RESEARCH - Audience Research questionnaire - magazine and Dvd

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RESEARCH - Audience research questionnaire - main task

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RESEARCH - Research into similar products - opening sequences

                                                                Ben 10 opening

Camerawork:
The first shot you see during the opening is the sky with all the planets flying around, which then jumps into the sequence of Ben 10, this is effective because it suggests that Ben 10 is a planet out of space, this would be appealing to younger children, especially boys as they may find it fascinating and that might encourage them to watch it. The next bit you see is very fast past cuts and jumps of things included in Ben 10. Ben's face then appears, it is a close up shot. You can see the expression on Ben's face, he looks like he's concentrating and has some serious missions to complete. The fact Ben is the first character you see, suggests he is the main character in the programme. The music starts when Ben's face appears, which is then the narrative for whats going to happen in the programme, and helps to explain things happening in the opening sequences. The next thing you see is the thing Ben wears on his wrist, described as an "alien device". The fact that it was shown straight after Ben and before any other characters suggests that it plays an important role in the programme. This device can help attract children into the programme because they may think it's a "cool" thing to have and by watching Ben 10, they may get ideas on how to get one themselves. The next few shots shows Ben pressing the "device" on his wrist, which then transforms him into any alien he picks on the device, this would also be attractive to children as they may see it as Ben turning into a "hero" type character, which they could aspire to be like. Also because its a really unrealistic thing to be happening, but children may see it as being really "cool" because they believe that it's true. "Ben 10" then appears, it is moving about on the screen and the spacey background appears again, just after Ben has turned into a monster. This suggests also a really cool and abnormal setting which children will love because it's not always you get to watch a programme which is set in space, where a boy can press a watch type thing on his wrist, then turn into every monster it wants, so it is effective. Ben 10 then continues to appear and fade in and out of the screen repeatedly.  The next shots are all jump cuts showing all the different monsters and aliens Ben can turn into, this is effective because then the audience knows what Ben is capable of and aspire to be like him, they may think if they watch the programme they may get the powers Ben has. There is then the same shot showing the words "Ben 10" and space which was shown earlier. Ben is then shown to be running towards the camera, with flashes of different colours behind him, showing his strength. Ben then does a flip in the air, which when he lands turns into a alien. This is effective because it's showing what Ben's capable of, which is abnormal and it's why children are attracted to programmes like this. The next shots are all mid shots with numbers next to them, showing all the different aliens again which Ben can turn into, but this time with numbers next to them. Each little monster has about two seconds to jump around and show what it can do, this is effective because each of them may have little superpowers which the children will want to know about before watching the programme. The fact that there is ten aliens Ben can turn into compliments the title "Ben 10." The next ten seconds or so show Ben fighting with the other characters in the programme. The last section includes all the aliens and Ben all being sucked into a planet, with the last shot being Ben standing there showing his device on his arm, then the typical  "Ben 10" appears next to him. This is effective because showing Ben last gives the impression he is the main character, which he is. Also just having the typical Ben 10 logo next too him just clarifies that its the programme and also the children may recognise and relate to the logo first.

Sound & Narrative:
The only sound used during the Ben 10 opening was the theme tune, which in non diegetic. This is effective because it creates a narrative for us, the song helps explain all the actions happening in the video in a catchy and fun way. When the tune has no one speaking, it gives out the feeling of an eerie setting, where something weird is going to happen. The music is effective to the target audience of young boys. Although it's still upbeat and catchy.

Editing:
Lots of editing has been used during the opening of Ben 10, to make it effective to the target audience of young boys. There are various amounts of jump cuts used throughout the sequence, to create a more fun and fast paced effect to attract the target audience. The jump cuts are effective because they help to speed up the opening, as its for young children its effective as they get bored easily. Also because the opening needs to introduce all the aliens Ben can turn into and Ben 10 himself all in a short space of time, so jump cuts help the ability to do this. Other editing used are all the blocks of bright colours put behind Ben and the aliens to make them stand out more, this is effective because it helps to aim more on the middle focus. Lots of CGI are used throughout the opening of Ben 10, this is because the target audience is young children and CGI to them are fun and bright and interesting, so by including something which looks like a cartoon rather than a real person is more appealing to them. Example of CGI (0.35 secs). Example of block colouring, (0.40 secs.)

