Although we as a group have filmed, edited and finished the preliminary task, after we had shot the footage but before we had the time to edit this prelim, their was a time slot we had to take in order to use the chosen location we wanted for our real opening sequence. So, we finished editing the prelim after our actual footage was shot but not until we had actually filmed this prelim task - then we shot the footage regarding our real opening sequence before we edited this prelim.
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Description of my target audience
Description of my target
audience:
My target audience revolves around a range of variables that
are connoted through demographics and psychographics. The first, most simple factor depending on my
target audience is the age. The age must be extremely accurate and precise in
order to maximise profits and views but at the same time not exposing violence
to a young generation. Therefore, the age rating is a 12 – our unofficial age
is 12 – 30. Reason behind this is because the characters are quite young,
accordingly wouldn’t necessarily appeal to an older demographic.
A big factor that divides the world’s population in half is
gender. The genre of the opening sequence is sport and stereotypically, men are
more attracted to sport then females. Although, to be specific, our opening
sequence is based around a sub – genre that in turn is boxing and therefore
sport. However, there are sporting women and I aim to target them. So therefore
I am targeting males and females but when they both cross over into the
sporting category. Tying in with Angela McRobbie’s Gender theories whereby men
are stereotypically represented as the ‘ideal’ man – being strong, sporty, aggressive,
misogynistic towards women but at the same time in magazines such as, ‘Vogue’
often represent women as being strong, individual and dominant women.
Therefore, both these types of genders are incorporated into our demographic.
The social demographic is specified through social class. The
‘A’ and ‘B’ categories are suited to the upper/middle class, which in turn is
aimed at luxury goods and products. However, our demographic is aimed at the
working class because the location is quite a fairly run down boxing ring and
therefore will relate to that demographic. Accordingly, our social demographic
is suited to the ‘C1’, ‘C2’ and ‘D’ categories purely because it is based
around the working class. Referring to stereotypical views, this is the correct
social demographic for my genre and narrative. Some of these views consist of:
violent backgrounds, the use of taboo language and is interested in these
genres. The ‘E’ category is irrelevant to our demographic because as it is
formulated with ‘pensioners’, I don’t think they would like to watch it. Therefore,
the ‘C1, ‘C2’ and ‘D’ categories are relevant to our opening sequence.
The occupation of our target audience is very relevant
because it describes what the demographic like to do. And what they work for.
The attributes of our demographics job could include features like a physical
or sporty job. For instance: manual labour or a sports coach. This therefore
relates to the nature of the film and links in well with the genre, accordingly
attracting the target audience.
Every single human has hobbies and interests that they like
to pursue. This is why hobbies & interests are so important in determining
our target audience because it really defines what type of person you are and
if the audience will enjoy our opening sequence. Some hobbies that our target audience
may like completing are sporting activities, such as: football, rugby, boxing
etc. Therefore, the audience can relate to the sporting genre and the boxing
sub – genre, resulting in the audience being entertained because they are
engaged. The interests are extremely important as well because it sparks the audience’s
engagement.
The style of the audience is crucial because in order for
the audience to be engaged then they must feel like they can relate either to
the movie or a certain character. This connects with Rick Altman’s Genre Theory
whereby the audience forms an emotional bond between them and a character in
order to relate to the film. This can be achieved through the costumes of the
characters style, for example: the protagonist in our opening sequence is
wearing beats (a well-known headphone brand) and will therefore appear
‘mainstream’ and an audience with a particular style of mainstream in them can
relate. At the same time, in contrast, the protagonist is also wearing a
mysterious robe with a hood connoting mystery and this could potentially relate
to a ‘niche’ alternate target audience at the same time by syntactic elements
though the the formation of a an emotional bond between the audience and the
character in order to relate to the film, or in our case, our opening sequence.
Therefore, the style is important to consider when describing the target
audience.
