Research for Ancillary Task/s

As I have already started both my research and shooting for my main documentary-extract task, I thought it would be wise to begin looking into examples of both a double page spread listings magazine and a newspaper advertisement, as I was slightly confused due to me naturally associating the print production task with the conventional magazine-glossy poster, with this instead revolving around a newspaper..entirely new territory for myself. This "new territory" is even more so unique as a typical newspaper advertisement is sold through a simple image, featuring frequently a white backdrop allowing more concentration on the primary image; relating to the documentaries theme/narrative. I came to this conclusion through coming across multiple examples* of not only actual newspaper advertisements, but examples of A2 student work.

*Please note, I have used examples of Channel 4 programmes due to their frequent production of documentaries, and therefore being the most mainstream of broadcasters to market their docs by use of newspaper advertising.

By looking at these examples, I could see a distinct pattern concerning the use of fonts, images and colours. It appears that there is a noticeable concentration on props, used to convey the theme or subject matter of the documentary, aided by the simple layout and somewhat basic connection/use of images. This ironically will be more challenging to my preperation/post production, as the "less is more approach" departs so drastically from the usual production task. I must therefore implicate a lot more thought to the composition and the actual initial idea.

I have settled on using the concept of using an apprehensive/awkward image of the drama teachers face hiding behind a script (for Hairspray) with an array of hair spray cans (linking to the school putting on the production of "Hairspray" held by students, as well as scissors, hair dryers and scripts)

This study of original/conventional examples has to great extent inspired me to go about drawing up a rough template/sketch of my own newspaper advertisement, revolving around the production of hairspray and drama, possibly with the emphasis on student (correlating with my proposed theme-drama and student life).

Shooting First Documentary Footage

Due to the fact that the aim of my main task was to document my schools production of "Hairspray" I had to act with a sense of urgency; being that it was being produced at the exact time of my studies. As a result of this, I had to instantly begin to film the pre-production of the musical, during which the auditions were being held. Although I would comment that this was a rather rushed decision on my half, I could imagine that the recorded footage would aid me greatly in the final project; with the auditions being used in a "previously on...." re-cap.

I would argue however that by filming at such a early time, I was more prepared to undertake the task at hand, and attend to equipment issues which would allow me to create a more polished and quality product. For example, whilst filming I found that the quality of sound would be an imperitave aspect in order to make apparent the themes I aim to express; being secondary education, drama and teaching. The slightest glitch or poor quality sound bite could turn off my target audience (being teens....a severely technically aware generation who take for granted the MTV-Style production/post production of programmes) and even more so establish a poorly contrived piece of media. It is due to this that even with or without the aid of boom mics/shotgun mics, the composition of my shots must be even more severely concentrated on in order to deliver the best quality sound possible.

Research and Study of Conventional Examples

In this lesson, research was undertaken into conventional examples of both music videos, documentaries and promotional packages in order to pick a brief.

Having already created numerous short films for various purposes, I thought it would be wise to explore untouched territory; such being to possibly create a documentary (the ancillary tasks being to create a poster for a newspaper, as well as a double page spread for a listings magazine). With an interest in Reality TV documentary style, it seemed plausible to document the preparation of my schools production of Hairspray the Musical; recording all areas of activity from audition to performance. Ideally, this style would be of large homage to the likes of The Apprentice and Sky One's Grease: The School Musical-where by tasks and challenges are documented by a fly-on the wall camera crew.

I instantly began to look for extracts of Grease: The School Musical which demonstrated a conventional presentation of reality TV documentary editing, cinematograthy and narrative structure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO7UL09AHps

I found that this extract possesed examples of fast paced editing (infamously known as MTV-Style Cutting) such being an extremely conventional form of contemporary reality TV documentaries. Throughout the extract, a wide range of fade-ins, fade outs, white outs, flash frames, strobe lighting, and slow motion effects are used, simply conveying the high-energy style of the likes of the musical "Grease". It is due to this that I must duplicate this approach to editing, making sure to express clearly different emotions through either fast or slow cutting speeds, at the same time creating an engaging and proffesional piece.

The animated logo sequence at the start of the extract is a pivotal display of identifying the documentaries target audience; the iconic Grease logo making apparent it's relevance to fans of the musical, as well as the fact that both the background and the words "Musical" bear resemblance to the "High School Musical" poster; a brand immensely popular with young teenagers.

In order to create a conventional documantary in the style of the studies extract, as well as to identify my target audience, a possibly idea may be to create a similiar template, through a mixture of Adobe Photoshop CS4 and animation through Adobe Premiere Pro CS4-putting together a series of bright attractive colours, and quick flashy movements.

Cinematograthy in the extract is highly stylised, containing a large amount of low angle shots, side views, whip pans and crane shots. Obviously I will be unable to aqquire the funds or the equipment for that matter to use a camera crane, meaning that I must make up for this through severe concentration on the composition of my camera work in order to create equally impressive and yet original cinematograthy. In order to draw a strict relationship between the documentary and the school, I have decided to make low angle-side view shots of the schools street sign an almost iconic presense in my documentary-important due to the need to remind the viewer of the involvement of school students. This will be an essential shot in the development of my storyboard.

Music will play an essential role in the engagment of my general audience and the aim to create the most conventional reality TV documentarty possible. The frequent use of Audio FX such as wooshes, swishes and flashes are crucial to create a relentless and exciting atmosphere in it's presentation; as well as to exaggerate and "spice up" the already stylished camera movements. It is therefore pivotal that I have the correct array of sound FX, as well as making sure that each individual piece is archived correctly on my computer (to make for a smoother editing session).

The use of music from the soundtrack of Hairspray will also be an extremely important element, neccesary to link constantly to the themes of musical and drama.