Research

This is my research for project documentary.

The Final: Attack on Wembley

Premiered on Netflix on May 8 2024.

1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as?

Sports Crime

2. Who is the target audience?

Demographics:

• Football fans
• Predominantly British viewers
• People aged 18-50, with a likely focus on adults who are avid football followers

Psychographics:

• Individuals with an interest in high-profile sports events and controversies
• Those seeking a deeper understanding of criminal or violent incidents in sports arenas
• Football fans who want insight into the background of tragic events surrounding a match

3. What typical documentary conventions were used?

• Sit-down interviews with people involved in or affected by the event
• Real footage from CCTV cameras, phone recordings, and media coverage of the incident
• Eerie sound effects to build a sense of foreboding
• On-location shots at the stadium (Wembley) to give viewers context
• Background narration to explain the incident and guide the audience through the story

4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?

The opening subverted typical conventions of the sports crime genre by setting the opening scene in broad daylight, as these documentaries typically start with dark or ominous atmospheres. However, it conformed by using slow camera movements and eerie sound effects to build suspense early on.

5. How does it create suspense using the following:

Camera:

1. Slow camera movements at the beginning help to build anticipation, creating a tense atmosphere without revealing too much too quickly.
2. Wide-angle shots of the Wembley Stadium create a sense of scale, making the setting feel imposing.

Sound:

1. Eerie sound effects layered over the footage help to create an unsettling mood, signaling to the audience that something ominous is about to unfold.
2. Low, drawn-out tones keep the tension rising, putting viewers on edge.

Mise-en-scène:

1. The initial shots of the stadium in daylight contrast with the eerie atmosphere, subverting expectations and giving the location a sense of impending doom.
2. Everyday scenes like people entering the stadium create a false sense of calm, which is soon disrupted by the ominous tone of the documentary.

Editing:

1. The slow pace of the editing and the choice to focus on uneventful moments for extended periods builds anticipation.
2. Quick cuts between CCTV footage and interviews keep the audience alert and engaged as the tension escalates.

6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?

The use of slow camera movements and eerie sound effects to build suspense without revealing too much was particularly effective. The subversion of the daylight setting was also a clever way to contrast expectations with reality, making the documentary more unpredictable and engaging from the outset.

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Worse Roomate Ever

Released in March, 1, 2022.

1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as?

Attempted Murder Crime

2. Who is the target audience?

Demographics:

• Adults aged 25-55
• Primarily women, especially mothers
• People who have, or are considering having, roommates

Psychographics:

• Individuals interested in personal safety and crime prevention
• People who are cautious about shared living arrangements
• True crime enthusiasts who want insight into unsettling roommate dynamics

3. What typical documentary conventions were used?

• Interviews with the victims to recount their experience
• On-location shots of the crime scene to give context
• Eerie sound effects to create tension
• Use of real-life footage or dramatized re-enactments to illustrate key moments in the story
• Narration to guide the audience through the timeline of events

4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?

The opening conformed to the conventions of the attempted murder crime documentary genre by setting the scene in the evening, which immediately sets a dark and foreboding mood. It also used familiar elements like eerie sound effects and interviews with the victim to establish the tone and provide context for the story.

5. How does it create suspense using the following:

Camera:

1. Quick cuts between different shots, increasing the pace and creating a sense of urgency
2. Close-up shots of the victim during the interview to capture their emotions, making the viewer feel more connected to their fear and anxiety

Sound:

1. Discordant sound design builds unease and discomfort from the beginning
2. Eerie sound effects add to the tension, keeping viewers on edge as they anticipate what comes next
3. The sudden increase in tempo and pitch as time becomes critical amplifies the sense of danger

Mise-en-scène:

1. Evening settings shrouded in darkness create a threatening atmosphere, making the location feel ominous and unsafe
2. The use of ordinary, everyday settings for the incident contrasts with the horror of what occurred, enhancing the shock factor for the audience

Editing:

1. The use of quick cuts creates a heightened sense of urgency, mimicking the panic of the situation
2. Interspersing interview footage with shots of the crime scene builds anticipation as viewers piece together the story

6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?

The use of discordant sound to create discomfort and amplify tension was particularly effective. The quick cuts in editing helped build suspense by making the pace feel frantic, reflecting the urgency of the situation. The decision to open in the evening immediately sets a dark and eerie tone, which is something to keep in mind for future suspense-building techniques.

