For my final audience research I will essentially take the best from the quantative and qualitative methods to produce a questionnaire that can gather a variety of data which I can use to influence my short film developed and further ideas.
From quantative I will be keeping the aspect of separating boys and girls, as well as age groups. I will also introduce a few of the first questions to specify the type of viewer they are, such questions would perhaps be like why they watch films for social; hobby reasons etc. I will have to gather a wide variety of answers and hopefully this will lead to being able to derive what my specific audience want from when they watch short films and feature film genres.
We carried out some quantitative research on audience viewing habits and pleasures, the questionnaire was purely yes and no answers. One of the downsides of this type of research is that I found that because of the very basic answer given being yes or no, it limited the specificity of the results, however a positive is that it did allow reliable straightforward data to analyse.
I realised that this type of research works best with really specific questions to find whether the audience dislike or enjoy something specific, and it still maintains to be a great way to get data which can be generalisable to a larger audience.
Unfortunately this method limits the value of opinion from the audience I'm researching. Also because all questions required a yes/no answer it may have produced superficial results because people cant put anything more to the point such as if they would engage with films differnetly depending on their social, personal situation.
I also forgot to account for male and female sets of data so I wouldnt have mixed up both genders results as well as not specifying age groups, which is something I will have to remember for next time.
I started some qualitative research in the aim to find an affective way to gather specific and relevant results on my audience viewing pleasures and habits. In this research the answers given were more specific and written by the individuals so it means I'm getting a much more detailed response.
The benefits of qualitative research is that it gives more depth and detail to the results because it records the feelings and behaviour of the audience. Furthermore it encourages people to be more truthful with their answers.
The downside of this method is that it is alot more time consuming because you have to wait for the participants to fill out longer answers which can reduce the amount of people studied. Due to the specific answers this method means the results arent as easy to generalise and can make it hard to make a clear cut decision between two groups.
From my analysis of short films, initially they focus on the visual or audio concepts very heavily - use of dialogue is minimal if any. This it seems allows the audience to really absorb the other components of the short film as well as enjoying the story telling process with the more exciting forms of portraying information. Some of the short films I analysed used a plot twist towards the end to tie up the story in a neat cut or to change what was thought all along, which I believed when executed well was a great feeling for the audience to finish with. I.e Lovefield, INSiDE. The short film has to convey meaning with every shot and must use the majority of aspects that belong to cinematography to tell the story. This enhances the experience and stops the audience from becoming bored, this way also saves time wasted on pointless continuity shots, perhaps following a character through their house, unless it is of relevance.
Short films are in essence miniture feature films and although they dont have to have any real solid plot to follow throughout narrative is key in retaining that a message of any form is put across to the audience. The Black Hole for example starts with a tired man's daily job routine; the character is not formally introduced but is built up as the short film progresses. His greed is apparent through his actions and the short is effective because it demonstrates quickly and effectively how to engage a short storyline. Furthermore it does so without spending time on aspects feature films would engage with such as drawn out character development or a thick plot.
Title: "Lovefield"'s title sequence is effective because it sets the tone for the short film. The title is superimposed over an establishing high angle long shot, which instantly brings the audience into the location of the film. The music accompanies this from the start of the film, which instantly sets the mood with the edgy high pitch piano. The serif text is very clean cut and provides a very sombre effect when faded in and out. The binary opposition between the word love and the mood setting is interesting as it draws the audience into the narrative.
Overall: Mise en scene: The aspects of mise en scene within "Lovefield" creates the basis for the audience which is used to bring them into the initial dark mood, which remains until the penultimate moments of the short film. Images of blood and scattered objects are used to represent the vestiges of a violent scene; the location itself which is a wheat field symbolises isolation due to stereotypically being situated in the countryside. These aspects when used in conjunction bring the audience to think that a lady has been abducted, raped or brutally assaulted. However this meaning is solidified with the musical score and editing which is combines aspects of both location and whats onscreen to create the final grim tone. The short film uses iconic signifiers to bring forth a desired meaning to its audience; the crow representing evil or dark times, the creaking sign connoting an abandoned area. The dishevelled antagonist is wearing clothes reminiscent of typical American farmers of a lower level of hygiene. A close up tracking shot is used to reveal various aspects of his character to the audience - a tattoo of a skull and his unkempt hair connotes a sense of mental instability or a violent nature.
