film and try and understand why this example was so successful and how i can use these skills and knowledge to help develop my production when i start making.
existing examples
This is a great example from a Tarantino classic Pulp Fiction and it shows how a simple setting like a breakfast diner can be the perfect setting to really set up the way the movie will be interpreted and understood by the audience. In this scene this is massively down to the way the script is written and the way only a certain amount of dialogue is used as it makes the scene a lot more powerful and effective. They sit and talk about their ideas and fantasy's of holding up banks and liquor stores however they talk about how no one steals from restaurants, throughout the scene you can start to realise that what they are talking about is becoming more likely and realistic to happen. You can see that through a simple conversation that many people will find themselves having can be made a reality if they are determined enough to make it happen. this scene is very effective as people dont expect to see so much action straight away and its a very good way to instantly grab the attention of the audience and engage the theme of the movie with them from the beginning. Tarantino has an amazing way in writing very short but powerful scripts so the narrative is very easy to understand but doesn't need a large mount of dialogue. This is the type of style im aiming to capture in my production. As soon as the man in this scene says this line " What's wrong with that? People never rob restaurants, why not? Bars, liquor stores, gas stations, you get your head blown off stickin' up one of them. Restaurants, on the other hand, you catch with their pants down. They're not expecting to get robbed, or not as expecting" This line is a really good example of a very realistic idea that after watching this movie many people would have considered this theory, this line really broke the rules of fiction and reality. This really helped writers like Tarantino to start using more realistic dialogue that people wasn't used to hearing. It raised the level of realism to help writers turn their own previous experiences and turn these into screenplays. This was a big gap in the market at the time as more realistic scripts were starting to be made and screenwriters like Tarantino and other big writers at the time, they all really pushed the boundaries of what was excepted in TV and Cinema.
Stoycho Ganev. (2012). Pulp Fiction - Opening Scene. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jomr9SAjcyw. Last accessed 06/03/2018. |
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This is another very powerful scene by Tarantino as the scene is narrated by Samuel L Jackson and the way this scene uses a very powerful piece of dialogue in the narrative, its a really effective way to connect with the audience and make them think deeper into the story. Its also a great way to help the audience understand the story better as the narrator can tell the story of the movie better and can use certain language to help make the scene more realistic, this is something that im defiantly planning on using in my own production as i feel like it will really help make my production look and sound a lot more professional and will add another layer of dialogue that will put my short film above others. This type of genre is definitely what im looking to use as its a fictional interpretation of real events and they slightly change the outcome. This is very powerful as a lot of people were very aware of the real life story of this movie. However the way the story has been told and the way Samuel L Jackson narrates this scene makes you think its a true story as its very factual and realistic. This very much makes the scene a lot more realistic and believable and its makes the characters in the scene feel a lot more real and lets the audience believe more in them and really empathise with the story more as you can feel the pain the characters are feeling. This scene makes the dialogue stand out with the location and whats happening in the scene as the narrator explains what is happening and it makes the scene way more believable than if the scene was missing the narration. The narration in this scene empathises how dangerous the main character is in this scene, and throughout he dont say a single word, this helps make the narrative piece in this a lot more powerful and helps build the relevance of the character and makes him more believable and real. This can help me for final major project. i can use similar techniques in my production as it will help make the characters in my short film more realistic and will help me explain exactly how i see them and whats happening inside there heads.
