Textual Analysis

Text being analysed: Grime Documentary

Source of text: BBC

Approximate date of broadcast: Summer 2008

Potential Audience for Text

It is clear that there is no indication of the specific target audience so we can imply that it is targeting all races
however, the majority of those seen in the documentary were primarily black and the specific genre of music
discussed is considered to be 'black music'.

The topic discussed, the music, the contributors and informality gives a clear indication of the age of the target
audience. In this case, it can be implied that it is targeting ages 13 - 30 possibly.

Possible social class would be C-E.

Description of text

This is a documentary about the underground UK music scene, its development and its contribution to increasing
number of crime associated incidents.

Unlike other similar grime documentaries, it focuses not only on the negative side of grime but the positives as
well.

A lot of the footage seen was captured on various locations.

Key Influences on your idea – Style and Form

The use of popular music is used accurately to appeal to the tastes of the audience, sets the tone and also the
mixture of genres to emphasise the topic is used effectively.

The way in which it has been edited with close attention to the pace and style of a music video can be
incorporated into my documentary.

Voice over is dominant over seeing an actual presenter. This can be of some advantage to me as it will save a lot of
camera time allowing me to meet the brief of 5 minutes.

It uses a lot of archive footage to get specific points across this can be of some use to me to support opinions.
Use of Camera

There is a evident use of different camera shots and movements used to increase interest and complexity in the
documentary. However, I think I can use more of a variety of different shots.

There is a lot of camera movement, mostly handheld. In opinion, I think at times they were trying to adapt a
similar style to a music video.

Use of Editing

The editing is a very fast pace, quite similar to the concept and layout of a music video.

Editing is used for timing purposes regarding the voice over and archive footage.

Use of Sound

The mode of address is indirect and direct at times where ‘Nasty jack‛ uses ‘you‛

Voice over is used.

Mixture of different grime anthems to give those who aren‛t aware of the genre to get a better understanding.

Content and Conventions

Music is used to add feature and emphasise the seriousness of the topic.

Sign off and Sign on

Cutaways

The documentary focuses on the opinions of people surrounding the topic. Therefore there were a lot of real
people, experts and artists being interviewed.

There isn‛t a great use of facts and figures but is evident at times in the documentary.

There is a good use of camera movement and shots used when necessary.

There is an evident use of archive footage to give the audience a better understanding of the topic.

Images are used in this documentary when someone in particular is being spoken about where there is not enough
or no footage of them. It helps give the audience an idea of the type of person they are possibly.

Casual Clothes of presenter and interviewees

Archive Footage was used primarily in this documentary.

Graphics are used for the subtitles of those who are speaking informally so that the audience can understand.

Demonstrations of MCs performing