PRODUCTION - Research - The Undatables

In this post I will be beginning to analyse other films in similar genres and look at how the codes and conventions align with our film idea. It will help us when it comes to looking at shot types to use, 

 This clip is from The Undateables. - Season 2 , Episode 1

STRUCTURE 

The general structure of "The Undateables" is one that follows a normal eveyday scenario. It is very documentary styled in respect to the characters don't have any lines and when they area asked questions by the crew their answers are very natural. (above is an example). The character are initially seen going about their everyday life, being followed by the crew and being interviewed or asked general questions about their love life and about their past when it comes to relationships and love. 

 It then moves on to the office setting when the cast are being informed they've been matched with someone else who has similar interests, hobbies etc. The office styled setting helps make the audience aware that this is real life and not fiction. 

 We are then introduced to the other lucky participant. We find out about them and their daily lifestyle including their hobbies and interests as well as their past relationships. We see the couple both getting ready to go on their date that has been arranged by the agency and the characters both getting ready with their friends and family supporting them throughout.

 The audience then also get to watch the date as it unfolds for the couple, whether or not it has been a success. The date tends to happen in a public place like a park or a quiet cafe so that the couple have time to enjoy each others company away from the business of normality.

 Following the date, the couple are both asked how they think the date went and may ask for each others contact details etc. This engages the audience as we ourselves have watched them from being nervous in their rooms before the date to having a successful meet up that has the potential to blossom into something magical. 

MISE EN SCENE

Throughout the entire episode, there is a continual use of bright lighting which creates a happy atmosphere. The candidates are seen in their homes before they go on their date. This creates a homey vibe when watching as you feel like you truly know the character before they go on their date. The characters also chat to their family and friends throughout which again, reiterates the calm homey atmosphere. The viewers are engaging with the characters as they are taking about their daily life, walking through town or making tea in the kitchen. 
Shots like the one above allow the user to engage with the character and create a more documentary styled feel as the character is taking us around himself and not with a camera crew. We feel a true connection to the character which also creates an emotional bond so when their date doesn't work out you almost feel their pain. 


ATTITUDES TOWARDS CHARACTERS/SETTING/THEME


Throughout the episode, you get introduced to many different characters as well as people of signifance to them. When we meet Michael, we also get to meet him mum. She voices her opinion on the whole aspect of his dating life and how she wishes for him to meet someone. This is an emotional connection for me, as a viewer, as I know that his family also want to see him happy in the future. 

As Michael walks down the streets, he is treated like any normal human being proving that his disability doesn't and shouldn't affect the way he lives his life. When we see Michael meet his date, he goes to buy her flowers and you see him engaging with the women in the shop.  They treat him like an average person which is heart-warming to see as he suffers from autism which has greatly affected his life before now. 

The setting throughout the episode and other episodes is a very public environment which is stratigically used so the couple don't get too much attention drawn to them while they have their first date.

The music that is used is always upbeat and happy with the use of wind instruments and guitars to create this light-hearted atmosphere. The use of bright colours as well as the pinks and reds that reflect love entice the audience to stay and watch more. The swirly styled font used in the title screen as well as throughout with the names of the characters creates a happy romantic vibe throughout the episode,=. 


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