Final documentary + thumbnail

Here is my teams final documentary and thumbnail 

Here is the link of our documentary in google drive: Me, Her, & Him

And here is our final thumbnail on Netflix

Link of our thumbnail on google drive: final thumbnail by Rara & Audrey

Critical Self Reflection

Here is my critical self reflection 

I will be answering these questions for my critical reflection (not by sequence):

1. How do your products represent social groups or issues? (CR 1)

2. How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’? (CR 2)

3. How do your products engage with the audience? (CR 3)

4. How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions? (CR 4)

As indicated in the brief set by our teacher, Mr. Nick, we were assigned to produce an opening for a crime documentary that would run from 3 to 5 minutes. My team, which consisted of Chelsea, Kalista, Audrey, and me, actually created a true-crime documentary that would focus on murder. It is the story of a teenage girl who, at that age, is supposed to be venturing into university life with her best friend. Unfortunately, she gets involved in an online dating site, marking the beginning of her sad demise. In this critical reflection, I will explore the production process of our documentary to show how we incorporated technical elements to both conform or subvert documentary conventions within the crime genre and to show how these appeal to our target audience.

Branding is one of the most important ways in which the audience perceives and understands media. It reinforces the intended message and creates an identity with which one can identify. According to Stuart Hall's Reception Theory, meaning in a media text is not passively received by the audience; instead, they actively interpret and respond to decode messages. Our preferred reading, or what was intended as a message, was a cautionary tale on the toxicity of friendship and how one time or another it could lead to consequences that may hurt someone.

In order to communicate this, a number of technical elements have been employed to develop both realism and authenticity. For example, we included real footage through the vlogs of the two leads, with hand-held camera movements, creating the sense of closeness and attachment between the two main characters. Not only does this technique ensure the narrative is bound within realism, but it also allows the audience to become further engaged with the bond of the two friends, allowing the audience to speculate if the two leads are that close and what happens next. The handheld style indicates the immediacy of phone videos and further emphasizes the emotional veracity of the documentary.

The overall theme for our documentary had to do with nostalgia. We achieved this by incorporating more vintage color grading and videotape effects that gave a feel from film and photography of the 2000’s. This was a stylistic choice made to give a sense of the past and make the audience reflect over the transience in relationships and life. Yet at the same time, we digitized it into modern elements, such as ones involving online platforms and dating apps. The juxtaposition of the nostalgic against the digital speaks volumes to the aesthetic, which makes our documentary slightly very different from the conventional approaches to the genre. This especially plays up the risks of modern technology, especially for our target audience. The juxtaposition of the nostalgic against the digital speaks volumes to the aesthetic, which makes our documentary slightly very different from the conventional approaches to the genre, which is young adults 17+.

We've purposefully chosen these elements, since these elements remind our target audience—mostly the young generation—of their childhood combined with the themes of modern technology and social platforms. Truly, the documentary is relevant and more engaging because it speaks to their own lived experiences. A sense of being careful in friendships and online interactions is an important message for today's times, where boundaries between real and virtual relationships are blurred.

This was also captured on the documentary's thumbnail. Our thumbnail includes a digital picture of the two leads, further fusing personal memory with the dangers of modern platforms. Giving the two characters a personal, almost candid moment, we created an emotional core to the story, to be disrupted by the darkness of the elements of the narrative. Having the thumbnail be more digitized aligns with the documentary's main theme, which is going for a more modern media application (usage of laptops and iPhones). This allows the audience to know how we want to brand our documentary, which is by showcasing online dating. However, that is not the main plot as audiences are able to decode a message, which is why we emphasize the mystery Clara (perpetrator) has due to us wanting the audience to know why something online can affect friendships and how careful we as young adults need to be when picking a friend no matter how long the friendship lasted.

Before working on our documentary, we did a lot of research to identify the conventions of crime documentaries and how these are conventionally established. We tried to follow those conventions, like establishing shots of the crime scenes and classic establishing shots, but also added more modern elements, like video calls, text messages, and video clips. These digitalized features subvert the traditional crime genre and appeal to our target audience of young adults who would enjoy a more contemporary narrative style that also evokes nostalgia.

Our documentary focuses on leads from Southeast Asia (Chinese-Indonesian), thus challenging the dominance of Hollywood/Western media traditions that normally have a prioritization for Western narratives and representation. By centering South-East Asians, we subvert the stereotype of underrepresentation, bringing in a minority group that is seldom seen at the top. This does not only introduce Western audiences to South-East Asian perspectives but also offers representation for South-East Asians in a genre highly dominated by Western culture. Giving attention to the portrayal of characters like Clara and Sasha helps avoid the invisibility of these groups in media.

