focus group

Qualitative Review

Critic Responses to Spirited Away

When summarising one of the critic reviews (Patrick Peters), he say that Spirited Away is a light hearted film about a little girl being sent to a magical world full of gods, and she is forced to work for a bathhouse in order for her to see her parents again, because they had been transformed into pigs after eating the gods food. I think Peters felt this way because he saw that the film was very well thought out and was a delight to watch.

http://www.empireonline.com/movies/spirited-away/review/

Another Critic named Kirk Wise says that the movie is one of the most finest animated films on the world, and is the bedrock of all animation. He says that he started to analyse the feature that would be tucked away within the story. The background are 'rich' in detail and Miyazaki's story (the person who created Spirited Away) is very mind blowing ; very well thought out. Although we don't pay attention to the little details in the movie, he makes it even more life like and memorable and very fun for the family to enjoy.

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-spirited-away-2002

Another critic named Roger Ebert says that the film was enchanting and delightful. He says that studio has a good heart that the animation was done beautifully. He would also go as far to say that he is the god of all Disney animators. I would agree that Miyazaki has given a lot of inspiration to many animators who want to aspire to a level like studio Ghibli. He also said that Spirited away was one of the best animated movies in years, which I would like to agree but there have been very good animated movies recently as well like 'The wind rises' and 'Ponyo' which are also very good films and are on the same level as spirited away, with rich art and interesting stories.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/criticreviews

The independent has also reviewed spirited away and their judgement is a bit more down to earth and a bit more realistic. They say that the movie was terrific because of the art styles and the breath taking backgrounds but would not call it a masterpiece because of its other films. For example, 'Princess Mononoke' was overhyped and ended up disappointing a lot of fans. This left a bitter taste in a lot of fans and critics alike, which is why they have low expectations of the next movie. But they say that the movie surpassed their expectations by a long shot. They are also whether the film is a kids movie or an adults movie because there are certain aspects of the film that could spark some controversy.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/spirited-away-pg-86502.html

The NYTimes have also reviewed spirited away saying that they have derived the content of Disney and make their own original content that would rival them to a high standard. This means that Spirited away in the same level as some of the disney movies like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' or 'Peter Pan'. They also compliment the characters that were in the movie like chihiro (the main protagonist) by saying that she has a lot of depth within her character. She is developed very well throughout the story by first starting off as a whiny little girl to a mature girl who is able to make her own decisions.

http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9504E0DB1030F933A1575AC0A9649C8B63

Audience responses to spirited away

A user named AndieV. says that spirited away says that this a movie you could watch repeatedly, over and over again and not get bored of the film because of how well made the film is. It is a film that can shared though generations of children. She also harshly criticises other critics by saying that if they don't give it a good score, she calls them stupid and brain dead. Although she is not being professional, you can clearly see that she has a love for the film.

http://www.metacritic.com/movie/spirited-away

Another user by the name of Dojodog says that it is hands down, one of the best animated films that has a solid, culture crossing storyline. The film can clearly connect with everybody because there is a story for everyone. While the visuals and the light hearted themes are for children, there is an underlying story that may contain some themes that adults could enjoy. He also says that the film can be enjoyed through the generations and will be loved throughout the years. 

https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/3f434w/why_is_spirited_away_considered_to_be_one_of_the/

Another user called E.J.Mercer gives a review of the movie saying that it was very cliffhanging and very beautiful. By cliffhanging, I mean that it leaves you wanting a continuation (sequel) to the film. In my opinion, I would disagree with Mercer because I think that the film is better left to someone's imagination and left alone to create a cliffhanger to evoke more of a reaction to the audience. I also think that there shouldn't be a sequel because i don't think studio ghibli could pull off a sequel with the same characters and use the same setting and have the same effect.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R3K7YBMF649VN0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_viewpnt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B000KRMZA6#R3K7YBMF649VN0

