Research that went into two chosen documentaries

1. Analysing documentaries

2. The Movies That Made Us
https://www.yo
utube.com/wat
ch?v=KmxU31re
22k

3. Codes and Conventions
Discussing one classic per episode, for the film of topic, near to everything about it would be shared. How it
started, who was involved and what they were like, explanations as to why changes were made, the filming
process, incidents and issues arriving on set, how the release went, any further updates, basically all of it.
As the topics moved on, clips from different
interviews would be inserted giving the
audience different perspectives relating to
the same subject coming from those who
were there first hand, working together on
the project, all sharing on set secrets, issues
that came up, changes made, etc etc.
Any saved evidence as to production would
also be included throughout the episode.
That including images gathered from on set,
scripts, storyboards, reference photos,
anything they could.
As they talk about the film, clips
would be inserted from the
movie of topic, whether it was a
shot they were talking about or a
clip that relates to what had been
said.

4. Use of Cinematography, editing, sounds and mis-en-scene
With a professional set-up, one person shots are used throughout the series creating more of an
interview-based documentary. As of the shots that don't have someone being interviewed on camera,
clips and images that relate to what's being talked about, or even mentioned, will be placed to give the
audience a better visionary, preventing anyone from becoming confused and possibly even bored.
When it comes to the editing, there is continuity to it. With many different creators talking about the
same project, as the topics move on, shots are placed together that remain on topic, so everyone is
talking about the same moment. Then as the interview moves on, the connection is still there with what
they are talking about rather than one person talking about one stage from the production, whilst
another is talking about a completely different moment.
Rather that there being an actual interviewer going between all of the creators, instead, commentary is
used every episode. Kinda like the guy who voice overs the come dine with me series, responding to what
the creators say in interview, help give a little bit of context, adding cheeky comments sometimes, etc.
Considering the series is an interview-based documentary, there isn't really much to the mis-en-scene.
Although, per episode, we do get the creators talking of sneaky additions they placed on their sets during
production. So, with that, the most this documentary does is show us what they can if there's already
existing footage to backup what gets said.

5. Media Theory
Uses and gratification theory: With this, the documentary is available for the purpose of educating
film buffs who would find the interest in learning the ins and out of filmmaking, and the full process
of certain ones as each episode would have near to everything that went on behind the cameras.
Semiotic theory: Being a documentary, everything can be seen as a symbol. Going more specific for
this series, that includes the words, inserted footage, sounds, objects, even clothing in some cases
as in the episode talking of the 1982 Halloween movie, the director is sat with a cap resembling the
film. Whereas not all of the creators will be seen being interviewed in merch relating to the topic of
their project.
Cultivation theory: Really, all this documentary does is inform. Letting all those who are interested,
understand the process of filmmaking by going through all that went on, good and bad.
Two-step flow theory: Using this series to expand peoples knowledge, they would then find
themselves wanting to share what they had learnt, and end up suggesting the documentary to
those people. Which would then have others possibly find the interest within themselves to give the
show a go, expanding many more minds.

6. Target audience
Demographics:
The demographics could be going towards any age really. But I would guess mainly older generations with
the youngest being teenagers. Not too young, but young enough, like down to eighteen maybe. My
reason being for this idea goes towards the series' main focus on iconic classics, like dirty dancing and the
original Robocop. Whereas more recent projects aren't really talked about, and as younger generations
arrive, less knowledge or interest is found in older movies. But for older generations, they grew up with
these movies, hence, "the movies that made us."
Social grade:
Based on the social grade grid, I would think the series, with it being a Netflix original, would be going
towards anyone in a working class and up. So, anyone really who would have the money to put forward
for the monthly subscription of the streaming service.
Psychographics:
Basically, general movie buffs who are interested in the ins and outs of movies. The ones who will
willingly sit through the extra specials burnt onto a DVD, curious as to any behind the scenes material.
Those type of people, who want to know all that went on throughout the process of a movie.

