Text being analysed: Supersize vs Superskinny

Source of text: Channel 4 (Television) and 4od and YouTube (Internet)

Approximate date of broadcast: January 2008 - Present

Description of textThis documentary looks as two individuals with opposite sizes (one bigger and one smaller). The aim is to swap their diets with each other and see what is healthy or unhealthy about their diets. They also learn how to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. This is not a biased or unfair documentary as it looks at different sizes of people and different diets. It also has expert opinions as well as ordinary people who may not know as much about the topic.

Who- Two participants (Sandra and Tatiana) one big in size and one small in size.- The presenter – Dr Christian Jessen (who specialises in this area – Different diets and healthy eating)- Anna Richardson (Journalist)Location- The feeding clinic where the participants will live for five days while taking part in the experiment.- Various other locations where Anna Richardson will go to collect primary source research and conduct interviews with professionals or the general public.

Potential Audience for text

This documentary is aimed at adult’s age 18 years old – adults in their late 40’s. The participants in this programme are a range of ages (Sandra is 40 years old and Tatiana is 19 years old). It appeals more to females than males as females are more body conscious but it can appeal to males who are interested in improving their diet and becoming healthier. All races and ethnicities can enjoy and learn from this programme and so can all socio economic groups. It appeals mainly to working class people may have more takeaways and more unhealthy food.

Key Influence on your idea – Content and form

- The editing and sound of this documentary is light-hearted and more informal than formal. This relates to the theme and feel that I want my documentary to have as my topic (Fitness and exercise) is also a light-hearted and informal topic.- Content – This documentary informs and educates the participants as well as the viewers. As well as teaching any participants in my documentary, I also want the viewers to learn something new.- In this documentary the presenter specialises in healthy eating ad balanced diets so he knows how to guide the participants and the viewers and he knows what he is talking about. I want the presenter in my documentary to be able to relate and understand the viewers.

Use of Camera

- Zooms, Tilts and PansEvery camera movement is used for a specific reason e.g. Tilts to show the bodies of the participants from head to toe using a close-up or mid-shot.- A range of camera shots – e.g. a lot of long shots, close-ups and mid-shots.- Camera on a tripod.- Low angle shot – (for emphasis) e.g. to show Sandra almost attacking her fridge.

Use of editing

- Split Screens – To show comparisons and emphasise differences – e.g. showing both participants being measured at the same time and showing the differences between the bodies.- Graphics (Text) – Bold, orange, stands out and it is displayed in the middle of the shot so there is no chance of missing it.- Speed up’s which moves in time with the music.- A lot of different transactions to make the documentary look more interesting.- All of the different scenes and shots flow very well into each other.

Use of sound

- Music – Relevant to the theme as it has an upbeat tempo - Mainly instrumentals- Voiceovers – The voice over introduces the viewer to the documentary and what will happen throughout. The voiceover also gives the viewer relevant facts about the participants and their lifestyles and anyone else who is features (e.g. the presenter and journalist).

Content and Conventions

- Expert advice/opinions- Vox pops – Mini surveys- Voiceovers- Facts- Camera movement- Music- Interviews – Experts and general public