FM2: Small Scale Research Project

1. FM2: Small Scale Research Project • 40% of your coursework mark • Requires you to demonstrate independent learning skills • You will produce 2 things: • A presentation script (60%) • An annotated catalogue (40%)

2. FM2: Small Scale Research Project You need to choose an area of investigation that falls within one of the following areas: Star/performer Genre Technology Social, Historical and Political Contexts Auteur

3. Your area of investigation must be: expressed in terms of a statement (as opposed to a question) so that you can research in an open way

4. An example….. • Here is another: • Exploration of representations of the zeitgeist within the Dystopian Science-Fiction • Children of Men, The Day After Tomorrow, Independence Day, I Am Legend, 2012….

5. An example….. • Here is an example of a good research statement: • Investigation into ‘humour’ in contemporary British cinema, looking at the films of Richard Curtis. • Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral, About a Boy, Notting Hill

6. Read exemplar work – Revisionist Western

7. 1. Annotated catalogue 10 to 15 items Primary and secondary research Each item should be referenced correctly And have a short note (of about 5 lines) explaining how it is relevant to your research A closing paragraph should identify at least 4 important items not selected for inclusion and explain why

8. 2. Presentation script • 1000 – 1500 words and last 12 – 18 minutes: • You will present this to us and it will be recorded • Use headings and sub-headings to divide it up but do not write it in an essay format • Should show where a piece of supporting material from the Catalogue will be used • These items must be referenced by using a Catalogue number

9. Deadlines – put these in your diary now! • 24th September • 100 word Rationale (including area of research statement, proposed films and research items) • 1st October • 750 word essay exploring your focus film • 8th October • Watch your other 3 films and write a 200 word summary of each • 22nd October • Primary research completed • 12th November • Secondary research completed • 26th November • First draft of script and catalogue • 10th December • Final draft of script and catalogue • 17th December • Presentation

10. What is the difference between Primary and Secondary research? • Primary – Research undertaken directly by yourself in order to generate your own findings. • Secondary – The use of data that someone else has collected or written. • TASK – Brainstorm different types of both primary and secondary research

11. Primary Research • There are a variety of methods you may use but the main ones are: • Interviews • Textual analysis • Observations • Focus groups • Questionnaires • Every research question will benefit from the use of a questionnaire and textual analysis at the very least!

12. Secondary Research • Examples include: Internet, Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Journals, Documentaries, DVD extras. • Research from books and the internet should be academically grounded, if in doubt ask! Be wary of overly opinionated writing found on the internet. • Check the media/film section in the 6th form library, there are some very good resources that you could use. • Examples of reliable sources – BBC, The Times, The Guardian, IMDB, BFI, Sight and Sound, British Library (visit it!) • Spend the time to consider the most appropriate secondary sources for your question

13. Types of Research • Textual analysis. • Industry Research: producers or institutions behind the text. • Academic criticism – theories, essays etc • Popular criticism – reviews, blogs. • Primary audience research – questionnaires, interviews, observations.

14. Research • Include examples (distinguish primary & secondary): • Poster analysis (or other advertising analysis) • Film clips/stills/opening sequences/trailer/dvd commentary and/or extras • Magazine (e.g. film mag front covers)/newspaper/online articles/shots/interviews • Reviews (TV/print/online) – blog comments? • Film theory essays • Questionnaire analysis • Audience vs star interviews • Box office stats might be relevant (e.g. revenue) • Theoretical background (e.g. essay about feminism, postmodernism)

15. Creating an interesting investigation • How to plan, research and write a good research project can seem a tall order, especially under a tight deadline. • Your research statement is the first extremely important step that sets the agenda for everything that you will do.

16. Key points on statements. • It must be easy to understand. Your wording should be relatively simple. • It must have a definite purpose or focus. • Most importantly it should be something you’re going to find interesting, enjoyable and rewarding!

17. Thinking about case studies… • Watch this clip from ‘Sweet Sixteen’ • Directed by Ken Loach • Genre: British Social realism • What areas of research? Brainstorm. • Star or director • Genre • Issues of gender • Issues of ethnicity/culture • Institutions • Technology • What area of investigation would you focus on? • Think about what other case studies you would use to accompany it?

18. Research Diary • You must keep a diary to record all research conducted – I will give you a book for this. • This diary should include dates, names, and a bibliography. • Try to be as precise and detailed as possible with all information.