Also, the personality of the target audience is similar to
their style. In order for the audience to connect they must feel related to
either a particular character or just the narrative in general. In this
instance, the protagonist is extremely competitive – connoted through the
representation of him being passionate about winning this fight, signified
through him shadow boxing at the start preparing and taking the fight with all
seriousness. Therefore, one feature of the target audience’s personality could
be if they’re competitive or not; so that the audience can relate to the
character. Again, this links in with Rick Altman’s Genre Theory because it
enables syntactic elements to be incorporated into our opening sequence,
through the use of an emotional bond between the character and the target
audience – due to the fact that the audience can relate through their
personalities. Therefore, personality is a key part in describing our target
audience.
The media grouping is associating into categorising the
audience through various media platforms. One of these platforms is films and
which type, or which genre of films is the audience engaged with, so that they
can relate and enjoy our opening sequence. An example of a media franchise that
is synonymous to our opening sequence sub – genre could potentially be: the
Rocky franchise – produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Purely based on the
fact that it’s the same genre and very similar regarding action. Also, the
access to films worldwide has increased significantly, in comparison to 30
years ago due to globalisation. Therefore, the ‘favourite film’ category
within the media group is based around a sub – genre of boxing. Our opening
sequence is very similar to the narrative and surrounding enigmas throughout
the Rocky media franchise.
Another media grouping would consist of: ‘favourite
television’ programmes. The programmes would have to be possibly a little bit
sporty and definitely entertaining in order to engage the target audience. For
example, sporting programmes such as: coverage of sports like football, the
rugby and boxing. Sky Sports is the main institution that provides this
sporting entertainment because its ideology is possibly to stir the competitive
nature of the human condition creating thrilling moments and dramatic scenes,
really providing an engaging piece of entertainment. That is exactly what our
target audience is about in order to enjoy and be in engaged in our opening
sequence. Therefore, an example for media grouping under ‘favourite television’
programmes could be ‘Monday Night Football’.
A different media platform concerning media grouping is
music. And the type and genre of music our target audience would conventionally
listen to would be quite a fast – paced rhythm to the music track connoting the
sense of tension and adrenaline the boxers are experiencing in our opening
sequence. Accordingly, this type of rhythm links in with our film sub – genre
(boxing) and the genre of music that our target audience listens to (which is
‘Hip – Hop’) isn’t only fast – paced but it is also very exciting. Therefore,
the media grouping that refers to the music platform is fairly fast – paced and
that ties in with the fast – paced and tension building narrative which is
emphasised in my opening sequence. There are a wide range of artists that
perform this genre of music, such as: Justin Bieber and his new album. Ultimately,
our target audience’s favourite artist and therefore music are of ones in which
they can excite and entertain them. This is exactly what my group and I aim of
achieving in our opening sequence, is to have that effect on our target
audience.
Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications theory
suggests that all media texts must “gratify an audience’s needs” through
offering them particular ‘functions’, such as: escapism, entertainment,
education & information, social interaction and a sense of identification. These
entire functions link into every media text one way or another, in particular,
the entertainment function links in with me and my groups opening sequence. Accordingly,
our opening sequence will offer the active audience an entertainment element,
through the use of an intense build – up throughout the sequence and the action
found in the final scene. The intense build – up is achieved through the use of
a motivational speech cued at the start and the shadow boxing – accompanied by
powerful music – leading into a ‘silhouette’ right before the fight. Also, the
action packed scene towards the end of the opening sequence is demonstrated
through the realistic boxing match. The camera work is crucial when trying to
illustrate the action theme because each angle represents a different dynamic
to the audience; that’s why I will incorporate hand – held shots and tight
frames of the boxer in order to connote the competitive and therefore
entertainment factor within the film. Furthermore, the editing techniques are
vital because a shot, reverse shot editing technique would suit very nicely in
connoting conflict between the boxers and accordingly will bring another
element of entertainment for the audience’s pleasure. Therefore, this offers the target audience a
specific function relating to Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications
theory, which is the entertainment element.