Sound: Non diagetic musical score is used to great effect to raise and dip (0:35-0:41) suspense. The use of constant eerie and iconic sounds such as the creaking sign (0:49-0:58) and the crowing bird (1:00-1:03), help portray a sinister meaning to the audience swiftly. Moreover a crescendo is used when the knife comes stabbing down (2:16) which consequently jolts the audience into a minor state of shock. Other diagetic sounds where used which also gave meaning, the phone sounding out of signal (1:30-1:37) denotes that the phone is in an out of use area and furthermore connotes that the victim is helpless and stranded. This was reinforced through the non diagetic moaning and groaning of the victim alongside the succeeding images of obvious distress and blood. Moreover verisimilatude is enforced through the diagetic rustling of the wheat field, this also enhances the feeling of desolation for the audience.
Camera/editing: The camera angles used where very selective in providing the audience direct information, which led to the audience using stereotypes and what information they did have to bring together the supposed plot. A variety of angles also kept the audience interested on the short film as well as letting them divulge into the plot which enabled them to create their own meanings. Close up shots really help to convey meaning in the "killers" face (3:20-3:23) this shot shows a fear in his eyes. The effect of this is that the audience link his fear to regret of what the audience think he has done. This is closely linked with the mise en scene of the crow which symbolised evil at that point. The editing of the short film helped carve a tone for the audience, the long held tracking shots (1:29-2:04) bring the audience into the films depths as they follow closely. This helps to build suspense and really arouses the interest and curiosity of the viewers. Furthermore the colour of the picture onscreen which was altered post production also adds to the tone of the film, the dark grey film quality portrays a dismal scene in which a grim murder has occurred. However when the light is increased and the bright sunshine is brought onscreen the mood is instantly lifted, this effect is heightened when accompanied with the joyfull music.
End product: The short film brings the audience through a variety of emotions which leaves them feeling good at the end due to the suspected situation being totally reversed. The short film is a great example of how music and editing can conjure up a totally different mood for the audience.
Title: The title sequence in this film is very short and merged with the opening scene, the title is simply superimposed in a white colour over the initial mid shot of the protagonist in bed. The serif font is informal and just states the name of the short without holding much symbolic meaning other than the inferred meaning from the actual title.
Overall: Mise en scene: The location of the protagonists house is iconic to working/middle class people on the outskirts of a city. The furnishings are basic but adequate and the front door has the look of a ground floor city apartment. This provides the audience the information that the man is just an average guy and sets up the narrative of the story. The dual narrative is portrayed through split screen and represents two versions of one mans reality (one lucky, one unlucky). When the protagonist gets mugged (0:42-0:47) the thief is wearing very common clothing iconic to the lower class, tracksuit bottoms and other sports clothing.
Sound: Diagetic sound of the alarm clock is a typical way to start a short film. Brings the audience into recognition to the start of a new day. Verisimilitude is also maintained through the use of background cars driving, this is also used as a sound bridge to connect the different locations. (0:32-1:19) The sound bridge linked a total of 3 locations together. Non diagetic music and sound effects are used to implement a sense of fun to the short, the soundtrack itself is quite upbeat and lighthearted. Small sounds are used to bring across a humorous effect to the film (0:22-0:24) the non diagetic smashing sound gives the impression of him crashing around his room. Towards the end of the short (1:14) the music is stopped abruptly in time with the slap which adds a clean cut effect to the end of the short film. Unrealistic sounds of the two worlds connecting (0:58-0:59)(1:04-1:06) further reinforce the humour of the piece as well as creating a twist to the short as it breaks the audience's belief of the two worlds being separated.
