2. Time management
Back to contents Complete
Incomplete
Task Date(s) for Completed?
commitment
Case study 09/09-16/09
Teaser trailers analysis 06/09-13/09
Magazine front covers analysis 15/09
Posters analysis 15/09
Identifying target audience (demographics) 20/09
Primary and secondary research 22/09
Planning: storyboard/location/cast/props/costume 27/09-29/09
Risk assessment 29/09
Filming for teaser 18/10-20/10
Magazine front cover draft/complete version 04/10-31/10
Film poster draft/complete version 04/10-31/10
Photographs taken 18/10-20/10
Company logo 01/11
Edit trailer 11/11
Gain audience feedback 15/11
Make changes in response to audience feedback 17/11-22/11
3. Task Date(s) for Completed?
commitment
Evaluation question one 08/11-06/12
Evaluation question two 08/11-08/12
Evaluation question three 08/11-13/12
Evaluation question four 08/11-15/12
Upload finished teaser trailer
Link trailer onto PowerPoint
5. What is a Teaser Trailer?
A teaser trailer is a trailer that features exciting clips from an
upcoming blockbuster film. The purpose of a teaser trailer is to
draw the audience in and make them want to know more about the
film. They differ from „normal‟ trailers as they are usually shorter in
length (30 seconds to 1 minute 20 seconds) and tend to not give
much of the narrative away by only showing snippets of the film.
A teaser trailer is usually released between 6-12 months before the
release of the film and quite often made before any footage is shot
for the film.
Conventions of a teaser trailer would be that they usually only
feature the action and excitement of the film along with intense
music and special effects. I have analyzed three thriller teaser
trailers to help with my own production.
6. Teaser trailer analysis: The Dark Knight Rises
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSn72h_6I9Q&feature=fvst
Shows clips from a previous Batman Features writing related to the
film. This could be because that haven't film without actually giving
filmed any of the new film yet. This is anything away. This is a
another convention of a teaser trailer as convention of a teaser trailer.
many trailers are released before scenes
from the new film are shot
7. Teaser Trailer analysis: Taken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APLd-GO3aZM
The trailer features clips of action The production company is featured
shots. Very fast paced so it looks like at the start of the trailer. This is so
there is a lot of action in the film. This there is recognition as to who made
builds up an exciting aura about the the film. This is also a convention in
film which draws the audience in. teaser trailers.
8. Teaser Trailer analysis: The Bourne Supremacy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmXNYOsJd_A
The trailer shows the convention of action Again, there is a clip of the
shots in a teaser trailer. The intense music production company logo in the teaser
and range of action clips from the film trailer, proving that it is a common
leaves the audience wanting to know more feature in these trailers.
about the narrative if the film.
9. What I found from analysing the
teaser trailers
I found similarities in the teaser trailers I analysed:
• Production company logo is shown
• Features exciting parts of the film
• Tag lines are shown
• Main actors are shown
All of these aspects are important in teaser trailers as they attract the audience and
market the film effectively by featuring these conventions.
I will take into consideration the conventions of teaser trailers when producing my
teaser trailer to ensure that it reaches out to the target audience successfully.
Back to contents
11. The Black Swan (2010)
Directed by: Darren Afronofsky
Stars: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and
Vincent Cassel
The Black Swan is about a young woman who has a passion for dance. She is
part of a dance company who are putting on a production of the Ballet „Swan
Lake‟. She lands the major part of the swan playing both the princess and the
dark swan. While she is perfect at portraying the Princess Swan she struggles
with the evil side. Soon she becomes obsessed with trying to be the perfect evil
swan and she starts hallucinating and having anxiety attacks. It is a dark thriller
but the film has the ability to grip the audience.
„‟An extraordinary, intoxicating movie. Its hard, twisted edges may turn off some,
but there‟s no faulting either Aronofsky‟s technical mastery or Portman‟s
flawless performance.‟‟ Dan Joli
12. The Theatrical Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jaI1XOB-bs
When conducting my research I found that there was not a teaser trailer for this film. I
found that this could be because the director is not generally associated with
blockbusters and teasers trailers are conventionally released for blockbuster films.