Our opening sequence will not only offer functions for
audiences, but it will also offer solutions to some of my target audience’s
problems. This links in with Richard Dyer’s Utopian Solutions theory whereby a
piece of media text offers a solution to a target audience’s problem, for
example: Boredom would be solved with excitement and entertainment. Therefore,
audiences that have a problem of boredom in their life could potentially be
more attracted in our opening sequence because it offers a solution to that
problem. Reason being that our opening sequence provides entertainment and
excitement for the target audience and will therefore solve that boredom
problem. I will achieve this through the use of various techniques, such as:
camera work, editing techniques, mis-en-scene and sound. Accordingly, that is
why our opening sequence solves these problems and therefore links in with the
‘Utopian theory’.
Analysis of audience research results
Analysis of audience research results:
The closed ended question results:
5 people decided a flashback was not needed. Whereas 3 people believed
that it is needed.
The collated results illustrated here show that a majority of
people didn’t think that a flashback was necessary, but a lot of people also
thought that it could be introduced. Therefore I and my group won’t rule out
the consideration of an implemented flashback in order to give the audience an
idea of the background.
Again, 5 people said that
there shouldn’t be much introduction of characters. However 3 of the other
people surveyed demonstrated it was a good idea.
The results here show that the
introduction of characters is not necessary because it could potentially
connote mystery about the characters – and that is not a bad thing! Although
were aiming not reveal too much of the characters due to this primary market
research, I still want to gain a sense of who the characters actually are.
Accordingly there will be an introduction of the characters but not too much,
to the extent that too much is revealed. The mysterious element to the opening
sequence could be an interesting effect. 
As portrayed above, with an absolute majority, the location
of the opening sequence has to be a boxing arena. It is the logical decision
and the correct one.
The open – ended question results:
The improvements that my group will consider which are not
only practical and realistic but also a great benefit to the opening sequence
could be the following: “Possibly keep the identity of the boxer completely
mysterious”. This will add an element of superstition and will increase the
tension and build – up of the opening sequence which is exactly what we are
trying to achieve and illustrate to the target audience. Also, potentially more
scenes with dialogue to add more of a narrative to the storyline, however this
would ruin the suspense and tension of the fight. In addition, some more boxing
footage of the actual fight could increase the dramatic element of the opening
sequence; therefore more P.O.V footage of the fight will complement this
nicely. Introducing a crowd to the match
is an option but it could dismantle the effect of a ‘low – league’ fight as our
aim is to connote that the protagonist boxer is starting from the bottom and
will eventually make it to the top and prove everyone wrong. Accordingly, a
crowd may not be necessary.
The majority of people that we surveyed suggested that the
build – up to the fight should be very dramatic in order to gain the best
effect and the best reaction from the audience – due to the fact that our
target audience isn’t a passive one but, is instead an active audience.
Therefore, the build – up is crucial and a dramatic element is vital to execute
the opening sequence accordingly.
The mis-en-scene could be considered the most important
aspect of any film or opening sequence due to the fact the visuals makes up an
entire film. And in my opinion the most important aspect of the mis-en-scene is
the costumes within each frame. The people we surveyed always expect to see
generic boxing equipment. Generic conventions of boxing items are things like,
water bottles, gum shields, robes etc. Due to these results, although we
already have these generic conventions already implemented in our opening
sequence, it is a confidence boost to know that we are doing our job right and
accurately.
Camera angles in an opening sequence and in a film are
crucial as it provides a different dynamic and influences the audience’s
perception on different characters. Therefore the dynamics of a particular shot
are key into executing the perfect shot suited for the frame. As proved by the
collated results, the majority of people confirmed that camera angles are in
fact essential into creating a good opening sequence or movie. For instance: in
scene 2 camera work is crucial because I aim to create a silhouette while directing
the shoot. This is a great way of building up tension and passion about the
boxer and intrigues the audience, what comes next? Therefore, camera angles and
work is important in influencing the audiences view on each individual
character. Also there is an extreme
close – up shot of the boxer’s eyes whereby he has an intense male gaze in
order to capture the audience’s attention and engagement; however this effect
would not be possible without the help and work from different angles and
shots.
