2. Plus Sized Wars is a mixed documentary as it
contains a variety of content in different forms.
The documentary consists of Interviews with
popular figures in the plus sized world; such as
Tess Holliday as well as Interviews with experts,
for example: professionals in the business
working in modelling recruitment agencies etc.
There is a narrators voice running over the
majority of the documentary who is female,
therefore the audience can relate her to the
topic and identify with her. Some achieve
footage is used however the documentary
depends mainly on interviews and experiences.
3. This documentary has many themes. These include:
Plus sized fashion- which is the main focus of the
documentary.
Body Image- which causes much controversy and is
a topic of key interest in society.
Fashion and the Industry- The documentary
attempts to show all sides of the industry, and
expose things we might not usually see.
Societal Expectations- We seeing how society has
changed and how plus sized women and using
platforms such as social media to challenge societal
expectations and boost self confidence.
4. The narrative structure of this documentary is an open narrative and has a multi narrative
feature running throughout.
Beginning Middle End
The start of the documentary
introduces the plus sized women who
will feature throughout the
documentary and how the plus sixed
movement is taking off. It also
introduces the theme of the
documentary and the clashing opinions
on this controversial theme, setting up
a debate that will run throughout.
In the middle of the documentary we
meet the iconic figure in the movement
‘Tess Holliday’ and also see conflicts in
the fashion industry and how, even if it
is changing, there is still boundaries for
plus sized women. We also see conflict
between the popular plus sized figures
who are interviewed, being shamed for
exercising and for being unhappy about
their size.
The end of the documentary ties up
loose ends and shows the progression
of the plus sized movement and how
the industry, as well as society, is
changing and adapting.
5. In Plus Sized Wars, fixed camera is used during
interviews which captures the head and
shoulders of the interviewees and their
surroundings- suited to the theme- for example
in a modelling agency or in a clothes shop. The
achieve footage is mainly screen grabs of social
media accounts. Handheld camera is used, to
document London Fashion Week and inside
shops. There is also observational footage of
streets, clothes, shops and shopping centres
etc, and panning.
6. Mise-en-scène is the design aspects of a film
production and means ‘Visual Themes’. In ‘Plus Sized
Wars’ there is extensive footage of clothes shops,
setting the scene to the theme. We see fashion
shows, past and present, which illustrate the industry
and the expectations which are part of it. Plus sized
fashion bloggers are interviewed and followed in
their daily life. Fashion experts are also interviewed,
giving a specialist insight on the theme of the
documentary. The documentary visuals are colourful
and stylish to reflect the fashion theme. Model
Agencies and LFW are also referenced and occupy a
large part of the documentary.
7. Sound in this documentary is relatable. There is a popular
music soundtrack which is relevant music suitable to the
target audience. This soundtrack is appropriate and
portrays the documentary in a good light. There is a female
voice over, and therefore the audience can relate her to
the topic and identify with her as this is suitable to the
theme. There is natural sound throughout the entirety of
the programme.
8. In this documentary, editing is key to create a
smooth transition and authentic film. Straight
cuts are predominant and used constantly
throughout, moving from one shot to another.
There are credits before and after every advert
break which show the title of the documentary
and a twitter hashtag so audiences can be in
discussion. The documentary is fast paced and
cuts a lot, maybe representative of the fashion
industry itself. Cutaway shots used when
relevant. Screen Grabs of social media accounts
are within the documentary and often overlay
interviews at relevant times.
9. In this documentary, an small amount of achieve is
used. Old and new footage of fashion shows and
catwalks is utilised as a portrayal of the fashion
industry. Screengrabs of social media accounts-
Instagram, Facebook, are littered throughout the
documentary and footage from news programmes is
also used. Model portfolio photographs appear
throughout.
Graphics are plain and simple to avoid distracting/ detracting the
audience from the documentary. Names of interviewees and their
occupation are displayed at appropriate times. There are credits
before and after every advert break which show the title of the
documentary and a twitter hashtag so audiences can be in
discussion. Graphics are white and uniform.