The trailer features awards that the film is nominated for with the intention that people will
want to go and watch the film. It also shows other films that the director has worked on.,
another feature with the intention that people will want to watch the film.
13. The Website
http://www.blackswanmovie.co.uk/
The website features quotes from magazines saying positive things about
the film, using words such as „beautiful‟ and „masterpiece‟. This draws the
audience in making the want to see them film.
14. Posters/Billboards
I found various posters for the film and they all have similarities: They all feature the main
actors names and they all have the main actress on the cover. They each show the colour
black which is an anchor to the word „Black‟ in the title. The far right poster features a
quote from a magazine and also a tagline. Back to contents
15. Magazine Features
www.empireonline.com/reviews/review.asp?FID=136504
http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/natalie-portman-january-2011-cover/
In most of the magazine articles on
the film, the main actress is the
focus. This could be to show that
she is becoming more popular and
her performance in the film was
well received.
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/cinema/2010/12/06/101206crci_cinema_denby
16. Radio/TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqmvBuD4o1U
This is an interview with the director of The Black Swan,
Darren Afronofsky.
In this interview he discusses why the camera was used in
certain ways and how the actress went through strenuous
training for the role; mentioning these things is a worthy thing
as it lets the audience know how much effort went into the film,
therefore, making them want to see it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmRf0VoIxmw
This is an interview with the main actress of
The Black Swan, Natalie Portman.
In this interview she goes into great depth
about the narrative of the film, this shows that
she truly got into her character and the
audience are likely to respect her for this and
want to see her performance in the movie.
17. Viral campaigns
A „Like” page on the social network site
Facebook.
The more people that like it, the more it
becomes popular and the more other
people may want to see it.
18.
19. Magazine Front Covers
Film Magazines promote upcoming films and usually contain
reviews on films to tell the audience if the film is worth going to
see. They contain entertainment for the reader such as
interviews with directors, actors and producers.
Film magazine front covers are a fundamental element of the
magazine as it is what sells it. The front cover must contain all the
exciting and relevant factors about what an issue of a magazine
has to offer. It is also important for blockbusters to feature on
the front cover as this is an important way of a film being
marketed.
I have analysed two magazine front covers from different
magazines to help me with my own production of a magazine front
cover.
20. Capitalisation helps product stand out
The blue sea and sky could
suggest that it is summer and
positive feelings are
The masthead. The name of the associated with summer.
magazine (Empire) could suggest
that the magazine „rules‟ the part
The red for the title attracts potential
of the film industry that writes
buyers. As red is associated with
about films, and that every other
„stop‟, the title has used this as a
magazine is following their
persuasive technique to tell potential
leadership.
buyers to stop and buy the magazine.
The main photographic image of the
text is used as a unique selling point The magazines layout makes sure that
as it is the main character of a well there is always something to read no
known movie. This suggest that the matter where you look on the cover. It is
film features significantly in the cluttered but not so that there is too
magazine. He is wearing the much on the page.
costume that he wears in the movie,
and this is a persuasive technique
The word „starring‟ is a word
used so the magazine relates to the
used in film to present who is in
target audience which are
the film. This is used to grab
presumably people who know about
the reader attention as to what
and watch films.
else is in the magazine, this is
also known as a cover line.
The yellow writing helps the text
to stand out and connotes
happiness which gives the
Barcode
magazine a positive appearance.
Comparing two actors in terms of their roles in films. A change in the usual type of film that they may feature in.
21. The tagline is summing up
The masthead is shattered
what the magazine is about.
which anchors the genre of the
The word modern suggest
main movie on the front cover
that the target audience
as it is an action movie. This is
could be teenagers that are
evident by the gun in the
interested in film.
woman's hands. The shattered
title also tie in with the words
„shaken and stirred‟
This cover line is a unique
This cover line is targeting the selling point as it is
young audience and suggests suggesting that the
that the magazine is gender audience have an insight
specific to males because it to the set of various
mentions comic book heroes movies. This attracts
which are generally associated potential buyers as the
with males. magazine emphasises this
aspect with the bold, black
background and white
The title of the movie stands writing.
out making the magazine a
unique selling point, this is
because the font is large with The orange and black
suggest that the movie will be a colour scheme suggests
large success. that is it sunset which will
make the movie seem
This tagline may be targeting mysterious.
males as it mentions bikinis
and a well-known female.
