Evaluation

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
• During the planning, research and construction of my media production, I studied the usual conventions of thriller trailers, looking into work such as that of Alfred Hitchcock and how he was able to incorporate sound and footage to create a powerful emotion provoking trailer.
• My media product develops the forms and conventions as I used ideas from successful trailers and manufactured creative ideas that I thought specific to a stereotypical thriller film.
• My media product challenges the conventions of real media productions as I was able to manipulate my footage and create moments which can be generally recognised but made it my own by using the real world and the effects that I could capture on video camera.
• I also followed the conventions of real film magazines and posters in order to include some of these in my productions.
• The production of my magazine front cover and poster can be classed as up to date film information. My magazine front cover uses conventions seen in popular film magazines such as cover lines, competitions and pictures. It also has a website address (keeping up to date with the times) a price and bar code. These conventions suggest that my magazine would be recognised with others such as ‘Total Film’ and ‘The Scene’.

2. How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?
• The combination of my trailer (main product), my magazine front cover and film poster (ancillary texts) was effective as it told the narrative in 3 slightly different ways, all provoking alternate emotions in the audience. These show how my production can give information of a new film, but still keep the tension by not giving too much away. This represents the strength of my productions as a whole.
• My film poster represents my trailer well but a lot of information is left to the audience to create.
• The picture on the front shows the main character walking towards a corner, late at night with a single shining light. My title ‘No Way Back’ helps to invent an image and the question of ‘what is around the corner?’ - this then helps promote my film as people want to find out what danger is she heading towards.
• My magazine front cover also shows a picture of the main protagonist with one single sentence saying ‘Has her worst nightmare come true?’ this also creates curiosity among the audience as they want to find out what her worst nightmare is and if it has come true.

3. What have you learnt from your audience feedback?

· From my audience feedback I have learnt how to create an effect which can be seen in real thriller trailers.

· I was able to put together a questionnaire and gather results of what is usually seen in a thriller trailer, how much of the storyline is given away, what makes an audience like a film (poster/ trailer), the length of a trailer and how and when the sound track is used. The questions I asked helped me to understand what makes a successful trailer.

· My audience feedback also helped me modify my editing of my trailer as I was able to take bits out that didn’t work and put bits in that would have worked better. I was also able to do the same with my magazine and poster.

· I created a few different posters, using different conventions, and then used my audience feedback to change the layout in order to put forward the best production.

4. How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

Media technologies

• Digital technology such as video cameras, computer manipulation programmes and the use of copyright free sound effects has given me the opportunity to successfully produce my own teaser trailer for a film with a genre of my choice.
• I was also able to modify my ideas using media technologies, this was also reflected in my storyboards as my plans changed when I was at the location and saw what I was able to bring in to make my film better. I was then able to incorporate the surroundings I had and make sufficient use of them.
• Digital technology influenced my work a lot. With the help from computers, manipulation programmes and video cameras I was able to direct and control how my teaser trailer came together.
• I was able to use video effects as well in order to create more atmospheric moments – i.e slow motion etc.

Research

• I did a lot of research into stereotypical filming of trailers such as thrillers and features like how much of the storyline is given away etc.
• This reflected in my work as I was able to use my footage and manipulate it in a way which caused the desired effect.
• Before starting my magazine front cover I looked at successful film magazines such as ‘Empire’.
• I researched into what makes an effective thriller poster and was able to look at current film posters which I thought represented the film well.
• My research helped me decide the kind of information put forward in my magazine cover and poster. I did this by finding out the average age of thriller film watchers and planning using this information.

Planning

• I planned my work by using storyboards. This helped me decide how my trailer would look frame by frame. I ended up doing 4 different sequences as I changed it due to the surroundings I had.
• I used different techniques in order to create these moments of suspense such as:
• Intimate camera work – i.e extreme close ups to catch facial expression or to make the audience focus on one specific part i.e footsteps – close up on feet.
• `Ghosting` - I used this to show each frame of a few footsteps being taken. This highlights the sound and also makes it into slow motion which also creates a sense of looming danger.
• Many of my shots were close up/ extreme close up in order to emphasise the fear of being alone. This was also seen in my captions which I used to make the audience think of what is coming next, and to question the fact of ‘is the character really alone?’ This singles out the protagonist and creates an uneasy feeling amongst the audience, stereotypical of a thriller trailer.

Comments

· Overall, I think that my pre production planning techniques greatly helped me in my end product.

· The use of storyboarding, questionnaires, costumes and props helped me prepare for my trailer better.

· I learnt, from my first production, that planning is essential in order to create a successful trailer, but this was also recognised in my magazine front cover as I was able to understand that more focussed information was needed to present a better front cover.

· The use of real actors names on the front of my film poster would also promote a certain type of audience as any fans would want to see new films with their favourite actors in.

· The writing at the bottom of the poster makes it look more professional and more like a real film poster.

· ‘Coming Soon’ and having a web address makes my poster more believable.

No Way Back trailer

Magazine cover

Final poster idea...

This is my final poster idea.

