Research: Genre Analysis 3- Farmland

Background and Brief Plot-
This trailer is showing the audience about Farms. Most Americans have never step foot or gone to a farm or ranch or even talked to the people that were raised and raised food to eat. This film is about looking into the lives of farmers and ranchers in the 20s. The film look into farmers growing the products but also making a business out of the farm. The director is award winning , James Molls. They are trying to show the message of the importance to farming and try to encourage the audience and make them think about the next generation of farming. James Moll worked on a film documentary that won him an Oscar, two Emmys and a Grammy. He has filmed and produced films such as Foo Fighter. The movie has created a lot of press bringing up the problem of a limited amount of farmers, they address the situation to the audiences to make them think about the next generation of farmers. Holding festivals and events to show the public the importance of farming and what it does for the economy around the world. The location is in America and released on the 1st May 2014 in America. Running for 77 minutes long the film created lots of hype throughout America due to the interest people had with their lifestyle.

Representation of important elements-

We automatically are introduce with the indent with a clear voice over to show the connection of the genre of the film, showing the audience what the film might be about. A voice over is showed to explain an stereotypical education shot with a map showing titles popping up when the voiceover is over the top. Allowing the audience to follow the explantation in a way to become more interested in the film. From this the audience can instantly link to the genre of documentary from the idea of education and the audience learning more about the genre and the topic of farming, making it an interesting way to learn and follow.

The voice over at the beginning is conventional for a Documentary trailer as it tells the audience backup information as well as shots. This gives the audience a clearer idea of why the shots have been used and helps the audience to understand the basic storyline. The voice over is a western accent which the audience can assume is stereotypical for farmers. The audience can instantly understand the representation of this character due to the accent, the character links to the stereotypical traits of a farmer. From the voice over audiences can also connect the accent with the location of western. Instantly assuming the documentary is based in America. This suggest the film is for audiences in America due to them having an interest with farming in their country however global audiences may also have an interest with farming. The voice over is played at the same time as the establishing shots, connecting the audience with the location of farming and allows the audience to see the representation of the character suggesting they are hardworking and "free" due to the close ups and tracking shots of the fields with crops showing the characters are demined and successful with their crops.

The title is clear and bold to stand out to the audience and links to the representation of pure and natural which links to the genre of documentary and the topic of farming. This helps the audience link to the genre and connect with the narrative more. The font is simple yet clear to allow the audience to remember the titles so they are more likely to watch the film. The black background with the blue letters has a nice contrast and draws the audience in further to the title. This title fits with the classic convention of a trailer due to the bold and clear font. I feel it connects with the genre of documentary due to the title looking factual and important. The title looks formal and professional documentaries are formal and serious putting their point across to the audience in a mature way. This is shown through the font used, being formative and straight to the point.

The non diegetic sound played throughout links to the American Dream and the idea of making the audience determined and positive with the topic of farming. The sound builds the tension throughout the trailer making the audience more eager to watch it. The music helps follow the trailer from shot to shot to allow the audience to pick up the narrative more quickly and the representation of the characters.

This trailer links to the conventions of a Documentary trailer due to a number of different elements that have been included, One of these elements is interviewees being shown. This links to the conventions of a documentary as it shows the audience factual and direct evidence from people who have experienced or involved this topic to make it more realistic for the audience. The voice over at the beginning then leads to a shot of a character talking to show the audience with the connection between the voice and the character is allows the audience to interpret representation of the character early on to understand his personality and follow the narrative more. Shots are shown while the interviewer is talking to allow the audience to see more than just the interviewer and for their information to be backed with evidence, this makes it more interesting for the viewers to watch so they can follow the voice with the shots, learning more.

Another convention the trailer has followed it the use of non diegetic sound allows the audience to understand the importance of the farming and how it effects their lives. The music makes it more interesting to view as it builds tension and emotion for the audience, making them more determined to watch the film. The sound continues throughout getting louder and more intense encouraging the audience to watch more and showing an importance in the event that is happening. The audience can sense an atmosphere change with the music becoming louder as the trailer continues.This shows the importance and message of the trailer as the sound is used to show a message to the audience and in this case its passion and the idea of working hard to succeed. This is due to the voice over giving me evidence of the message.