Mise-en-scene:
Props used during the Ben 10 sequence are mainly his device on his wrist. This is the most important prop because its key to the events which happen during the programme. Ben's costumes used are just everyday clothes, this is effective to the young target audience because its something they can relate too. Also Ben's clothing may encourage children to watch the programme as he is just dressed like you're everyday boy, so children might think if i dress like Ben i can become an alien.

Representations:
Ben 10 is represented as being a fun little boy, who is up for any challenge that is thrown at him, even if it means turning into an alien! This is effective to the young target audience because Ben is someone average that they can actually aspire to be like. The viewers will see Ben as being a superhero.

Conventions:
Ben 10 follows conventions through many different aspects. The colours are theme tune relate to the target audience of young boys. The music is catchy and upbeat, and sets the narrative. The opening sequence introduces all the main characters and objects, e.g Ben, his device and the aliens he can transform into, which is what is needed too understand the programme. Also the use of CGI, this is conventional to the target audience, because young children find it fun and easy to understand.

   
                                                            Screen shot of CGI

                                                 Screen shot - use of block colouring

RESEARCH - Research into similar products - opening sequences.

Lizzie McGuire

Camerawork:
The beginning sequence to Lizzie Mcguire starts with an opening shot with three faces of Lizzie, showing different moods and expressions. As she is the first character shown is implying she is the main character, which she is, so this is conventional. She is shown to be smiling and happy which is effective because children will relate to this. At the bottom is says "Hilliary Duff", which is Lizzies real name. There is then a mid shot showing Lizzie playing with a boy, younger than her. This can be effective to younger children because its creating a big sister, little brother looking shot, showing to children they should be kind and play with their siblings. The mid shot is also showing Lizzie's clothes, this is effective because she is looking plain and natural, creating a suitable figure for younger children to look up to. There is then continuious shots of Lizzie and the boy playing with the ball, this is effective because its again showing them to get on well and be friendly towards each other. The next shot is introducing a new character, "Lalaine" there is a mid shot of her showing what she is wearing, this is also effective because she is wearing casual stylish clothes and looks pretty natural, which is also setting a good role model for children to look up to. The next shot is showing them playing together, this is effective because is implys that they are probably good friends in the programme, but also attractive to children as they are being friendly and playing together. The next character is then introduced, "Adam Lamberg" this is a few shots here, one mid shot showing what he is wearing, a close up showing his facial expressions. This is effective because again, he is shown as being casual, something people can look up too, the close up shows his face, he is smiling.. this is effective because it attracts children in because they know that he is happy and safe. He then throws the ball over his shoulder showing he is careless. The next shot shows a younger child then catching the ball, again showing they all play together which is what children want to see. You then know he is going to be intoduced, and "Jake Thomas" appears above the screen. When this character is shown he is playing and is not stood like the others were, this shows that perhaps he is a carefree character and enjoys playing with his friends. The next shots are of the characters introduced playing together. A woman then appears on screen and is introduced as "Hallie Todd" you immediatley think she is the mother figure because of the way Lizzie is stanced at the time, she is shown as having attitude and Hallie is boucing the ball around her showing she is the more dominant character. ( 0.21 secs) The next character introduced is "Robert Carradine" there is a mid shot of him carrying Jake a younger character that was introduced earlier on. He is shown to be the father figure as the way he is carrying the younger child suggests that he is getting him out of trouble which is a typical thing a father would do, this is something other children can relate too. The next scence shown is a closer shot of Robert and Jake showing the expression on their faces, Robert and Jake are both shown to be smiling. All the introductions of the characters are similar using mid shots of close ups. The next shot is a CGI of Lizzie as a cartoon character, showing her pushing up a very large ball, showing he is strong and very dominant. The last shot is of all the characters introduced, Lizzie is holding the ball which suggests she is the main character. There is another subtitle of "Lizzie Mcguire" again introducing the start of the programme. The last shot shows Lizzie leaning on the bouncy ball, she is smiling and happy which is attracting in the younger audience. The way all the characters were playing together in the opening sequences is effective because its something younger children can relate too. Also the way Lizzie is the last shot to be shown indicates that she is the main character in the programme.

