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

FM2: Small Scale Research Project You need to choose an area of investigation that falls within one of the following areas: 1.Star/performer 2.Genre 3.Technology 4.Social, Historical and Political Contexts 5.Auteur

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

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….

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

Read exemplar work – Revisionist Western

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

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

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

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

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!

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 6 th 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

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.

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)

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.

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!

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?

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.