A level media

1. A2 MEDIA
A2 UNIT G324
ADVANCED PORTFOLIO IN MEDIA
RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Centre Name
Centre Number
Georgina Eleftheriou
4055
The Leigh Academy
61101

2. Analysing film poster by conventions
The composition of the Cast names have been placed nearer a less important part of the image which will make them easy
to be spotted. They have been placed further the top of the page where less is going on such as part of the sky and the top of
some buildings (the background of the image). Adding on to that, the top of the image is much lighter than than the rest of the
page thus making it a sensible idea to place the cast names further to the top to ensure they're visible. Cast names are a
way of persuading the audience to see the film as it gives them the opportunity to spot out any star names that may appeal to
them.
A billing block is a legality of a cinematic poster which purpose is to give recognition, identify the institutions, directors producers and so on. This element of the
poster is not aimed at the audience but more for the people in the film industry themselves. The billing block for this cinematic poster has been placed below
the title. The font is fairly faint as it isn’t a feature that needs to attract the audience. This is effective as it doesn’t create an off putting look for the poster as a
whole.
The title within this film poster is the largest piece of text to be displayed as it tells the audience the name of the film. It is very
bold and metallic which matches the marvel theme and stands out from the rest of the other text displayed. This is important as it
is the most key information about the film and needs to be remembered by the audience. The composition of the title has been
placed nearer the least important part of the characters (their feet) in order for the image to work. This is important as the image
is a key element of a film poster as that is most likely to attract the audience the most however, the film title is still very apparent.
The protagonist and main character of the film has been placed closest to the front of the image while other protagonists
are seen further behind the main character (some closer than others). This can indicate to the audience who will been seen
more during the film and who plays a bigger role of importance. Furthermore, the composition of the light (which is placed in
the main characters palm) drags the audience to look at the centre of the page. Therefore, this confirms to the audience that
the character closest to the front is a main one who plays a vital role. It could also hint that he has power and control in the
film as this is most likely where the designer wants to audience to look at first. More on to the other protagonists, some are
at a higher level than others. For example, the women is much lower than the male character behind her who is standing
tall. This could indicate that the men have some sort of dominance within the film or it could portray them to be the stronger
or even braver superheroes.
The release date tells the public when the film will be able to be viewed at the cinema which then creates an audience. The release date has been placed
inside the billing block and has larger bolder text than the billing block also. This ensures that the release date stands out against the faint text surrounding it
meaning the audience will spot it.
The costumes that the characters are wearing suggests the genre of the film to the audience (action, adventure, Sci-Fi). This is because costumes involve
amour or they’re some kind of suit. Further more the main characters costume produces some kind of light which hint that Science Fiction is part of this film.
This gives the film a target audience. Most characters are also holding some kind of prop (mainly weapons). For example two characters featured on the
poster are holding guns, while another has a bow and arrow whereas one character has a prop of protection (a shield). This creates excitement for the audience
as a range of interesting props have been used within the image. Another factor of mise-en-scene that is shown within this cinematic poster is the type of
poses and body language the characters display. This is important as it creates vibes towards the audience. The body language that is shown is all very
fierce looking and intense which can attract the audience. The characters are all striking a different pose which adds interest to the poster and can also show the
characters personality such as brave, masculine or tough. Their facial expressions can also show their characters as some look angrier than others and some
have more intense/focused expressions on their face. The fact that none of the characters are giving eye contact to the audience could actually catch the
audiences’ eye as they may want to know what the characters are looking at. Furthermore, it can show the audience that a lot is going on and that this film is
going to be action packed.
Moving on to the background of this poster, there is an explosion with fire to be seen as well as some sort of flying transport that is falling through the sky. The
bright orange and yellow tones against the flat tones of blue ensure that the audience is drawn in to look in to the background. These little pieces of havoc that
have been put in the background can excite the audience as it gives them an expectation of the film.