Editing:
Editing has been used to produce the opening sequence of Lizzie McGuire, the most obvious editing is the horizontal and vertical lines used throughout the sequence to make it look more "fun" and "cool". The colours of these are green and blue and they move and change shape throughout, suggesting this programme is fast paced. Cutting is another editing technique used to help introduce all the characters in a more fast paced and flowing way. This is effective because childrens attention span is short, so they need to have something quick else they will lose interest. So this scence is effective because its short, fast paced and introduces all the characters it needs too in a fun and exciting way. CGI was used once in this sequence when Lizzie was shown as a cartoon character, (0.27 secs.) This is effective because younger children find it fun and exciting because everything looks so colourful, as this is only used once, compared to the other video's i anaylised it shows its for an older target audience, although still for children/young teenagers.  There is also a dissolve used in one part, although it is not very noticable it helps the two slides fit together.

Sound:
The only sound used is the theme tune, which is non dieigetic and is made specifically for this opening of Lizzie McGuire. The song is sung by a young female, it is very upbeat and catchy and grabs attention. You can hear a guitar in the background of the song, which helps it become more upbeat. The song unlike Balamory.

Mis-en-scence:
One of the props used is the basketball, this is a key prop as it is used by all the characters whilst they are playing together, as it shows family interaction. All the costumes used by the characters are casual, but would have been stylish to the time it was set. Having the characters in very day clothing is more effective as it gives it more of a real life situation, something the children watching can relate too. Also it shows there carefree kids who are having fun and dont care too much what they look like, which is how it should be at a younger age. . High key lighting is used throughout to make is look bright, fun and happy.

Narrative:
The song lyrics used in the song to introduce Lizzie McGuire If you believe weve got a picture perfect plan then weve got you foled, 'cause we only do the best we can. And sometimes we make it, and sometimes we fake it. But we get one step closer, each and every day. We'll figure it out on the way." This is the narrative introducing the programme giving an insight into what events happen during. This is something the children and veiwers can relate too, suggesting that if something goes wrong it can always be put right.

Representations:
The characters are shown as being fun, happy and carefree. Their interaction with each other at the beginning when playing with the basketball shows that they are laid back, fun and dont have any responsiblities, showing the youth of the programme.

Conventions:
Lizzie McGuire follows conventions through many different aspects. These being; happy unbeat music, introducing all characters, using CGI and keeping it short and fun. Although Lizzie McGuire is set for a slightly older target audience , it still has that fun factor. The opening in sucessful through using upbeat catchy songs, these are mature aspects, but adding the CGI gave the opening that little childish fun feel it needed. Bright colours are also used in grabbing the attention of children.

                                                   Screen shot showing use of CGI 

RESEARCH - Research into similar products - opening sequences -

Balamory opening. 

 Camerawork:

