Textual Analysis new

1. BACKSTAGE
TEXTUAL ANALYSIS

2. The documentary starts with a montage of many shots.
We first see a long shot of a busy city street. The camera slightly
pans to the right which pulls focus onto the Les Mis advertising
poster. This connotes that theatre and the performing arts industry
will be the main focal point. To reinforce this, the name of the
documentary is ‘Backstage’ which highlights the main theme and
informs the audience of the area of attention. In the shot we see the
red bus move forward which connotes a sense of success as the
vehicle is moving in a positive direction. This connotes that like the
bus, the performing arts industry is thriving and successful. It also
suggests that being a performer, you flourish and through hard
work it brings many rewards. This idea is reinforced later in the
documentary through the words of professionals within the
industry.

3. We next see close up of a stone bench with masks on it. At first the shot is blurry,
however it pulls into focus. The masks are a well- known symbol for theatre and
therefore, again connotes that the main focal point for the documentary is the
performing arts industry.
We see two long shots of two grand and impressive theatres. A time lapse has been
used which allows the audience to see how busy the two areas are. This connotes
that the theatres are popular places and full of life which reinforces the ideas
expressed by the professionals we hear from throughout the documentary. The time
lapses also connote the continually growing theatre industry but also how
opportunities can easily be missed if they are not taken. We can hear a non-diegetic
melodic score in the background which reinforces the positive connotations of
optimism implied through the 2 shots.

4. We first see an interview with Sarah Ingram, a West end actress.
The shot, at first is blurry which connotes that getting into the
industry it is not as easy as it seems. This is later reinforced by
her opening statement of ‘starting out in the industry is hard.’ She
is sitting in a room with pink painted walls. The colour of the walls
is bright which connotes a sense of optimism. She is an actress
which suggests that she is exuberant and the colours help to
connote this. She states that when starting out in the industry it is
hard because you have no reputation, no contacts and you don’t
know anyone…you are just turning up and saying let me do what I
do! She also says that when training it is hard to conform,
however when you make it in the industry it’s hard to learn how
not to conform.

5. We then hear from Genesis Lynea, an Actress/dancer, she is sat outside. She is
surrounded by nature and green plants. The colour green connotes a sense of
growth and energy. Because the actress is surrounded by such objects it implies
that she is ambitious and totally inspired by her job. It also highlights how
rewarding the theatre and performing arts industry can be. Nature has connotations
of freshness which implies that the actress is ‘new blood’ in the theatre and her
open mindedness and determination to put the effort in even when it gets hard
reaps the rewards and success later in life. She informs the audience on how hard
the performing industry actually is and explains how tiring the business is as it
consists of 8 hour training days whilst trying to fit in actual work as well. Actresses
and dancers are stereotypically enthusiastic and creative which reinforces the
connotations stated above of energy, growth and ambition. The shots of Genesis
have shallow depth which connotes that maybe she has less experience in the
industry and this is reinforced as she speaks about how she is new to the industry
as she has only just finished training.

6. We next hear from John Hewer, an actor/writer. He is situated inside a
theatre. He explains that before entering the industry you have to know that
not everything you do is going to be a 5 star Hollywood film. He is
surrounded by many empty chairs which in a way could reinforce what he is
saying as it connotes that all the hard work and effort that is put in ‘behind
the scenes’ is never actually witnessed by the audience, just like nothing he
is saying in the shot is being witnessed by people around him as the seats
are empty. John is placed on the left rule of thirds which connotes that he is
looking out to something which implies that he has a lot of advice for the
audience and hope for the future.
We next hear from Ian Smith, a Director/producer, Ian is sitting backstage
whilst being interviewed. This connotes that his job consumes all of his life
and reinforces that what he says; working in the industry isn’t easy, it takes
not just talent but real drive.