The colloquialism
„coolest‟ targets the
Well known names featured on audience as it is a word
the front cover as cover lines used by young
which attracts the audience to individuals.
read more of what is inside the
magazine.
22. Critical evaluation
The magazine front covers both work well as they each show a different theme.
The Empire front cover shows a bright and positive theme , whilst Total Film a
dark violent one. Both themes work well as they each have a colour scheme that
work well and match the themes.
Consistency makes a successful magazine cover as it makes it recognisable.
Theme and colour scheme also make a successful cover as the colours should
match the main pictures on the cover as it shows in both magazine front covers
analysed in the PowerPoint.
Each of the magazine covers are aimed at different audiences. Empire are
aiming their cover at young adults and this shows through the bright colours
used and the character shown on the front.
Total Film are aiming their front cover at mainly men as it shows a photograph
which resembles a computer generated image and men are usually associated
with these due to video games.
I think that the Total film front cover is more successful as it is more specific to
its audience and the producers have been more creative with the fonts and
themes used so the cover stand out more.
Back to contents
23.
24. Film Posters
A film poster is way of marketing a film as it promotes
awareness and creates a hype for the film. There can
sometimes be more than one version of a film poster this may
be because they are designed for different countries.
An image is important on a poster as it can attract the
audience by showing the main actor, the genre and it can hint
what the film is about.
A release date usually features on a poster as it is relevant
to let the audience know when the film is going to be out.
The title and tagline are also important as it shows what the
film is about and it targets the audience.
I have analysed two posters for different films to help me with
my production of a film poster.
25. Black suggests a dark
sinister theme which
reflects the storyline. The main character is placed at
the front of the poster. This
character is also a well known
actor so this could be a unique
The women do not selling point of the poster.
have weapons so this
could suggest that
they are in the film as
sexual objects. This is
also shown by the way
they are posing; in a
provocative way. The Guns suggest that there is
fact that women are action and violence in the film
featured in the poster and also a gangster theme.
suggests that the
target audience is men. Old-style „comic strip‟ font used
suggesting that the film is of that
theme.
The red suggests violence , or it
could also suggest some romance
in the film. The red also lightens
up the dark theme of this poster
A man walking in a cape
below the other characters
suggests that he is inferior to The poster displays who
the other characters that are directed the film with there
placed above him in the names in bold to draw the
poster. This gives the audience in.
audience a feel of a „the
good guys always win‟
scenario. And also
emphasising that the movie Billing block The date of when the movie is out is shown.
contains action, This is a persuasive technique used.
26. Red is associated with
danger and blood so this Mentions awards which is a
could suggest that the film unique selling point.
contains violence.
The title is in yellow which
The style of the poser makes it stand out,
resembles that of a front cover
of a magazine. This could
suggest that the film is based a Shows who directed the film
comic strip theme. This then which is a unique selling point
grabs the attention of the as it is a well known director
audience as it is something who had directed successful
different . As the poster films in the past.
suggest that the movie is that of
a comic strip theme, the movie
Of all the actors listed on the
could be aimed at males as it is
poster, only one is
usually males who read comics
photographed on the poster.
This could be so that that film
is directed at the target
The names of actors are audience being men. She is
shown to draw attention to pictured in a provocative way;
the all star cast. At the laying on a bed, wearing heels
bottom Bruce Willis is and having a noticeable
unnecessarily separate to amount of make up on. As the
the other names, this could woman is shown with a
suggests that he is a main cigarette and a gun this shows
character. a masculine side and
suggesting that the film is not
all about a woman. These
objects also suggest a
Billing block gangster theme.
27. Critical Evaluation
The posters I have evaluated both work well to target the intended audience. The
Sin City poster makes the genre of the film clear and it also shows the main actors
which is important in marketing the movie. The colours and images work well as it
indicates that the movie contain s violence, this is again targeting the indented
audience.
