This is my research for my documentary project.
I need to understand what the term "documentary" in the media means and the conventions that are used before I can do more in-depth research on documentaries, particularly those that focus on crime. I have used several resources to collect this information.
In general, a documentary is a broad term to describe a non-fiction movie that in some way documents or capture reality. Documentaries frequently present an uncommon, captivating, or unexplored perspective, hence it explains on why filmmakers are motivated to make them because they feel a particular story or viewpoint is adequately covered by mainstream media.
Conventions of a crime documentary:
➤ The opening titles are often fast-paced, this sets the tone & pace of the movie while also hinting on what may be to come
➤ Like any other film opening, a crime documentary also center on a crew, which identifies each member & actor who plays a role in the production of the film, including the producer and director
➤ Interviews with witnesses, victims or experts
➤ The use of archived footage to support filmed scenes
➤ Sound
↪ Soundtrack are often fast-paced
↪ Non-diegetic sound of a narrative voice over, which leads the audience to preferred reading
↪ Mediated culture to encode opinion and subjectivity from audience
➤ Camera angles and movements
↪ Low angle to make a person or an object seem more powerful and authoritative as they are perceived to be larger than they actually are, dominating the screen, or showing high levels or power and importance
↪ High angle to make a person or an object seem smaller and by looking down at them, it suggests that they are more vulnerable and weak
↪ Hand-held camera to encode realism and truth
↪ Establishing shot of a setting, drones are usually used
↪ Close ups are also normally used in crime documentaries
➤ Editing
↪ Speeding up from slow to fast which often uses quick cuts to build high levels of tension and generate suspense
↪ Slow edits is used characters are participating in precision tasks
↪ The use of parallel editing to link key scenes
➤ Mise-en-scene
↪ In terms of location, large cities are often featured as they are highly populated, meaning that crimes are more likely to take place on a regular occurrence
↪ Props like guns & knives are used to show a sign of threat and domination, they are typically black in color which connotes danger & evil and the character as a villain
↪ Lightings in a crime documentary are typically low-key lighting in order to create a dark atmosphere, this being in order to convey feeling of criminality & danger
Resources used:
dekstop documentaries
reactor mag
edusites media
Since we must create an opening or an introduction to a documentary, particularly one in the genre of crime documentaries. I feel that there must be a contrast or differences between the two of them (documentary and crime documentary). Here is my focused research result on crime documentary genre:
A true crime is a genre of non-fiction that focuses on real-life crimes, usually violent in nature, and the individuals involved in them. This can include murders, kidnapping, robberies and other criminal activities.
What a good true crime documentary includes:
1.) Finding what makes the case different: Audiences want an interesting story that they cannot predict nor seen before. Therefore, a crime documentary needs to focus on what makes the story different than others
2.) Not inserting filmmakers into the narrative: The story should unfold itself, showing the process of interviewing a suspect or the filmmaker's relationship with the subject is unimportant to the story most of the time and takes away from the case itself
3.) Embrace multiple truths: It is important to represent that everyone experiences any event differently by including various perspectives of the crime even if they conflict each other
4.) Be terse with information: In a true crime, viewers know when information is important to remember, because they know each clue is a piece of puzzle they are trying to solve
5.) Not being afraid to show the unreliability of the justice system: Evidences can be mishandled, confessions can be enforced, and many other mistakes can lead to wild turns in an investigation; this is important to the story, even if they make the police look bad
6.) See if the case connects to a bigger picture: The first responsibility of a documentary is to entertain the audience, the second is to educate its audience
7.) Leave some questions unanswered: Audiences will keep seeking out new crime documentaries based on the level of mystery involved in telling their stories
Resources used:
https://filmschoolrejects.com/perfect-true-crime-documentary/
https://nofilmschool.com/what-is-true-crime
https://www.twinkl.co.id/teaching-wiki/documentary-conventions
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Below are my research to several intros / opening scenes of a crime documentary film / series
Here are the questions that I will be answering for my research:
1.) What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
2.) Who is the target audience?
3.) What typical documentary conventions were used?
4.) Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
5.) How does it create suspense using the following
- Camera
- Sound
- Mise-en-scene
- Edit
6.) What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
1.) What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
2.) Who is the target audience?
3.) What typical documentary conventions were used?
