Researching and planning

Understanding Researching and Planning

• Researching and Planning involves gathering and assessing information relevant to your media project.
• It’s a crucial stage, where you take the central concept from your Ideas Generation and begin to shape it into a feasible project.
• Two key elements of this stage are Primary Research (creating new data) and Secondary Research (using existing data).

Importance of Researching and Planning

• Successful Research and Planning are the foundations of any media project, helping to establish the story, style, and logistics of your creative work.
• Thorough planning enables you to manage resources and remain on schedule, limiting delays and overuse of materials.
• Researching helps you to understand your audience, genre, location, and any other elements that could influence the way you develop your production.

Techniques for Researching

• Surveys and interviews can gather firsthand data directly from people.
• Case studies allow for an in-depth exploration of particular examples relevant to your project.
• Analysis of existing media helps you understand current trends and techniques.

Techniques for Planning

• Pre-production documents, such as scripts, storyboards, and shooting schedules, help outline your project.
• Budgeting ensures that your envisioned project is financially achievable.
• Contingency planning allows preparation for any unexpected obstacles during production.

Documenting Research and Plans

• All your findings and preparations should be clearly documented and organised.
• This should be done in a way that makes the information easily accessible for both yourself and anyone else who may be involved in your project.
• Using online storage platforms can help to prevent loss of information.

Evaluating Research and Plans

• After compiling research and outlining plans, you will need to evaluate them in relation to your initial concept.
• Consider whether the research supports your concept and if the plans are feasible and within your resources.
• Use this evaluation as a basis to modify your concept or plans if necessary.

Challenges in Researching and Planning

• Accurate and sufficient data collection might be difficult due to restricted access, limited time, or insufficient resources.
• Planning can be affected by changes in availability of cast, crew or locations, budget reductions, or external factors like weather.
• It is essential to remain flexible and have a considered contingency plan to overcome such obstacles.