The character portrayal happens through Clara and Sasha's social media profiles, which were Mise en Scène. Clara is meant to be possessive and obsessive, always stuck onto Sasha. She is filmed in much darker tones than Sasha, who wears, at times, white, representing kindness, care, and naivety. Kyler is more of an introverted character; his character is cold and distant 'nonchalant'. The Uses and Gratifications Theory created by Bulmer & Katz explains that audiences engage with media for diversion, personal identity, social relationships, and surveillance. With the dynamic of Clara and Sasha as our main leads, viewers can either relate to or pity their circumstances, building personal connections to the characters or going back and reflecting on their own relationships, especially with the storyline about online dating and how it can affect our target audience.

We also used the Hermeneutic Code: audio cues, black screen cuts, and zoom-ins that would keep the audience in suspense about what was to happen. Those are some of the usual features for the genre in creating a tense and engaging atmosphere for viewers.

Camera work, MES, sound, and editing in our production were all according to the usual conventions found in documentaries. Documentaries would employ close-ups and medium shots to emphasize the actors through their facial expressions, CCTV footage, and long shots of the location of crime scenes, but also close-ups of some evidence that show possible weapons of murder. Also, the MES used natural lighting and non-formal attire—common everyday—which added to a sense of realism. The interviews were done in much darker tones to infuse tension. We used non diegetic sound because it's usually used in the building of suspense, and so we incorporated that in to really bring tension around a certain moment or piece of evidence. Quick cuts, along with match cuts, were used to move through interviews and evidence; this really reinforced the documentary's narrative flow. 

On the other hand, we also challenged conventional conventions and modernized them to a certain extent, which mainly occurred in post-production as we used a lot of screen recordings as if someone is actually using the social media behind the screen. Through this convention and modern combination in the digital realm, we created a documentary that would converse with young adults yet stand upon the conventional themes of the genre. As we did tons of research, what helped us the most was our general opening documentary research and thumbnail research, as first off we get a general glance of what conventions we should follow and what to subvert; this also allows us to spark the idea we’ll have for this project. As for the thumbnail, I learned that doing lots of research actually cuts back on the development time as we know what general theme we want to follow. However, if I were to do this over again, I would give more time to post-production. While the production phase is not quite complicated, post-production requires detailed work and creativity that can't be rushed. I would have done better in this area with improved time management, which would have enhanced the final result. Fortunately, our weekly progress plan kept us right on track and helped streamline the process. 

Documentary title research & development

Here is my research and development for our documentary title 

Genre: crime documentary 

Sub genre: murder 

Documentary name: 

1. "Digital Deceit: Betrayal in the Click"

2. "Web of Lies: A Friend's Fatal Secret"

3. "The Perfect Match: A Deadly Friendship"

4. "Swipe Right, Murder Left"

5. "Fatal Connections: Trust Turned Deadly"

6. "Best Friend, Worst Nightmare"

7. "Online Obsession: The Dark Side of Love and Loyalty"

8. "Virtual Vows, Real Revenge"

9. "The Double Life: Love, Lies, and Murder"

10. "The Friend Trap: Murder Behind the Screen"

11, Fallacy 

12. Deception

13. Obscura 

14. "Me, Her, & Him" 

I highlighted the words that I believe will be the most catchy for our documentary and we all finally decided on "me, her and him". As we want it to still appeal to our target audience however add a twist as they wouldn't know who's the killer. CONNOTATIONS: MYSTERY, DECEPTION, CONFLICT, LOVE, DRAMA 

Self Reflection: This task actually didn't actually take as long as I thought because Im usually a very indecisive person but with the help of my teammates we worked together in giving our insights on which title fit best which is why it became a lot more effective when we needed to pick our final title. Even though we had many options we knew that we wanted our title to be short and simple in order for it to leave a bigger mystery which is why Im very happy with our final decision because now we don't have to worry on coming up with a title on spot. Thus why I learned that having many inputs on ideas actually make it easier to form one good idea as each insight gets taken in, I also learned what direction were trying to go for more wether it is to subvert or follow the typical convention which my team both follow. 

Thumbnail research & development

Here is my research and development for our thumbnail made by me & Audrey

Starting off with an overall overview of what crime documentary thumbnails look like on Netflix 

Crime documentary thumbnails stick to several conventions. As it helps show what kind of audiences it's trying to target and are the key to pulling in viewers and letting them know what to expect from the documentary's theme and style. First of all we can see that most thumbnails follow the same convention which is by showcasing the face of the main character most likely the perpetrator or victim in a very close up camera angle (direct mode of address) which helps to imply how their emotions give off a sense of secrecy or intimidation. Most of these thumbnails also have a bold/dramatic typography in bright colours (white, yellow, red) in front of dark backgrounds this ensures that the viewers can easily read the text and help convey the message that the word that is emphasized is the main subject of the documentary. Most thumbnails also use a very dark colour palette with shades of grey, black, red, deep blue in order to convey mystery, danger and seriousness. 