3. Analysing film poster by conventions
This cinematic poster only features one cast name which suggests to the audience that this film mainly consists of
this actor and that they’re the main character. It is this character who drives the story forward and he is the main
attraction thus the designer may have thought it was only necessary for the one cast name to be displayed. The
composition of the cast name has been placed above the title. This is an effective area to place the cast name as
the title is an important piece of text on a film poster. By placing the cast name above it this ensures that the
audience will see it immediately after reading the title which is a large piece of text so it likely to be noticed quickly.
The title ‘127 HOURS’ is the largest piece of text to be displayed and is very bold. The designer may have done this
as this piece of text is the name of the film so it is vital that the audience notice it. The composition of the title is
directly under the main attraction of this film poster (the big rock) therefore, it is likely that it will be natural for the
audience to look down after they see the rock. Furthermore, where the title has been placed it looks more effective
and stands out as the dark tone of the text is against a lighter background.
The tagline which is underneath the title adds a dramatic vibe as it reads ‘every second counts’. As the title gives
away, time places a key role in this film so the tagline emphasises the importance of it. The composition of the
tagline has been placed right below the title which adds more of a dramatic and tense feel as the audience should
naturally read the title then the tagline straight after. This should excite the audience and attract them further.
The narrative element within this cinematic poster is the rock which is composed in the centre of the page. It is
against an area with high key lighting which works well as the rock has low key lighting creating a dark shadow. This
gives the illusion that the rock is somewhat ‘evil’ or the ‘enemy’ within this film. Adding on to that it attracts the
audience to that part of the poster first because one, it is in the centre and two, it is quite striking to look at (due to the
effective lighting). Furthermore, the low key lighting of the landscape creates a dramatic effect as the shadows
appear to make nature look daunting and scary which again, can tell the audience that nature is the enemy and what
you could call the ‘villain’ within the film. The high key lighting also gives a silhouette of the main character who is
above the rock which adds to the mise-en-scene that is shown (the body language of the character). He is looking
down whilst trying to support himself with an outstretched leg. This could indicate to the audience that he is trying to
be careful of the rock hence why he is looking at it. This adds to the narrative element as it proposes the idea that
the main character is against the rock and creates the idea that he is battling with nature. His pose could also show
that he is struggling which adds to the narrative element further as this film is about one huge struggle this man
faces.
As for the angle of this image (low), it creates an artistic effect to show how vast the landscape is and how small the
character is in comparison.
A billing block has been placed down the bottom of the page where the lighting is much darker. This is a much less important part of cinematic poster. It just
gives recognition of the directors, producers and so on. This is not a part of the poster that should attract the audience to watch the film which is why they are
commonly placed in a less important area which tends to be at the bottom. Also, the low key lighting and dark colouring is not a concern as the audience do not
need to look at this convention as it is just a legality of this industry.
Some text has been placed further at the top of the poster which isn’t an actual film poster convention however, it can still attract the audience. This is because,
the adjective ‘triumphant’ has been used which can intrigue the audience. Furthermore, this piece of information states that this film is a true story which can
make the audience want to see the film more as it has realism to it creating an emotional attachment.

4. Analysing film poster by conventions
One of the most striking conventions within this cinematic poster is the title of the film. It is the largest
piece of text, is the width of the poster, is bold and in the colour red. All of these things contribute to
making the title highly noticeable and more importantly ensuring that the audience won’t forget what the
film is called. Also, the chosen colour of the title (red) works well against the monochrome background
making the title pop. The red also indicates that this film involves danger and risk. Other pieces of text
that feature on this poster (such as the cast names and the tagline) are also in red which could show
that they are important pieces of text on the poster. More about the colours used, the black and white
combined with the red also represent danger. The lack of colour makes the poster look more intense
because even though only 3 colours have been used they all work well together and create vibrancy.
For example, the black behind the red makes the red stand out more whereas, the black text stands out
over the white background.
Going in to more detail about the cast names, Tom Hardy’s name has been placed on the poster twice.
This shows the audience that he plays both of the main characters which will attract his fans as well as
a larger target audience as he is a well known actor.
As for the tagline in more detail, it is placed on the left hand side down the bottom of the poster. It is
quite small considering it is a tagline as they’re usually larger because they’re important catchy pieces of
text that attract the audience. However, as mentioned before, the tagline is red making it stand out even
though the sizing of the words is small.
Moving on, the iconography of this poster conveys violence due to the acting style of the main
characters. The characters have screwed up facial expressions and are frowning causing them to look
very serious. As well as that some mise-en-scene also suggests violence is included in this film as a
prop is being held. The two separate images of the characters have been merged together in post
production giving the illusion that both of them are holding the gun. Thus, this shows the audience both
characters are violent giving them some narrative element. It also gives some narrative element due
to the fact that, it shows that they are ‘one’ as they are twins and that they are a team.
This cinematic poster doesn’t actually have a release date. It simply says ‘coming soon’. This should
intrigue the audience as it creates anticipation for them.
An American certification has been placed on the right hand side down the bottom of poster.

