Certified target audience

The target audience for my documentary with be aged between the ages from about 13 - 26. Primarily, the target audience fit into the Sub-genre in what has been labelled in society as a "Geek";

Stereotypically, geeks are seen to be into things such as Sci-Fi and fantasy (Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, etc), in which cosplay very much links in with that as its an activity which can be engaged by both anime and Sci-fi enthusiasts. In terms of gender, typically geeks are seen typically be a term associated with the male gender, however cosplay and anime is something to be associated more with females, in which I will aim to make my film appeal to either gender. 

The kinds of interests my target audience may potentially have include interest in video games, manga, anime, comic books and films typically associated with "geeks" including The Lord Of The Rings and Batman. Their hobbies may relate to those brought up in the documentary including cosplaying and prop making and the target audience may have even been to some of the locations within my documentary including Comic Con.

Research summary

Through thorough research and analysis, I have discovered what is needed to create an expository documentary;

Editing
  
The conventional structure of a basic short documentary uses montage and cross cut editing. The use of montage editing gives the audience a basic idea into what the topic is about through use a collection of short clips. This is done in contrast with a non-diegetic voice over from the interview so that the montage illustrates the point being made in the dialogue. This works in contrast with the cross cut editing, in which cuts between interview clips, new locations and montage sequences to give the audience new things to look into and keep their interest. In order to to achieve a basic product for my coursework, I should at least use this conventional structure.

Other editing techniques used in the documentaries I have analysed include slow and fast motion, fade and zoom. The use of slow motion is created in effect to make a clip last longer so the audience can see in greater depth and detail into the mis en scene. This was often used in mid shots or medium long shots when the people in their cosplay's would pose and show off their cosplay outfits to the camera, which is something to potentially consider when creating my own documentary.

Fast motion footage was used to speed up the footage to show time passing, or time lapse. This was done at a range of long shots at the convention locations to show the masses of people passing through in short space of time. This is something to potentially consider when creating my documentary, in which I can use it to show the mass popularity of conventions and how its grown.

Fade is an editing technique that is usually used to begin/end a sequence or a transition from the last clip of the documentary to the credits. This is a good alternative to cutting from one scene to another, particularly if a documentary is slow paced in the editing. This is something to also potentially consider using as its a good technique and works for setting the right mood and atmosphere.

Zoom is an editing skill that is often used in clips showing photos of the people dressed in cosplay. It scans across the photo and examines it in greater detail to give the audience a closer look into their outfit and the effort put into it. I could potentially use this technique in my documentary, should I choose to use photos.

Sound

What my documentary research has taught me about sound is that most every documentary includes a non diegetic voice over that originates from an interview clip. This is a convention of an expository documentary, in which the voice over is layered over the top of a clip from a different location or a montage sequence. This is something I must do in order to create an interesting documentary that will engage with my target audience. 

In a documentary, the score is important to set the right atmosphere which is created by the mood of the person talking. I learned that a good documentary will have a consistent non diegetic soundtrack or incidental score all the way through the documentary, even if its faint in the background. This gives the audio more depth other than just dialogue, which gives the audience more to look into and keeps them interested. In my documentary, I will make sure that my score is consistent throughout the documentary so the audience don't loose interest.

Camera 

The documentary research has taught me how to position the camera angle during interviews and what shot range it should be at. Conventionally, the camera will position the person/people being interviewed at either a medium close up, a mid shot or medium long shot. The camera does this at this range so the audience can clearly see the person being interviewed and any expression or emotion they give off during the interview. The camera also uses talking space around the person/people being interviewed so the audience could interpret more about through the use of mis en scene, props and costumes (if its used). I will need to consider all this when making my documentary, and in addition to this I will also use multiple camera angles and shots during the interviews to make them more interesting.

In terms of camera, I have also noticed how they have used a range of shots collected from various locations. These can range from close ups to long shots to show the audience both the wider picture and great detail about the locations in the documentary to give the audience the bigger picture. I will take this into account when filming at location, and try to consider a variety of shots.