I looked at many posters to get inspiration, some dating a few years back such as:

• https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE26Q44xiCpqkO1JwVzgI85Rf7Jh6IMMIyMuNUH8yO7y85xutHKlAl6ZXxQoKHBUm135FuqWmHjUWeBy-2rY7bmuc3u7RUfkTjbqAjIP2rfbkAZtIjqoJ3nkp6WQJrn9oHTGV7-PhoGr8/s320/suspicion-movie-poster.jpg - `SUSPICION` film poster

and

• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1a/Jaws2_poster.jpg - `JAWS 2` film poster

and a few from recent years such as:

• http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/MMPO/14QUAD~Dark-Blue-Posters.jpg - `DARK BLUE` film poster.

These all added to a collection of ideas and features I could incorporate into my own film poster.

First poster ideas...

• This was my first thriller poster idea.
• I like it as it leaves a lot down to the imagination which intrigues audiences.
• It has one main focal point - the image.
• The words leave an impression on people who see it - wonders what happens next.
• The dark background and one shining bright light draw in the audience, you can also slightly see the rain in front of the light which creates a lasting effect and promotes the genre of my trailer well.

Target audience...

• In order to decide what content to include in my trailer, poster and magazine front cover, I must have a target audience and age range.
• I have decided that my thriller film trailer is based for a teenage + audience. I have chosen to aim for the age range of 18 - 30 as this age group tend to be the most frequent thriller/ horror film viewers.
• Research has proven that for most contemporary thriller films is roughly aged between 18 - 24 with no differentiation between gender.
• The charts below, sourced from the 'national metro', show this research:

Percentage of Men and Women that watch thriller films..

Age of thriller film watchers...

As shown in the graph above, 48% of 18 - 24 year olds watch thriller films. This has proven to be very significant in the making of my poster, trailer and magazine.

Examples thriller teaser trailers...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BENDh1sRPX0 - The Fourth Kind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEQnoIq4UFY - Nightmare on Elm Street.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjl-Sduq_tA - The Horseman.

Evidence of my research and planning...

Research and planning checklist.

Shot 13 - 18

• Lots of shots from different POV to indicate someone else is there as well, but never seeing who.
• Turns round at last minute - scream - black screen - lets audience create their own ending.
• NO WAY BACK - white words, black screen.
• Flashing still images of empty station - wonders what happened.
• Silence.

Shot 7 - 12

• Medium shots.
• Extreme close ups.
• Sky - atmospheric - eerie.
• Camera looks through hand gets the audience involved, as if they are looking at her.

Second set of ideas for thriller film trailer...

Shot 1 - 6

• Uses close ups for intimacy.
• Long shots for different POV's.
• Over the shoulder shots - to see what she sees.
• Shots from underneath - i.e from inside tunnel looking up - gives impression someone is watching.

Shot 19 - 24

• Uses extreme close ups for dramatic effect.
• Use of words on a black screen to stand out and make audience more aware.
• Silence.
• A quick shot of `the unknown` to intrigue audience to watch whole film.
• Wonder what happens to the girl.

Shot 13 - 18

• Camera switches between long shots and close ups - useful for expressions of emotion.
• Walks towards camera.
• Enter music for a build up - climax.
• Different POV's.
• Black screen - lets audience decide what happens.
• Flashing still images.

Shot 7 - 12

• Still using very natural sounds, bangs, wind and silence. Creates eerie atmosphere.
• Camera becomes very intimate. Shots from different POV's - shows someone else is there.
• Shot of the sky - adds to atmosphere.

My first ideas of a thriller teaser trailer...

Shot 1 - 6

• This shows many of my shots being close ups - to make the audience intimate with the characters.
• The soundtrack starts off very natural with sounds such as rain drops, footsteps, splashes, wind and silence. These give the trailer realism.

Ideas..

FILM TRAILER

• Attract audience to watch the whole film.
• Sets the genre of the film.
• Creates a feel for the setting.
• Suggestion of storyline.
• Introduces some main characters.
• Displays attention grabbing footage.
• Quickly paced clips.
• Slow build -> beginning to exciting end.
• Graphics -> film title/ opening dates.
• May include music or voice over.

E.G. The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

FILM POSTER

• Eye catching/ captivating.
• Focal picture to be intriguing.
• Large and easily read title.
• Suggests film genre.
• Famous actors to promote film.
• Target audience.
• Tagline/ age certificate.
• “Coming Soon” or release date.
• Directors and Production Company displayed.

E.G. Jaws (1975)

FILM MAGAZINE POSTER

• Name clearly displayed.
• Noticeable front cover.
• Actors image usually main focal point.
• Images target a certain audience.
• Graphics and colour to set mood.
• Font size, shape, colour -> suggests different ideas.
• Cover lines -> indicate good content.
• Price and bar code.

E.G. cinema scope

POSTER IDEAS...

- House - window - person. ----> room focus?

- Outside - forest - shadows - moonlight

- Close up - forehead and eyes

- Black and white/ colour

- Shot of the consequences - leads audience to make own assumptions

- Outline of figure

- Reflection - mirror/ water

- Dark background

- Single, dominant image - feelings of alone/ fear

- Long shot

- Play on title words - e.g. "Dead End"

HOW TO CREATE A GRIPPING THRILLER TRAILER...