5. Analysing film poster by genre – teen drama
This title within this cinematic poster has been placed just below the main image. The typography that
has been used is conventional as it has a fun style to it which is important as it hints that this film is for a
younger/teen audience. The words of the title also indicate the narrative as words such as ‘snogging’ and
‘thongs’ have been used. These words tells the audience that this film is going to involve some romance
(which is a common theme in teen drama films) especially as the word ‘snogging’ is the largest out of the
title. Most teen drama based films have titles that give away the genre or have a narrative element to it.
Another example would be the teen drama film ‘Wild child’. The title gives away the fact that the film is for
a teenage audience and also gives a narrative element (as the film is about a teenager who is wild). One
last thing about the title is that the colour of the text is bold and stands out against the white background.
This is conventional of teen drama film posters as vibrant colours attract younger audiences’ more.
A tagline has been put above the title which has a narrative element to it. This is because it says
‘Georgia Nicholson’s not going mental, but her life is’. This tells the audience that this film is going to
involve ‘mental’ things giving the main theme of the film (drama). This is a conventional thing to have on a
film poster for this type of genre as it creates a mood/atmosphere. Also, the fact that ‘but her life is’ is in
red compared to the rest of the tagline being in blue text, makes things more dramatic.
Moving on, part of the main image is the main character within this film (a teenage girl) and has been
placed in the center of the page. This is conventional of teen drama film posters to have the main
character in the center as it shows who's drama filled life this film is going to consist of. Also, by having
the main character on the film poster gives an indication to who this film is aimed at. Consequently, as the
main character is a teenager this tells the audience that this film is for younger people and they will feel
like they can relate to her. The pose that the main character also indicates that a lot Is going on in her life
which links in with the genre. Having looked at other teen drama film posters it is common for the main
character to be have an expression on their face. It is either happy, sad or a dramatic pose.
Continuing on about the main image, above the main character there are many smaller images consisting
of more characters and doodles. The fact that all of these miniature images and drawings have been all
crammed together emphasises the genre of this film. This isn’t necessarily a typical convention however,
many teen drama film posters will include more than one character on the page. Also, the illustrations are
not a typical convention either however they create a youthful vibe that tells us this films target audience
is adolescents.
A tagline has been put above the title which helps tell the audience the genre of the film. This is because
the word ‘mental’ has been used so it tells the audience that things are going to get crazy. Referring back
to the the film ‘Wild Child’ a tagline also features on their cinematic poster. It reads ‘A new term new
trouble’. Like the angus, thongs and perfect snogging tagline this tagline hints that a lot drama is going to
occur. Therefore, it is a common thing for teen drama cinematic posters to have a tagline that reinforces
the genre as it is one way of attracting the audience.