Props, Costumes and Mis en scene

What I have noticed in my documentary research is how they use iconography with costumes and props within the mis en scene to show the audience more about the interests associated with the people in the interviews. They use the talking space in interviews as a space for objects such as props, posters and costumes to represent the subject under discussion. This is something i could potentially consider for my documentary and use the mis en scene as a way to show to the audience more about the topic under discussion.

The use of mis en scene is also used out on location, in which the camera specifically targets areas within the location that represent the topic under discussion, for example in the cosplay documentaries, in the convention locations they would visit the camera would always target things on location like anime stalls, group cosplay's and logos in which relates to the subject of cosplay. This is something to consider when filming on location, in which I will have to make sure that the mis en scene is suited to the topic and tells the audience more about that topic.

Expository documentary analysis; Another me - Cosplay Documentary

This documentary is an expository documentary that looks into the life of a cosplayer, which relates to the topic I want to investigate for my own coursework. It lasts for 9 minutes, which is longer than my documentary however a documentary can last from 2 - 30 minutes and it still sticks to the conventions of a short documentary. 

The narrative follows a non-linear structure, in which the documentary cuts back and fourth between the interview and the conventions as well as various other locations, in which the narrative doesn't follow an orderly structure and is therefore a non linear narrative. They have used interesting editing techniques in this documentary including the convention, montage editing and cross cut editing but they have also used layering and layered pictures ontop of video footage as well as fade in between clips ;

The editing in this shot has used fade to transition between one interview to another. The purpose of this editing technique is to show the audience ending of one interview and the beginning of another, rather than just cutting to the next shot.

This GIF shows how the editing has used image layering to give the audience a better understanding about the character she is cosplaying. The shot uses various images that fade into the shot, whilst the video is running in the corner of the woman explaining her cosplay character and there is also another video of her character in the anime to illustrate a clearer idea to the audience about who her character is.

The non diegetic soundtrack used in this documentary is only used during the titles and credits and fades out completely during the actual documentary itself. This has been done so the audience can pay more attention to what the interviewees are talking about in the dialogue (diegetic and also non diegetic voice overs) in which by making the music fade out completely emphasises the important in what they are talking about. 

The interview shots have been placed at the conventional setup of mid shots and medium close ups;

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All of the interviews have used talking space in which each interview has only got one shot angle which is not very varied. During the interviews, the cosplayers have been asked; 

- What is cosplay?
- What is your name/age/profession? 
- Who are you cosplaying as?
- How do you choose who to cosplay?
- How much did it cost?
- Why do you think some people might not understand what you do?   
- How seriously do you take cosplay?
- What do you like about cosplay?
- What's the cosplay community like?
- Who is your favourite anime character?
- How long have you been cosplaying for?
- Who was the last character you cosplayed?

The documentary genre can be established as expository as even though there is no voice over,  which is a conventional feature of an expository documentary, there is also no presenter, in which there would be if it was an interactive documentary. The investigator is unknown to the audience throughout the entire documentary and remains out of shot and cannot be seen or heard. the documentary follows the conventional structure of a expository documentary in which;

- The documentary uses a variety of footage and interview material which is assembled to support the topic case.
 - The editing is used for continuity, to link together images that support the argument put forward.
- The documentary uses interview shots from either a mid shot, a medium long shot or medium close up.
-The documentary uses incidental music in the introduction to create an uplifting and upbeat vibe to get the audience into the documentary

The topic of the documentary is represented through the use of iconography. In the talking space of one the interviews, it is taken up by props and costumes in the mis en scene;

As shown in this mid shot, the props and costumes used in the background are there to reflect on the cosplay culture. This is done through use of books, action figures and the outfit on the manikin next to the woman being interviewed. These items are iconic to cosplay as they are associated with anime culture, in which anime is heavily linked into cosplay culture and also the inspiration for most cosplay costumes.