Here are two examples that mostly peaked our interest

Here are 2 documentaries in which the thumbnail really intrigued us which is "ice cold" and "what jennifer did". These 2 follow the typical convention of a crime documentary thumbnail, however "ice cold" uses a different approach which is by making it look like it came out of a newspaper and how it uses separate pieces to convey that this persons story has become well known in different news outlets and that this documentary will shine light on each persons perspective within her story allowing the viewers to not be deceived by other media outlets as they shine her on a different limelight. We liked how both documentaries have a ver stylistic choice in the picture and layout which is what stood out the most for us. However we believe that creating a thumbnail similar to "ice cold" would be quite difficult and time consuming as for "what jennifer did" it wouldn't be possible for us to do as the main story of our documentary is about 2 bestfriend's meaning we want to put 2 people as the main focus not just one. 

But here is the thumbnail that we will most likely follow

 

Typography: The title "ICE COLD" is in big, bold, all-capitals font, a clean sans-serif typeface. White text on a dark background helps significantly in readability and gives that stark, cold feeling that agrees with the theme of the documentary. The subtitle "Murder, Coffee, and Jessica Wongso" follows in smaller font, indicating its the subheading from the main title. Typography that feels razor-sharp and stark brings out how dead serious this subject matter is.

Colour palette: Its palette is mainly shades of black, white, and gray to give that cold and sombre atmosphere. The grayscale brings in the documentary and archival feeling; it is as if we are looking at memories of the past. The blood splatters in red create a striking contrast and forthwith direct one's attention to the aspect of violence or crime. The red will add a sense of urgency and danger to the whole composition, which goes in tune with the murder theme.

Lighting and Mood: The general lighting is subduing, moody, and grainy, adding to the dark forbidding tones of the documentary. In addition to the muted lighting, the use of black-and-white photography may suggest a nostalgic, reflective feel; however, blood splatters thrown into this otherwise subdued palette introduce an element of disturbance, an indication that something truly nefarious lies beneath. Choices in lighting and mood create tension on the events that are about to unravel .

Imagery: The most prominent part of the thumbnail would be the two girls with layered photographs of them. The usage of photography would depict personal memories of  when the two best friends were happy together, which would add emotional contrast to the darker elements in the thumbnail. Casual and carefree expressions in the photos, contrast with the violent connotation of blood splatter, which may indicate a tragic twist in their story. It is this conjunction of violence and innocence that stirs any viewer's mind to want to know the background information for the documentary.

This is another version of the "ice cold" documentary thumbnail. We as a team will mostly try to

make this kind of thumbnail because it aligns with the main plot we're going for which is 2 best friends and an online boyfriend. So by showcasing pictures of the 2 best friends together it gives off the impression that they're very close but the audience will question if they're that close what could possibly go wrong. 

This thumbnail however gave us the idea of making a more digitised documentary as there aren't many that do this convention. So we mostly took ideas such as the typography and the effects from this movie.

Development

Self Reflection: This was another tedious task that took me forever, but I actually had a good time. Finding research was relatively easy because most crime documentary follow the same convention so I just added what I liked and disliked for each thumbnail. But the development was a long process, not only did I have to research on typography but other small details like experimenting with effect and different colours, so this actually took the longest in my opinion. I had a ton of drafts to choose from cause we experimented with this right away in canva with no initial sketches which is why making drafts took forever, so next time I should just draw sketches first as it gives me a rough idea and not make me waste time on creating so many different variations. Another part which I struggled with was making sure that people actually liked the thumbnail so I asked feedback from many different which is why this also took up a chunk of time. But nonetheless Im happy with the results because I had feedback from the people around me and as well as my team mates. 

Editing

 Here is our teams editing process made by Chelsea 

EDITING by chelsea tirta 

Self Reflection: As this editing was done by Chelsea we as a group decided to give more feedback on what to add or remove from each clip. We as a team decided to use more of a digitised documentary so we included lots of clips where we screen recorded each part in order for the audience to feel what its like during the specific scenario. When Chelsea was editing I was either there with her when we met up or not we made zoom calls so that we can always check Chelsea's progress and help her whenever she needed it. In this case I helped in finding some of the audio used to build suspense, I also was the camera man with Audrey so we mostly made sure all the clips were in a right angle. However our initial plan was to work on this together but just on Chelsea's laptop but we found out it was hard to manage our schedules to find the right time to do it hence why we met up and try to give the feedback on spot, then once Chelsea finished added all the clips the next day we zoomed together. When we had zoom Chelsea was able to screen share her work and thats when I gave more insights in what was missing such as making one clip shorter in order for it to be more impactful, adding different diegetic sounds to build suspense and as well as adding more zoom ins of some clips so that the audience can understand how we want them to focus on that part. Next time we should spare more time in editing since we finished our the night before the deadline so I learned that its a very long and tedious process especially when we need the agreement of all members. 

