Unit 2.21 Proposal Draft/Final

For this section of the unit you need to produce a proposal – probably based on some ideas you explored in the first part of this unit.

You need to produce 2 versions of the proposal. Initially the proposal is a first draft and while it needs to be detailed and accurate you will then have a chance to improve and correct it later in this unit. SEE CRITERIA BELOW FOR P2,M2,D2, P3, M3, D3 which you will be marked against. 

You can use work that you have already done for this section (e.g a proposal for a documentary, music video, short film or photography project) but you may need to add sections or rework the layout. Once the proposal is drafted you should discuss this with your teacher or client and make improvements and ensure there are no mistakes and that the language is appropriate. You will need both versions for your folder. 

Use the sub headings below and the attached questions to build up your proposal. 

INITIAL PROPOSAL/FINAL PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

1.Outline of Product:

What are you intending to produce? Clearly state the type/format of product, the genre, the  length.

(e.g This is a proposal for a one hour pilot episode of a new crime drama series, Carter. The series will revolve around the central character of Jim Carter, a police detective and a drug addict, who lives and works in London.)

What is the purpose of the product?

2. Content: (This will obviously differ depending on what you are making and you should make your own decisions about the key points

Fictional feature film/short film

• Characters (describe the main characters – looks and appearance, personality, short backstory)
• Plot- description of plot
• Main Locations- (as depicted in the story if fictional e.g the police station)
• Recurring themes ( e.g Revenge, betrayal)
• You will need to describe the look and style of the production- refer to the style of camera work and editing using technical language, the look and style of the production (visual appearance- costumes, locations, set design). Remember this can be built on for the second version)

Documentary/Factual

• Describe in detail the subject of your factual show
• What is the intended aim of the show
• Describe the format (one off/series)genre (chat show/documentary/how to show/cookery etc) length and the expected channel and viewing time.
• What is the look and style of the show going to be: refer to camera style, editing style, set design, music
• What is the projected budget for the show- this should be broken down- cast and crew  and set design costs; post production costs.
• Budget guidance here2

3. Similar products/What will make it different?

• Explain similarities with other products on the market. Make specific references to specific elements e.g camera work will be similar to the style of Guy Ritchie films such as . . . (but be sure that you can explain why)

• Explain what will make it different from or in contrast to other products in the same genre

4. Target Audience

• Identify your audience by as many criteria as you can-

Age

Gender bias

Social background/Education

Urban/Rural/North/South

Other relevant likes/dislikes (particularly other Media preferences and social attitudes)

• It a good idea to describe a typical target audience member

5. Target Audience Research:

It is important as part of a proposal to have research to back up your ideas. A good way to do this is to undertake research into audience preferences.

One way to lend your proposal weight is to show information through graphs.

Undertake research which helps you shape your product that you can show easily through graphs.

Possible questions could include the following depending on your product. . . Approximately 5 questions would be appropriate.

Which of the following types of Short Films Genres do you prefer?

Psychological Thriller 

Crime Thriller

Supernatural Thriller

Urban Thriller

What type of characters and story

Realist

Anti-Realist 

Open Ended

Closed Ended (Strong sense of resolution)

Non-Linear Narrative

Linear Narrative

Twist/Surprise ending

6. Draw conclusions from your research- look at the example in the D2 criteria below.