Another person called Le-Samourai says spirited away is the first Ghibli films she has seen and says that it is stupendous and that Miyazaki is a master story teller. The story makes you feel sympathetic towards the characters because they are being developed into a more relatable person, that the audience can sympathise for. He makes a fantastical world for the audience so that the audience can imagine themselves in it, but comes with its own risks as well that can change your view about the place. The main character symbolises all little girls because of how realistic miyazaki made her; making a mopey 11 year old makes a connection with the audience and so they can relate more with her. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/reviews

 

Another user by the name of Chad S. says that the movie would be rated 10 because of how engaging the story and art is with the audience. The reason it is engaging is because its a story you can follow. Im guessing that what he means by engaging is that he means that it is the story that captivates him because the characters are so in depth that it makes the watchers feel as if they know the characters personally. He also says that the language has no barrier to the enjoyment of watching the film because the voice acting in this is very detailed and the reactions are also very well acted out, making this a believable play.

http://www.metacritic.com/movie/spirited-away/user-reviews

box office figures

Box Office Figures For Spirited Away 

In Japan spirited away made $229,607,878  in box office which is £8933.3919 
In Hong Kong it made $2,958,139 in box office which is £130200.018

In South Korea it made $11382770 in box office which is £6735.64

In Argentina it made $543058.184 in box office which is £543058.184

In Germany it made $11382770 in box office which is £8907825.76

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&id=spiritedaway.htm

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on#safe=strict&q=11382770 EUR to GBP

why it may have been successful - or wasn't 

• The movies spirited away was a huge success in Japan mainly because that was the country that the film originated from, and the people there are usually aware of this kind of style of films, since there is many anime shows/films that people are already aware of, so now they are basically fond of this style

• Overall in most countries it has made a lot of money due to being by the very well known person "Hayo Miyazaki" who is known for making huge anime who also made the huge hit movie "My Friend Totoro", and this movie is very similar, but had a bit of a darker feeling to it.

• This film has many interesting characters, both that are a mix of cute characters which could appeal to children and terrifying characters with very interesting stories behind them, which could seem very interesting to others, such as the mysterious character "no face" which appears a lot randomly in the film, and nobody seemed to know nothing about it, and by the end of the film we are still left questioning what exactly he was, and what he wanted, which made the film much more interesting to watch for people

• This film has a very good classical joyful feeling to it, which makes it a hit for children and parents with kids, but with all the darkness in it, it makes it very interesting to watch for others who are into dark movies. The film is for everyone to enjoy, and is not just a film that could be suitable for kids, and is a movie that also adults could enjoy, with all the darkness and good plot of the story, it made the movie a big hit for people of all ages.

• The whole art style that Studio Ghibli is very interesting, since rather than using just computers to make his movies, he hand draws every single frame and then puts them onto the computer, and layers each frame next to each other, which is a very unique way to animate. This way of animating, makes his animations so iconic, and interesting to watch, which is one of the reasons this movie, which is one of his most famous movies, is so successful.

differences between success in different countries - reasons for differences 

• Compared to other countries such as the United Kingdom, there is a huge difference in box office since in the United Kingdom the film made $1,383,023 when in Japan it made $229,607,878, which is a $228,224,855 difference. The reason why the two countries have such a big difference in box office figures, is mainly because in the United Kingdom anime films are not as popular, as they are in Japan, even though, this movie is still very successful in the United Kingdom.

• In countries such as Poland, the movie did not achieve as much money as it did in others such as Hong Kong, since it only got $27,787 which is not that much compared to others where it made much more money, such as in Australia it made $154,349. The reason for this could possibly be because people there are not as fond of anime films, compared to other countries, which would explain why it is not that successful there

 

• Japan is the country where the film made the most money, and was one of the biggest anime movies in Japan, the reason for this is because this is the country where the movie originated from, and most people in this country are very fond of the anime style in films, and Studio Ghibli films are very popular in that country, but compared to countries such as Turkey where it made £36,860, which is one of the countries where it made the least amount of money, since in there people are not as aware of Studio Ghibli films as Japan. 