4.) Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
5.) How does it create suspense using the following
- Camera
- Sound
- Mise-en-scene
- Edit
6.) What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
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─── ⋆⋅ Documentary 1 ⋅⋆ ───
The Final: Attack on Wembley (Netflix, 2024)
1.) What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
Sports crime
The documentary depicts the negative and ugly side of the football game when England fans without tickets stormed Wembley Stadium during the Euro 2020 final. It shows them drinking recklessly, doing drugs and causing all kinds of destruction.
2.) Who is the target audience?
- Football or sports fans in general, because this documentary revolves around this topic
- Although diverse representation are being shown, such as:
↪ The talking heads were a mixture of English men who are White, Black and of South African heritage
↪ An Italian football fan being interviewed
↪ How diverse the England football team is
↪ Racial abuse of Black players and security guards
↪ Women and young girls are also seen attending and supporting the football match
↪ Majority of men are responsible for the cause of trouble
↪ Women are shown to be in high-end jobs such as broadcaster and chief executive
This documentary leans more towards English people who are predominately male. As the incident takes place in Wembley, England, more locals are intrigued and may want to get more insight on what is happening during that particular event in their country. Other than that, football is also a type of sport that many men enjoy compared to woman due to its physicality and unpredictability.
- This documentary film would be suitable and targeted towards those who are 18 and above, as there were many uses of bad language (the F word was used several times without any censors of the word), violence (soccer fans were seen fighting, punching and kicking, breaking down facilities, people being trampled on, disrespecting and misbehaviour to security guards and polices) and use of substances (football fans are seen drinking and sniffing cocaine outside the stadium before the big game starts, smoking, beer cans and bottles were scattered everywhere on the road).
3.) What typical documentary conventions were used?
4.) Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
- The opening scene of this documentary includes the production, cast members and title card (as what other documentary or films do) using a bold and capital font. The bold style conveys strength and energy which is associated with sports, whilst the capital letter gives a sense of authority and importance.
- An establishing shot of the stadium was used, along with a slight push in. This is to introduce and emphasise where the main event takes place to the audience.
- This documentary's structure is optimistic, positive and calm from the first. As they were preparing the stadium and setting everything up, one of the talking heads said, "It was really, really important that everything was perfect." and a pensive soundtrack was used. However, as the story builds up and continues, the music approaches a crescendo that becomes increasingly suspenseful as the behavior of the football supporters spirals out of control, the tempo quickens, and the tension music intensifies, explaining why "It was like entering War of the Worlds."
- I've noticed that hand-held cameras with shaky or random movements are frequently used to evoke a sense of panic when mayhem arises as a result of their actions. This can be seen when football fans act carelessly and disregard the safety of others.
- Surveillance footage of CCTVS and Tiktok videos are repeatedly being shown in the video to capture the chaos during that situation: people climbing up traffic lights, jumping around, throwing items everywhere, or even getting arrested by police. These footages and videos are used in order to create realism especially when it is shot using a hand held camera, it also provides evidence of events as they happened.
- A set-up interview from different perspectives (such as the authorities, a person who was present and joined the event). The background used for each person is different to one another and represent their individual roles related to the event. Interviews are used to capture range of perspectives and give voice to those who are involved, typically sharing their experiences, opinions and emotions.
Hence, from all of the conventions that were used in this documentary opening, it shows that the this conforms to this genre, as it ticks off most of what a crime documentary would include.
5.) How does it create suspense using the following
- Camera
↪ Hand-held camera is being used to heighten panic and intensity due to the instability of the camera movements.
- Sound
↪ The non-diegetic soundtrack starts to build up and becoming more intense as the scene escalates, becoming more loud and chaotic to emphasise the panic of the attack.
↪ Diegetic sounds of broken glass sounds added by the cacophony of the crowd can lead to auditory overload for the audience to hear due to too many noises happening at the same time.
- Mise-en-scene
↪ Empty beer cans and bottles are seen discarded everywhere on the road may mean that people are irresponsible and neglecting care and respect for the environment.
↪ The outfits worn by the interviewee were formal wear: suits, neat clothing and hair. On the other hand, the outfits worn by the fans were dirty, sweating and some were shirtless. This creates a contrast between the authorities who are well mannered versus the irresponsible and reckless fans.
↪ The use of wine bottles, colour powder, cocaine may increase the riskness of hurting or injuring someone else, which audiences may grow concerns.
- Edit
↪ The pacing went from calm (static, slow and steady) to chaotic (quick cuts), this intensify suspense since it creates anxiety from the audience as they have less time to process each ongoing clips and having a hard time predicting what comes next.