The boxer we intend to use is essentially an under – dog when
it comes to fighting, reasoning being is because it’s his first ever
professional fight! According to the survey a wide range of results suggested
that ultimately people do like an under – dog and will therefore empathise with
the character and will potentially build an emotional bond with the protagonist
(the lone boxer). This relates to Roland Barthes code theory whereby ‘semantic
codes’ are present during this connection between the protagonist and the
audience because the audience’s perception of the under – dog (which is denoted
through him being knocked out) is signified through the fact that the
protagonist doesn’t appear like the conventional boxer with a hyperbolic body. Therefore,
the audience does endear and empathise towards the lone boxer – the under – dog
character.
A large proportion of people think that the build – up of the opening
sequence should be fast – paced instead of a calm suspenseful build – up
because in fact, a fast – paced editing execution and build – up excites the
audience and immediately grabs the audience’s engagement. It really builds an
exhilarating ‘atmos’ within the room, connoting the fight and narrative and
enigma of the storyline is going to be extremely engaging. Accordingly,
encourages the audience to not only continue watching but, the audiences
actually wants to engage and continue to watch.
The interview results:
One part of the interview suggests that what makes a good opening
sequence is the suspense that not only engages but encourages the audience to
carry on watching. Therefore, by implementing good camera work and particular
editing techniques this will be achieved. In addition, suggested in the
interview, for a film like ours the characters should be left more mysterious,
this will ultimately intrigue the interests of the audience. Furthermore,
possibly make the fight scene more action packed in order to engage the
audience more and so that it fits the storyline better. This will be
accomplished through the use of hand-held shots from P.O.V (point of view)
perspective.
According to the interview, the favourite features about the opening
sequence is firstly, the title of the film ‘One – Two’ and how it links into
the knockout punches at the end when the protagonist gets knocked out through a
combination of the ‘One – Two’ punches. Also, the use of a silhouette – this
will engage and spark the interests of the audience.
Focus group results:
What I and
my group can gather from the focus group is firstly, that it is a good idea to
include a flashback in order for the audience to gain a better understanding of
the storyline and narrative of the genre. However, we are unable to incorporate
a flashback purely because the mark scheme specification only allows a two
minute opening sequence and so far our opening sequence will develop into just
over a two minute sequence. Therefore, due to the fact that we are already
slightly over we cannot add any more scenes. Even though we would love to, it
cannot be done.
In addition,
it was mentioned that the Referee and his character “can have more contribution
in the scene”; possibly applying stage directions to this character may satisfy
this focus group that is linked with our target demographic and will therefore
satisfy our target audience.
Another
point that was made was that some more action involved may tie in nicely with
the genre. We as a group aim to develop on this and elaborate this feed back by
incorporating more shots of the action scene, such as: Point-of-view shots.
Also, action match editing may enhance the action aspect of the scene and
satisfy this focus group along with our target demographic. Therefore, different
camera angles and special editing techniques will give us the result that we
want.
Furthermore,
the location of our opening sequence is crucial because it will really set the
atmospheric feel for the audience and accordingly has to be done correctly. Due
to our storyline and choice of characters, it is a good idea to introduce a
‘run-down’ boxing gym in order to achieve the best affect for the theme.
According to our focus group, the use of a run-down boxing gym is a good idea
in order to gain a particular perspective on not only the characters themselves
but also the narrative.
Also,
according to the focus group they suggested that it was a good concept to in
fact appear the protagonist to be left slightly mysterious, for example:
leaving his hood up when he shadow boxes. This will benefit the storyline for
the target demographic because it will encourage them to want to watch the rest
of the film – reason for this, leaves unanswered questions and motivates the
audience to find about the character.
Finally, it
was a confidence boost knowing that the focus group liked the idea of a
silhouette implemented in our opening sequence. Due to this camera work, it
really builds the ‘atmos’ in the room and complements the audience’s reception
with an engaging feel towards the opening sequence.
Audience questionnaires
We conducted questionnaires in our local area. The questionnaires were carried out by the whole team.
Survey (1)
Survey (1)
AUDIENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Based
on our pitch, please answer these questions honestly.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOU:
AGE:
18
COUNTY:
Surrey
RACE:
British
GENDER:
Male
Based
on our pitch:
·
Which Location do you think would be most suited: Gym, Street, School or
a Boxing arena?