6. Analysing film magazine cover by conventions
The masthead displayed on this film magazine is partially hidden by the main image. However,
this doesn’t matter as this company is well established in the film magazine industry so it is
common for some big film magazines to do this. Like most covers, this masthead is large and the
width of the page. This just ensures that a statement is made. The deep red that has been
chosen helps to make the masthead stand out further.
Moving on, this film magazine cover has developed a convention as the skyline and slogan
have been combined as one. Slogans are catchy phrases that should get the readers attention
whereas, a skyline is information based on the content of the magazine. The text is acting as a
slogan as it reads ‘The dark knight returns’ and as a skyline as this text is telling the readers
about what is inside. Furthermore, skylines are usually at the top of the page.
The cover lines of this front cover is another convention that has been developed. This is
because they have been placed at a certain angle that makes the text look like it is coming out
the page. This may have been done in order to hint to the audience the type of genre that the
main film featured in this magazine is. The main cover line which reads ‘inception’ is the main
attraction within this film magazine therefore, the designer may have put a twist on the cover
lines in order to make the genre of the film and the appearance of the cover match. The angled
cover lines make the main image more striking and bold and, the background image gives the
illusion that there is an explosion going on. Consequently, this hints to the readers that the main
attraction (inception) is an action packed film.
More about the main image, this convention has been developed but some things about it are
still conventional. For example, the composition of the image is in the center of the frame which
is very convectional of a film magazine cover. This is because, this ensures the readers will spot
the main attraction rapidly. The colours that have been chosen for the main image (or rather lack
of colour) are conventional as the dark tones tie in with the main article of this magazine which is
an action based film. The prop used (which is a gun), the stern facial expression and the stiff,
intense pose that the character is portraying, all reinforce the genre of this film. It is conventional
for film magazine companies to do this as what ever the genre of their main article is, they
usually keep a similar genre style for the front cover.
On the more unconventional side, the type of shot that has been used (medium long shot) for the
main image is not as common. Generally medium or medium close up shots are used but with
this cover a medium long shot may have been necessary. This is because the prop needs to be
seen as it helps the readers gather what type of film the main article is.
More on the main cover line, this has been kept convectional as it is related to the main image.
It is very rare for the main image and the main cover line not to be linked together. Furthermore,
it is a large vibrant piece of text (which is conventional) that has been positioned in the middle of
the page because the photograph allows it due to the face being higher up. This composition
shown is just one variation of how a typical magazine cover may choose to have their main cover
line as it can depend on the shot type of the main image.
The anchorage text is involved within the main article and has been placed around above and
underneath the main cover line which is no surprise as they link together.
Another convention that is displayed on this cover is the barcode. It has been placed on the right
hand side of the frame in the bottom corner making the barcode not massively noticeable. This is
conventional as the barcode isn’t something that helps attract the audience. Its only purpose it
for when the magazine needs to be scanned so it can be purchased.

7. Analysing film magazine cover by genre
The typography which has been used for this magazine cover is
neutral. For teen drama based films there isn’t really a text style
attached to it as teen films have a wide variety of narrative themes.
The masthead has a plain text style which matches well with what you
could call a ‘safe’ genre based film.
As for the language used on this cover you can see that the choice of
words are ‘soft’ with words such as ‘romance’ being used. For a cover
with a teenage drama genre it is highly likely for emotive language to
be used as these films are full of dramatic events with high volumes
of feelings like love and pain.
For the main image there are many typical things that show that this
cover is based on teen drama based film particularly to do with the
mise-en-scene. Firstly, the proximity of the actor and actress indicate
that these two characters have a close romantic relationship which is
a common element to teen dramas. This is shown through the
photography as the subjects faces and upper bodies are very close
together. More often than not, a teen drama film will involve a
romance while facing an array of other issues within the story.
As for the make-up it is very fresh looking and emphasises that these
characters within this film are adolescents which helps to know that
this is teen film. The high key lighting matches well with the teen
drama genre because, even though they consist of dramatic ups and
downs these films are centred around happy positive vibes and
commonly finish with an optimistic approach.
The background that is displayed in the main image has a soft focus
with pastel colours within a rural setting. Again this gives a ‘soft’
feeling which is what teen dramas consist of despite the drama.

8. Analysing of film trailer by conventions - Paranoia
One conventional thing about film
trailers are voice overs. They act
as a sound bridge and are added
to the trailer post production. They
are scripted lines which help move
the narrative forward as the trailer
plays.
Disclaimer titles are a convention of film
trailers. They are a generic statement used in
the industry. These titles are used at the
beginning of a trailer.
This screenshot displays some camerawork. This technique is called
‘over the shoulder’. It is a very useful technique to use as it shows the
conversation going back and forth. Both characters are in the shot and
shows how they react to what is being said through their facial
expressions.
Here is another form of a title slide yet this
one holds a different purpose. This kind of title
slide is used in film trailers often in order to
tease the audience. They are placed between
two shots and are usually some sort of slogan
or they hold a powerful message.

9. Analysing of film trailer by conventions - Paranoia
One way of editing is by using a dissolve through black technique. The purpose of this is to show the most
important parts of a scene in a quick way by increasing the passing of time. So, one scene is shown then it
dissolves until a black screen is shown, for that to then change to another scene all in a very short space of time.
A close up shot is popular to use for film trailers as it captures the
characters emotions and expressions by being up close. It can create a
certain type of atmosphere. For example, within this trailer and by this
type of shot being used, an intense kind of atmosphere is made for the
audience. We can feel that as the camera is up close allowing us to see
the details.
Characters are shown throughout film trailers. Usually, only the
characters that play the bigger, more important roles will get introduced
as the narrative is set.