6.) What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I found how professionally made the opening of the crime documentary is since it is extremely well-structured and makes it clear where the story and plot is headed. Not to mention, the video footage of the chaos during the event, the interviews with those involved, and the clips from previous games highlight how serious, genuine, and crazy the event was. Additionally, I really enjoy how this opening paces; it begins calm and collected, picks up speed, and ultimately heightens panic before it closes with a powerful and eye-catching title card, which I may use for the crime documentary my group and I are planning to make later on.
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─── ⋆⋅ Documentary 2 ⋅⋆ ───
Worst Roommate Ever: My BFF Tried to Kill Me (Netflix Series, 2022)
1.) What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
True crime
The documentary circulates around two longtime best friends and roommates, named Rachel and Janie. But as Janie's obsession with raising Rachel's young son grew, so did her killer instincts. This is categorised as a true crime documentary because this genre focuses on real-life crimes, usually violent in nature and the individuals involved in them. Later on it is explained that Janie was sentenced to one to 20 years in prison for attempting to poison her best friend, Rachel, with a deadly bacteria.
2.) Who is the target audience?
- This crime documentary is targeted towards young adults or older teenagers (around 14 or 15 years old and above) as there is a lot of violence & scariness that are being included, such as blood, bloody wounds and other disturbing details which can be too sensitive for younger audience.
- This crime documentary would also be suitable to those who are true crime enthusiasts and those who are interest in the victim's personal story. Rachel (the victim in the video), was victimised by her roommate hence she must overcome a lot, considered herself a survivor and believed that she is stronger for what happened to her. The audience may want to see her story in depth and learn more about her past and what made her survive despite everything that happened to her.
- In other cases, the statement is greatly exaggerated based on the title, "Worst Roommate Ever". This can also create a dominant reading especially for protective parents as an awareness for them because the documentary shows that letting strangers live in your own home can lead to very bad things.
3.) What typical documentary conventions were used?
4.) Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
- There is a lot of voice over narration usage, which what most crime documentaries like to include. The victim tells about her experience regarding what her ex roommate and best friend did as well as how she feels different towards the house when that occurred. A voice over narration is used to provide audience with an explanation on what they are seeing, instead of just showing photographs and montages of the scene without any context without stopping the action to talk about what's going on, which helps to develop a connection to the audience as if she was speaking to them personally.
- Given that it is Blumhouse Production, we can see how well they carefully choose their technical skills, particularly their sound and score to build suspense and tension (I'll go into more detail about this on question 5). This is due to their concentration on creating horror genres rather than exploring other broad genres to make.
- Photographs of Janie and Rachel with smiles on their faces shows how close they were in the past. This can light up audience's mood for a minute, but the story ultimately descends into tragedy as the victim explains further. A view of the house montage was shown after photos of Rachel's son with the house environment, demonstrating how happy he is living there. These photographs are intended to give a true and accurate of the evidence being presented. Furthermore, a significant analysis I conducted focused on the director's deliberate selection of images showing Rachel's injuries. She was seen in the hospital, having her makeup removed. This was done to elicit sympathy from the audience by showing that the victim has suffered a lot and to imply that her best friend was a cruel and evil person.
- An establishing shot with a slow push in was used to show the mountain view and the neighbourhood by the use of angle from above. This is done to set the scene by providing context regarding the location, which helps the audience to understand where the action is taking place.
From my analysis above, we can see that while most of the conventions of a crime documentary conforms to this genre, such as the use of establishing shots, photographs, or voice over narration. The conventions are also subverted in this opening. First, it shows the victim standing in front of the house where the crime took place. It appears that she continued to observe the house from a distance, reminiscing everything. This is not typical for crime documentaries, in which they usually avoid the victim get a close-up view of the crime scene because they risk traumatising the victim from the events that occurred to that particular place or setting. Second, I also noticed lots of edits of the use of glitch effects between pictures, this is to create a sense of unease and tension as well as to make the documentary seemed visually interesting between the cuts so it doesn't look dull, unlike other crime documentaries where they only show clips of pictures without any visual transition.
5.) How does it create suspense using the following
- Camera
↪ The use of POV shot when going down the stairs (edit: added with glitch effect) to positioned the audience in the shots' perspective, as if they were in the scene. (edit explanation) The glitch effect also helps to create uneasiness due to the scene now cannot be seen clearly like wanting to pass out, we also don't know what was at the end of the stairs from the use of slow motion hence it may generate suspense from the audience because they don't know what they will face later.
↪ A very unsettling music playing in the background, especially the slowly descending violin strings in a minor key, the slow descent allows each note to linger to heighten tension and anticipation, but the main aim is to intentionally build a sense of fear from the audience. Watching this as an audience has creeped me out a bit from the score that was used.
