2. We gathered most
of our audience
feedback through
the use of focus
groups and
questionnaires
Our reasons for choosing these two methods of primary research techniques were that
they help to gather more detailed, qualitative information that we could use when
deciding on things like costume, setting and narrative structure. By holding the focus
groups and filming them, it allowed us to watch them over again later and make sure we
used what they’ve said as effectively as possible. Fortunately, all of the people in the focus
group fit the demographic of our target audience, being over the age of 15. Also, because
of our sub-urban area candidates have had experience with the subject matter that comes
up in the British Film Drama genre and have a more accurate idea of what is realistic. This
helped us decide what narrative structure our film should focus on, which was decidedly a
single character focus, which we had thought about our product following in order to
stand out, and go against conventions. Candidates thought a single narrative to be more
easy to follow and make them more invested in the film, however a few people thought
that a group structure would keep the film from becoming boring over time. On further
analysis, we deduced that the group narrative structure would be more suited to a longer
running film. t the females in our target audience would like to see female characters with
a lot more substance and instead of reacting to actions of the male characters they should
act on their own thoughts and account. They don't want a female characters strongest
contribution to the narrative to be their good looks.
Research & Planning Feedback
3. To structure the way we ran the focus group slightly we created a presentation with Questions
on, as well as gaps between certain questions to show them examples of trailers created for
recent British Film Drama texts.
4. Post Production Feedback
Using the feedback and useful information that we received from our Focus group we
constructed and produced a well put together trailer using the groups thoughts and
ideas as guidelines and showed this to a similar audience when it was completed.
Similar to the first focus group we held we designed some questions that related to
the trailer and how successful it was at creating hype for the film and following key
forms and conventions. The difference between this focus group and our first one was
that instead of having a big class room, with tables and chairs positioned facing a
large monitor, we were only able to get a small free room with acoustics that were
not as good as the other room we used previously due to it being a busy time of the
school year with lots of extra revision lessons running. As a result of this the feedback
we have received may have been negatively impacted, not allowing the audience to
get a proper, high quality viewing experience. However, the candidates in the group
helpfully acknowledged this when analysing the trailer and so understood what we
were trying to do in certain scenes and shots. We received a balance of positive and
negative feedback on the trailer. The main problem people had with it is that it seem
a bit predictable at some points, although a few candidates understood that just
because the character seems to get better towards the end o the trailer doesn’t mean
he actually does. The placement of the sound effects and transitions was very well
received, making the scene changes subtle, yet identifiable and not confusing.
6. Strengths Weaknesses
• We were told that the placement of our
sound effects along with our transitions
were excellently timed and helped the
characters seem more dramatic.
• Some people liked that fact that the
trailer was laid out non-chronologically
as it made events less predictable and
intrigued them as to where it occurred
in the storyline.
• There was a variety of camera shots and
movements used keeping it interesting
and unique.
• Clarity of the narrative taking place in
the film, this was hard to understand
for some people as we opted to create
a trailer structured in non-chronological
order. Some people had no idea who
the woman in the photo was.
• Poor costume choices in some shots
and scenes were jarring to some
people. For example, how in some
scenes the main character had dress
shoes on with a tracksuit.