Narrative-   
The storyline follows a group of young farmers daily lifestyle, highs and lows of farming. From the trailer the audience can establish the Protagonist is the farmers due to the fact they are the first characters to be shown and they are shown frequently throughout the trailer. The Antagonist is the element of weather. The audience can discover this by the way the non diegetic sound changes to a low darker beat which stereotypically connects with evil. The voice over and titles are shown to establish the importance to the audience. The titles shown allows the audience to see how the film is trying to encourage more people to farm and the importance of the topic of farming. The trailer addresses the issue the impacts of farming and encourages the audience to think about how farming impacts everyone, making them determined to watch it as they are involved with the topic.  



                                                                                           

Research: Genre Analysis 2- Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story

Brief Plot and Background-
Michael Moore was the writer, star and director in this documentary. A Love Story examines the impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world). The film moves from Middle America, to the halls of power in Washington, to the global financial epicenter in Manhattan. Filmed in America, the film got gross of $40,000,000. The film got release on 19 october 2009, known as the new movie the audience say the film was captivating and a real eye opener on life in America in theses time periods.

Representation of important elements- 
The first shots are shown with Michael Moore which the audience can assume is the main character due to him being the first few shots of the beginning showing he is important. Tilt shots are shown to make the audience aware of the location and connection to the narrative of capitalism in America. The location is in a public location in a city environment, making the audience assume that the film is based in  city environment with the public being the main focus in the narrative due to the connection with the voiceover and the establishing and medium shots of the public being shown. Over the shoulder shots of the protagonist talking to certain people which the audience can assume are important, due to the mise en scent of the the men in suits and smart clothes connecting to the stereotypical link to power and importance. This shows the audience that the protagonist perhaps is the men in the suits because they have the power and control over the main character in this narrative which from clips shown is Michael Moore's due to him appearing in many different shots.

The non didiegeticound that plays loud and then fades throughout the shots allows the trailer to flow more easily and makes the audience more interested to watch it. The sound is a drumming beat which can be connected to the idea of taking action and links to the narrative of this film perhaps taking action or creating something positive. The sound creates an atmosphere of hope and meaning for the audience making them more interested to watch it.

A voiceovers instantly used to allow the audience to connect with the main character, showing what movies he has been starring in and created. This makes viewers that have seen those films watch this one, encouraging a wider audience. The audience may be interested in his perspect role and interested in watching a movie with this actor in it. The bold titles are clear and standout to viewers as an importance/ This makes them connect to the narrative and genre of the film linking back to his previous ones.

A point of view shot is used to involved the audience and draw them into the narrative. The shot is meant to show the characters looking at the camera men however it connects the audience with the characters due to them looking directly at them. the medium close up allows the audience to really see the characters in detail and evaluate their mise en scene to be represented in a certain way. After the point of view shot several fast cuts are used to show the connection with the narrative creating action and a link to the voice over. The voiceover follows the speed of the shots shown of several establishing and representation shots to allow the audience to connect with the storyline but also link to the idea of taking an action with the cuts being fast. This draws attention to the matter and allows the audience to see the importance of the narrative with building up tension all most and creating an on edge feel for the audience.

Real event footage is shown throughout with evidence such as mise en scene; signs, posters and buildings. This allows the audience to see the realism and link to the narrative. The mise en scene allows the audience to understand the importance to the film and become more interested due to the element making the film realistic for the audience.

Titles are used to show importance and connection to the narrative. The bold titles stand out and instantly show the audience a clear message and of power and importance linking to the representation of the characters in the film. The titles encourage audiences to watch the film due to it standing out and showing a clear interest for audiences to want to watch more, they show a key word in each title to pick out the main points so its clear for the audience. The colours used instantly connect the viewers with the representations of the American flag. This tells the audience the link with the location and the film suggesting its about America and allows the audience to have a clear message of the main focus throughout the trailer, showing America as the importance throughout. The colours have a nice contrast and draw the audience in, with the eye catching colours making it easy for the audience to remember the topics and title. The expands their audience due to them "spreading the word" to other audiences because the title makes an impact on their opinion and overall perspective of the film as its the last shot shown,

The trailer connects to the genre because of the mise en scene used making the trailer seem realistic to the audience and connects them with the storyline. The way the characters have been represented through their 'smart' clothes allows the audience to connect with the idea of power and control linking to the genre and the realism of the documentary with important people in the film showing an importance to the topic. Non diegetic sound is used to show a connection and flow to the trailer representing taking action and a positive step, linking to the genre with the idea of documentary showing the audience an important change and impact to make them interested and watch more as it creates a climax to the storyline. The stereotypical titles used throughout the trailer shows a connection to the main points and draws the audience into the main focus, making them more interested. The titles also show a quick message to the audience meaning more than just a word, helping backup footage and explanation to the audience to make it clearer, connecting to the genre showing factual information.