- Mise-en-scene
↪ Dark, eerie view of the house that took place during night time and the use of low key lighting specifically in order to connote a sense of danger as the objects and shapes in that setting may look unfamiliar and therefore threatening.
- Edit
↪ Cut to the beat or rhythm edit was used. This is where the tempo or rhythm of the film is defined by the speed at which the scene is delivered to build tension, making the audience feel more on edge.
↪ Cut to zoom in picture of the perpetrator's face (especially when photos of them and the victim were displayed), this aims to make the perpetrator look intimidating behind that innocent looking and happy face, which creates tension and fear from the audience.
6.) What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I really like the glitch edits between the photographs shown, especially the title card. Our plan of creating a crime documentary that revolves around the online world would be suitable to use this effect in order to create a sense of disorientation and distortion of the digital media that visually simulates errors and disruptions. Hence, we might use this idea for our title card as well.
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─── ⋆⋅ Documentary 3 ⋅⋆ ───
What Jennifer Did (Netflix, 2024)
1.) What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
True crime
The documentary tells an investigative story about Jennifer being the primary focus of a captivating criminal case when she called 911 to report that her parents have been shot.
2.) Who is the target audience?
- This crime documentary is targeted primarily towards young adults to adults from the age of 17 and above due to the reason that brutal murder and attempted murder cases are being issued. This documentary showcased real life photographs of the home showing blood splatter on the floor, walls, couch, doorframes and clothing as well as audios of home break-in and a man screaming and moaning in pain, meaning that it might become sensitive to some viewers especially for younger audience.
- Another audience group that could be targeted are Asians. The representation of this crime documentary is considered diverse:
↪ The family in questioned is Asian Canadian and other Asian Canadian people are interviewed
↪ Some law enforcement and other characters in the story are Black Canadian
But what makes this crime documentary capture Asian audiences' attention is that it reinforces strict Asian parent stereotypes. Later on as the documentary progresses, it is revealed that Jennifer tells the investigators that her parents didn't want her seeing her boyfriend. This is a stereotype of a typical Asian parent where dating is restricted as they place strong emphasis on traditional family values. Therefore, Asians are more likely to view this documentary as their culture is being represented and form connections to see how their own experiences are being interpreted.
4.) Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
Conform
- Surveillance camera footage of the interrogation as an evidence
- The use of voiceovers during the police call to show what was really happening when Jennifer reported the murder case
Subvert
- Unlike other crime documentaries, the real killer isn't revealed in the opening which evokes curiosity of the audience.
5.) How does it create suspense using the following
- Camera
↪ Static shots around the house can create suspense as it creates a sense of expectation and emotion within the setting. Static shots creates a sense of stillness that allows audience to focus on the details within the frame.
↪ Unsettling and eerie soundtrack was used to connote a sense of uncertainty and danger that is about to come.
↪ The lighting used for most the scenes were dim, which leaves significant protions of the frame in darkness, creating a sense of intensity which results in an increase in tension and suspense to the audience.
↪ Quick cuts of the crime scenes can increase the pacing, therefore increasing tension.
6.) What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
I do not support the actions that Jennifer did, but I'm highly inspired by the fact that the story revolves around her as a murderer when she self reported her own parents' murder. I would like to use this story as an inspiration for my main character of my crime documentary. There will be a twist at the end where our aim is for the audience to initially sympathises with the main character, but they are unaware that the main character is actually the killer of the victim for a sinister motive.
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─── ⋆⋅ Documentary 4 ⋅⋆ ───
The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman (Netflix series, 2022)
1.) What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
True crime
This harrowing crime documentary revolves around a cruel conman masquerading as a British spy manipulates and steals from his victims, leaving ruined families in his wake. The story itself creates an element of excitement and puzzle that requires attention, which makes it appealing for the audience to watch. Moreover, this true crime genre also raise ethical considerations on how to reflect on the stories that are consumed, because true crime is based on real life events, the media's framework is very important and getting it wrong may have serious negative consequences.
2.) Who is the target audience?
- This crime documentary is targeted towards teenagers aged 15 and above. Although there are less violence being shown on screen (more to verbal discussions), this documentary discussed issues like psychological and physical abuse as their major themes which may not be suitable for younger audience due to lack of understanding.
3.) What typical documentary conventions were used?
4.) Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
Conform
- Interviews of the victims were used to provide eyewitness evidence and testimonies, this helps the audience to make sense of what has happened and form opinions on what the truth of this situation might be.