(Alfred Hitchcock style)

1] Use the mind of the audience;

Consider how each scene affects the audience.

Engage them by the context.

`tease` the audience.

2] Frame for emotion;

Careful camera work - i.e. close ups etc.

Emotion directly from the actors eyes.

Sudden cuts = sudden surprise.

Strange angle = heighten dramatic meaning.

3] Pretend the camera is not a camera;

Let the camera take on human qualities.

Make the audience feel like they're involved.

Use of silence.

4] Dialogue mean nothing;

Facial expressions pull audience into a characters secretive world.

Focus of scene should never be on words being spoken.

5] Point of view editing;

Subjective cinema.

- take actors eyes, add something for them to look at.

Close up of actor. }

Cutting to shots of what's being seen } Builds tension

Cut back to actor to see reaction. }

6] Montage gives you control;

Control the timing.

Show various pieces of a scene.

"Transfer the menace on screen into the minds of the audience" - Hitchcock.

e.g. Psycho - the killing is not being shown, just before and after - the death takes place in the audiences' head.

7] Keep the story simple;

Simplistic, linear stories.

Easily followed.

Streamlined to offer maximum dramatic impact.

8] Characters must break cliché;

Opposite of what audience expects = more realism.

9] Make two things happen at one;

Contrasting situations.

Use two unrelated things.

Focussed on one, interrupted by another.

Dramatic counterpoint to real moment.

10] Suspense is information;

Showing what characters don't see.

Constant reminders of looming dangers.

Character completely unaware.

11] Surprise and twist;

Never end how expected.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSQyf5YcEv8&NR=1

(A version of the `Psycho` trailer - 1960)

This is an example of a screen which would be seen at the very beginning of a thriller film, this may be due to the strong content within (i.e. violence, sex, strong language etc) and shows that this film needs to be viewed with an adult or may only be viewed by certain audiences (i.e. over 18's only.)

The magazine I have decided to focus on which presents new film releases is called TOTAL FILM. I have chosen this one to base my own production around as I think the conventions that this magazine follow is different from the usual film magazines. Here are some pictures of different editions of TOTAL FILM that I liked

My questionnaire was completed by 10 people in total.

I divided my questionnaire into 5 male and 5 females to get an even view on whether there is an apparent gender divide.

This image shows my analysis of a current thriller poster. Taken from Public Enemies (2009) it is a different version of the Public Enemies' original poster.

I have chosen to analyse this version as it represents a different side to the same film.

I have commented on the iconography - setting the scene, representation and the hidden messages, images and the introduction of main characters, colour connotations, lighting and persuasive techniques which are easily seen in this poster.

Thriller posters –

`From Hell`. (2001)

From the posters I have put together, you can see that almost all of them follow the certain conventions allocated to a thriller film.

Each poster uses certain colours which represent the different aspects of the film and the storyline involved, usually being black or other dark colours to present mystery, secrets and a mask of lies mixed with the truth. As well as colour representation each poster focuses on the main character/s – this is usually the only person/s in the poster either being a close up or long shot to portray their emotion through body language or facial expression.

For example, `From Hell` poster (Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, 2001) immediately establishes the main character and an obvious love interest. This poses the usual conventional characters of lead role and `helpless female`. The small image of a figure at the bottom also represents a villain, this is shown through the use of silhouetting with a hidden identity, as well as this, the small size of this image also represents his type of character.

Facial expression on both of the characters gives us a small insight into the plot of the film. The female role is looking away from the camera with a slight look of fear about her, also as her image is behind the male shows a sense of protection, fear and helplessness. However, the male character is slightly in front showing an aura of power and importance. His eyes, as opposed to hers, are looking directly into the camera to give the impression he is looking at the audience – to involve them in the story. The serious expression on his face, as well as his direct look may be intending he is sharing a secret with the audience, something that he isn’t telling the female.

In this image, of the protagonists, black is the main colour, as his face is becoming more shadowed – this also indicates he may have a `darker side` or that he is keeping something hidden, this may be an identity or a secret of some kind.

This image shows a few promotional posters of current and past successful thriller films.

These all help me create my own ideas and how to put

them into a poster format.

Examples:

The Devil's Tomb

Public Enemies

Vantage Point

Body of Lies

The Taking of Pelham 123

Perfect Sleep

The International

This is my brain storm of ideas.

It shows how I have considered genres, locations, lighting, sound, time and much more in order to create a successful film trailer and magazine promotional front cover.

I have modified ideas from other films I have taken an interest in and applied my creativity to them to produce an eye catching film genre and storyline.

This image shows 4 different magazine front covers and the release of new films.

They are from 4 genres of film magazine which shows how different films are represented and the connotations which best represent that particular film.

i.e - Pirates of the Caribbean `The Scene` shows a faded figure, covered in fog. This is well used as it represents the genre as well as the mysterious characters in this film.

3 out of the 4 pictures all have the main image covering part of the title, this shows how the magazines are very well known and don't have to have the full title like `filmstar` on show to be able to become recognised.