Having carried out extensive research into the documentary genre and audiences I have decided to create an investigative documentary to be broadcast on the digital channel BBC4 late in the evening so as to attract a more mature, educated audience.
From analysing a number of professional and amateur productions I have gained an insight into how the conventions of the documentary genre can be used in a number of different ways.
For my documentary I intend to investigate the mystery of the beast of Cannock Chase, to attempt to either prove or disprove its legitimacy in the minds of the audience. To do this I will use myself as the narrator to convey to the audience through the use of a voice over of footage and me as the talking head, the background information in a neutral fashion so as not to put a bias twist on the debate.
As well as this I intend to interview a number of experts on the subject such as the local forestry commission, a forensics lecturer, a researcher on big cats and representatives from the local papers.
By doing this I will conform to the conventions of interviews and the use of the expert to portray information to the audience that they will naturally be more inclined to trust as it comes from a reliable source. For this the Mise En Scene of my interviews will be very important as location and attire act as visual aids for audiences to associate the information being given to the person giving it and their professional position and trustworthiness. To do this I intent to interview the forensics lecturer in his office, surrounded by files and folders with him wearing a suit so as to give the impression of an academic, whereas I intent to interview the forestry commission’s representative outside their log cabin to give the impression of an association with the woodland.
On top of any information given I intend to use footage shot for other purposes such as nature programs as well as establishing shots of the area I have taken to act as a visual aid for the information being conveyed. For example I intend to ask about the hunting methods of black leopards. Alongside the response I will have footage of this hunting method being carried out to reinforce the idea within the audiences mind as well as keep them form the potential boredom of just watching a man talk to a camera.
As for sound and music, I intent to have an upbeat music track in the background that will drive the information being given, but not drown it out or distract audiences from it. For this music I sought to conform to the convention of using a piece associated with the theme. However the Pink Panther did not sound effective against the voice over so I settled for “underdog” by Kasabian, a lighter piece that would not distract audiences.
As I am only producing a five minuet extract, I will not perhaps be able to investigate as much as I would if I were producing a full program. If I were producing a full program I would possibly seek out those who have claimed to have “witnessed” the creature and perhaps spend a night on the chase hoping to observe the creature hunting.
Next I will attempt to contact potential interviewee’s and ask them if they will assist with my project.
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