Subvert
- One major aspect from this crime documentary that subverts typical conventions for this genre is the use of multiple angle shots during the interview, this could be shot from the front view, side view and back view. Other typical interviews in a crime documentary solely focuses their shot in one static angle only. The use of multiple angles in an interview can add visual interest and smooth narrative flow.
5.) How does it create suspense using the following
- Camera
↪ A long shot is used to establish the setting of the interview, this builds anticipation from the audience into thinking what would happen in that situation
↪ Unsettling music playing after the interview scene was finished by the use of violin, this adds another layer to the visual narrative and communicates certain emotions that can't necessarily be seen, in this case, the uncertainty of how the event happened
↪ Dim and dark lighting was used during the interview scene to create an unsettling atmosphere
↪ A mirror editing of a person was used. As the issue revolves around a person with many faces, the symbolic use of this edit shows the person's reflection being split into two that visually represent their duality
6.) What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
Once again, I disapprove with the negative actions they did in the crime documentary, but the idea of a person with many faces and in disguise, while successfully run away from the police every single time without a trace created a possible inspiration for our crime documentary story. I really also liked the idea when the director decides to include the montage where the interview was being set up, this truly captures the realism between the interviewer and the interviewee.
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─── ⋆⋅ Documentary 5 ⋅⋆ ───
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann (2019)
1.) What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorise this as?
True crime
This crime documentary takes a detailed look at the disappearance of a 3-year-old Madeleine McCann, who vanished while on holiday with her family, making it fall into this genre as it centers attention around a real life disappearance of a person who's still concernedly missing until now.
2.) Who is the target audience?
- The intended target audience for this crime documentary are parents who are deeply caring towards their children, they may have watched this crime documentary to raise awareness in taking care of their children.
3.) What typical documentary conventions were used?
- Interviews of authorities
- Voice over narration, reporters reporting the missing case on the news
- Extreme long shot of neighbourhood to showcase context
- Dramatic re-enactment POV shot of Madeleine's room without her presence
- Old video footage of Madeleine and her Mom and Dad to create a sense of nostalgia
4.) Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?
Conform
- Most of the scenes takes place during night time
- Emotional soundtrack was used, this could make the audience more emphatetic towards the characters in this crime documentary, especially the victim herself, Madeleine and her parents who has not give up searching for her
Subvert
- Dissolve edit and super slow pacing can generate smooth transition between cuts. Usually, typical crime documentaries used immediate cuts to heighten the pacing
5.) How does it create suspense using the following
- Camera
↪ A slight blurred background of Madeleine's searching cause audience to not fully
↪ POV shot of Madeleine's room without her presence may heighten panic, this would make
↪ Lowkey lighting to obscure what is happening and the unknown, this would create tension in the atmosphere and shape audiences' imagination on what would appear, leading to fear
↪ Slow motion edit is used to heighten the emotional impact of audience and to create a dynamic contrast with the normal speed which may feel more intense for the audience to feel
There is not much suspense being presented in this documentary as it focuses more on the emotional impact of the audience and to gain sympathy and understanding from the audience, hence the technical elements for these are quiet limited. This documentary leans more towards emotional and reflective content for viewers instead of relying on suspenseful twists.
6.) What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?
One of the parts of the opening I find inspiring was the smooth dissolve transition between each scenes, especially during the part where it cuts between people searching for missing Madeleine and childhood videos/pictures of young Madeleine where I as the audience can feel the emotional connection as it deepens the emotional impact of the story. This has widen my perspective because cuts without a transition may now seem dull and lack a sense of emotional connection, so I may include this to show the character's strong/deep emotional connection to the events in my own crime documentary.
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─── ⋆⋅ Additional brief research ⋅⋆ ───
The additional crime documentaries I choose to watch myself and the ones my teacher recommended to view are shown below. I'll also provide a quick analysis of the documentaries' usage of technical elements and what inspiration I can take and implement from these documentaries.
