FMP Weekly Log 1

Context

For this week on the FMP my main focus on was on buildinf the research for my project, Echoes of then. The project explores how nostalgia and past memories continnue to influence modern media, audiences and culture. My project has a strong link to the Back in the Dayz Podcast with Stevo the Madman.

In this week I developed the core research segment, my strategy and material I can use within my project. This is majorly important as my project is aimed at a specific audience of 16-25 with no real gender skew and it helps develop it from an initial idea to a more structured based documentary plan.

Research

Story

The main part of my research is all about what Echoes of then is about and who is it actually for. Developing an audience plan by identifying that the core audience would be digitally active who are interested in media, music, nostalgia and podcast culture.

I stregthened the research too through my case study through research into the Back in the Dayz podcast this was useful as the podcast is built around reflection and a shared memory. They are presenting it as a “Trip down memory lane” that makes it directly relevant to my target audience.

Stylistic

My stylistic research is all about what Echoes of then would actually look like and sound like in order to appeal to my target audience. I researched how sucessful audio story telling uses structure, sound and interview material to keep the listeners enganged rather than just one voice all of the way through. Using sources like BBC Academy and Transom.

I also linked this stylistic research to the podcast itself. Elements such as the nostalgic introduction and recogognisable cultural references and humuours moments are all techniques that could help the project appeal to the target audience. I also reflected on my own documentary series “The playbook” not on the content itself but rather on the pacing of it and how I could adapt it to this project.

An example of the content and recognisable sounds etc has been attached as an mp3 below

Technical

My technical setup is based around recording my script in a sound treated space, using an Audio Technica AT 2020 which has a wide frequency range however when in a treated enviorment it preforms very well. I will also be editing the entire project on Adobe audition on my Macbook Pro M2.

I also looked at Epidemic Sound for a sournce for ambient sounds in the background for FX and assests. It is important as it is a credible professional sournce for audio sourcing.

Practical Skills

My practical skills mainly invloved organising and improving the research presentation on my website rather than beginning my production phase. I built out the research phase that would clear my target audience up nicley. S tronget ink to the back in the dayz podcast.

Evaluation and Reflection

What Went Well (WWW)

1. The research became more focused and audience-led.

This week I made the project more specific by linking multiple research sections back to the same target audience of 16–25 year olds, with a secondary audience of 26–35. This made the project feel more consistent and helped me avoid writing research that was too broad. 

2. The case study became more relevant and evidence-based.

By using Back in the Dayz as a central case study and backing it up with Spotify and Apple Podcasts sources, I made the research more grounded and directly connected to my own project. 

3. My sources became more credible.

I improved the quality of the research by using official and professional sources for style, audio production and sound design, which makes the report stronger overall.  

EBI (Even Better If)

1. I add more direct notes from each source into the research page.

Although I collected strong links, the next improvement is to include more short analytical comments explaining exactly what I learned from each source and how it will influence the final production.

2. I improve the presentation and spelling of the research page.

Some of the writing still needs refining so that it looks more professional, especially in headings, spelling and consistency across the page. 

3. I begin linking the research more directly to each of the three episodes.

The research is strong overall, but it would be better if the next stage clearly showed how particular findings will shape Episode 1, Episode 2 and Episode 3 individually.