Audience research iv

Audience Research IVThis audience research looks at

the effectiveness of my introduction script and synopsis.

Katie Ranns

The Research I designed some qualitative research questions

that enabled me to collect detailed response and develop a more in-depth conclusion of my products effectiveness.

I made sure to question the realism of both synopsis and script as well as for my audience to identify some social realism components (if there were any) so I could be sure my product was likely to match the required specifications.

The Script

Synopsis: Sarah’s grandmother and sole carer, Bertha, dies and she is forced to move in with her Aunt Kelly and her family who she barely knows. Kelly, being a workaholic, procrastinates from going to visit Bertha’s grave and which sends her into a fit of rage and sadness. With Kelly being on complex terms with Bertha for the most of her life and her cousin Charlie having never met his grandmother, it is clear to Sarah that they do not care much about Bertha’s death. Sarah moves to a new school where she knows nobody but Charlie, who is quite popular and doesn’t stray from his intimidating group of friends. Having no friends and nobody to comfort her she becomes depressed, tired and moody. One day her drowsiness overcomes her and she is involved in an embarrassing encounter in the school bistro that leaves her the victim of bullying. Having no friends, no comfort and now being teased she begins to self harm.Later on in the week, Charlie finds a bloody razor in the bin of the bathroom. He becomes suspicious of Sarah and confronts her. She says she cut herself shaving. Charlie continues to be concerned. Sarah notices some of her clothes and make-up are missing and asks Charlie if he's seen them. When he opens his bedroom door Sarah she sees her make-up on his desk. They trade secrets.At school, Charlie now begins to defend Sarah whilst she's being bullied and eventually wins his group over, accepting Sarah. Days later Charlie is involved in a fight with a boy for calling him a 'tranny'. Through fear that his secret is out, he argues with Sarah and doesn't believe her innocence. Sarah is exiled from the group at school sending her into a deeper state of depression.One afternoon, Kelly discovers Sarah's scars. A heated argument ensues and Sarah leaves the house and crosses the road where she is hit by a car. After Sarah's funeral, Charlie admits to Kelly the truth about what he did to Sarah.

Script Questions1. Can you identify any themes or issues addressed

within the script? What do you think they are?2. What is your initial emotional response to the

script?3. Do you think the script portrays life in a realistic

fashion? How so?4. Does this script harbour any social realism

elements? What are they?5. Can you think of any ways to improve the script?

Synopsis Questions 1. Can you identify any themes or issues running

through the synopsis? What are they?2. What is your immediate emotional response to

the synopsis?3. Is the synopsis reciting any realistic responses to

the storyline from Sarah and the other characters involved? How so?

4. Is there any social realism components featured within or throughout the synopsis? What are they?

5. Can you think of some advice to share that may help to improve the synopsis?

Comparative Questions 1. What are the similarities and differences

between script and the synopsis?2. Does the script emanate an effective

introduction for the synopsis? How well do the script and synopsis compliment each other?

3. How well do you think the script introduction establishes the synopsis’ key themes and issues?

Audience Responses The answers I managed to gather was a mixture

of written and spoken responses. Due to previous audience research, I made sure

to approach the target demographic my product is likely to appeal to and therefore collect a much more valid response.

Script Responses

Synopsis Responses

Comparative Responses

Spoken Response

http://youtu.be/R4puTA6pMEY

Response ConclusionAll of my respondents managed to identify a variety of social realism themes and issues throughout both script and synopsis as well as were able to recognise some common social realism features and conventions. The emotional responses I evoked with my script and synopsis were as hoped. My script and synopsis were thought of as realistic since the themes and issues that take place do happen in real life.

Response ConclusionThe responses identified a clear relationship between both script and synopsis and were able to pin-point exactly how the script and synopsis relate.The advice obtained was that I shouldn’t reveal as much detail in the synopsis but put a little more into my script instead to create a more “picturesque” feeling when representing my social group.