1. Talking Points

2. Independent Research – starting points
AS MEST 1 Case Study
Independent Research – starting points

3. Today’s focus is on building your research…
You must consider the connections that your texts have with;
Each other
Wider industry contexts
Issues and debates
For example, if I picked Monsters University I would want to be looking into Hollywood’s over reliance upon sequels/prequels/existing narratives. Therefore my second film would be a contrast. I would then look at the character types and consider the representation related to gender and masculinity etc. I would also research how narrative is used to attract and hold audience engagement through sequels.

4. Across 3 media platforms…
Viral videos/audience interaction
Websites for each
Apps? Other forms of online advertisement?
E-Media
Reviews? Newspapers?
Features in film magazines
Coverage of production? Premiere?
Print
Ex Machina
Batman vs Superman
The Martian
Broadcast

5. First things first
You must know your film inside out (narrative wise)

6. Research checklist – some things to start you off…
Production company
Distribution company
Exhibition methods, details and dates – where, when and how?
Budget – can you get any specific information about this?
Target audience – GEARS, Psychographics etc.
Cast & Crew – associated projects/texts
Critical and commercial response – awards
Marketing methods

7. Analysis must consider
Narrative – which theorists/terminology?
Audience engagement – which theorists/terminology?
Representation – gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, identity, sexuality, disability, class etc.
Editing
Sound
Mise-en-scene (setting, cast, costume etc.)
Camera work

8. Considering the narrative
Which representational issues are displayed? Consider links to other texts on other platforms?

9. Relate to wider issues/media concepts…
Commercial pressures (franchise obsession)
Feminism
Race (whitewashing)
Synergy/intertextuality/convergence
National/Regional identity
Hollywood vs Independent
SFX debate
Cinema vs Festival release
Awards
Commercial vs Critical success
Use of technology
Piracy
Audience and control
Audience vs Producer

10. Do Have a look at range of platforms Know your products well
Read around them and their issues
Consider the effect – relate to audience, industry, texts
Consider the blurring between platforms (convergence)
Focus on the question!!!
Explore the relationship between audience/institution/product

11. Don’t Lazily regurgitate the marketing campaign Describe the text
Focus on length of essay
Focus on one text more than others – the focus should be on breadth
Discuss old examples for main texts (5 year rule)