• There are some countries where the movie did very well in box office, mainly in countries such as Australia where it got $154,349 and in countries such as Germany it was much more successful since it got $1,981,457 The reason for this is mainly because Studio Ghibi films are very famous in those countries, and this movie itself is one film that is very recognizable in those countries, but it seems that they are more famous in Germany rather than Australia 

• The second country where the film was a huge success is South Korea, where it earned $11,382,770 ,  the reason for this is mainly because just like Japan, the movie has some asian culture fetures in it, which appeals to people in those countries, since they can relate to the movie, with the setting and style of it, not to mention the setting is actually based on "down town Juifen" in Taiwan, which can actually be visited in real life, which is a very cool feature that made this movie so popular. 
  

how successful the film was

• The film was a huge success, in multiple countries around the world, it earned millions of dollars which lead to the film itself being one of Studio Ghibli's biggest movies to date and made his films more recognizable to people. This movie itself is still one of the movies that is  popular currently around the world, and is something that most people would know.

• Spirited Away is one of the most recognizable movies, with its iconic characters and interesting plot. made it one of the most successful anime movies in general, and is one of the most popular anime movies that there is, which shows that it is one of the most successful anime movies that there is.

• In every single country around the world, the film itself, was a huge success, since it got $10,055,859 all together, and still counting, which shows that it was successful but compared to other films, it was not as big of a hit in box office, mainly because today, the makers say that anime films are a bit underrated compared to other films in box office 

• The movie was one of the most highest grossing films in Japanese history which is why it was a huge success in Japan getting $229,607,878, making it a iconic movie in Japan, and is one of the most memorable movies in Japan history 

• Spirited Away was the first ever anime movie, to ever win an Oscar in 2001, where it won an award for "Best Animated Feature Picture" which was a historic moment for Studio Ghibli, making history in the anime industry having the first Oscar ever, which shows how successful the movie was compared to other anime films. 

