Research – The Basics

Why research?

Researching gives you the necessary information and statistics to provide for your project. Research also gives a better chance of an improved final result as it aids preparation. Without research, standard and required information is no longer available which means it is difficult to create successful media projects. Production research also helps to create a unique media project as you research areas and subjects to create an exclusive project that stands out and gains attention. Production research avoids blending in with cliché projects.

Researching gains key information such as;

• What audiences enjoy viewing
• Which genre or type of film gains the most attention
• Understand the works of creating projects in the industry

There are two different types of methods of research, both of which provide vital information to aid success in the industry.

Primary research is research done first hand. This method provides new and relative information that cannot be found elsewhere. This can either be done via interviews, questionnaires (focus groups). This however requires time, patience and the will of interviewees. This can prove difficult and can result in lack of sufficient information.

Therefore secondary research can be used. This is an easier method of gaining information. However, if the media projects aims were to be unique, finding relevant information is an impossible task. Secondary research can only be done properly if the research taken is from a relevant source or similar media project. Otherwise secondary research wouldn’t not be useful. Finding the useful secondary research from similar projects.

Qualitative and quantitative research:

Qualitative research is used to uncover trends in thought and opinions on each media project. It is also used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. For example the movie ‘Dunkirk’ has a vast range of non-numerical data and opinions. These opinions vary from “utterly immersive account of Allied retreat” to “Bloodless, boring and empty”. IMDb scored the film 8.4/10 along with Rotten Tomatoes review of 93%.

Numerical and quantitative data for the film ‘Dunkirk’ show that the budget was estimated at $150,000,000 with a worldwide box office return at $492,200,000. This shows a $342,200,000 profit. Quantitative data also provides a more detailed and numerical version of customer reviews. This helps to create media to please the audience as we have the knowledge of what they enjoy. (http://deadline.com/2017/08/dunkirk-crosses-300-million-dollars-worldwide-box-office-christopher-nolan-1202143177/)

All types of research is vital to our Sheffield project as we can reveal information on the best places to visit for maximized views and great video content. We can also gain key opinions on Sheffield from either tourists or residents of the city. This all provides for every aspect of the project as we can plan and prepare every minor detail of the project to manufacture an original and unique view of the city of Sheffield.