Pulp fiction is a vibrant poster with its colour scheme which makes it stand out. It is
more of a unique poster as it has the style of a magazine front cover which also
helps it stand out.
Even though of the films featured on the posters are of the same genre, they both
contain different elements.
I prefer the Pulp Fiction poster as is seems as though the producers of the poster
have thought more „outside of the box‟ and created a different, yet successful
poster.
28. BBFC
(British Board of Film
Classification)
The BBFC is an independent body which classifies cinema films since 1912 and
DVD/videos since passing the Video recordings act in 1984.
It is an organization that is not for profit and its fees are adjusted to cover costs.
The BBFC maintains its independence by never receiving subsidies from the
government of film industry. Its income simply comes from the fees it charges for the
services, calculated by the running time of DVDs.
29. The different Certificates
All ages admitted. Nothing unsuitable for over 4‟s.
All ages. Certain scenes may be unsuitable for under 8‟s.
Cinema only. Introduced in 2002. Children under 12 must has an adult with them. Generally not
recommended for children under 12.
Home only. Not suitable for children under 12.
Only over 15s are admitted.
Only over 18‟s admitted.
Only be shown at licensed cinemas for over 18‟s only. More violent.
30. BBFC continued
Main issues: Discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behavior, language,
nudity, sex, theme, violence, title and photo sensitivity.
Where possible, the BBFC deals with any issues raised in a
submitted work through classification at the appropriate category. In
some cases, however, assurances, cuts or other changes (for example,
the addition of warning captions) will be required as a condition of
classification, or as a condition of classification at a particular category.
In some circumstances a work may be rejected, i.e. refused a
classification at any category.
In 2010 the BBFC cut five films including the remake of 1978 film „I spit
on your grave‟ which was cut to receive an .
http://www.bbfc.co.uk
31. Certificate for my film
The certificate I am aiming for, for my film is a 15. This is
because it is a action/thriller and I think these appeal more
to age15 and over and I do not want to restrict my audience
too much.
The restrictions I face with this certificate is that my film must
not endorse discriminating behavior or language, dangerous
behavior mustn‟t dwell on detail, no aggressive bad language,
no theme that is unsuitable for under 15‟s and violence
should not dwell on the infliction of pain/injury.
As trailers are also certified, I have to think carefully about
what I am going to include in my teaser trailer. I am planning
to include some violence and action in my teaser so I will
consider the extent of the violence as I can not make it too
extreme.
32. Target audience for my film
LOCATION
GENDER
AGE
The certificate I am hoping my
film will be is a 15 so the age of As my film will be
my target audience will be 15 I am aiming my film at males and females. My British I am generally
and over. I would not like to put main actress is female and this may appeal to aiming it at a British
a restriction on the maximum females because it can be relatable. The audience. Although ,
age my audience will be as it genre will appeal to males as it is a thriller and thrillers are most
depends on preference as to they may be able to handle it more e than popular in America so
who will enjoy my film. females as thrillers include terror. Males also I will be aiming my film
may find it appealing because a woman is the at an American
main actress. audience too.
I am not aiming my film at any particular ethnicity, sexuality, class, education, income or martial
status as I feel that there are a variety of individuals which this film will appeal too. Being not
selective enough can be a problem when marketing my film as it may not be clear who my actual
audience is, but I feel that I have the outlines as to who my target audience is which I believe is
enough to market the film successfully.
33. Primary and Secondary
Research
The collection and collation of
original data via direct contact with The use of information that has already been
potential or existing customers. Also collected and is available for use by others.
called field research. Also called desk research.
www.tuition.com.hk/dictionary/p.htm www.tuition.com.hk/dictionary/s.htm
Examples of Primary research Examples of Secondary research
1. Questionnaires 1.Published texts
2. Interviews 2.Media (T.V, Radio etc.)
3. Surveys (by phone, online 3. Published Statistics
or post)
34. Secondary Research
My secondary research is on previous slides such as my case study, analysis of teasers,
analysis of film posters and magazine covers.