 
This documentary also uses props and mis en scene to reflect on cosplay culture;

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The props and mis en scene focus primarily more on the anime part of cosplay rather than the range of subcultures that also fall into the cosplay category such as Star Wars and Doctor Who. By using manga comic props as well as photos and video clips from animes give the audience more of an insight into what the interviewees like to cosplay. It has also been used as an icon of cosplay, in which we associate anime with cosplay as cosplay is a reflection of expression of peoples love for anime.

This documentary has also used costume as an icon for cosplay;

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This documentary focuses purely on the anime part of cosplay, in which is reflected in the costumes used as well as the props and mis en scene. Costumes are iconic to cosplay as the cosplayer will express their favourite character through costume, in which the word cosplay is a combination of "costume" and "play". Some of the interviewees were interviewed in their costume during this documentary which further adds to the importance of costuming and how iconic it it for cosplayers. 

The use of icon through the costumes, props and mis en scene appeals to the target audience. By interviewing the cosplayers in their outfits shows their dedication to the audience in which the audience can determine characters and figures from their favourite  films and shows in which creates more of an interest in the documentary. By filming at a convention location it appeals to the target audiences interests, and shows them the vast contrast of different cosplay styles and possibilities. This then makes the audience feel exclusively part of the documentary as it connects to them on a personal level.

using props and mis en scene gives the audience a better understanding of the cosplay culture and where their inspirations originate from. By using props and merchandise from shows the audinece can distinguish the franchise they personally enjoy in which engages them more with the documentary as they feel they have a personal connection.

The documentary uses titles to represent the topic of the documentary;

This GIF shows the main titles. They are animated and represent the topic of discussion which is cosplay. The use of the wig and crown prop represents an icon of cosplay which is an important part of the cosplay costume. The typography is white on a black background and is very plain, in which doesn't reflect as much on the nature of cosplay which is seen as unique and different from the "norms" of society.

The titles in this shot transit onto the screen using fade. It sticks to the same colour theme used in the main titles as well as the same font. As explained with the main text, this typography colour and style doesn't reflect on the nature of the of the cosplay culture, neither does it reflect on the mood created by the documentary.

The credits used in the documentary use the same colour scheme and font as the previous titles. Unlike the main titles, it doesn't use images or videos and are very plain and simplistic. 

Expository documentary analysis; The Art of Self Expression: A Cosplay Documentary

This documentary is an expository documentary that looks into the life of a cosplayer, which relates to the topic I want to investigate for my own coursework. It lasts for 9 minutes, which is longer than my documentary however a documentary can last from 2 - 30 minutes and it still sticks to the conventions of a short documentary. 

The narrative follows a non-linear structure,as the footage starts off with footage from comic con, in which switches back to the man being interviewed, and cuts back to the con, and then cuts to the man posing in his cosplay, and so the story structure doesn't follow a particular plot line and is therefore non-linear. Editing techniques have been used in this documentary for effect and to make it more interesting and appealing, including cross cut editing, montage editing, slow and fast motion and fade;

This GIF shows the use of face motion editing. Its when the footage is speed up and is often used to show time passing by, in which works in effect to busy and bustling locations such as comic con.

This clips shows an example of both slow motion editing and fade. The effect of using both creates a dramatic effect which is striking and immediately grabs the audiences attention.

The incidental music (non-diegetic) used in this documentary starts off intense and atmospheric to create a sense of pride and emotion in which is used to introduce the documentary topic. As the title screen appears, the incidental score fades out and is replaced by an upbeat and cheerier tone, which reflects on the cheery and bust comic con atmosphere and is consistent throughout the comic con scenes and during the interviews at comic con. As a new location is then established, the incidental score changes again to a more calming and chilled tone to reflect on the atmosphere created by the interviewee. the music then fades out and is distantly quiet in the background during the interview to focus on what he is discussing in the dialogue. The incidental music changes constantly over the documentary but is overall positive and uplifting to reflect on the topic and how its presented by the cosplayers.

