3. Task 1- from Brief Produce a report which explains the options that E4 have for the research that can be carried out (this must include both market and production research). You must explain which types of research Kantar Media can provide and the advantages and disadvantages of each. In the report summary you must explain the 4 types of research (2 market and 2 production) that you think would be the most appropriate for the client’s needs and why. To help you with this you will have the Treatment information produced by E4 for the new television drama.
4. Task 1- what to include Start by explaining why media industries carry out research – why is it so important? Try to find some examples here to illustrate why researchis so important Identify the target audience of ‘Halls’ as it is described in the Programme Treatment Identify ways in which they can improve the range of their target audience by making some changes to their Programme Treatment, try to use some examples here from real television shows Describe the differences between market research and production research and explain why they are important in their own ways for media producers Market Research – explain two things E4 could do to carry out market research for their programme ‘Halls’ – try to find some examples of what types of market research other television shows have carried out Explain the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of market research Production research - explain two things E4 could do to carry out production research for their programme ‘Halls’ – try to find some examples of what types of production research other television shows have carried out Explain the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of production research
5. To achieve a Pass you must... Describe the purposes of research in the media industries with some appropriate use of subject terminology. Just tell me why media industries carry out research.
6. To achieve a Merit you must Explain the purposes of research in the media industries with well chosen examples and appropriate use of subject terminology. Explain why media industries carry out research and explain the two categories. Use some examples from REAL LIFE
7. To achieve a Distinction you must Fully explain the purposes of research in media industries with supporting arguments, illustrative examples and fluent use of subject terminology. Explain why media industries carry out research, describe the two categories. Discuss some types of research and examples, giving your opinion about pro’s and con’s of the research.
8. 1 - You can use this example in your work to gain a Merit but of you use this example AND one you have found yourself then you will gain a Distinction. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4236098.stm The Guardian newspaper used the research they got from the NRS to realise that they needed to start competing with their rivals again by changing their format. Start by explaining why media industries carry out research – why is it so important? Try to find some examples here to illustrate why researchis so important.
9. 2 - Identify the target audience of ‘Halls’ as it is described in the Programme Treatment Who is the show aimed at? Use all the details in the Programme Treatment to consider the: Class Age Gender Ethnicity Lifestyle A useful way to identify the audience is to consider the cast of the show and the main themes of the show – who are the characters going to be most familiar with and connect with – that is your target audience. Two big clues to help you are the inspirations for the show, Skins and This Life. Try to find out who these shows were aimed and consider the similarities between them. http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A513659 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Life http://www.televisionheaven.co.uk/thislife.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skins_(TV_series) http://www.e4.com/skins/ http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/aug/25/edinburghtvfestival.television1
10. Identify ways in which they can improve the range of their target audience by making some changes to their Programme Treatment, try to use some examples here from real television shows 3 - If you think there are area’s where E4 could improve their target audience explain them. A good way to achieve Distinction level would be to then discuss the areas of increased advertising revenue these changes could create. Describe some of the types of adverts, products, etc that would be appropriate to advertise during the show given the audience.
11. Describe the differences between market research and production research and explain why they are important in their own ways for media producers 4 - Explain what market research is and why it is important Explain what production research is and why it is important If you want to you can include this section with your information in number 1.
12. Market Research – explain two things E4 could do to carry out market research for their programme ‘Halls’ – try to find some examples of what types of market research other television shows have carried out 5 - Market research is all about the audience, so what sorts of things might E4 do to research the target audience for Halls? Interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, create a pilot of the show and have test screenings? http://www.outsource2india.com/kpo/site/webresearch/web-based-market-research.asp Discuss some examples of how other shows or television channels research their audience http://www.channel4sales.com/ - the section on Data on this website might be useful to take a look at
13. 6 - Explain the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of market research Try to think of at least one advantage and one disadvantage for each type of market research you have discussed. This will get you into the Distinction category because it shows you have considered the results of using this kind of market research.
14. Production research - explain two things E4 could do to carry out production research for their programme ‘Halls’ – try to find some examples of what types of production research other television shows have carried out 7 - Production research is all about the content and the construction of the product, so you have to consider and discuss two elements here. In terms of the content of the show what might E4 need to consider and research further – think about the issues raised in the show that might need some realistic information and details. Also think about the situation the characters are in – they are all starting university so you may suggest to E4 that they do some research into what Freshers week at uni is like, think about how E4 might learn this information. In terms of the construction of the show what issues might E4 need to research and consider further when planning the production – think about where they might film the show, would it better to cast young unknown actors or bigger star names to help attract more of an audience? What is a typical budget and how much will they have to spend on creating the show – will it be financially viable? http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/aug/23/tv-controllers-plans - look here at the Channel 4 section http://www.scribd.com/doc/6397169/Production-Budget - this is an example Production Budget (in American dollars)
15. 8 - Explain the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of production research Try to think of at least one advantage and one disadvantage for each type of production research you have discussed. This will get you into the Distinction category because it shows you have considered the results of using this kind of market research.