Case Study
Teaser Trailer analysis one
two
three
Magazine front cover analysis one
two
Film poster analysis one
two
BBFC
35. Primary Research A‟s and D‟s
Advantages of Primary Disadvantages of Primary
Research Research
1. You can address issues based on your 1. Can be expensive.
situation.
2. It can be time consuming.
2. More control on how the information is
collected.
3. Personal to you as you do not have to
share it with others.
36. Secondary Research A‟s and D‟s
Advantages of Secondary Disadvantages of
Research Secondary Research
37. Primary Research Questionnaire
I handed out a questionnaire to 10 people of my target audience asking them a
number of questions about my genre to see if it would appeal to them as I intend it to.
Here are the results:
Number of thrillers
seen? What age do you think most
thrillers are aimed at? 100%
None- 0% said 15 +
Under 5- 30%
Over 5- 60%
Don‟t know- 10%
“I have seen quite a few
thrillers and I find them
What gender do you think
interesting to watch. I think
they are aimed at a young thrillers are aimed at? 60%
Do you enjoy watching thrillers? said both male and female.
audience, around 16 to 20+
70% said yes years old. As a female I find 20% said Male. 20% said
them quite jumpy so they female.
10% said no might be more suited for
males. I enjoy watching them
20% said sometimes
though”
Sophia, 18
38. Primary Research Questionnaire
2
I handed out a questionnaire to 10 people of my target audience asking them a few
questions about film magazine front covers and film posters. Here are the results:
In your opinion, what is the What colours would you
most important aspect of a expect to see on a poster for
film poster? a thriller film?
The title of the film- 40% Red- 10%
The date the film is released- 20% Blue- 10%
The picture- 40% Black- 50%
Grey- 20%
Looking at a magazine front “I don‟t usually buy film
cover, what is the aspect that Brown- 10% magazines but I think they
would be important when
stands out to you? promoting a film. I would expect
to see a theme that matches
The main image- 60% the film genre they are
promoting and the main actor
The cover-lines- 30% the central attraction”
Antonia, 19
The title- 10%
39. Primary Research Questionnaire
3
I handed out a questionnaire to 10 people of my target audience asking them a few
questions about a thriller teaser trailer. Here are the results:
Out of these things, what Teaser trailers are usually What music do
would you expects to see in a fast paced and redundant. you expect to
thriller teaser trailer? Does this make you more hear in a thriller
curious about the film? teaser trailer?
Fighting- 10% Slow music- 40%
A scared character-50% Yes- 80% Fast paced- 20%
An unusual character- 40% No- 10% Tense music- 40%
Don‟t know- 10%
40. Evaluation of Questionnaire results
Based on the questionnaire results I feel that I am aiming my products at the right
audience. Most of the audience had seen over five thriller movies, this shows that it is a
popular genre that is enjoyed. I am aiming my products at the correct age as all of the
people asked said that they think thrillers are aimed at 15 years and over.
I feel that not aiming my target audience at a specific gender is the right thing to do;
60% of the audience said that thrillers are aimed at both genders.
When asked about what they think is the main feature on a poster, equal amounts said
the image and title of the film, I aim to make these both central elements of my film
poster. The audience also said that the image is the main focus on a magazine cover so
I plan to use the main actor in the image on my magazine front cover.
Most of the audience said that black and grey are the colours they‟d expect to see on a
thriller films poster and magazine cover, I plan to use dull and bland colours such as
black, brown, grey and a cold blue colour.
On the questionnaire about thriller teaser trailers the audience said that they expect to
see a scared character and an unusual character, this has set me up for a number of
ideas on the kinds of characters I want to feature in my teaser trailer. I will also consider
that 40% of people asked said they expects to hear tense music in the trailer.
41. Planning
1.A young woman, 20,
Plot
barmaid, single, lives Characters
independently, family live 30
miles away.
2.Male, identity
unknown, masked, tall.
Storyline Thinking of a plot is
still important even
though only
The woman is being snippets of the film
stalked/followed by an are going to be
unknown male. shown in the teaser
trailer.