Behind the scenes

Here is our behind the scenes for our documentary made by Chelsea & me

INTERROGATION by chelsea tirta BEACH

BEACH by chelsea tirta ONLINE

ONLINE by chelsea tirta

CRIME SCENE by raraa 

Self Reflection: As this blog post was mostly made by Chelsea. I helped in adding some extra behind the scenes that footage that we did during another shoot day where we filmed another cctv footage as well as the crime scene and establishing shot. This task even though it seems easy since we just added pictures and all that. writing for this task was quite hard because even though we know what we did sometimes we just forget as I made this posts days after our shoot. But I realised that it was much quicker to make a full recap of our shoot day in bullet points then expanding it on my own time, so even though it was quick and simple it could take longer depending on how many shots we needed to film during the specific day. I learned that by having notes on hand it makes it easier to compile when we need to do it so next time I'll prepare notes on my phone. 

Filming schedule

 Here is our teams filming schedule for this project 

Self Reflection: For this project my teammate Chelsea was the one who made our filming schedule, as she was the one who founded the website and understood how to use it. This part, even though it looks simple it was actually quite tricky due to all of us needing to plan out when and where we can meet at the same time. So I helped in finding a specific time when we all could meet so that our production stage can run smoothly. This really helped us in managing our time as we already have a plan on what to do allowing us to follow it and be on schedule, this also minimises distractions and even though one teammate cant come it wouldn't compromise our whole time frame, as for one day I couldn't help in filming the interview scene but my team still got it done and I ended up doing the shots for the beach scene. It also reminded me on what equipment to bring as I was in charge of being the camera man in reminded to bring my memory card and camera itself. However when we actually did our filming we faced many complications, from which scene to start off first and which ones to finish up as we just wanted to get everything over with, we didn't think about how to organise it properly so even though we don't complete solutions we just adjusted and modified our plan along the way.

Location Scout & Risk Assessment

 Here are some potential locations my team will film at created by me & Kalista 

 

Here is the link to our location scout & risk assessment: final location scout & risk assessment

Self Reflection: This was actually pretty easy to get done as we've done this before for our last project. However I hated the part where I had to figure out what could go wrong cause its so unexpected and usually might not even happen which is why we repeated some points as most of the hazards that might happen will always come out of no where just depends when nature is gonna show it. Then again I quickly got it done with kalista and it just helped us predict any problems and also helped us manage the locations on where to go so we don't spend too much time surveying different places. 

Script + Storyboard

Here is our teams script and our storyboard created by Audrey & Chelsea 

Script 

Here is the link to our script through Google drive: final script

Storyboard 

Design by Audrey Soedargo

Self Reflection: This storyboard was made by my teammates Audrey & Chelsea. However I helped in giving out inputs and insights on what ideas we should use when creating our mock up practice of our documentary such as what locations fit best for our scene, what plot to use and give some negative feedback in order for us to know what else we should improve, as the whole point was to help us visualise what our final result will be like. Then again we had a particularly hard time in managing our time during this stage as all of us had other tasks to complete, but again Audrey & Chelsea was able to finish it with maximal efforts as the result is very detailed. We all decided to let Audrey & Chelsea to take more time during this stage as drawing is not something simple and quick to do thus I gave my best feedback in order for them to do the work smoothly. We were able to finish this task on time since we made a to do list on what to prioritise and finish first allowing us to get this task over and done with. 

As for the script we as a team made it all together even though Chelsea had started writing it first I was able to give out more of my ideas on what dialogue the casts should use. Due to me watching a lot of crime documentaries I wanted our dialogue to be more realistic even though its targeted towards teenagers so I mostly revised the script so that it fits more to day to day conversations. Hence why this part of our project needs to be done quite quickly as we need to give it to our actors/actresses so that they can perform the best they can. However next time I would give an alotted time by when I should finish up my script as we still edited our script along the way as some dialogues didn't seem to be that realistic or stick with true documentaries conventions. But in order to embed the script onto blogspot I had to use a youtube video to help me as its in the format of  PDF, this allowed me to hone more of my technical element skill. 

Sources: 

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtlTH-GePw8  

Statement of intent

 Here is my teams statement of intent for my project 

Here is the link for our statement of intent: statement of intent

Self Reflection: Again this task was easy for us to accomplish as we all took part in completing it, but what took us the longest time was to pick which idea to put and what kind of audience were to trying to reach so even though that took the longest time our ideas became more cohesive and realistic. However during that time I wasn't present a lot in class so I mostly gave my inputs through a messenger app called whatsapp so that my teammates can put those inputs within the document. But I also encountered a problem when uploading the file to blogspot so I re learned the technical skill I learned during grade 11. This reminded me to keep remembering the technical skills I learned even though it was for a previous project it can still work wonder for my upcoming projects 

Research

This is my research on crime documentaries 

First documentary "the final; the attack on wembley'

What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?