Research Purposes

Audience Research

Research	Definition	Methodology (methods & techniques you could use to research it – pri/sec, qual/quan, specific techs)	Purpose (how it should be used in developing a media production/how you used it)
audience research	Research that is dedicated to peoples habits, likes and dislikes with what TV shows they watch		The reason why I would chose to do audience research is so that I can find the range for my target audience, so that I can make a specific product to fit their likes, such as if they like sports and games, I could make a game show based on sports.
audience data	This is data that is the viewing figures, which show how many people in your audience are watching your TV show	·          This is secondary research since you look at information that is given to you ·          This is quantitative since it is usually done through a graph and numbers ·          An example of this would be when makers of a TV show have the information directly sent to them through either a file or a computer	The reason why I would do audience data would be so that I know about who exactly watches my show, and if I know that, I will possibly try to improve my show to fit their likings, such as if I found out that teenagers watch my show, I would try to add something that they would like, and could possibly make a music show, since most teens like music
audience profiling	This is when before making a show, the makers of the show consider stuff about the audience to see what they are like such as age, race, education, etc and could possibly ask others questions on what their likes and dislikes are, so nothing in the show offends them	·          This is primary research since you gather the information yourself when considering what exactly should be in the show and consider the people actually watching ·          This is qualitative research since you check other peoples opinions, and check and consider their characteristics while asking questions on what exactly are their likes/dislikes ·           An example of this would be checking on the internet to search up more information on what exactly you should consider before making the show	When creating a new TV show, I would chose to do audience profiling, so that visualise what my audience is like by simply doing some research, you can see what they like which can make an impact on your show, such as if they are young children, they would be interested in cartoons, so you would make a cartoon show, that had cartoon style bands in it, to give both music and cartoon to fit their liking
Demographic research	A type of research that focus on the characteristics of the people in the audience, such as age, gender, ethnicity, education, income, and more, they use all that information in the form of surveys	·          This is primary research since it requires you to ask questions with surveys to gather information about your audience ·          This is quantitative research since you ask other people questions with surveys about their characteristics and do it in a structured fashion ·          An example of demographic research would be surveys and asking people questions with it	When I am planning to make a TV show, I would consider using demographic research so that I can get to focus more on the characteristics, since there will be people of all ethnicities watching the show, I could possibly relate it to them, by having a range of people with different ethnicities, and if I make a music related show, I would contain a range of music styles from around the world, such as African music, Indian music, etc
Geodemographic Research	Geodemographic research is when you analyse an area where your target audience could possibly be living in, and study about it, which could help attract your audience	·          This is primary research, since you go out and find the information, while you study about the area ·          This is quantitative research since you do it in a structured fashion ·          An example of geodemographic research would be  using surveys,	I would use geodemographic research so I could possibly reach out to my audience more, by checking where exactly they would be living, I could set the show in that certain area, such as if I find out that my target audience lives in London, I would set a show, such as a game show, in London, and could relate it to London, by doing this the audience could like the show, since they could relate to it more.
consumer behaviour research	Consumer behaviour research is when you study the people who consume your product, in this case you study on who watches your show. This type of research can help you see what exactly your audience wants, which could improve your show.	·          This is primary research since you look for the information about who watches your show by looking for the information yourself. ·          This is qualitative research since when you see who watches your show you could ask why they watch it, and receive their opinions and use those opinions to improve your show ·          An example of consumer behaviour research would be interviews	When I make a show I would use consumer behaviour research so that I can see what exactly my audience wants, by doing this I could ad, what they want to the show, such as if I discover that my audience is interested in music and games, I would make a game show based on music, just to fit their likings.
consumer attitudes research	Consumer attitudes research is a type of research which requires you do see how the people who watch your show feel about/react to certain things in  your show, which could let you reconsider some things and could improve your show	·          It is primary research since you go get the information yourself by asking questions ·          It is quantitative research since you ask people for their opinions and use them in a structured fashion ·          An example would be a survey	When I am making a show, I would consider using consumer attitudes research, so that I can see how the people that actually watch my show, and by asking them questions and getting their opinions, I could possibly change things about my show, such as if I make a talk show, and some people could possibly be offended by something, I could make changes to it, so I can fit their likings
audience awareness research	Audience awareness research is research where you see who watches your show, and how aware people are of it, with this information, you could probably add changes to your show, to make people more aware of it.	·          This is primary research since when getting the information, you might have to go out and ask people yourself if they are aware of your show ·          It is qualitative research since you ask people questions if they are aware of it or not ·          An example would be focus groups since you could ask people questions if they are aware of a show or not	The reason why I would chose to use audience awareness research when making a show, would be so I can get more people to watch my show, by seeing if they are not aware of my show, I could possibly add something to it that they could possibly like, such as since most people today are into “R&B music” I could possibly make my show more related to that, by making the costume and setting to fit more to that genre, and I could do a show based on that genre and the artists, to appeal more to people, and get the show more well known