He follows her to her home most
nights, at first she doesn‟t realise,
then she starts to notice as time goes I thought that this plot
on. would be a good idea
for a thriller as it
The woman ends up in a involves terror, fear,
psychiatric hospital where adrenaline, a dark
When she confronts
the unknown male still notion and a stalker.
friends/family they dismiss
manages to terrorise her.
her and think that she is
mentally ill.
42. Planning
Casting
Name: Isha Burke
Age: 18
Having a GCSE in drama, Isha is a reliable actor to use in my teaser
trailer. With experience in acting, she understands the effort that goes
into making a trailer and her patience will be useful in the process.
Isha will be playing the part of the young woman being stalked. Isha is ideal
as she is young and fits the part.
She says, “I am excited about being part of Laurens coursework, she has
a great idea and I can‟t wait to see the final product”.
Name: Corrina Callum
Age: 20
Corrina has loves to watch films and watching plays. She is reliable as she
knows what is expected in the process of filming.
She will be playing the stalker in the trailer. Corrina is ideal for this part
as she is tall and has the confidence to take on this character.
Corrina says, “this is going a lot of fun, it is exciting to be part of this, I am
glad Lauren asked me. I am confident I can pull off this character. Even
though it‟s going to be a short trailer, it is still important that the audience
get a notion of the characters”,
43. Planning
Location: when thinking of my location I have to consider my genre; thriller movies
tend to be dark and dangerous so my location is key. Most thrillers take place in
towns, cities or the suburbs and usually have a main scene in the home of the main
character. I have decided that my location will be in the main characters home and their
street, it will be a quiet area where neighbours keep themselves to themselves.
44. Planning
P R O P S & C O S T U M E
Not many props are needed for my The costume design of my characters is
teaser trailer. Most of the props important as you get a notion as to what the
are already in place at the setting. characters role is in the film. I wanted to keep
These include: a bedroom with a things simple but effective.
double bed, a hallway, stairs and a
front door with an eye-hole.
Young woman Stalker
PICTURES HERE
The woman‟s clothes are fairly simple. The stalker will be wearing all
In one scene she will be in pyjama dark clothes which reflect his
bottoms with a vest top to show that state of mind. He will have a
she is an ordinary woman just relaxing white mask which will cover his
at home. The jeans and jacket are her face so that he is not
work clothes (barmaid) this shows a recognisable. The black
more feminine side which my female clothes create mystery and
audience can relate to and the male suspense which is how I want
audience can be attracted to. the feeling to be in the trailer.
45. Production Company Logo
I decided to create a fun production company logo. I wanted to go for the green
star because I feel that stars represent part of the media and this could be
appealing and memorable. My writing is silver which I feel connotes stardom and
success, this is why I chose to use silver coloured writing. Overall, I am pleased with
my logo as it is not too fancy and I believe that it represents what the company is
about.
46. Storyboard
http://www.flickr.com/ http://www.flickr.com/ph
photos/72147842@N otos/72147842@N08/6
08/6510300919/in/p 510300991/in/photostr
hotostream eam
When producing the storyboard I had to consider the film genre and the conventions of
a teaser trailer. I wanted to include minimal shots but the shots I did include to be
important aspects of the film without giving too much away. I also had to include the
length of each shot in my teaser trailer, I found this simple as conventionally a teaser
trailer is 30 seconds to 1 minute 20 seconds so I had to make sure that overall my teaser
trailer was between these lengths. I want to include taglines in my teaser trailer so it was
important to include these in my storyboard, along with the length of the shot. Overall, I
feel that my storyboard is detailed and provides me with a clear over view on what I want
to include in my teaser trailer.