Camera/editing: The dual narrative was imposed cleverly as the two worlds where visually represented by the split screen, with both events happening simultaneously. The film still maintained an ability to be watched easily due to the similar positioning of the character which allowed the audience to focuse more on the interesting right side of the screen. However the editing style gave a unique edge to the storyline. A majority of close shots and mid shots where used to focus onto the actions of the man and what was happening in his immediate surrounding. This didnt let the audience focus much on his enviroment and more so on what was happening to the unlucky and lucky realities. The variety of camera angles wasnt high as it was kept generally around the mid section of the protagonist and upwards, the shots where relatively simple in regards to how the camera was positioned.
End product: The simple yet original idea created a very fun and interesting short film, the fact that the audience had the ability to compare realities allows for multiple viewings without boredom. The camera work was simple which allowed the audience to focus on the narrative which was the main drawing point to the film. However a more diverse variety of camera angles may have added to the overall experience.
Title: The title sequence opens a black background with the letters that make up "INSiDE" spreading out from the centre, this already reflects the nature of the story as it is about someone struggling with split personality disorder. To accompany this there is also the sound of whispers and an a few eerie piano keys being played. The sequence quickly fades into the opening scene. The title sequence lasted no longer than 10 seconds which keeps the pace quick and allows the short film to progress.
Overall: Mise en scene: The locations and set of the mental hospital is well built up as it allows the audience into the claustrophobic padded cell, the long dark hallways and medical wards. The scenery provides a very ominous tone, this is created from the use of spotlighting in which long shadows are cast through the hallway. Lighting is used to good effect to add great depth to the short, the flickering light bulbs denote towards representing the location as a run down hospital and could connote to the protagonists depressing instability of his personal health.
Sound: Non diagetic and diagetic whispering and various voices are used to portray the narrative of the short film as it helps to introduce the what the protagonist is suffering with. The use of a non diagetic news reporter talking about split personality disorder (0:43-0:47) gives direct information to the audience without wasting time and could furthermore suggest a supposed back story to the character as the audience could be lead to think hes done something bad to have been on the news. Diagetic talking and shouting is used (2:16-2:25) to present the internal struggle of the protagonist and his inability to take control directly with his own persona.
Camera/editing: There is not a tracking shot or quick cut following the protagonists every movement through every door - the film cuts to different rooms to save time and also means every shot has relevance or provides meaning in some form. Whilst the camera was tracking him being taken to the doctor (0:48-1:01) the camera was panning and tilting to provide information to the audience about his multiple personalities. This directly introduces more of his problem and quickly establishes to the audience how the narrative of the film works. (visual representations of his personalities)
End product: The short film encapsulates the personal breakthrough plot, with a twist. The appeal to the audience is the overused personal struggle however the clever twist towards the end, which subverts typical conventions of a happy ending allows the short film to remain unique. What is also good about the short film is the way the multiple personalities are all exagerations of typical human traits, anger, apologetic, innocence, humour and depressive.
Title: The title sequence begins slowly with the production company and the directors names fading in. The comic serif text is very plain and boring set against a black background. However this does set the pace of the short film, being quite slow and dramatic whilst also connoting seclusion and fear with the simple black and white. Although the text and the titles themselves are boring, the director has included an establishing long shot of the location: underground train station. The shot is well composed with the trains headlights appearing in the distance and entering into the foreground and flying past, it further adds to the secluded and slightly ominous tone. The non-diagetic drumming is used to create a slight unease for the audience as it doesn't quite fit with the location and helps to build for the later narrative of the film.
Overall: Mise en scene: The scene's location on the train is quite a vulnerable place for one person due to it being secluded from the mainstream population. Furthermore the amount of people, other than the two protagonists, on the train are sparse and few. The first protagonist is of slightly brown skin and is wearing casual clothing. He is portrayed to be Jewish when he takes his place on the train, he reveals his neckless of the Jewish star. The second protagonist is also of brown skin, however through the use of shot reverse shots of glaring looks it infers he is of a different religion. The white Nazi men are stereotypically depicted. They have shaven heads and have various signs regarding the Nazi party such as the sprayed on Nazi sign. The obvious hostility is apparent straight away as they march confidently towards the two men and surround them.
