WEEKLY JOURNALS

This is where you think about your FMP learning journey and development.
Don’t simply describe what you did - consider what you have learnt and how this has benefitted
your project. What do you need to improve?

THIS IS JUST GUIDANCE THAT YOU NEED TO ADAPT TO YOUR OWN PROJECT. YOU HAVE CREATED YOUR
OWN PRODUCTION SCHEDULES AND YOUR WEEKLY BLOGS SHOULD REFELCT THAT.

THESE QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN THE WEEKS YOU COMPLETED THEM. DO NOT JUST SUBMIT THIS
FORM FILLED IN FOR YOUR WEEKLY BLOGS. THERE SHOULD BE 11 WEEKLY BLOG ENTRIES (INCLUDING
EASTER).

Week Two - Research

RESEARCH

What did you learn from your I found that by and large most of what I discovered this week
research? through research was that looking at films from other genres, as
well and primary or secondary research is as effective as watching
horror movies themselves.

How has the research for your My research into the medium of short films has helped me with my
medium helped you improve your storyline – short films are by there very nature short, I need to keep
ideas? the story line simple yet intriguing enough to satisfied an audience
within the short time constraints.

How has the research for your genre
helped you improve your ideas?
I focused my research on the horror genre, as I have previously
researched the conventions of thrillers for another project. Looking
at horrors was useful for my production, as it has highlighted some
common conventions, such as:
- The use of music to build suspense and intensity

How has researching the
conventions of your chosen genre
helped you understand what is
required from you in order to meet a
distinction grade?
Looking at directors who are considered masters of their craft (e.g.
Alfred Hitchcock) has helped me see the importance of, lighting,
music, location, cinematography in creating a quality piece of
horror.

How has including a variety of
sources (primary and secondary)
helped with your understanding of
your medium / genre?
I have not been able to complete the majority of primary research
due to Covid-19 hampering my ability to conduct interviews and
focus groups. However, I published a survey on SurveryMonkey
and the responses informed of me of that audiences in my age
range do not think violence is essential in a good horror film. I still
plan to include violence in my short film, however, I have taken
this feedback onboard and plan to make the violence less overt
(off-camera).

The secondary research helped me understand specific codes

 and conventions in horror – such as types of shots that are most
commonly used (close ups, both normal and extreme)

What sources of information did you I looked at the long feature length film, Hunted, which is neither a
look at that were different from your horror film, nor a short film. In Hunted, they make excellent use of
proposed project? music and cinematography to give the audience an immersive
experience of being hunted and approached.

How will this be useful to your I intend to use my research to influence my planning. I will pay
planning? particular attention my use of music, building the story to a climax,
specific shots to increase intensity and tension, as well as taking
particular care to craft a engaging and memorable protagonist.

How has the research for your I also watched a documentary on famous Alaskan serial killer,
content/topic helped you improve Robert Hanson, who I cite as my biggest inspiration for my
your ideas? production’s antagonist.

How has the research into
artists/producers helped you
improve your ideas?
I researched Tobe Hooper, most known for directing the low
budget, cult hit, Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1978). The build in this
feature, it’s use of tension is note-worthy. Hooper makes great use
of building the tension in the first and second acts of the movie,
which increasing the effect of the later scenes. I plan to use a
similar technique in my short film.

What work do you need to I need to continue with my good time management and set
complete outside of lessons to stay achievable, time limited targets to break this project down. I also
on track? need to build on what I’ve learnt in previous projects and fine
tune my skillset.

High Grade Tips

Research
● ‘Thorough research’ - include plenty of sources and detailed analysis of this information
● ‘relevant & coherent’ – make sure your research sources are not just the same as the Media
product you hope to make - and talk about how they inform your planning
● ‘sustained’ – continue your research throughout the eleven-week project and don’t just limit it to
the first two weeks
● ‘accomplished & considered’ – all of the above referred to in your daily/weekly reflections