Th sub genre is sports as the location and the event that occurred was situated in a stadium filled with sports fans. 

Who is the target audience?

The target audience appeared to be young english adult sport fans (ages 18+) as this whole documentary showcases what went wrong during that tournament day. This also leans more towards the male audience In England as as the incident takes place in Wembley, England this will intrigue more locals within the area as they would want to keep up with whats happened in their country. Football is also a sport more popularised in the male field rather than female due to the agility and physical contact that needs to be used. 

What typical documentary conventions did it use?

The typical conventions that were used was how it included real life footage from the real accident in this case was a phone. Clips of the stadiums location and overall setting was showcased with England fans shouting in the clips wanting their home team to win. They also frequently used interviews of not only the fans that day but also government officials stating that, during that day it was a mayhem as if a bomb went off and everyone went berserker. They also used many close up and long shots, close ups were mainly used to portray the expression of those in the interview or the videos that came from fans on site while longs shots were used to showcase the setting and how it got destroyed in the process of the attack. 

Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?

The opening scene of this documentary starts with the production, cast members and title cards using a bold and capital font for the typography. This signifies that the style gives off an energy that is associated with sports and a sense of authority. Set up interviews were also used to showcase the different perspective the event held on them as the background of each individual is different and its typically in a way of sharing opinions and their experience. Surveillance footage (CCTV) and tiktok's or other online platforms repeatedly show videos of the chaos happening: jumping on traffic lights, smoke bombs, throwing items, physical pushing. In order to give a sense of realism of whats happening especially when its the usage of a hand held camera. So this shows that the documentary conforms to typical conventions as most elements used conform to this genre.

How did it create suspense using the following:

Camera: hand held camera movements were mostly use to indicate panic and chaos that was happening the day of the attack

Mise-en-scene: The clothing used by the fans were dirty and some even became shirtless. While on the other hand those who did the interviews had very formal and neat clothing which indicates the authority of those that were reckless and well behaved.

Sound: Non diegetic sound was used to build suspense on what happening during that day, as it started with a slow pace showcasing a clean atmosphere and excited English fans who cant wait to see their team play in the finals. But after the pace gets faster this became a recked and chaotic empasising the panic the attack held. However the use of diegetic sound such as glass breaking and people screaming which allows the audience to feel the heightened effect of how dire the situation has become.

Edit: During the first part of the opening the edits were slow and paced very calmly (static) but as more evidence gets shown on what happened that day the edits became quick. This intensifies the suspense the audience will feel as its very quick and audiences will have a hard time focusing on what comes next making them feel the same effect of those who were in the stadium that day.

What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?

I liked the ratio between the interviews and shots from the handheld cameras as it gives off different perspectives while still keeping the audience hooked based on the evidence used which comes from peoples actual phones. 

Second documentary "worst roomate ever"  

What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?

This documentaries sub genre is true crime, as it unveils the true intentions of peoples encounter with their creepy roommate and what happened. 

Who is the target audience?

The target audience is young adults but mainly targeted towards female (ages 18+) as this story is focusing on 2 women roommates and how 1 of them grew an obsession to the other victim's son. As this documentary has violence that may be sensitive to some viewers such as bruises, bloody wounds and other disturbing details. The crime documentary showcases a lot about the victims personal story as she has been victimised by her roommate this will intrigue a lot of viewers due to them feeling like they have a personal connection with the victim and that they pity her because of everything she went through, but viewers are also interested on the victim overcome this event. 

What typical documentary conventions did it use?

The typical conventions that were used was how it included voice overs from the victim which were used to describe and narrate the events that happened allowing the audience to know the chronological order of the events that transpired which may act as the 'proairetic code' by Barthes allowing the audience to have a better and clearer understanding to what they're seeing/being exposed to.  Another convention used was the addition of the real life pictures of the victim and the perpetrator this acts as visuals for the audience and proof what happening in real life circumstances keep the audiences attention hooked. 

Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?

The opening did not subvert the typical convention as it uses an establishing shot to showcase the location of the victims house as well as the neighbourhood surrounding in order for the audience to understand where the action took place. Voice over narration was also very prominent as the victim talks about her experience regarding what her ex roommate/best friend did and how a house brings back her nightmares during that fateful day.  Voice overs are also used to provide the audience with an explanation on what they are seeing, instead of just showing photographs and montages of the scene without any context this helps the audience to develop a connection to the audience as if she was speaking to them personally. Multiple photographs were also shown which implies the close relationship the victim had with her ex roommate. After photos of the victims son a view of the house was shown which demonstrates how happy her son was living there. But clips of the victims injuries were also shown to elicit sympathy from the audience by showing how much the victim had suffered.