American Murder: The Family Next Door

September 30, 2020

1. What sub-genre of crime documentary would you categorize this as?

Murder Crime Documentary

2. Who is the target audience?

Demographics:

• Adults and teens aged 13+
• Residents of Colorado and true crime enthusiasts across the U.S.
• People interested in real-life crime stories and family-related tragedies

Psychographics:

• Individuals fascinated by real-life crime investigations and mystery cases
• Viewers who prefer documentaries that focus on personal relationships and family dynamics
• People who seek emotional and psychological insights into criminal behavior

3. What typical documentary conventions were used?

• Involvement of police and law enforcement officials throughout the investigation
• Use of real-life footage, including body cam footage and home video recordings
• Narration and interviews with people close to the case to provide context and emotional depth
• Visuals of the family’s daily life to give a sense of normalcy before the crime unfolds

4. Did this opening conform or subvert the conventions for this genre?

The opening subverted the typical murder crime documentary conventions by slowly unveiling the crime. Rather than showing the crime scene or immediate consequences, it focused on the sudden disappearance of the family without explaining what happened right away. This deliberate withholding of information creates a slow-burn tension and intrigue, drawing the viewer in gradually.

5. How does it create suspense using the following:

Camera:

1. Close-up shots of seemingly mundane family moments build an emotional connection with the audience while hinting that something darker is lurking beneath the surface.
2. Panning shots of empty rooms or the house create a sense of eeriness, suggesting that something is missing or off, keeping the audience guessing.

Sound:

1. Quiet, somber music paired with the visuals adds to the tension and unease.
2. The absence of loud or dramatic sound early on amplifies the mystery, allowing the tension to simmer slowly before more information is revealed.

Mise-en-scène:

1. The suburban setting of the family’s home presents an image of normality, which is contrasted with the unfolding horror, making the eventual crime feel even more shocking.
2. The use of actual footage from inside the home creates a sense of closeness and realism, blurring the lines between documentary and reality.

Editing:

1. The slow reveal of information through the editing allows the suspense to build over time, gradually exposing more details about the family’s disappearance and leaving the viewer wanting to know more.
2. Jumping between happy moments in the family’s life and footage of the investigation subtly hints at the tragedy without directly showing the crime early on.

6. What parts of the opening did you find inspiring?

The gradual buildup of suspense without showing the crime right away was highly effective. The use of real footage to make the viewer feel more personally connected to the family’s story and the contrast between their normal life and the crime made the documentary feel more impactful. This approach to suspense, letting it develop slowly, was inspiring for creating emotional depth in future projects.

What lies ahead for the Philippines' Duterte?

September 3, 2019

This documentary falls under the sub-genre of political crime, specifically focusing on failed domestic policy. The target audience includes young adults to adults, typically between the ages of 24 and 45, with mainly a male viewership. The audience is likely to be middle-class residents or citizens of the Philippines who speak English. Psychographically, this documentary appeals to individuals who want to better understand the government's failure to address crime, swing voters who are not firmly committed to a political party or candidate, and people who already hold negative attitudes toward President Duterte.

The documentary follows typical conventions for political crime documentaries. It features sit-down interviews with experts and individuals involved, narration to guide the viewer through the events, and numerous scenes showing landscapes and buildings, along with real footage of key incidents and events. It conforms heavily to the features of this genre.

Suspense is built through low-angle static shots of Duterte at a campaign rally that emphasize his strength. Long shots of crowds supporting Duterte reinforce his popularity. Low-pitched orchestral music paired with images of Duterte smirking with supporters creates a sinister atmosphere. The mise-en-scène of developing crime scene photos signals a breakdown in domestic policy and introduces a feeling of uncertainty. Quick cuts between scenes increase the intensity, building tension throughout the documentary.

What I find inspiring was the use of crime scene photos to underscore the documentary's main theme—government failure in addressing crime. This technique effectively conveyed the message and is something worth considering for future projects, as it aligns well with the conventions of crime documentaries.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich

May 27, 2020

This crime documantary is categorized as a true crime, biographical crime (focusing on Jeffrey Epstein’s life), and organized crime documentary. The target audience includes adults aged 25-50, with some appeal to younger viewers (18-25). This documentary appeals to those with a higher education level, potentially with backgrounds in politics, law, or journalism. It attracts viewers interested in politics, social justice, and activism, as well as those curious about how wealth can be used to abuse power and influence. The audience likely values knowledge, truth, and the questioning of authority.

The documentary conforms to typical conventions by including interview footage, interrogation scenes, and images of the victims and people involved in the crime. However, it subverts these conventions in its opening by using establishing shots and CGI to emphasize how money fuels and funds crime, creating a unique narrative.

Suspense is created through the use of static camera shots during the interview to maintain focus on the perpetrator, while the sound design gradually introduces a score by the end of the interview, signaling that something significant is about to occur. Looping and deep notes provoke unease and a sense of foreboding. The mise-en-scène uses TV static, dark colors, and imagery like a closing gate to evoke mystery and fear. Limited editing is employed, with long, dragged-out pacing and cuts focusing on the question-and-answer segments. Although I found the repeated emphasis on money constructing the narrative interesting, the lack of uncertainty in the opening failed to capture my full interest.

Self-reflection:
Researching and analyzing crime documentaries has helped me a ton to create my own crime documentary. Me and Carrick saw patterns of elements that were frequently used, and we decided to conform to most elements.