7. The Social Dilemma
The Social Dilemma |
Official Trailer | Netflix -
YouTube

8. Codes and Conventions
Focusing on social media as a whole, this docudrama digs into the designs and programming of each app, and how
these apps were created with the intentions of manipulating its target audience. That including our emotions,
behaviour, personal views, even digging into its impact on our mental health.
Having interviews, the documentary has a
hand full of creators who worked behind
the scenes of social media, people from
Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. That way,
everything that gets mentioned, is more
believable and gives the audience a clearer
message since what gets said, comes from
the people who did it.
Hiring actors, depending on what has been
talked about, they will act it out like a short
story, giving the audience a visual representation
giving us a better idea as to what they are going
on about. Another reason, it works in keeping us
invested with the story rather than trying to
make people sit through an hour of people
talking. Not as many will have finished it that
way
Existing footage is used as well, showing
any evidence they can to back up the topic.
Again, with the visual representation it
helps us as the audience to have a better,
and clearer, understanding of the subject

9. Use of Cinematography, editing, sounds and mis-en-scene
Again, with the interview-based documentary, except with this one, there is a difference. That difference
being, we get to see the interviewer interview. Well maybe not see, as we only hear the voice of a man
behind the camera talking to the one in frame. Not only being full up of interviews though, animated
sequences, existing footage will be placed throughout as well as short stories relating to the topic are
found within the documentary, making it a docudrama.
With there being many people who had been interviewed for this documentary, continuity editing had
been used to connect clips from each interview that related to the same topic of conversation. (Same as
the last documentary I had talked about before this one.)
When it comes to sounds, we get the voice of a guy behind the camera asking questions, the
businesspeople who are being interviewed, sound coming directly from existing footage, scripted
dialogue by the actors, exaggerated audio will be placed every now and again, there is even music added
to help intensify a scene adding to the serious tone.
As The Social Dilemma is a docudrama, all that would be involved reaching the mis en scene mark would
be the interviewing set-ups for half, then adding all that is needed for the stage set ups when it comes to
the dramatic scenes. What I believe is the best example for this, is the scenes revealing people in a room
watching us on our phones, as if they are in our phones in a way, choosing what to suggest based on the
psychographic data gathered on us. Creating a holographic AI figure for each of us with our own personal
data, showing the audience how these apps are programmed to give us personalized ads and work to
draw our attention.

10. Media Theory
Uses and gratification theory: As said within the documentary, "I wish more people could understand
how this works because it shouldn't be something that only the tech industry knows." And that basically,
is why the audience would turn to this documentary. Expanding their minds to something they had
possibly never even thought of before, becoming amazed at the details gone into such minor products
and realizing afterwards the hold they have us in.
Semiotic theory: As for this documentary's case, the symbols would be the included existing footage,
messages shared about the products and the use of animation to tell exampled stories.
Cultivation theory: It has actually been found this title has worked in impacting the viewers lives, people
I know have claimed it and looking online, there is articles proving my statement. Unsure of whether the
message would stick with the audience long-term, its existence is there to give those watching an insight
as to how social media works, wanting to open their eyes on what they were once oblivious to and
"critically analyse all aspects of the content"-Documentary Review: Netflix’s “The Social Dilemma” –
NAOC (natoassociation.ca)
Two-step flow theory: Knowing from this documentary the impact social media makes on our lives, we as
the audience will go around sharing this new knowledge with others, filling them up with new
information leading to them giving the film a watch. Even learning for it, aiming to cut down their screen
time, limiting themselves.

11. Target audience
Demographics:
Teenagers and young adults would most likely be the targeted demographics for this one as they are
the main age group to be addicted to their mobile devices. They will be the ones the messages are
intended for as they are the ones being affected. So really, this documentary is informing the
audience how our habits are impacting our lives, our mental health even.
Social grade:
Same as the last documentary, I would say the social grade would be anyone in the working class
and everyone above due to the fact this documentary is also a Netflix original. So again, anyone who
is able to keep up to date with a monthly subscription, the documentary is there for them.
Psychographics:
Basically, the topic of the documentary, people who have that general interest with social media.
People the documentary is talking about. But only the side of people who are interested in knowing
what their technology habits are doing to them, willing to have an open mind and understand being
online all of the time isn't the healthiest of things.

12. What I believe I will be taking from these documentary's for when it comes to mine:
• Interviews: For moments that are necessary, I may include interview scenes where I find their opinions
on the topic and may even quiz people to help gather a range of answers based on statements made.
• Existing footage: When it comes to backing up anything that gets mentioned, it would be quite useful
to insert existing footage. That being both imagery and videos if accessible.
• Clips: Depending on the script I manage to come up with, I may record extra pieces of footage to
involve with the final product. But only if it will make sense linking with the plot, and none of it will be
fake. As in meaning, no actors will be involved. As far as I am aware of for now.
• Voice over: Not being comfortable enough to put myself in front of the camera, I more than likely
will include voice overs for moments needed.
• Human props: Not wanting a drama aspect to my final outcome, but I am open to use people as
examples.
Just a quick note: none of this is definite as there is the chance, I won't do one or will add in another
unmentioned feature, it is hard to tell at the moment, but I do have an idea as to what I want at this
given time.