Boxing
arena
·
Do you think a flashback would be useful to give you an idea of the story's
background, Yes or No?
No
·
Describe any improvements you think we could make?
Possibly
keep the identity of the boxer completely mysterious
·
Do you think there should be much introduction of characters, Yes or No?
No
·
Should the music building up to the fight sequence be dramatic or calm
for the best effect?
Dramatic
·
What costumes would you expect to see/ want to see?
Generic
boxing stuff
·
Would camera angles influence your view of characters?
Yes
because different angles ensure different effects and therefore would be useful
in representing the characters
·
Is an under-dog character more likeable in your opinion?
Yes
because it could allow the audience to connect to the character
·
Should the film be fast paced or a calm suspenseful build up to the
fight sequence?
Fast –
paced in order to build an exciting mood throughout the room
Survey (2)
AUDIENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Based
on our pitch, please answer these questions honestly.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOU:
AGE:
16
COUNTY:
Surrey
RACE:
British
GENDER:
Male
Based
on our pitch:
·
Which Location do you think would be most suited: Gym, Street, School or
a Boxing arena?
Boxing
arena
·
Do you think a flashback would be useful to give you an idea of the story's
background, Yes or No?
No
·
Describe any improvements you think we could make?
Add
more of a storyline to it
·
Do you think there should be much introduction of characters, Yes or No?
Yes
·
Should the music building up to the fight sequence be dramatic or calm
for the best effect?
Calm
·
What costumes would you expect to see/ want to see?
Boxing
shorts, shoes and professional boxing gloves
·
Would camera angles influence your view of characters?
Potentially
yes because it incorporates different aspects to the film and engages the
audience more
·
Is an under-dog character more likeable in your opinion?
It is
not necessary
·
Should the film be fast paced or a calm suspenseful build up to the
fight sequence?
Calm
suspenseful build – up because it indulges the audiences
Survey (3)
AUDIENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Based
on our pitch, please answer these questions honestly.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOU:
AGE:
18
COUNTY:
Surrey
RACE:
British
GENDER:
Male
Based
on our pitch:
·
Which Location do you think would be most suited: Gym, Street, School or
a Boxing arena?
Boxing
arena
·
Do you think a flashback would be useful to give you an idea of the story's
background, Yes or No?
Yes
·
Describe any improvements you think we could make?
More
dialogue
·
Do you think there should be much introduction of characters, Yes or No?
Yes
·
Should the music building up to the fight sequence be dramatic or calm
for the best effect?
Calm
·
What costumes would you expect to see/ want to see?
Possibly
a boxing robe
·
Would camera angles influence your view of characters?
Not really
·
Is an under-dog character more likeable in your opinion?
Yes
because it brings an element of courage
·
Should the film be fast paced or a calm suspenseful build up to the
fight sequence?
A calm
suspenseful build – up, captures the audiences attention
Survey (4)
AUDIENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Based
on our pitch, please answer these questions honestly.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOU:
AGE:
22
COUNTY:
Surrey
RACE:
Scottish
GENDER:
Male
Based
on our pitch:
·
Which Location do you think would be most suited: Gym, Street, School or
a Boxing arena?
Boxing
arena
·
Do you think a flashback would be useful to give you an idea of the story's
background, Yes or No?
No
·
Describe any improvements you think we could make?
More
boxing footage
·
Do you think there should be much introduction of characters, Yes or No?
No
·
Should the music building up to the fight sequence be dramatic or calm
for the best effect?
Dramatic
·
What costumes would you expect to see/ want to see?
Just
the normal boxing equipment
·
Would camera angles influence your view of characters?
I
think yes because it offers a different dynamic of the characters, accordingly
represents the characters in a different way
·
Is an under-dog character more likeable in your opinion?
Maybe
because, who doesn’t like an under-dog?
·
Should the film be fast paced or a calm suspenseful build up to the
fight sequence?