Market Research

Research	Definition	Methodology (methods & techniques you could use to research it – pri/sec, qual/quan, specific techs)	Purpose (how it should be used in developing a media production/how you used it)
market research	The collection of information that is analysed about the market side of the product (show) and how the product will compete with others when it comes to audience		When creating a TV show I would chose to use market research since I would be able to know more about other TV shows, and study to see how I could do better, if I see that one show tries to fit in with kids, I will try to do that, but in some way better, such as since kids today are into genres such as “hip hop” I will try to relate my show to that style, such as having the setting/props/costume related to the genre to appeal better to the audience
product market	Product market is basically selling or promoting a product to your target audience, in this case advertising your TV show to make people more aware of it	·          This is primary since you do it yourself, still with others but you don’t use others data ·          This is quantitative since you usually use a graph or a table for ideas ·          An example would be making adverts to promote your product/TV show	I would use product market when I make a show so that I can promote it and have people being more aware of my show so that they can watch it. So If I have a music show, I can promote that show to my target audience and others with an advert so that they are aware of it.
Competition Research	Competition research is a type of research on other TV shows that might seem competition, by doing this, you can see how they do things and you could possibly do better.	·          This is secondary since internet is usually used to research about other shows and see how you could do better ·          This is quantitative data since you do the research in a structured fashion ·          An example would be searching through the internet and looking at websites about others that might be competition	When making a show I would use competition research, since it is a very good method for seeing what exactly other TV producers do to make their shows good, and it is very easy to do, since I can just go through the internet and search about them. An example would be if I make a show based on music, and there is another show that might seem like competition, I will search about them, to see exactly what they do and how I can do better
competitor analysis	Competitor analysis, as the name goes is analysing everything about your competition, their strengths, their weaknesses, and what exactly they do in their show.	·          This is secondary research since you use internet to find the data ·          This is quantitative data, since tables are often used for notes ·          An example would be simply looking through the internet and searching up stuff about other shows that might seem like competition	I would use competitor analysis when making a show since I would be able to know everything about my competition, and how I could possibly do better, If I make a show based on music videos, and there is another show that is very similar, I see them as competition, and I can be able to search everything about them, and can learn how to do better
advertising placement Research	Advertising placement research is when you look at when exactly you put advertisements for your show, such as what channel, what time, etc	·          This is primary research since you usually get the information yourself and just tell people when and where you want your adverts for your show ·          This is qualitative research since sometimes you can discuss this with surveys ·          An  example is when people just arrange when the adverts appear while talking	I would use advertisement placement research when making my TV show so that I can chose what channels my adverts go on, and what time it will be on, by doing this I can make sure that my target audience is watching and will see it, since I will imagine when they would be watching TV. So if I make a talk show, and make an advert for it, I can be able to make sure my target audience definitely watches it, by putting it on at the right time, on the right channel.
advertising effects Research	Advertising effects research is research on seeing how advertisements effects the viewing figures of the show, and checking if it raises them or decreases them	·          This is secondary research, since you can use the internet to check ·          This is quantitative, since people usually use charts or graphs to measure it ·          An example would be checking the internet and seeing if the viewing ship improved or went down	I would use advertising effects research, to be able to check if advertising really do much of an effect on my viewing ship for my show, if they do decrease I could see why, since for example if I make a music show most people go there for the music, and will be annoyed by all the adverts and will stop watching, with this I could do something, since I would already know the problem, I will know when to solve it

