Student: Alex Hong Date: January 24

Title: Pushing the Boundaries: Explaining Experimental Film

Overview of Research
The general area of investigation is film, specifically experimental film, why it is
produced, and whether or not the presence of a protagonist influences the audience’s
engagement, as many experimental films indeed lack characters, let alone a protagonist. This is
because experimental films seek to explore unconventional filmmaking, meaning that they will
go out of their way to use techniques rarely seen by the public, and that may include lacking
characters or even a narrative. Because of their diversity, experimental films may help
filmmakers express emotions in a more unique way that does not conform to reused Hollywood
traditions. The hope of this research is to discover what may increase engagement between
experimental films and audiences, attracting more audiences to the genre without sacrificing
what makes it so special.

Background and Rationale

Experimental film has existed for as long as film itself. They do not follow traditional
storytelling structures, instead serving to let filmmakers explore and demonstrate styles or
techniques that veer outside of the mainstream. They often have simple, vague stories, if any at
all, though for the purposes of this research, the definition of experimental films will be shaped
to those that have at least a trace of plot in order to keep the study more consistent. The purpose
of this study is to learn why experimental filmmakers use experimental filmmaking, and whether
the presence of a protagonist improves the audience’s engagement with the film or not. The
presence or absence of a protagonist is an important detail, and this research can help
experimental filmmakers find at least one specific method of engaging audiences.

Primary Research Methodology

Research Question: Why do filmmakers use experimental films, and are audiences more engaged
in the film when there is a protagonist?
Research Thesis: Experimental films seek to evoke unique feelings from each individual member
of the audience, and are more engaging when there is a protagonist for the audience to invest in.
Research Design Model: The design model of this research is mixed-method, with a descriptive
piece, because it seeks to explain, from a filmmaker’s perspective, why experimental films are
made. There is also an experiment portion, with two experimental films being test-screened for
an audience. One of the films will have a protagonist, the other will not. The film without the
protagonist will be the “control”.
Data Collection: To carry out this research, interviews with notable experimental filmmakers like
David Lynch, Andy Warhol, or Maya Deren will be collected and annotated in the hopes of
finding any recurring themes in the filmmakers’ creative processes. The results of this
compilation will be used to infer and confirm an explanation as to why some filmmakers choose
to use experimental filmmaking over traditional film methods.
Additionally, two experimental films will be produced. The two films will be identical,
except one will have a protagonist and the other will not. The film will be presented to two test
audiences. Both audiences will watch both films, only one will watch the protagonist-lead film
first and the other will watch it second. The audience will be asked what emotions they
experienced during the viewing, and will rate on a scale of 1-5 (1 being very little, 5 being very
much) how emotionally engaged they were. The ratings of the two films will be compared to
reveal whether or not the film with the protagonist was more engaging or not than the film
without a protagonist.

Product Objectives/Significance of Research

The final product will be the two experimental films that were screened for the test
audience. The two films will be available on a website that also includes the purpose of the
films, anonymous responses to the films from the data collection, and the final research paper
that analyzes the results. The product will also be presented to the Filmmaking Club at Glenelg
High School.
The product is intended for an audience of filmmakers who may consider using
experimental film to tell stories rather than going the usual route of realism. Though films
within the realism realm are certainly important, there is much to be explored with experimental
film, and understanding how it can be used to connect with an audience can help open up a world
of new creative opportunities. This proposed product is an appropriate choice of presentation
because it is purely visual, demonstrating the techniques learned in the study of visual art.

Logistical Considerations
Resources that need to be considered for the product include actors, props, a
camera/microphone, lights, and maybe a volunteer crew, but most of these things have already
been obtained. Permission might be needed to share the final product with the targeted audience.
Permission might also be needed to film at certain locations at certain times. The two films are
intended to be finished by late February, and the website available in May.

Review of Proposal by Mentor

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Student Signature Date

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Mentor Signature Date

Mentor Comments (Not Required):