Sound:Verisimilitude, diagetic spray cans and shaking etc - train running along the tracks and rumblings. Constant level of realism. No dialogue used, this helps the audience to soak up the other elements the directors present to portray the story. whispering sounds are used when the Nazi's enter this provides an uneasy and scary tone for the audience. The Groaning and Grunting sound also implemented, further reinforces the tense and fearsome atmosphere. The first protagonists phone rings and sets of a traditional Jewish ring tone which then he scattily searches to silence it. The use of this tone allows the audience to relate themselves as they can then imagine themselves how scared he is to frantically stop the ring tone. This is also prolonged to create a tense dramatic scene.
Camera/editing: Long shots were used to set the scene with the train flying past, and close ups were often used to show facial expressions. The religious divide is apparent with the use of shot reverse shot of the two men giving each other unwelcoming looks. However the two protagonists were both framed towards the left of the screen whilst the Nazi's were framed towards the right of the screen which could denote from the traditional Nazi regime which was founded from far right politics. Far right politics being based around extreme supremacism. It also provides the audience a clear definition between the protagonists and the antagonists. The editing cuts were often prolonged to create dramatic tension, especially when it involved the Nazi's antagonists surrounding the two men.
End product: The short film presents an interesting notion, the religious men only work well together when confronting a common enemy. This could insinuate that the religious divide is unnecessary and pointless however the two characters still do not verbally thank each other. This connotes that they still don't want to mix.
Title: The film's title sequence starts with a black background and sans serif font title fading in to the centre of the screen. The style of the font has a comic book effect which reflects the narrative of the story, being humorous and imaginative. This is swiftly followed by a smooth transition to the opening scene which appears through zoom through a hole, similar to looking into a keyhole. This is a possible reverse angle from the end product of the film being that things are put into this "black hole" constantly by the protagonist. The entire title sequence is over quickly but it allows the audience to know that the short film is put together well as the first impression is that its quick and stylish.
Overall: Mise en scene: The colour of the film is very grey which would of been added post production. This lets the audience know that the protagonists enviroment is very depressing, which is mirrored in close up shots of his miserable facial expressions. The lighting in the scene is good as it provides a very clean image whilst providing depth to the set, with clear foreground and background details and objects. The verisimilatude of the piece is high and allows audience members to relate to the film.
Sound: Great use of verisimilitude, continuous sound bridge with the office sounds - non diagetic sounds of the fax machine and phone machines whirring. No verbal dialogue used at all which allows the audience to focus on the character being built up using the interesting visuals - it also doesnt slow the pace down. Diagetic sound has been used effectively with the sound of chocolate bar wrapping and chewing; along with multiple paper flapping.
The "black hole": The black hole is almost personified when a POV shot is used looking at the protagonist. There is an interesting reverberating sound that is used when the film refers to the object, creates depth and interest into object/almost gives it a power; which reinforces the personification.
Camera/editing: Variety of camera angles keeps the narrative pace moving quickly - narrative is not slow. The protaganist uses hole to discover its power by stealing a chocolate bar, then greed grips hold. Quick and snappy cuts - the variety of angles used is great as it allows the audience to get sucked into the mans life as he goes about a boring office day, the abundance of different angles keeps the audience from boredom and doesnt allow them to predict. The protagonist is centralised throughout the short which means he is the focus of the audience throughout. This is reinforced by the camera focus on him in the foreground and the background being out of focus. The editing is quick paced with no shot being held for longer than 4 seconds which adds to the shorts quick pace.
End product: Its a fun and interesting short film. Doesn't have to uncover some great misdemeanor of mankind just plays with greed concept - everyday people often may think about, what if... etc.
"A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animation or a combination of both, together with:
a poster for the film a film magazine review page featuring the film"
I've decided to change my brief to short film for a few reasons, firstly since choosing the advertising brief i had come up with a very basic idea, a lord of the rings style, epic tennis game; promoting tennis rackets. Although at the time I was enthusiastic for the project I've started speaking to some friends and playing around with other ideas. Short film started to sound more appealing due to the freedom I could have with it and the wider creativity in telling a story. I've started to watch a few short films and they turned out to be quite a bit different to what i expected.In essence it was like a tiny film with just the "best bits" included. Even though I may have been able to be creative with advertising since choosing it I didnt feel 100% committed and I think I can challenge myself more with the short film brief.