7. We then see a series of shots highlighting then range of
talent within the industry. We see a close up of a dancer
putting on her ballet shoes.
A low angle, long shot of actresses and actors
performing. The low angle connotes that people are
looking up to them which highlights that the industry
produces talent and success.
A close up of a pianists hands playing the piano.
A medium long shot of a singer.
All of the shot takes are of equal lengths which connotes
a sense of unity within the industry and also the idea that
many memories are made and that success is your
destiny if the work is put it.

8. We again hear from Genesis Lynea, she explains to the audience that if
performing is something you really want to do then you need to just keep going.
We hear Genesis speak whilst we see an actress acting. The voice over
connotes that what she is saying is credible as we hear her words and are
engaged by what she is saying even though we are watching someone else.
The long shot of the actress and the mise en scene of bright lights focusing on
her connotes that she is always in the spotlight and that the performing arts
industry is a growing industry which produces real talent.
It then cuts to a medium close up of Ian Smith. He explains that talent and drive
are the main attributes that you have to have. He says that you need to have a
patience and need to develop other talents as well as being really focused on
your main skill. As Ian Smith speaks we see actors performing. This connotes
that what he is saying is important as his words capture our attention and
encourage us to listen.

9. Sarah Ingram informs the audience about an interview in which she
watched where Richard Briers, one of the greatest actors was
interviewed by Michael Parkinson. The basis of the interview was
Richard saying that you have to have an ‘unquenchable thirst to learn
your craft because you never stop learning.’ We hear this whilst a long
shot of a dancer is seen on screen. She looks determined which
connotes that she has an inner drive to learn and improve which
reinforces what Richard Briers said.
It then cuts to John Hewer. He expresses that it is important to get
enjoyment out of everything you do. He says that the overall reward is
doing something that you love even though it’s hard work. He says that
it is imported to do something because you generally have a passion
for and because you want to share it with other people.

10. It then cuts to a medium shot of dancers feet. As we watch them dance
we hear a voice over of Ian smith. He states that if you are driven to do
something, you need to pursue it! The voice over connotes what Ian is
saying is important as we hear his voice whilst watching something
else. This gives his words credibility. He also explains about how all the
hard work is worth it when you see the joy and satisfaction of seeing
the work you have put in being realised in front of the camera or on the
stage. It’s the best job in the world!
It then cuts to a medium shot of Sarah Ingram. She states ‘love it, enjoy
it, embrace it, it’s a wonderful life, you’ll meet some amazing people,
you’ll find yourself in some of the most ridiculous situations with
amazingly gifted people. Enjoy it, commit to it, don’t be fooled by it.’
Sarah’s words connote that the performing arts industry has so many
positives and it is clear that she is inspired by her job which will entice
the audience to follow their dreams.

11. Again, we hear from John Hewer, he says that if you have that raw wish to
perform in any way (writing, designing etc) then that should carry you through
it. As long as the desire is still burning inside of you, you will overcome the
rest. This connotes to the audience that to be successful in the performing arts
industry you have to have a sincere passion.
We again hear from Genesis Lynea, she states that ‘everyone has got their
special talent so if you can find that and hold on to it, then someone is going to
believe in you because you believe in yourself.’ As she says this, the non-
diegetic melodic score gets louder and it cuts to a pan of the theatre. It then
cuts to a long shot of the theatre and there is a time lapse of people entering.
This connotes that theatre inspires many people and is a successful industry.

12. EXPOSITORY MODE:
The documentary ‘Backstage’ fits the expository mode. The
conventions of this mode that ‘Backstage’ has are:
1) A voiceover which addresses the audience directly and is
dominant
2) A voiceover which is both seen and heard. It is called the
‘voice of authority.’
3) Images which are used to illustrate what is being said.
There is also sometimes a direct relationship between the
voice over and the images shown.

13. HOW IS THE DOCUMENTARY MADE
CINEMATIC…
- Extra lighting is used in the majority of shots and all of the
interviews. The lighting creates a theatrical tone within the
cinematography.
- A narrative is evident throughout. This narrative is clearly
shown during the ending montage. The narrative shows
the build up to a performance for two performers. The
lighting is used to emphasise the common perception of
the theatre being dramatic.