I sent out an informal questionnaire to 12 industry specialists who I believe would be able to not only give me some good advice but also help me with the shape of a possible end product. I also thought I could use this a way of practising my research methods by using a variety of quantitative and qualitative data.
For my latest intervention - a short film called "Mentors the real influencers", I asked a series of questions to industry leaders and possible stakeholders and thought it may be interesting to document that in way for me to make something more tangible for my project.
I will use the Stratified random sampling technique.
The questions asked were:
After seeing this short teaser please answer the following questions:
1. Would this subject matter work better as a one of singular film or a TV series?
2. What type of documentary do you think it should be?
3.What would be a suggested broadcast outlet?
4.Does the film present a clear message.
5. What additional thoughts do you have on watching this film?
As you can see from the quantitative data I have collected, there is a difference in thought, particularly on whether it should be a singular film or TV series.
I was pleased that the message was clear and documented the way I wanted to move forward with this possible project. I feel capturing my data in a quantitative format, helps me be more objective and it will enable me to understand the requirements of perhaps reaching different audiences for whatever outcome I decide to do. Collecting quantitative data is not my strong point, although I do feel that my skills are being enhanced throughout unit 2. It has helped me redefine my research and consider my variables. As I have mentioned before in this learning log, I would consider myself an instinctive learner but by collecting data in a different way, I have been able to see some possible limitations to my project, that I may not have necessarily seen before.
Notable feedback
Notable feedback have been from Lorna Cole - a content producer for LONDON LIVE,
Emily Greenwood, an award winning writer and Director and also a Head of Development from a very established Film Production Company. (Who wish to remain anonymous - The contact can be provided) And Emily Corcoran - owner of Cork films - Writer actress & Producer.
This is what I received.
HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT AT LEADING FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY
(I can show Tutor on request)
Hi Andy,
Lovely to be in touch. Thanks for sending over your teaser. I’ve just had a quick watch. I think it’s really strong and clearly sets out what you’re planning to do in future episodes in a very digestible and direct way. I’d perhaps reconsider some of the footage you’ve chosen to go underneath the voiceover as occasionally there is a mismatch e.g I wasn’t sure how the classroom with people on phones/ man lying on desk was linked to the voiceover about relying on others for monumental decision making. Similarly, what was the link between the footage of pupils sat behind Macs and toxic relationships between protege and mentor (as being described in voiceover?). For the majority you get it very right e.g I loved the section about celebrity influencers and your images of Fearne Cotton’s book, Kim Kardashian etc. It’s very immediate and powerful. But in the sections I mention above - the footage doesn’t quite fit with what you’re saying and this mismatch can be jarring. Especially when you only have 1 minute to set out your stalls (which - this comment aside - you do brilliantly). The voiceover delivery and script is very strong too. Regarding taking it further, have you filmed some other episodes? The best thing to do would be to film a full episode or something more that you can send with a treatment. It’s much easier for commissioners to watch something rather than just read it. And you will be able to really show them what you’re trying to do. Regarding a treatment document, you should include: - Title - format e.g 6x 30 minute episodes? 20 x10 minute episodes? It’s slightly hard to advise on this as I’m not sure of your wider plans - Outline - summarise what the series will be about - Why - why do we need to see it and why now? - Episodes - Detail each episode - what it will explore - Team - the creative team behind it - Anything else relevant to your project I think you’d have the most fun and success by doing it yourself and making some kind of youtube series (if you have the resources and ability to do this). As I said - it’s always best to have something to show. Once you build up body of work and hopefully a bit of a following you’re in a much stronger position for the channels to take note. Let me know if you have any questions but hope this helps!
Lorna Cole - Content Producer LONDON LIVE
Hey Andy,
Feels like it would be a one off doc – unless you had ideas for different episodes.
For instance – 3 episodes with different mentors/ mentor organisations.
Or it might be that you split the eps into 3 questions such as;
Mentors and why we need them
Is the digital space the new child mentor? Benevolent or maleficent?
What makes a good mentor and can anyone do it? Does that help? All best Lorna
Emily Greenwood - Writer & Director
Hi Andy, I had a quick look, as I'm swamped with pre-prod on my short! I think this could certainly work as a series, with each episode focusing on a different field of work, championing mentors, maybe touching on how useful apprenticeships can be. One thing that stood out to me visually were the pans that are stuttering. Is that a frame rate thing? Might want to see if you can fix that. Good luck with it. Exciting to see it come together.
Emily Corcoran - Writer Actress & Producer
Short but sweet...I'm really not an expert in the television arena, and particularly factual. Perhaps you should look at who produces panorama or docos on BBC Four? That research would be my first port of call.
Response to feedback
I've had some positive comments from industry figures and slightly conflicting opinions too.
I will wait to receive further feedback and make my analysis and response this week.
It's really exciting to see things develop and watching my ideas become somethings more tangible.
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