The opening sequence starts with a high angle shot of the sea, this shot is setting the scene showing the land and a boat. This shot shows balamory being a nice and pretty place. The camera then moves from the high angle shot and pans over towards the boat, suggesting the boat may be a key object in the programme. The camera then continues panning left and dolphins start emerging from the water, this is appealing to young children as they generally see dolphins as a kind and caring animal. The camera then continues to pan until you see the land. Then there is an establishing shot identifying the setting. The camera then zooms in closer and closer, showing all the different colours and aspects of balamory which will attract the children in. Whilst this is happening, balamory appears on screen above letter by letter, these appear in different colour which children will like. The shot then changes to a low angle shot of the land. After this the camera the cuts to a mid shot of the town, and tracks the minibus as it travels down the street seeing all the houses. Again all the colours are bright and cheerful which will attract children. The camera then jumps too "pocket and sweets" a name children will find appealing, the characters are smiling, happy and waving which will appeal to young children. Also their clothes are matching to the colours of the buildings, red and blue. The camera then turns and faces towards the sky, and zooms into a big pink castle building, showing the person on the balcony. He is also matching the colour of his building and is similing and waving. There is then a wipe transition, moving onto an establising shot of trees and the front on balamory, there is also a bird flying which will attract children. The camera then pans towards the yellow house, then shows a mid shot of the man painting it, he is smiling and happy, this is effective to children. The camera zooms onto his painting of a house, which then jump cuts into a real house, this is yellow and then a yellow character appears, also happy and smiling. The camera then pans onto a while bungalow, and introduces a policeman on his bike, although he is authorative he is still happy and smiling which is showing he is caring too. The camera then pans towards "McCreedie Transport." there is then a long shot of the woman infront of the building waving. The camera then travels over the roof, showing another building, the camera stays holding that shot and the house transforms into one which is more real life looking, where a woman appears from the door. She is shown as a happy domimant character. The camera tracks her walking down the street smiling, waving and interacting with the other characters. This is effective and appealing to children because it shows them how to be nice to everyone and be happy. The camera then cuts to mid shot into a house, which shows a mother cleaning her childs teeth, this is effective because it's showing children that it's important to clean their teeth, but also not effective because they should clean them themselves. The camera then tracks the lady walking down the street and shows her entering the nursery/school. This is effective as she is shown to be a happy character, and it may encourage children to go to school if they know their teacher is going to be happy and friendly like her.

Editing:

There are many moments in this introduction where editing is used, mostly through CGI and jump cuts throughout the sequences. Jump cuts are used throughout to help introduce all the characters that need to be introduced, without the opening being too long. CGI are used because they create something which is cartoon like which children love. This is effective because it makes children want to watch Balamory. An example of a CGI is the dolphins at the beginning, (0.05 seconds) although there is many more throughout. There is also an example of a shot transition, (0.32-0.34 seconds) this is important because it creates a smoother transition between shots, also helping to make the opening sequence shorter so the children dont get bored and loose interest.

Sound & Narrative

There is non diegetic and digetic soung used throughout the sequence of balamory. Non diegetic sound is used at the beginning of the sequence as you can hear seagulls but you cant see them, this is something children can relate to in a normal day life as you can hear birds in the mornings but cant necessarily see them. Throughout the whole sequence Balamory has its own opening theme tune which is diegetic. This is effective, because it travels in time with the camera, introducing the characters one by one etc, telling you what their jobs are and what their going to do, e.g "or moving and jumping with Josie Jump, would that be the story in Balamory" making sure the children know whats what. The song is catchy and fun and children can remember it, it's like it's telling a story. The song is the narrative to Balamory, it explains everything and is sung by a happy woman which is appealing because she has a nice sounding high pitched voice.

Mis-en-scence

Balamory is set in a small seaside town, which is extremly bright and colourful throughout, this will apeal to young children as they sterotypically like bright colours and animals. The lighting they use is natural, giving it the real life feel. Dolphins are used to excite the children, as many people find them incredible, and the thought of them being in balamory will encourage the children to watch it. Their clothes /costumes used are exteremly effective because they are the same colour to the building each character is assosiated with, this is effective because if a child couldnt remember the name of a character, they could easily assoisate the colours they are wearing back to their job etc. Although PC Plum is dressed in uniform because he shows authority. The props used are the dolphin, boat and a seagull at the beginning. These all signify youth and fun for the children. The other prop used is the Balamory nursery sign, this is most effective because the actually program Balamory is based on a school/nursery. It is also an effective prop because it promotes the nursery and encourages children to attend.

Representations:

I think Balamory uses adults in it's opening sequence because they are a role model children can look up too. It's also effective because all the characters are different and have their own personalities, giving mostly everyone someone to aspire to be like. The adults act immature because they are supposed to excite the children, which works effectively. The children in the programme are all happy and excited to go to nursery, which is effective because children and home can relate to them and be excited to go to nursery aswel.

Conventions:

Balamory is conventional in many different ways. They use bright colours to appeal to young children, they use CGI to make the characters appear as cartoons, which is brilliant because children love it. The music they use is happy and exciting holding the childs attention. Balamory does well to appeal to it's target audience of young children.

Screen shot showing a example of use of CGI - dolphins

Screen shot - example of shot transition