Narrative-
The storyline is clearly addressed to the audience through the titles throughout. Picking on key elements that make up the story. The audience can see the clear titles as an importance and help to follow the narrative as a backup device with the shots as well From the representation of the characters with the stereotypical mise en scene used for the 'smart' characters with suits suggesting to the audience the narrative follows more of a professional and business narrative. This helps the audience to understand the  topic more and allows them to assume the storyline follows a very important and serious matter about America due to the characters representing the traits of power and control which audiences may see as the Antagonist to this stereotypically being a threat and a problem in most situations. However like in most documentaries there is a 'hero' or known as protagonist, the main character creates an impact and changes the situation positive. In this storyline Michael Moores, represented as the main character instantly allows the audiences to assume he is creating a change due to the elements such as non diegetic sound changing when he is in shot to show the change and progression is making towards the Protagonist. 

Research: Genre Analysis 1 - FED UP

  Brief plot and Background
Directed by Stephanie Soetchtig and produced by Atlas Films, FED UP become a global hit especially in America with a gross of $1,538,899 USA. This documentary became a hit on YouTube and on Tv, ratings of 4.5 stars and lots of positive views such as "better understanding" and "Strong message and meaning". The film was released the 19 January 2014 in America, helping the American's understand the big problem that they face and a strong message about eating healthy, making the audience think about their daily intakes and reconsider their normal routine. The film gave facts and statistics about Americans intake in Sugar and the overall effect of the intake. The film makes the audience consider taking action and control over their eating habits. The film shows quotes and voice-overs from President Obama and Mrs Obama to show they are not making the facts and knowledge up. This also allows the audience to understand the importance.

Important elements of representation
An extreme closeup is shown of what looks like "Coke-Cola" due to the colour and fizzy bubbles where the audience can relate too. The extreme close-up makes the audience see the sugar content, instantly making them feel guilty and connects them with the narrative of this film. An establishing shot of the White House is shown connecting the audience with the voice-over linking the president with the documentary. Showing the White House makes the audience understand the importance of the problem due to Americans respecting the president and understanding he is an important person so the documentary is important for the audience to understand. A medium close up shot is show of a male with the mise en scene of a smart suit and representable clothes, converting to the male traits of power and control. The representation of the male links to the idea of him being an importance and linking the audience with the idea of the male showing an important message to the audience, showing he connects to an important role in society and has power and knowledge.

The typography in the bottom right corner shows the male's statues and role in society allowing the audience connect with the  male's importance. The bold white writing is powerful and formal allowing the audience to see a power message and purity through the font.

The medium shot of the "McDonald's" logo shown connects audience with the idea of fast foods being a problem and instantly connects the audience with the narrative of dieting. The smoke shown in front of the sign shows a representation of a dirty and unhealthy message which makes the audience connect with the message of unhealthy eating. A medium close-up shot of Mrs Obama is shown in a edit that looks like a video tape and links the audience with the importance of the message. This shows the audience clear evidence of the problem through this video tape, allowing the audience to understand the reality of the problem. Another medium close-up is shown of a "drive-thru" sign showing the audience that this is a problem and making them aware. A close-up, side profile shot of a girl eating food which due to the narrative the audience can relate to the idea of the food being unhealthy, This shot shows clear evidence of the public eating unhealthy and on the move suggesting the public are addicts due to not waiting until they have stop and got out the car.

A birds eye view shot of a street is shown with the public walking by, making the audience connect the clear voice over with the public making them understand the link to the topic and the members of public which is the audience, making them more aware. A close-up, worms eye shot of a person stepping on to the scales link the idea of a representation and stereotypical of the scales used for people who are overweight, making the audience connect with the idea of overweight and unhealthy eating is a problem. The blank black screen makes and the sudden change in non-diegetic sound makes the audience interested to what's happening next. The screen also shows a connection to the idea of taking an action and showing an importance to the audience, making them aware of the change.