How did it create suspense using the following:

Camera: Close up shots were used to capture the victim's expressions (distress and fear) and conditions (injuries) which forces the audience a focus on those footages/clips/pictures as the audience feels the intensity of the circumstance. The use of POV shot (edit: added with glitch effect) to positioned the audience in the shots' perspective

that connotes distress showcasing instability as events may be traumatic from staircase being shown, meaning that something bad must've happen due to the angle used. 

Mise-en-scene: Dark, eerie view of the house that took place during night time. And the usage of lighting thats dimmed  which connotes mystery and danger that has happened in the location. The usage of glitch effects connotes malfunction which in this case reflects the chaos and trauma of the event the victim has gone through. This allows the audience to feel the the heightened fear and danger that has taken place. 

Sound: Non diegetic sound was used (unsettling background noise) which heightens the suspense and tension created in the opening of the documentary. This was also layered over the voice overs when the victim starts to uncover her story which allows the audience to feel danger thats about to unfold. The score used was also pretty creepy building the send of fear from the audience too. 

Edit: Starts with a slow pace and durations to emphasize and create focus on a particular scene but the speed gets faster to build tension making the audience feel more on edge. This allows the audience to suspect whats going to happen later on making them realise the danger going to take place.

What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?

I really like the glitch edits/effects between the photographs shown and especially when the title card gets shown. As my teams documentary revolves around online dating this edit would be very suitable in order to create a sense of distortion of the digital media that visually simulates errors and disruptances. 

Third documentary "the staircase" 

What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?

"The Staircase" is categorized as a real crime book, namely a legal thriller. It explores the complexity of the legal system and the trial, delving deeply into the subtleties of a criminal case. It also delves into the drama and tension surrounding the case, frequently obfuscating the distinctions between dramatic and documentary reporting.

Who is the target audience?

People that are interested in real-life mysteries, legal dramas, and criminal investigations make up the majority of the audience. This seems to be becoming more and more common as court proceedings have become more visible to the public and as there have been instances where cameras have been present. Similar well-known trials, like the OJ Simpson case in the 1990s and the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard case in the 2020s, gave rise to a great deal of curiosity. Another important audience includes those with an interest in the legal system and how it manages well-known cases. Viewers who like character-driven stories with psychological depth would be drawn to this series because of its emphasis on the emotional and personal interactions inside the Peterson family and the court system.

What typical documentary conventions did it use?

Numerous of these conventions are followed by "The Staircase." It presents the case and gives background information on the crime through voiceover narration. Together with using real-life video and images, the series also include interviews with important personalities. The series takes a more cinematic approach, subverting the conventions of the crime documentary genre. It tells a complicated, multi-layered story with ongoing investigation and courtroom drama instead of a simple story. A thorough examination of the case's intricacies is made possible by the episodic structure, which is uncommon in traditional true crime films.

Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?

The Staircase chooses a more restrained strategy, underplaying the emotional tone, as opposed to the sensationalized, overt crime scene editing typical in real crime. The show alternates between interviews conducted in the present, old footage, and reconstructions of crime scenes. By switching between timeframes and creating a feeling of mystery, this method, popular in crime dramas and documentaries, keeps viewers interested while helping to provide context. Given that it has a framework similar to other documentaries, usually in the crime genre, this conforms with genre convention

How did it create suspense using the following:

Camera: To alter spectator perception and evoke a sense of fragility or foreboding, low and high angles are used. Photographs of the crime scene and the staircase are especially important since they position them at the heart of the mystery. Slow pans, close-ups, and lingering shots of the crime scene and Peterson residence are used in the camera work. This focuses on nuances that arouse anxiety, creating a cozy yet unsettling atmosphere.

Mise-en-scene; The scene is painstakingly framed to highlight its importance, especially the Peterson residence and the stairway. Suspense is increased by the contrast between the ostensibly typical home setting and the horrific reality of the crime scene. The way the characters are shown in terms of their clothing and personal areas both humanizes them and alludes to the underlying tensions and emotional states of each of them. A dramatic and tense mood is often created by the lighting, which is often muted and features shadows. To enhance the story, items connected to the crime or the trial are placed with care.

Sound: The soundtrack is filled with dark, tense music that heightens the suspense and highlights the situation's emotional gravity. The narration is given in a measured, somber tone that highlights the seriousness of the situation and fosters introspection. The inclusion of ambient noises, such as the wind or far-off sounds, heightens the sense of dread by adding to the realism and atmosphere.