Back to contents
47. Risk Assessment
Location Hazard Avoidance
Staircase in apartment People walking down/up, Always be aware of
building stairs themselves people walking up/down
the stairs. If they pass by,
stop filming until they are
clear of the shot. Be
cautious of the stairs as
they are stone and could
cause an injury if not
careful
Bedroom in an apartment Obstructions (bed, Ensure that there are no
wardrobe etc.) obstructions as this may
cause injury or equipment
to be damaged
Hallway in an apartment Obstructions Be sure that there are no
obstructions as this may
cause injury or camera
equipment to be damaged
Back to contents
48. To create my draft of my
poster I had to think
Poster Draft I wanted the image for my
poster to be central so that it
was a main factor . A film
poster is important for the
carefully about the
marketing of a film and I think
conventions.
that the image is an important
The title would be one of contribution to the selling of a
the major focuses of my film. One of the conventions
poster so I decided to help it of a thriller image is a blurred
stand out by having it effect and I thought that this
CAPITALISED , bold and would be worthy to put on my
a „haunted‟ font. To decide image for the poster. It is also
the colour of my writing I important to feature the main
looked back at my actors as this can be a unique
questionnaire results and selling point for the film.
saw the main colours that
people would expect to see
are grey and black. I decided
to go against this on my
draft and go for blue writing The billing block is a
because I felt that this would fundamental aspect of a film
stand out more. poster. It features the main
actors, producers, director,
writes etc. The font for a
billing block on all film posters
tends to be the same, I have to
I wanted the background to be consider this when producing
white as I wanted a feel of my billing block , making sure
uncertainty and emptiness. that I find the right font.
The colour white connote
these feelings and I thought it
would be important to feature
this colour in the poster.
49. Film Poster Final Draft
To view a larger version click the link below
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72147842@N08/6510300503/
50. I feel that the final draft of my film poster is a success and I am pleased at the result.
I faced challenges with the image as I did not know how to use the software on Adobe Photoshop, I looked at a few
tutorials on the programme but I was not successful in using the tools. Instead, it was recommended that I use an online
photo editing programme called www.picnik.com. This was a more simple, photo editing programme which I found rather
easy to use. I used this programme to achieve the blurred effect that I wanted on my photograph. I did not want to blur
the main character as I feel she should be seen clearly on the poster as this would appeal to the audience. Blurring the
character in the background gives the audience a sense of what the genre of the film is.
The background of my poster is not what I had originally planned to have but I feel by using the background in which the
image was taken was a lot more effective as it gives a slight sense of the location and the colours of the background
worked well with the genre. The background creates a mysterious feel as it does not give too much away and it connote
gloom as it is a plain, bland colour.
I chose to feature the two actors names as this is a convention of a film poster and it also sells a film if the audience know
who is in it as they can create judgements on whether they would like to see the film and the audience can make relations
to other films that the actors may have featured in.
The title is conventionally a main feature of a film poster so I wanted it to stand out; I managed this by making the font
large and making it a different colour to the background. I chose a grey colour because I feel that it relates to my genre
and connotes darkness. I also put a shadow effect on the title text as it contrasts with the films storyline; a woman being
stalked. The shadow effect produces the idea of a shadow, this could give a little of the storyline away to the audience,
making them want to go and see it.
The billing block took a while to produce as I had to find the correct font so that it looked realistic. The font I used for
my poster I feel, looks realistic and I am pleased with the result of the billing block.
Another convention that I featured on the film poster are the date the film is released; this is an important aspect as it
tells the audience when the film with be available to watch at cinemas, this gives them awareness and an excited feeling if
they are to want to watch the film.
The production company logo is also featured on the film poster. I included this because it gives the audience awareness
as to who was involved in the production of the film, so if they have seen a film by the production company and like it, they
are more likely going to want to see another film produced by them. This then sells the film more effectively.
Overall, I am satisfied with the final draft of my film poster as I feel that I worked to my best ability and the outcome is
successful. If I were to do anything differently, having had more time, I would have taken more time and accuracy on the
films image and background.
51. Magazine Front Cover Draft
When producing the draft of my From analysing another magazine
magazine front cover, I had to cover an aspect really stood out for
think about the conventions. me and I wanted to use it for my film
poster. The word „starring‟. When
The title of the magazine is an
producing my draft I was not sure
important feature as it is an
what would be linked to this word
aspect then stays the same on a
but I knew that I wanted to included
magazine so that it is
it as I thought it was a great play on
recognizable. I decided to go for
words
a bold font and I wanted to
match the colour of the title with
the colour of the theme. I also
wanted to capitalize the title as
this will help it stand out more, it
is also a convention of magazine
I wanted my image to be of the main
front covers.
character of my film. Featuring a
main character is a convention in
I wanted to include quite a few magazine front covers, I also think it
taglines on my magazine is important to do so as essentially
poster but I was not sure what it could be what sells the magazine.
to put on my draft. I thought On my draft I knew that I wanted to
that the tag lines would come include a blurred effect in the
to me naturally as I was background.
producing the actual front
cover. This was my decision
to make when constructing my
draft and I was willing to take
the consequences if my final
version did not go to plan.
