This document summarizes audience research on the effectiveness of an introduction script and synopsis. The researcher designed questions to collect in-depth feedback on whether the script and synopsis realistically portrayed themes and social issues. Respondents identified themes of depression, bullying, and family issues. They felt the emotional responses and social realism elements were realistic. The script and synopsis were found to complement each other well, though some advice was to provide less detail in the synopsis and more in the script.

1. Audience Research IV
This audience research looks at the
effectiveness of my introduction script
and synopsis.
Katie Ranns

2. The Research
 I designed some qualitative research questions that
enabled me to collect detailed response and develop a
more in-depth conclusion of my products effectiveness.
 I made sure to question the realism of both synopsis and
script as well as for my audience to identify some social
realism components (if there were any) so I could be
sure my product was likely to match the required
specifications.

3. The Script

4. Synopsis: Sarah’s grandmother and sole carer, Bertha, dies and she is forced to move
in with her Aunt Kelly and her family who she barely knows. Kelly, being a workaholic,
procrastinates from going to visit Bertha’s grave and which sends her into a fit of rage and
sadness. With Kelly being on complex terms with Bertha for the most of her life and her cousin
Charlie having never met his grandmother, it is clear to Sarah that they do not care much about
Bertha’s death. Sarah moves to a new school where she knows nobody but Charlie, who is quite
popular and doesn’t stray from his intimidating group of friends. Having no friends and nobody to
comfort her she becomes depressed, tired and moody. One day her drowsiness overcomes her
and she is involved in an embarrassing encounter in the school bistro that leaves her the victim
of bullying. Having no friends, no comfort and now being teased she begins to self harm.
Later on in the week, Charlie finds a bloody razor in the bin of the bathroom. He becomes
suspicious of Sarah and confronts her. She says she cut herself shaving. Charlie continues to be
concerned. Sarah notices some of her clothes and make-up are missing and asks Charlie if he's
seen them. When he opens his bedroom door Sarah she sees her make-up on his desk. They
trade secrets.
At school, Charlie now begins to defend Sarah whilst she's being bullied and eventually wins his
group over, accepting Sarah. Days later Charlie is involved in a fight with a boy for calling him a
'tranny'. Through fear that his secret is out, he argues with Sarah and doesn't believe her
innocence. Sarah is exiled from the group at school sending her into a deeper state of
depression.
One afternoon, Kelly discovers Sarah's scars. A heated argument ensues and Sarah leaves the
house and crosses the road where she is hit by a car. After Sarah's funeral, Charlie admits to
Kelly the truth about what he did to Sarah.

5. Script Questions
1. Can you identify any themes or issues addressed within
the script? What do you think they are?
2. What is your initial emotional response to the script?
3. Do you think the script portrays life in a realistic
fashion? How so?
4. Does this script harbour any social realism elements?
What are they?
5. Can you think of any ways to improve the script?

6. Synopsis Questions
1. Can you identify any themes or issues running through
the synopsis? What are they?
2. What is your immediate emotional response to the
synopsis?
3. Is the synopsis reciting any realistic responses to the
storyline from Sarah and the other characters involved?
How so?
4. Is there any social realism components featured within
or throughout the synopsis? What are they?
5. Can you think of some advice to share that may help to
improve the synopsis?

7. Comparative Questions
1. What are the similarities and differences between script
and the synopsis?
2. Does the script emanate an effective introduction for the
synopsis? How well do the script and synopsis
compliment each other?
3. How well do you think the script introduction establishes
the synopsis’ key themes and issues?

8. Audience Responses
 The answers I managed to gather was a mixture of
written and spoken responses.
 Due to previous audience research, I made sure to
approach the target demographic my product is likely to
appeal to and therefore collect a much more valid
response.

9. Script
Responses

10. Synopsis
Responses

11. Comparative Responses

12. Spoken Response
http://youtu.be/R4puTA6pMEY

13. Response Conclusion
All of my respondents managed to identify a variety of
social realism themes and issues throughout both script
and synopsis as well as were able to recognise some
common social realism features and conventions.
The emotional responses I evoked with my script and
synopsis were as hoped.
My script and synopsis were thought of as realistic since
the themes and issues that take place do happen in real
life.

14. Response Conclusion
The responses identified a clear relationship between both
script and synopsis and were able to pin-point exactly how
the script and synopsis relate.
The advice obtained was that I shouldn’t reveal as much
detail in the synopsis but put a little more into my script
instead to create a more “picturesque” feeling when
representing my social group.