Edit: Editing emphasizes features, including close-ups of faces or objects, implying that important details will become visible later, thus subverting conventions and leading a mystery to its viewers. The show alternates between interviews conducted in the present, old footage, and reconstructions of crime scenes. This also creates dramatic suspense by weaving shots of the crime scene with interviews or character responses, leaving the audience with unanswered questions. This is in line with how suspense and emotional investment are developed in crime documentaries.

What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?

As this is an old case I like how they still managed to find evidence back when it was 2002 this makes it seem like this case had been going on for quite some time and audiences till know are still intrigued by it

Fourth documentary "the trial of gabriel fernandez" 

What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?

"The Trial of Gabriel Fernandez" is an investigative journalism-focused true crime film. It looks at a well-known example of child abuse and the court cases that followed, fusing a thorough analysis of systemic flaws with a dramatic courtroom setting.

Who is the target audience?

The target audience of this documentary would be those those with an interest in institutional abuse case handling, child welfare, and systemic shortcomings in social services. This documentary might be especially interesting to those who care about strengthening child protection procedures and judicial accountability. People who are interested in in-depth analyses of serious criminal cases and the legal system.

What typical documentary conventions did it use?

Conventions are employed in the documentary through the following interviews: Initially presenting testimonies from family members, social workers, and law enforcement officers who were intimately involved with the case. Archive Footage: Uses photos, papers, and real-life footage to add authenticity and context. Voiceover/Narration: this provides an organized way to communicate the information and leads listeners through the intricate story. Finally, dramatic music is used to heighten the emotional impact and build tension. Both conventions and subversions were employed in the documentary, as we could see. To give a thorough picture of the case, the documentary combines narration, archive video, and interviews. It follows the norms of providing authentic proof and firsthand recollections. In addition, the show deviates from conventional formats by emphasizing the structural flaws that permitted the abuse to happen, thus subverting genre standards. It alternates between wider investigation perspectives and courtroom drama, emphasizing institutional carelessness as a major topic.

Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?

The intense contrast that intensifies the emotional effect occurs in the first five minutes when images of Gabriel's innocence (such school pictures) are frequently cut to the brutal reality of the abuse he suffered. This tactic is common and especially powerful in true crime, pulling the audience into the story's emotional center. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez does not extensively rely on dramatizations or reenactments in its introductory section, in contrast to many other crime documentaries. By incorporating comments on structural concerns, this subverts the normal focus on the victim and the criminal seen in many true crime narratives. George Gerbner's Cultivation Theory contends that extended media exposure modifies viewers' perceptions of reality. Those who watch crime films may get more fearful or expectant of crime in real life over time. You can investigate how editing shapes ideas about crime, justice, and social failure in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.

How did it create suspense using the following:

Camera: The documentary combines a variety of filming techniques, such as close-ups and static images in the introduction to convey the case's emotional impact. The opening sequences could center on significant sites connected to Gabriel's life and demise, fostering a solemn and contemplative atmosphere. Furthermore, close-ups of faces are often used to convey the seriousness and emotional depth of the subject matter, particularly in interviews. The sharp contrast between the individual accounts and the more general structural problems is frequently emphasized by the framing.

Mise-en-scene; the Mise-en-Scène segment of the documentary begins with courtrooms, police stations, and Gabriel's home—scenes that immediately communicate the gravity of the situation. The sites used aid in establishing the story in authentic settings. Typically, the lighting is muted in order to create a serious and gloomy tone. The story's emotional impact and the seriousness of the scenario are emphasized by dim or subdued lighting. The formal clothing worn by many of the people in the documentary is a reflection of the courtroom and professional environments. Personal items from Gabriel's life could be incorporated into the narrative to make it more relatable to the audience.

Sound: The documentary incorporates music in its sound segment. For example, its opening sequence, which emphasizes the gravity of Gabriel's predicament, is eerie and solemn. The music creates a meditative atmosphere and fosters an emotional connection. The documentary's authenticity is enhanced by the incorporation of audio from the courtroom, interviews, and other locations. Subtle ambient noise or complete quiet can heighten the effect of the narration and images. We may also argue that the voiceover, which sets the scene and leads the audience through the story, is given in a somber and sympathetic manner. This tone contributes to highlighting how serious the matter is.

Edit: breaking common genre clichés, the editing instead emphasizes real video, interviews, and archival news coverage, keeping the presentation grounded in a journalistic tone rather than relying on reenactment for tension. The early editing highlights the trial's larger backdrop, rather than concentrating only on the crime itself. It immediately establishes a number of tiers of accountability, including those for social services and law enforcement

What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?

I liked how the montages added from the victims face to factual evidence is nicely cohesive and how well they demonstrated the accused in a bad light.

