RESEARCH EVALUATION

Research Evaluation

Group Evaluation- PLS

Research tasks completed

·       Textual analysis

·       Title sequence

·       Genre grid

·       Director’s profile

·       Questionnaire Analysis

What was found from these tasks

Textual analysis

Lia found that in one of the films she analysed, many tracking shots were used, which we can apply to our production to create dramatic effect. An example of this would be in Fast and Furious, as in the opening scene, a tracking shot is used to introduce the audience to one of the main protagonists.

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Sophia found that the techniques used in one of the films she analysed such as Shawshank Redemption, used a range of camera shots such as close-up and long shots, which is effective to use in our production as it can clearly show the audience the mood of the character, and a clear view of the environment the scene is set in. This also makes it more realistic to the crime genre as the different camera creates suspense, which Sophia found fascinating.

Poppy found a lot of crime films include jump shots to create suspense and the feel that it is inevitable something dramatic is going to happen. This is an effective technique to include in our production so we can fit the criteria of the genre.

Title sequence

Lia found that text and typography was used to anchor the narrative of the scene. We will use this, for example when we use establishing shots, we will use crime like typography to state the time and location.

Sophia found that in the film she analysed, this being Shooter, the use of a different font creates a special effect in which the audience can identify the mood and atmosphere. This can effectively be used in our crime production as the font; can be used to effectively portray the mood within the narrative. This relates to the genre of crime as the mood and atmosphere created makes it clear and realistic to this genre.

Poppy found that the music in the tile sequence sets the atmosphere and the mood for the opening of the film, which crabs the audience’s attention before having seen any of the production. The typography also reflects the genre of the production and must be relevant to the conventions of a crime film.

Genre Grid

Lia found that conventions such as guns and drug consumption are featured heavily in crime films. This is useful to our production as it is symbolic to the crime genre and appeals to a mass audience.

Sophia found the way music is used in crime films to create tension and enigma useful for our production during the action scene of the character running away. This was evident in Now You See Me as slow and dramatic music played during the scenes of completing their tricks. Even though we would play fast paced music during the action scene of the character running in our production, the slow and dramatic music also creates the same effect of tension.

Poppy found that the lighting in crime films is usually low key and there are a lot of silhouettes of unidentified characters to create enigma code. The dim lighting is also used to focus the audience’s attention to the characters rather than the background and setting. In the film The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, the lighting remains low key for the entire film because of the mood.

Director’s Profile

Lia found that many directors have specific trademarks to relate to the crime genre and helps build a narrative. For example directors use the 8 stock character theory, which develops characterisation and narrative. We will use this theory in our production to appeal to our target audience.

Sophia found that the director’s use of specific actors as their trademark are used due to these actors being able to relate to the narrative along with being able to express the character’s personality accurately. We can therefore consider this in our production as we can get individuals that can express the personality and characteristics of the characters. For example, James Wan used Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in Fast and Furious due to being able to relate and express well to the narrative along with the personality of their character. Sophia therefore found that this aspect is effective in making it realistic to the genre and in communicating with the audience at the same time.

Poppy found that the directors for crime films have to know what the typical techniques are to include when making a film. Their trademarks make them unique and different so their films are recognisable because of their style. The 8 stock character theory is also a key element used by most directors as it develops characterisation.

Questionnaire Analysis

Lia found that our target audience ranges from the ages 15-18 and is predominately male. The audience said they preferred the main protagonists to wear casual clothing and for there to be tense music. This use of costume will be used in our production to help the audience relate to the characters. We will also use tense music to create a dramatic effect.

Sophia found that one of the most common type of music expected by our target audience is fast paced music as it is effective in creating tension and enigma. For example in Pulp Fiction, fast paced music is used during the opening sequence, which is effective in creating tension. This is therefore useful for our production as we can use fast paced music to make the dramatic scenes more realistic and accurate to the genre.

Poppy found that our target audience tend to look for conventions such as weapons, blood and police to add to excitement and keep them interested. For example, in Pulp Fiction, the use of guns is highly popular and adds to the excitement.