─── ⋆⋅ American Vandal (Netflix) ⋅⋆ ───
- Sound
↪ Voiceover of news report during the crime scenes
↪ Voiceover from the main character themselves to build a sense of connection with the audience as if they were talking to them directly
- Camera
↪ Footages of childhood videos were used to build sympathy from audience
↪ Screenshots of the main character's Instagram post + zoom in
↪ Panning of a long shot taken from an angle above to showcase the landscape
↪ A close up shot of the main character's eyes looking straight at the camera (direct mode of address) to build either certainty or uncertainty for the audience (Voiceover: "I know I didn't do it)
- Edit
↪ Quick cuts of the crime scene (vandalism on cars) to increase the pace and to add energy and intensify suspense of what is happening
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↪ Social media posts regarding the crime scene, to showcase realism and real life reactions from the surrounding community
- Mise-en-scene
↪ The whole documentary (specially the opening scene) mostly takes place around the school, where the event happened, therefore they include the interviews and montages of the school's facilities (library, parking lot, classroom, etc)
─── ⋆⋅ The Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020) ⋅⋆ ───
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─── ⋆⋅ Ice Cold: Murder, Coffee and Jessica Wongso (Netflix, 2023) ⋅⋆ ───
↪ Another good editing from this documentary is the use of split screen to show the recent interview and their doings in the past in order to create a sense of dynamism.
─── ⋆⋅ Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam (Netflix, 2024) ⋅⋆ ───
↪ I really like the editing style of this documentary as a whole. The introduction starts with the footages of the band's popularity back in the days that was shown in a television with glitch effects between different scenes, this convey a sense of nostalgia from their old style (The whole style of this introduction was to mimic an old broken television playing)
─── ⋆⋅ Night Stalker: The Hunt For a Serial Killer (Netflix, 2021) ⋅⋆ ───
↪ Omnious music but with lyrics that is sung softly with echo effects
↪ Music gradually builds up from slow to a more frightening music
- Camera
↪ Dutch angle used on a long shot to cause a sense of unease for the viewer (Voiceover of "L.A. could be a very dark place")
- Edit
↪ Comparison shots between the old city versus the new city
↪ A flash is used as a transition between clips to create a sense of urgency and panic
↪ Quick cuts to increase tension
- Mise-en-scene
↪ Most of the landscape shots were taken during the evening or night time which evokes a sense of fear and increase unsettling atmosphere
─── ⋆⋅ American Murder: The Family Next Door (Netflix, 2020) ⋅⋆ ───
- Sound
↪ The use of voiceover (a woman calling the police, blur sound)
↪ Sound effects of a mouse pointer clicking
- Camera
↪ Zoom in into picture of the face
↪ Long shot, pan of the house neighbourhood
↪ A POV shot from the police's perspective, inspecting the house
- Edit
↪ A chat message on a black screen, slowly fades out to a background setting
↪ Transitions between clips often cuts to a black screen
↪ I like the idea of screen recording the victim's social media page and interacting with it (as if we as the audience were clicking and looking at the page). I might use for our crime documentary project.
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↪ Quick cuts between photos with camera shutter sound effect and flash between each photo (as if there were taken by a real life camera)
- Mise-en-scene
↪ Interrogation room
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─── ⋆⋅ Missing & Searching ⋅⋆ ───
Missing and Searching are films that are not categorised as a documentary due to the fact that these are fiction and made up films, however I wanted to add this to my research because I'm heavily inspired with the editing of these two films. They have used lots of "screen-recording" alike editing which builds a modern cinematic language for the audience to view. Both of these films successfully utilises the concept innovatively, from staying accurate to the technology used by their characters to tell a story that is believable within the confines of the genre's limitations. This is what I wanted to convey towards the audience later on, to deliver a story through virtual screens with the use of mainly close ups. Furthermore, using the screen to show what is happening is built at a fast pace for audience with a short attention span. We wanted to draw inspiration from this as well by revealing the real killer at the end with a scene where they look suspicious and intimidating for the audience to be interested enough. In the movie, the culprit is revealed at the end and has a brief presence on screen before the sinister side emerges.
┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━•❃°•° Self reflection°•°❃ •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓
Researching and analysing tons of crime documentary openings are not the most fun task and very mundane out of others, but I realised how much important this step is before creating my own crime documentary project. It definitely took me quite awhile to conduct this research as I had to analyse numerous crime documentary openings in depth, I even had to restart the clips from the beginning or replaying the scenes for a few times so that I can analyse every camera angles & movements, mise-en-scene, sound and edit that is being used in the opening. Besides the mandatory research, I also included researches of my own; this allow me to gather more inspiration based on my own preference that I will incorporate to the crime documentary. Surprisingly, I did enjoy this process. Nevertheless, this research is a crucial step for my crime documentary project so that I can create a professional, high quality and in line with the conventions used for a crime documentary itself. Next time, I really want to make better use of my time so that I don't get behind on the other blog posts I need to finish and ensuring that every research have balanced amount of analysis.
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