mmguitar2908. (2009). Inglourious Basterds - Hugo Stiglitz (narrated by samuel jackson). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cLPS8z6MGE. Last accessed 06/03/2018. |
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This is a very old classic example of how dialogue can really influence the way the audience takes the scene in and really help make the scene powerful as the context of the scene is very mature however the way the dialogue is written makes it seem more orientated to all ages, this is a great way to relate to people of all ages as people older and younger will be able to understand the context of the scene and will make the scene more powerful. The setting of this scene is very basic and shows how the dialogue is key when making the scene effective as people are more focused on the way the conversation is playing out rather than the place that they are in. This clearly shows how that if the script is written very well it can capture peoples attention instantly as it really helps set the scene and make the scene more understandable and relateable. i can massively learn and take inspiration from classics like this as they include basic key methods that are seen in original screenplays and what are still seen in modern screenplays of today. This will really help me structure my own production and will let me use key skills like these to help make my short film as realistic and powerful as this classic I've research will help inspire me to write a powerful script. This classic example an show how powerful dialogue helps make the interaction between the man and the woman a lot more real and believable as you see more deeper into their real emotions through the way the conversation is written and how even though the language used is fairly family orientated there is still a large aspect to it that is more mature and more older viewers can really see the sexual chemistry between the two characters that most children will not be able to understand themselves. This is a good way for the screenwriter to have a nice balance between mature and family friendly dialogue that everyone can understand. The woman in this says a certain line that really stands out as its quite clean and general the line is " You know you dont have to act with me Steve, you dont have to say anything or do anything, or maybe just whistle". This line shows how when performed and used the right way a line like this can help set the scene and make the scene mean a lot more. For example the way she says you dont have to do anything say anything but just whistle this really shows the two sides to this piece of dialogue that can be understood by all ages and genders. The comment of you can whistle can be seen into deeper by adults as they can understand what is more likely to go down and for the younger audience they can see it as a more general polite compliment.
Bruce Berger. (2008). To Have and Have Not - you do know how to whistle - 12-22-08 8 41 AM. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Ay727EYzw. Last accessed 06/03/2018. |
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Existing scripts
"This is a very famous powerful example of how by a screenwriter using very emotional strong dialogue in the script it can really pay off when the script get used for filming. The certain lines where Jules recites a memorises passage from the bible, the way this is used in a very hostile atmosphere can really help make a massive difference between good and evil and the way Tarantino wrote this really made a massive impact on the movie and it has been massively remembered for its own brilliance. i feel like this type of writing by using very clever dialogue however by using less of it like Tarantino shows the this script as despite the power of the script its a lot shorter than most scripts similar. This skill will defiantly help me as im intending to have a mixture of narrative lines in the script with more filmed dialogue in the filming of the short film, this style will very much help me write a strong script by not writing a very large script that will take more time. The way this script has been written out has a good structure and is very much in the form of a novel and has been adapted to being acted in a movie. In this script that specific line that Jules says quoting from the bible, at first this is understood in a very curious way as its very unpredictable and is not normally associated with this kind of physical action. However this line is then continued throughout the film and then throughout you can start to see the pattern more commonly and you start to realise when this line is used something bad is going to happen as this character associates this with death and violence. Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary. (1993). Pulp Fiction. Available: http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/pulp_fiction.html. Last accessed 16/4/2018. The next example is from a different film called Good fellas written by Nicholas Pileggi and Martin Scorcese between the both of them they used several skills and techniques and by using a voice over from one of the main characters in the scene it really help inform the audience of whats happening and helps you understand the context of the scene better, the use of this in small quantity's can be very effective and can work really well and translate exactly how the screen imagines how the character is and how the dialogue feels very directed at you and makes you feel slightly involved in the dialogue and it makes you feel like they are talking to you personally.The use of a good narrative voice over is something im definitely planning on using it as it will allow me to really show how i see the scene and it will really help make whats happening in the short film a lot me understandable and easy to follow. I feel like by having a mixture of both voice overs and script dialogue it will give my production a bit of a variety and will help allow me to make sure its not boring and its very engaging. One of the examples i have looked at from the script of Good fellas has really shown me how because the characters are very real and believable it makes the movie and the scene instantly more engaging and entertaining to watch as people are genuinely interested in the outcome of the story. This script and movie massively inspired a generation and really helped pioneer true story crime Movies, it used a level of language and violence from the outset and at this time was very unexpected