The interviews in this documentary have used the conventional structure and limited the range of camera shots and only used medium closeups in the shots;

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The questions that are asked in the interview include;

- What is cosplay?
- What is a convention?
- Why do you cosplay?
- Whats your cosplay name and your profession? 
- How long have you been cosplaying?
- What do your family/friends think of cosplay?
- What's your favourite part of cosplay?
- What do you think someone who didn't cosplay would make of it?
- What does it represent?
- Do you think you'll ever quit?

The documentary genre can be established as expository as it sticks to a conventional structure expected of a expository documentary. It shows the audience the positive aspects about cosplay through the interviews and montage sequences in use of camera, sound and editing. At the beginning there is a voice over, which is a conventional feature of an expository documentary, and there is also no presenter like there would be in an interactive documentary. During the interview shots the investigator is out of the shot and unknown to the audience, in which only the cosplayer being interviewed can be heard from the clip. It sticks to the conventions of an expository documentary in which;

- The documentary uses a variety of footage and interview material which is assembled to support the topic case.
 - The editing is used for continuity, to link together images that support the argument put forward.
- The documentary uses interview shots from either a mid shot, a medium long shot or medium close up.
-The documentary uses incidental music in effect to the mood created 

Iconography is used frequently to represent the topic. The talking space in the interview locations is taken up by costumes, props (sewing machine) and anime posters all in which are iconic and associated with anime and cosplay culture with relate to the topic under discussion.

This documentary also uses costumes, props and mis en scene to reflect on cosplay culture;

This close up shows the side of a car promoting the cartoon "Adventure Time". The purpose of this shot is that it shows an icon to the sub culture of cosplay, in which shows that it goes further than anime and marvel. Adventure time is an icon of geek culture, in which links into cosplay culture and reflects on the expanding popularity of cosplay.

This medium close up shows another shot from the interview. You can see in the talking space that there is a lot of merchandise and props that come from the video game "Assassins Creed". By putting it in the background of the talking space, it relates to the cosplayers interests and also reflects on his cosplay and tells the audience more into what his cosplay is about. Assassins Creed is an iconic video game, in which gaming is linked heavily into geek culture, and is also becoming a part of the sub genre for cosplay. Its something that reflects upon the expanding cosplay community and shows the audience the vast popularity of both the game and the culture.

This big close up shows us more detail about the props set in the background of the talking space. It further shows the audience the guys obsession with the video game and adds to the point about iconography with sub genre in terms of cosplayers.

This mid shot shows the cosplayer in his assassins creed cosplay. Costumes are an important part to cosplay as it represents the character and their personality in how they express their interest. Some of the interviewees were interviewed in their costume during this documentary which further adds to the importance of costuming and how iconic it it for cosplayers.

The use of costume, props, location and mis en scene should appeal to the target audience. By interviewing the cosplayers in their outfits shows their dedication to the audience in which the audience can determine characters and figures from their favourite  films and shows in which creates more of an interest in the documentary. By filming at a convention location it appeals to the target audiences interests, and shows them the vast contrast of different cosplay styles and possibilities. This then makes the audience feel exclusively part of the documentary as it connects to them on a personal level.

By also using props and mis en scene, the audience can get a better understanding of this culture and where the cosplay inspirations originate from.They can also determine props and merchandise from shows they personally enjoy in which creates a sense of joy and pride in which the audience feel more involved with the documentary.

The documentary has used titles and credits to give the audience more information about the topic;

The main titles seen here don't reflect on the topic, nor do they reflect on the mood created in the documentary. They are plan white block letters on a black background, which is very plain and bland and doesn't represent the different and unique ways of cosplay.

The titles used in this shot are the same font type and use the same theme as the font in the previous shot. Much like the font in the previous shot, it doesn't really reflect on the documentary topic well, nor does it reflect on the bright and uplifting atmosphere created through out the documentary.

The credits used in this documentary stick to the same colour scheme and font as the titles. Unlike previous documentaries analysed, it doesn't use imagery of the cosplayers in their outfits and much like the other titles, they're very plain and don't represent the topic of the documentary very well.