10. Analysing of film trailer by conventions - Paranoia
A typical thing that is involved in many film trailers is music. This may
be played over the top of dialogue or played without dialogue. The
music shows the genre and pace of the film and can also show the
budget. For example some higher budgeted films get famous singers
to create a soundtrack specifically for their film which can cause the
film trailer to become more attractive to its audience.
Within this trailer we see many locations which is a typical convention. This is because in a trailer you
have to show lots of snippets of the film. Therefore, a lot of locations will be seen within the short amount
given.

11. Analysing film trailer analysis by genre Juno- (teen
drama)
This screenshot displays a close up
shot of one of the characters within this
film. Therefore we can see her emotion
in depth through being able to see her
facial expressions by the camera being
up close. This follows the conventions
of a teen drama film as they are based
on dramatic and emotional events.
Especially because it is a teen drama
also, things are likely to be dramatised
further.
This is a screenshot displaying some text
during the trailer. This follows the conventions
of a teen drama film due to the bold yellow
tone that has been used. This expresses that
this film is for young people. Adding on to that,
the sentence that has been used further
enforces that this films genre is a teen drama
as this sentence is stirring and brings
excitement to the audience.
This is a two shot motion which shows
conversation between two characters.
The blocking of the actors places them
in to different parts of the shot. On one
side of the frame the actress has been
positioned closer to the camera and is
slightly out of focus. As for the other
actor they have been placed in a
medium shot at a slightly higher angle
so that he is looking down on her. This
is typical of a teen genre based film as
the adults normally have more power.
Within this trailer the audience get a glimpse of a locations that appears in the film which is
a high school. This type of location provides a number of typical narratives to develop such
as relationships or any struggles that may occur at school like bullying. This location used
is conventional for a teen drama based film as it gives an idea of how old the character
may be and also creates an environment.

12. Analysing film trailer analysis by genre – Juno (Teen
Drama)
These screenshots here show an example of fast paced editing. A screen wipe
transition has been used within this trailer which is conventional of a teen
drama. This is because it adds pace and keeps the energy up. The rapid
transition also makes things look more dramatic which is key when it comes to
this type of genre.
The dialogue that is used within this trailer
contains humorous and informal language.
By using this kind of dialogue within the
trailer portrays a teenager in a realistic way
therefore, it is conventional of a teen drama
to have realistic scripting.
Flashing transitions have been used to quicken the pace of the trailer and make
something that could be boring (which would be getting dressed in this case) a bit
more exciting. The flashes will engage the audience as it is all very fast moving
and bright.

13. Film trailer analysis – Juno (Teen Drama)
The type of parallel mood music that has been added into the trailer post production
(non-diegetic sound) is upbeat and optimistic (particularly the music at the end of the
trailer). This shows to the audience that the outcome of the film is positive and that the
problems that present themselves in this film get solved. This is conventional of a teen
drama based film as there is typically a solution to the problem (which is the drama
part of the film) and hints that there is a happy ending. Especially because this is a
teen drama film, happy endings are much more likely and conventional of this film
genre as the audience will be younger. Also, the fact that the music used is upbeat
keeps the energy risen just like the fast paced editing does. So, the parallel mood
music is key as the track used creates an atmosphere as the narrative unfolds.
From start to finish high key lighting has been used in this trailer. This is something to consider as the kind of lighting contrasts
and colours used all set the mood of a film. Therefore, it is conventional to use high key lighting and bright colours for a teen
drama (as shown in this trailer) because, it keeps the mood cheery and youthful.

14. Analysing film trailer analysis by genre – Juno (Teen
Drama)
The props displayed in these screenshots are items that express the characters age. For example,
one character is holding a burger phone whilst both screenshots show each of the characters
bedrooms in the background. Although they are out of focus you can see props including a guitar
and posters of bands and singers stuck to the walls. Having props like these are only things that
teenagers would own so it makes them conventional as it distinguishes the trailers genre. By using
props like these also makes the film trailer look more realistic as it is showing what a typical
teenagers room would look like.