and unpredictable, The screenwriter Martin Scorsese really captured the way crime bosses and crime families in the 70's and 80's were perceived. It really opened up and extended on a genre that was starting to become very popular as Screenplays like the Godfather and Scarface had really set the tone for these movies and the amount of realism they could take these movies to. In Goodfellas there is a very remembered line that at the time really made an impact when performed, even though the line when read doesn't seem very special, however when performed it really stood out to the audience. " One day, some of the kids from the neighbourhood carried my mother's groceries all the way home. You know why? It was outta respect". This line really made an impact at the time of this movie as it really showed people how serious the crime families where in new York at this time and it shows how through a very simple line like this i can really highlight power and influence in a character from early on. this line is performed in a voiceover as the main character is reflecting over his childhood and he's narrating how hi childhood was and how he was involved in crime from a very early age. This was really effective in this screenplay as it was very informative and people were naturally attracted to the scene as it came across very powerful. Nicholas Pileggi, Martin Scorcese. (1989). Goodfellas Script. Available: http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/goodfellas.html. Last accessed 16/4/2018. |
Newspaper Articles
I have looked into a newspaper article in the guardian paper about the key ways on how to write a movie. the article that i researched was very helpful as it gave me a deeper insight into a professional screenwriters beliefs and ideas on the best way to write a movie. For example a big tip that is given in this article that could very much be useful when it comes to me writing my own script is to write the title first. this seems like a very obvious piece of advice however it makes a massive difference when going on to write the narrative as the title massively sets the context of the short film as it normally hints towards a big aspect of the film or even in ways sums up the motive and idea of the screenplay. Another very helpful point that i took from my research was making sure that there is a form of journey throughout. For example by showing a certain characters journey throughout helps build the narritive and helps people connect with the character more as they want to see where the journey ends and by doing this it keeps people intrigued and left wanting to see what happens next. This is a great way to keep a screenplay entertaining and it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats anticipating more.
The Article that i researched also gone into detail about how reading other screenplays is key to write a good screenplay as very much in screenwriting people use other peoples ideas as its a great way to build on a single idea and by using other peoples writing methods and techniques it will help me grow my own idea and use a range of different writing styles in my own production. This can very much help me as it will give me some extra layers of dialogue that i can use like others have used before me. frank cottrell boyce. (2008). How to write a movie . Available: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/jun/30/news.culture1. Last accessed 09/05/18. |
Target Audience
For my Final major project i am going to be making a short film relevant from the ages of 16 and above, this will allow me to focus on aiming my production at a more older audience as there will be a lot of elements that people under the age of 16 will most likely not understand. By targeting an older audience it will help me use a wider range of dialogue suitable to this audience. For example i can use more complex language that more older people will be able to relate to and understand. By focusing on a older audience i can follow the rule and regulations however i wont have to worry as much about certain language and phrases that younger people will be more confused about. My Short film will originally be showcased in the Rain dance film festival however in the future i will hopefully show it on BBC 3 and channel 4 as they massively air more real life dramas and more short productions. BBC 3 especially will be especially as it shows lots of short films as its now accessed through the internet on BBC IPlayer, This media service is massively viewed by 16-18 year old's as they have a lot of real life documentaries and short films that people at this age can massively relate to also its massively used by people in work with assess to a computer. this means it can be seen by a wider range of people and can easily be shared through either word of mouth or social media. This platform will definitely help me connect with my Target audience as i will open up a wide range of people from different backgrounds as BBC 3 is a very diverse channel that has content for people of different cultures. I will also be uploading my short film to YouTube as this platform is a massive place for more amateur film makers to get the work seen as it is used by a range in the billions. This will be the best option for me as YouTube videos are very easy for people to share and can also be shared through social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and others. I feel like this platform will definitely allow me to my Target audience a lot more as more people in this age group will use YouTube over other forms of media streaming and TV. However the Raindance film festival will definitely be the most professional option and will offer me the best opportunities as it will have professionals from across the country looking out for talent and skills that i will be able to offer.
Interview/Vox pops Questions
How old are you?
What genre do you watch the most?
Do you prefer more real life Narratives or more unrealistic story's?
Do you think by using voiceovers you understand the characters more?
What genre do you watch the most?
Do you prefer more real life Narratives or more unrealistic story's?
Do you think by using voiceovers you understand the characters more?
Interview profile
Joe Petty- aged 20, in age group of my intended target audience. Uses Media on a large scale across a wide range of platform like TV, movies and Online streaming to consume new movies. He is the right age to understand my narrative very well and will be able to relate to this idea.
