Production Research, an introduction

This book helps the new researcher to understand the possibilities to be considered when undertaking research and the kind of questions that need to be asked at each stage of the production process. Every programme is different and there is no one, correct answer to each situation.


Production Research is the process of finding the elements which make up a production - primarily information and contributors, but also additional material like archive footage, sound and still pictures. This book describes the skills and underpinning knowledge needed for production research for those working in broadcast and on-broadcast media.

This book helps the new researcher to understand the possibilities to be considered when undertaking research and the kind of questions that need to be asked at each stage of the production process. Every programme is different and there is no one, correct answer to each situation.

Based on the author's wealth of experience as a researcher on many and varied kinds of broadcast and non-broadcast programmes, Production Research: an introduction will guide the reader through the problems they are likely to encounter and help to resolve them. It also includes many tips and examples from experienced researchers to help the reader gain a better understanding of the real world of production.

Beginning with the types of production a new researcher might work on, the book looks at original ideas for programmes - how to research, develop and present them - then goes through the production stages - from selecting contributors, acquiring audio visual material, finding suitable locations, and working on the script through to recording the programme and the post-production processes.

Kathy Chater is a freelance trainer and consultant and was for many years at the BBC, where she worked in almost every programme-making department.

Review:

'a manual which should get you started in the world of researching for factual programmes'
Filmwaves

· everything new researchers need to know to do their job
· hints and tips from practising researchers
· all the information needed by candidates for the S/NVQ qualification