Primary Research

The results of the MA Research Survey (Journal entry Apr 19, 2026) are presented below. The purpose was to gather some quantitative information on audience demographics and qualitative feedback on a couple of clips included in the film.  A different audience from college students and staff who attended the film screening.

The survey was completed by 30 respondents recruited via social media and email.  69% were 50 and over, 60% female and 43% undertook some form of conservation volunteering.  Although a small sample, the findings confirmed, as I suspected, that slow, immersive nature-led narrative will be most receptive to an older population and one that is already engaged in conservation matters.

Keywords used in feedback on the clips:

1.    Night Sky Timelapse:

Positive:

Relaxing, peaceful, calming, relaxing, tranquil, beauty, immersion, good sound, timeless, emotional, breathtaking, restful, intriguing, privilege, beginnings and endings, musical, haunting, melancholy, cold.

 Critical:

Too quick (speed of timelapse), human activity “distracting”, overwhelmed, cacophony, confusing

 2.    Curlew Landing:

 Positive:

 Majestic, relaxing, great sounds, surprisingly engaging, exciting, renewal, magical, warmth, light, graceful, “life trying to fit in”, calm, safe, beautiful, interesting.

 Critical:

 “Too much going on”, didn’t like the slow motion, too distant, “a bit boring”, 40 seconds enough”.

 Overall responses to the clips: 57% prefer image and sound together, 43% happy with sound on its own, only 3% thought the clips were too long, while 76% thought they were just right or could be longer.  As conveyed by the comments above 63% found the clips to be peaceful and 53% felt they evoked emotion.

 Suggestions for final project include:

 The responses were divided on the wish to include narration and information. Likewise on the use of natural sounds. A few wanted the subjects to be more prominent in the frame.

 One person suggested: “…decide if you are telling a story of the nature subject or are you doing an observation of nature?  Either way how you edit the film photos tell a story.”

 Reflection:

 On the whole I have found the comments from the survey and the screening encouraging and I am pleased with the level of emotional engagement.  Sound divides people: for some they feel overstimulated, for others confused while for most it is part of the immersive experience.  The lack of music didn’t seem to be much of an issue. 

 My takeaways:

·      There is an audience with a specific demographic.

·      People are being engaged and moved by the content- on the whole positively.

·      Music is not missed if the sound is good.

·      The incorporation of a good timelapse adds value.

·      Individual clips could be longer, particularly if they are most close up.

·      Slow motion adds value but to be used with caution.

Considerations for final project:

·      Progress the narrative concept with some consideration of:

·      More quality, less quality.

·      Longer length more intimacy.

·      Create a shot list

·      Transitions are key and requires further research- colour, sound, movement (exit left and next scene moving in same direction?).

·      Sound design- layer but don’t overwhelm.

·      Embrace absence: silence, empty space- this is potentially an opportunity to incorporate a subtle conservation sub-narrative ie creating a nature-led film in a nature depleted habitat.  How long can the audience be held in suspense?

·      Let the piece breathe.

·      Nail the introduction of immersive sound.