Fast –
paced so that it grabs the audiences attention
Survey (5)
AUDIENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Based
on our pitch, please answer these questions honestly.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOU:
AGE:
17
COUNTY:
Surrey
RACE:
British
GENDER:
Female
Based
on our pitch:
·
Which Location do you think would be most suited: Gym, Street, School or
a Boxing arena?
Boxing
arena
·
Do you think a flashback would be useful to give you an idea of the story's
background, Yes or No?
No
·
Describe any improvements you think we could make?
No, I
think it sounds good
·
Do you think there should be much introduction of characters, Yes or No?
No
·
Should the music building up to the fight sequence be dramatic or calm
for the best effect?
Dramatic
·
What costumes would you expect to see/ want to see?
Probably
little details like gum shields and stuff
·
Would camera angles influence your view of characters?
Definitely
because it engages the audience more I think
·
Is an under-dog character more likeable in your opinion?
I
don’t think so, people are equal and have every chance at succeeding
·
Should the film be fast paced or a calm suspenseful build up to the
fight sequence?
Fast –
paced I think because it really excites the people watching
Survey (6)
AUDIENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Based on our
pitch, please answer these questions honestly.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOU:
AGE: 15
COUNTY: Surrey
RACE: British
GENDER: Male
Based on our
pitch:
·
Which
Location do you think would be most suited: Gym, Street, School or a Boxing
arena?
Boxing arena
·
Do you
think a flashback would be useful to give you an idea of the story's
background, Yes or No?
Yes
·
Describe
any improvements you think we could make?
Have a flashback
maybe
·
Do you
think there should be much introduction of characters, Yes or No?
Yes
·
Should
the music building up to the fight sequence be dramatic or calm for the best
effect?
Dramatic
·
What
costumes would you expect to see/ want to see?
Contrasting
colours to emphasize competition and differences between the boxers
·
Would
camera angles influence your view of characters?
I don’t think so
·
Is an
under-dog character more likeable in your opinion?
Yes because we
always feel empathetic towards people who are perceived as less able
·
Should
the film be fast paced or a calm suspenseful build up to the fight sequence?
Fast – paced
Survey (7)
AUDIENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Based
on our pitch, please answer these questions honestly.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOU:
AGE:
16
COUNTY:
Surrey
RACE:
British
GENDER:
Female
Based
on our pitch:
·
Which Location do you think would be most suited: Gym, Street, School or
a Boxing arena?
Gym
·
Do you think a flashback would be useful to give you an idea of the story's
background, Yes or No?
No
·
Describe any improvements you think we could make?
Introduce
a crowd to watch the match
·
Do you think there should be much introduction of characters, Yes or No?
No
·
Should the music building up to the fight sequence be dramatic or calm
for the best effect?
Dramatic
·
What costumes would you expect to see/ want to see?
Professional
boxing clothes
·
Would camera angles influence your view of characters?
No not
really because my perception on characters isn’t influenced by the camera
angles
·
Is an under-dog character more likeable in your opinion?
Possibly
·
Should the film be fast paced or a calm suspenseful build up to the
fight sequence?
Fast –
paced because it can build the atmosphere in the room for the audience
Survey (8)
AUDIENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Based
on our pitch, please answer these questions honestly.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOU:
AGE:
23
COUNTY:
Surrey
RACE:
British
GENDER:
Male
Based
on our pitch:
·
Which Location do you think would be most suited: Gym, Street, School or
a Boxing arena?
Boxing
arena
·
Do you think a flashback would be useful to give you an idea of the story's
background, Yes or No?
Yes
·
Describe any improvements you think we could make?
Bigger
build up
·
Do you think there should be much introduction of characters, Yes or No?
No
·
Should the music building up to the fight sequence be dramatic or calm
for the best effect?
Dramatic
·
What costumes would you expect to see/ want to see?
Boxing
equipment
·
Would camera angles influence your view of characters?
Yeah I
think so
·
Is an under-dog character more likeable in your opinion?
Yeah
because an under-dog brings another element to the film
·
Should the film be fast paced or a calm suspenseful build up to the
fight sequence?
A calm
suspenseful build up would suit
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