Fast forward edit is used when long shots of the different supermarkets are shown, connecting the audience with the narrative of unhealthy food and the supermarkets which represent storing food. Animated illations are shown of facts and statics to make it more interesting to view and to allow the audience to understand and remember the information, making them realise the importance. Blank screens are shown with quotes and titles to make them standout and to show the importance towards the audience. Fast non diegetic sound is played over the trailer to build up tension and to make the audience see that actions are being taken place. The sound then changes as soon as the title is shown, to a stereotypical horror sound. This is to scare the audience and to make them aware of the danger which from the narrative is unhealthy food.

Narrative-
The storyline follows a true documentary about a serious issue with America becoming overweight and the issue being raised with facts and figures. The protagonist is the in this documentary isn't clear however there is several characters shown, linking to a case study about them linking to the issue of overweight. The girl is shown in a few shots of doing exercise with tracking shots to medium closeup shots. The subverts their stereotypical character towards the audience linking to the topic of unhealthy eating. The antagonist is the clear topic of food and unhealthy eating which affects the public. Shots are shown of the topic of food affecting the public with titles showing facts and clear shots of fast food signs which stereotypically links to the idea of unhealthy eating.

Research: More Codes and Conventions

I decided to create a presentation to make the elements clearer when using them in my filming. I felt this way of presenting helps me to memorise the key conventions in a Documentary to stay connected with the genre and my audience when shooting the trailer.

Research: Codes and Conventions

In every film has a genre that follows certain conventions to connect with the target audience and the genre. Over time, as films are being produced regularly, certain features i.e. characters, props, location and themes are repeatedly featured, becoming the stereotypes of a genre. As my genre is Documentary I have researched into this genre to have a clear idea of what conventions and codes to include in my trailer. The stereotypical codes and conventions for the genre of Documentary are;

Voice Over-

The voice over within a Documentary will be authoritative and encourage the audience to feel as though they have some kind of specialist knowledge. People such as Micheal Moores and Nick Broomfield intend to give an opinion that they think people should pay attention too. Here is an example of Micheal Moore's Trailer that uses voice overs:

Real Footage of Events-

A documentary is supposed to be seen as non-fiction events, however the event is there to make the audience feel a 'real' event is happening. This technique allows the convention to persuade and convince the audience that the event is real. Here is an example of a documentary that uses this convention to create a real effect for the audience. The example is from a trailer documentary called Code Black that uses real footage to show the audience about the hospital;

Technicality of Realism-

Including 'natural' sound and lighting. Nick Broomfield used this technique in his films. This convention connect with the audience as it gives them a sense of place and narrative to connect with the real footage and the sound.

Archive footage/Stills-

Also known as stock footage and is used to aid authenticity and also adds further information into the documentary that the film maker may not be able to contain themselves. This gives the audience a further understanding on the film and the realism towards it.

Interviews with 'experts'-

Using an expert in the trailer allows the viewers to become impressed by the professional standards of the perspective matter. It gives the audience a second opinion and allows the audience to understand the narrative more with the interviewer explaining in more detail. Here is an example in the trailer 'FED UP' which uses this convention of interviewers to draw the audiences in to the film;

Use of Titles/ Texts-

Documentaries often use labels, dates, etc. which tend to be believed automatically by the audience and are quick and cheap way of showing message to the audience. Often the titles are in bold and clear to get the message across and to show the importance to the audience. Also giving them a stronger understanding on the narrative the film.

Sound-

Sounds within documentaries can be used between cut scenes, to overlap photos or to present something in a certain way. They tend to use non-diegetic sounds to make the narrative more real and interesting for the viewers, also to help it follow more easily. They enhance the sound for example in wildlife programmes they enhance the sound to connect the audience with the main focus and importance through the sound.

Visual Coding-

This is elements such as Mise en scene in the trailer from customs to location. This is key in persuading the audience as it helps them to follow the narrative and connections with the genre easily. The convention allows the audience to create a connection with the characters and their able to understand the characters representation in the film, linking to the narrative.