Fifth documentary "american murder; the family next door" (Netflix, 2020)

What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
The documentary "American Murder: The Family Next Door" is under the true crime/documentary genre and is especially a documentary feature. The investigative reporting components are combined with a close-up, in-depth examination of the offenders and victims. It is notable for its moving and terrifying depiction of a family catastrophe where an all around "american dream family" faces a homicide in which the husband/father figure of the family kills his pregnant wife and two children.

Who is the target audience?

They are targeting viewers who are interested in real-life crime stories (ages 17+) and the specifics of criminal investigations are the target audience for this documentary. People who are interested in the intimate and emotional details of criminal cases—especially those that involve families and close relationships—will also find the documentary appealing. And lastly, people who value deep, poignant storytelling with authentic footage and first-person accounts.

What typical documentary conventions did it use?

The documentary demonstrated the use of both conventions and subversions of genre conventions. By integrating real footage and social media posts to provide a realistic and personal picture of the case, the documentary complies with norms. This method gives the audience a direct connection to the characters and roots the narrative in reality. By showcasing conventional talking-head interviews and concentrating instead on personal recordings and unprocessed evidence, the movie subverts established genre clichés. By concentrating on the intimate details of the catastrophe instead of following a traditional investigative narrative, this approach produces a more emotional and immersive experience.

Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions of this genre?

The opening of the documentary conformed to the genre conventions of a crime documentary. The episode begins with views of a quiet suburban neighbourhood, kids having fun, and regular family interactions. It is intended to create a deceptive sense of security in this serene and scenic setting. During these initial minutes, there are frequently subliminal cues that something is wrong. Maybe there will be a change in the lighting or ominous music to change the mood. A neighbour may report strange activities, or the story may change to include someone going missing out of the blue.

How did it create suspense using the following:

Camera: Early footage is probably going to concentrate on commonplace events and private areas, such homes and family get-togethers. This framing aids in creating a contrast between the Watts family's ostensibly typical lives and the horrific events that take place. Intimate and private shots are used in the opening minutes of the film, with a lot of attention paid to home recordings and social media posts. This gives the Watts family a feeling of intimacy and familiarity that heightens the impact of the impending tragedy.

Mise-en-scene; the documentary's Mise-en-Scene section includes elements that emphasize the everydayness of the family's life, such as the informal attire and personal belongings used in the opening sections. The final disclosures are much more shocking by this unremarkable presentation. The Watts family's daily routine, family get-togethers, and home surroundings are probably depicted in the opening scenes. These scenes are warmly and intimately portrayed, emphasizing the difference between the family's everyday existence and the catastrophe that will be discussed. Home films usually have bright, natural lighting that captures the simple, happy moments of family life. This stands in stark contrast to the more somber subjects that the documentary will eventually address.

Sound: The sound portion of the documentary include music. We could see that the soundtrack for the documentary is muted and frequently depressing, which heightens the opening scene's emotional impact. A feeling of tension and melancholy is evoked by the thoughtfully selected music. The background music from the family's films and social media posts is essential in establishing the tone and atmosphere of the documentary, even if there isn't much voiceover in the first few minutes. The documentary's realism and emotional depth are enhanced by the incorporation of real noises from social media postings and personal recordings. Uses and Gratifications theory by Blumler and Katz suggest that audiences watch media for reasons of entertainment and escapism(diversion). This is seen in the documentary as these audio elements contribute to the film's realism and immersive quality. This engages with audience and helps with the retention rate of the documentary. This is important for the media companies as more hours watched would mean more profit garnered and also more eyes on their work/exposure.

Edit: This documentary used edits to show the relationship between the family, text messages from the husband to the disappearing wife. Match cuts were mostly used as the documentary wanted to focus on how a normal family became a nightmare as there are cctv footages, neighbourhood sightings, and pictures of the wife and husbands instagram page to show how closed the family is. As the pacing started slow but started to get even faster after each evidence gets shown from the family's house to the wife, kids and text messages between the wife and her best friend.

What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?

I liked how it uses more technical elements online such us the victims laptop/phone and they showcase the actual screen or social media page so that we as viewers can understand the victim in a better light and how things went south

Additional Research

Self Reflection: Even though I've been doing tons of research this was one of those tasks I've always dreaded doing. Since it has to be specific and detailed I always had trouble forming my full ideas as theres so much to write about and in order to form those ideas we have to have a keen eye on observing those details. And since I skipped a lot of media lessons throughout out the first 3 weeks I was very left behind meaning my research wasn't complete like everyone else, which is why I had to take up most of my spare time but by doing so this taught me how to be more efficient on my writing in order to still get a good result but by doing it with less time. I was also able to develop my writing skills a lot due to the many researches we needed to do, that is why Im so satisfied by how much I've improved in my english writing skills. So even though it was a long and tedious task I still quite enjoyed it as Ive been an avid crime documentary watcher, allowing me to already know what most openings would be like.