Lewis Pratt - 18, Lewis is 18 however he is no longer in education and works and different forms of business and is learning to become a pilot. He is a relevant interviewee for me as he is young and will have a good response for me that will help understand my target audience.
Joe Heron- 18 Joe uses lots of forms of media in college and at home
Mel cowen- 49 Mel is in full time employment she doesn't really use social media however she regularly uses TV to watch all forms of genre and media like TV series and movies.
Focus group
Auditions
Survey responses
From the recent survey that i conducted i learnt many things that will benefit my production and it helped me understand what to expect my target audience will want and what i need to do to make this a reality. for example i asked a question on whether using more modern unorthodox dialogue is better as it will make my production more unique, however by using more common unique dialogue it will be more difficult for a wider range of people to understand especially the older generation as they will not be as up to date with the modern language that is more used in teenagers. This means that i will need to think harder about the dialogue used and i will need to write a script that in general will have dialogue that a wide range of people will be able to understand with ease aswell as more unique dialogue that will help me make my production less boring and more entertaining. This feedback has defiantly helped me understand will be asked from me and will help me start to prepare my pre-production. Another key point that i learned from my survey is that by having a good mixture between comedy and seriousness will help make my production my enjoyable and unpredictable as having a mix of these two themes can help keep my audience on the edge of their seats in anticipation and very much unsure of whats going to happen next. Here are some examples of the feedback that i received from my survey that conducted: The narration is very effective at communicating a lot of information in a short space of time providing an exposition for the rest of the film, Yes. The juxtaposition of comedy and more serious dialogue can emphasise the impact of both. It may make the production unique but it may make it difficult for a wider audience to understand. Look at A Clockwork Orange and Neds. This feedback will defiantly benefit me as it will allow me to research effective productions that will work similar to mine and i can use this to help improve the quality of my narrative and overall quality of production.
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Focus group and interview analysis
I conducted some interviews and a focus group this really helped me understand first hand what my target audience like and what they want to see in my production. I asked my target audience what their favourite movies are and what about the dialogue of these movies do they most like about this. The best feedback that i received about this was massively in my focus group as they gave me the impression that they all prefer and think by using realistic dialogue it will help me connect with my target audience more, for example by using certain language and slang that my teenage target audience will massively understand and will relate to. in my interview with Lewis Pratt i asked him what his favourite screenplay is and why this is, this really helped me get some good feedback as he told me that he really likes a production with a good story and dialogue and also having a good mix between dialogue and action. I can use this in my production as i want my short film to have a good mix between comedic dialogue and suspenseful action scenes. This interview has really helped me understand my target audience and has shown me what most of the people in my target audiences age group will want to see. By using this feedback it will allow me to really make use of this by showing this in my own production.
Another key point that i took from my interviews was that by using voiceovers in certain scenes of my production it will help explain and make my narrative more clear to the audience. It will also in ways break the 4th wall and will let me talk directly to my audience what will help me really send across my message and how i want my production to be taken. A key aspect that im intending to use in my short film is by having a split between comedy and seriousness. This will massively help me keep my production easy to watch and will make it more entertaining for my target audience.
All of this feedback i have received from my primary research will really help me shape how i want my production to be seen by my target audience, I am going to use these opinions and liking's to make sure my production will have similar elements about. By really understanding my target audience this will help me write my screenplay and i can use this to make sure my script has a range of different techniques and styles in it.
Another key point that i took from my interviews was that by using voiceovers in certain scenes of my production it will help explain and make my narrative more clear to the audience. It will also in ways break the 4th wall and will let me talk directly to my audience what will help me really send across my message and how i want my production to be taken. A key aspect that im intending to use in my short film is by having a split between comedy and seriousness. This will massively help me keep my production easy to watch and will make it more entertaining for my target audience.
All of this feedback i have received from my primary research will really help me shape how i want my production to be seen by my target audience, I am going to use these opinions and liking's to make sure my production will have similar elements about. By really understanding my target audience this will help me write my screenplay and i can use this to make sure my script has a range of different techniques and styles in it.