Production Research

Research	Definition	Methodology (methods & techniques you could use to research it – pri/sec, qual/quan, specific techs)	Purpose (how it should be used in developing a media production/how you used it)
production research	Production research is a type of research that actually focuses on the actual production of the show, and is a type of research you do while making the show. The type of research focuses on things such as, how the show is made, adverts, etc.		I would use production research when making a show so that I can know what factors to include in my show, and what I would need to make the show, to appeal more to my audience, and I would be able to know what exactly do and add to my show. If my audience likes comedy, I could possibly make a comedy show to fit their likings.
Content Research	Content research is a type of research which explains about the information about a product, in this case a show, and how it works.	·          This is secondary research since you use the internet and look at websites for information ·          It is quantitative since it often provides quantitative description and asks questions to people to get their opinions ·          An example of content research would be interviews	The reason why I would use content research when making a tv show would be so that I can get people  to know more about my show and give more information about it, by talking to people, and see their opinions, such as I could make a music show, since many people like music and it could get it more well known
Viability Research	Viability research is the type of research is checking is a product could be possible to actually make and be available for the public, in this case if a show would be possible to be made	·          This is primary research since usually when thinking of making a product (show) producers test it out with some people first to see their opinions on if the show should be made or not ·          It is quantitative since they ask questions, and then use the answers in a structured way ·          An example would be a presentation showing the show/product to an audience then getting their opinions on it	Before I make a show, I would show my idea for the show to an audience, and then I would ask them questions, by doing this, I give them a better experience by showing them rather than just telling them the idea, I would get better answers, since they will be able to actually understand more, about the idea, and this could improve my show, if I make a show about  games and you have to guess questions about music, if someone says I could improve the idea and give a better idea, I could add to the idea of the show, and possibly add something such as having the people watch a music video with no sound for 10 seconds then having them guess who made it and what song it is.
placement media Research	Placement media research is when you research when exactly your product (tv show) is shown on TV and what exact time it is on.	·          This is secondary research, since the internet is often used when looking for looking when shows are shown on TV ·          This is quantitative since there are questions asked then the answers are put into a graph or a chart by the people who make the show, so that they know when it is on ·          An example is newspapers, since some show what shows are on in the current week	I would use placement media research when making a show because I will get to be able to remind my target audience when my show is on, since if I know when my show is on, I can remind my audience so that they know when it is on also, and they will be able to watch it. So if I make a music show, I can remind my target audience by using this data and getting to be able to remind my audience, which is very useful
Finance Research	Finance research is dealing with all budget problems, such as props, crew, cast, food, make up, etc.	·          This is primary research since you usually work it out on your own ·          This is quantitative research since when questions are asked about the budget it is usually written down in a structured fashion ·          An example would be taking care of budgets for possible injuries, travel, food etc.	When making a show finance research could help me by showing me exactly how everything that I need for the show will cost, which is very convenient since I won’t have to have any troubles with money when it comes to the production of the show, and I will have all the money needed ready for all the costs. If I make a show based in central London, first I will have to do the finance research, by checking what the budget would be for, travel, food. props, make up etc.
Cost Research	Cost research, as the name goes, is research on all the costs for the show  and exactly how much money everything for the show will cost	·          It is primary research since you calculate the costs yourself ·          This is quantitative research since you put the data in a graph or table usually ·          An example would be just simply using a calculator to calculate all the costs for the show and then putting the data in a table	I would use cost research when making a TV show because I will know how much everything for the show will exactly cost and there won’t be any problems with money, such as if I am making a tv show such as a interview show, I will have enough money for all the equipment and props needed for the show, which will be useful since I won’t have to face any payments that I can’t afford, since by already knowing I would already have it planned.
technological resources Research	Technological resources research is a type of research on all of the tools and devices and equipment needed for the making of a show  and involves questions and guidance	·          this is secondary research since usually you see someone elses information and ask questions ·          it is qualitative research since since sometimes you see other peoples opinions on it to see if they find it easy to use or not ·          An example would be using the internet to look at websites and videos explaining the equipment and tools.	When making a TV show I would consider using technological resources research when making a movie so that I get to know more about all the equipment and tools that I am using, so that I can make my film better, this would be very useful when making a film, so if I am making an action based show, I can be able to work well with all the equipment, and will be able to use the camera right to fit all the action.
Personnel Research	Personal research is a type of research where you get to know more about the other workers in the making of the film such as the cast and the crew	·          This is primary research since you can just go to them yourself and ask questions to get to know more about them ·          This is qualitative since you ask questions and get their opinions on things to get to know them better ·          An example would be focus groups where everyone talks about themselves with other people	I would use personal research, when making a TV show because by using this type of research, I will be able to get to know my fellow cast/crew members better and by doing this, your show will have a better experience making, since you will already know a lot about the other people in the cast and crew, and if we make a show such as a talk show, nobody would feel nervous about talking to any certain people, since they all will know a lot about them and feel comfortable working with them
Locations Research	Location research is research about exploring multiple certain locations that you would plan to film a TV show in and study the locations and get permission so you could use it	·          This is primary research since you go out and explore the locations your self ·          It is qualitative since you ask questions for permission then get a response back ·          An example would be going out and asking people who own certain properties if you can use their location to use for your TV show	I would use location research when making a TV show since I will get to know what exact locations that I can use, and I can ask permission, so that I can be certain that I can use it for my TV show, an example would be if I make a documentary show, I can walk around certain locations that I searched up and got permission from, and people who are not meant to be in the show will know that I have permission for the location.