Textual Analysis #3

'Behind The Beat' (A2 Production)


‘Behind The Beat’, although short in length manages to include a number of documentary conventions, in such a way that it doesn’t appear cramped or over done, as well as providing it’s audience with information on it’s chosen subject in an entertaining and interesting way. Interviews and footage from local gigs give a detailed insight into the subject and provide a fairly detailed explanation of what ‘beatboxing’ actually is as well as describing it’s history, amazingly this doesn’t feel rushed despite all taking place within the space of five and a half minuets. The interviewee and subject, at all times sounds knowledgeable as well as believable and is obviously very talented. The production makes effective use of low budget and its relatively plain setting (rural Suffolk) makes for an exciting contrast when compared with the underground beatboxing scene which it hides. Shots are held perfectly steady when need be and are very varied, ranging from close ups and tilted shots of the interviewee to long shots which show the setting. A wide range of shots also allows the producer to keep the audience attention by changing location regularly. A particularly effective shot is one that is taken out of the front window of a car and shows the journey to a club in Ipswich, which is speeded up allowing the production to flow seamlessly. The first shot we see is an establishing shot which slowly pans around to give the viewer a feel for the area as well as set them up for a contrast when the production gets going. If there were one problem with the production it would have to be the quality of the voice over but there is little way of correcting this due to the lack of available equipment. I am inspired by the variety of shots within this video and will attempt to use some of them within my own production. I also like the fact the subject matter is presented in an entertaining way and this combined with the varied shot types makes for a thoroughly enjoyable video.