How do you intend to use the four areas of the media theoretical framework to communicate meaning and meet the requirements of your chosen brief? (approx. 400 words)
PRODUCT 1
For my documentary, I aim to create a documentary about anorexia and bullying within the performing arts industry. From my research I discovered that anorexia was seen to be a common issue that teenagers are faced with today, with “500 children accessing the NHS for conditions including anorexia and bulimia in 2019” clearly showing that this topic links in strongly with my target audience of a socially conscious 16-25-year-old, middle to upmarket demographic. I have discovered that anorexia is most common in females with 75%, and 25% of males. Therefore, I would like to focus my documentary on a male talent having anorexia as this is often less talked about within the media and explore his experience.
The BBC’s remit is to “entertain, educate and inform” and I will be reflecting this in my chosen topic. These aspects in my documentary will be created through the use of mise-en-scene, for instance, cinematography. I will use close up shots to create a very intimate feel to the educational documentary, representing my talent as vulnerable and creating an authentic reality, adhering to the work of John Grierson, by “making use of extensive location shooting” to create a “visual art which can convey a sense of beauty about the ordinary world” by using wide shots to establish various locations. I intend to pay homage to the BBC Three Documentary “Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out” by having a similar fragmented narrative structure and the movie “Billy Elliot.” Using Stuart Hall’s reception theory, my preferred reading is that the audience will see the talent as strong and a survivor, also showing that anorexia can happen to anyone despite their gender.
I will use intertextuality to create a shared knowledge between the audience and documentary, by displaying posters of the musicals ‘West Side Story’ Jersey Boys’ and ‘La La Land’. This may provide inclusivity as audience members might also like or know these musicals. This special bond is now created, making the reader feel like they have a closer relationship with Alfie and are able to sympathise more, which adds to this personal and vulnerable atmosphere that I intend to stimulate.
PRODUCT 2
There was difficulty in finding websites that I could research so I decided to look at websites that were related to my topic and BBC 3. For my website, I intend to have a fresh, modern house style to reflect my target demographic, whilst still keeping in mind the brand identity of BBC 3. The main talent will be represented as determined, with the website being a platform to inspire others and celebrate Alfie’s journey. It will promote the importance of mental health including Easter eggs with links to the NHS website to provide support and educate an audience. To encourage audience engagement on my website, there will be an Easter egg of a ‘theatre lingo’ quiz where an audience member can put their knowledge to the test, reflecting Jenkins’ participatory culture. I will include social media platforms to encourage the audience to ‘get involved’ also reflecting a modern and contemporary product. From my audience research, it was suggested that the target demographic like to stream on-demand as well as watching live, with ‘100% of people from my focus group saying they watch documentaries other platforms’, so, therefore, I will have various streaming platforms such as iPlayer to provide choice and versatility.
How do you intend to link your media products to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the digitally convergent nature of your media production? (approx. 100 words)
Both my website and my product will have a similar house style, with the product having the BBC three ident in the corner of the video as well as the pink and white colour scheme to reflect the brand identity. Both products will feature the hashtag, #AskAlfie, encouraging the audiences to actively participate by asking questions and sharing their stories - adhering to Shirky’s end of audience theory, where audiences can “speak back to the producers”. There will be social media posts and links on the website – creating digitally convergent products and encouraging the audience to participate.