52. Magazine Front Cover Final Draft
To view a larger version please click the link below
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72147842@N08/6510300843/
53. My magazine front cover was fun to produce. I included many of the conventions and I feel that it looks realistic.
My title stands out, which it should as this attracts the audience to the magazine. I related the magazines title colour to
the magazines theme of thriller films. This gives the audience an idea of what is in the magazine and it shows that the
magazine is versatile in terms of themes, this is important when you want it to sell.
The small details such as the issue number, date, and barcode pull the magazine together and make it realistic. Without
these small conventional aspects, the magazine would fail in terms of realism.
I have included a tagline so that the magazine is recognisable in the future and the audience remember it. It made it stand
out by capitalising it and making it bold, the white colour goes well against the background and help the tagline to be
noticed. My image and background was a struggle to produce in the beginning, because, as mentioned in my poster
analysis, Adobe Photoshop was difficult to use. Instead I used www.Picnik.comm an online photo editing programme
which was more simple to use and allowed me to used the effects I wanted to include on the image. I blurred some of the
background so that the actor was in focus and stood out. It was important that the actress stood out as it is one of the
main conventions that sell a film magazine, as shown in my analysis of two film magazine covers.
For some of my text on the magazine I used red. I feel that red is a stand out colour and I used it to highlight the main
cover lines on the front cover, this will help the magazine sell as it grabs the audience‟s attention.
As featured in Total Film‟s magazine front cover, the name of the main film featured in the magazine stands out. I decided
to include this on my magazine front cover as I think it will help the film sell, as well as the magazine. I chose to go for the
same colour that my title is in as I want it to stand out and match the theme. However, I made the font slightly smaller as I
do not want it to out-shine my title too much, which I think has been done successfully.
I chose to feature a competition, even though it is not shown in my analysis of magazine front covers. I decided on this as I
feel it is something that will grab the audience‟s attention. It is something different and by featuring this I am giving
something back to the buyers, which will hopefully make them want to buy the magazine again.
On the Empire magazine front cover they used the word „starring‟; I thought that this was a inventive play of words that
match the purpose of the magazine being for films. I decided to use this on my front cover as I think that it would grip the
audience into wanting to buy and read the magazine. I also used the cover-line of „interviews‟ as this is something that the
audience would be interested in as it allows them to have an insight of who the interview is with.
Overall I feel that I have matched the convention of a film magazine front cover and also gone beyond the conventions by
featuring something that is not commonly featured but I think is important. I am greatly satisfied with the final product and
it would appeal to my target audience. If I could improve the magazine front cover, having had more time, I would play
around with the background and the image as I feel this could be improved a little.
54. Audience Feedback
#1
Questionnaire for THE CREEPER
Are you male or female?
Do you think my teaser trailer follows the standard conventions of a
teaser trailer?
I handed out a questionnaire to
What genre do you think it is?
my classmates to gain feedback
on my teaser trailer. These are
Do you think the titles follow the theme of the trailer?
the questions that I felt
appropriate to ask to get as
Were the clips of footage appropriate?
much feedback as possible so
that I can improve the teaser
What age do you think it is aimed at?
trailer.
What do you think of the effects used?
How do you think it can be improved?
Rate the trailer out of 10
55. Changes to be made in response to
audience feedback
Link to first draft
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjMy-p6WNLQ
I need to work on the genre of my
film. I want it to appear as a
thriller more than a horror so I was
disappointed when the majority
of my audience thought that it
was a horror. This is something I
intend to work on and improve.
The audience feedback about the titles was positive.
However, I personally feel that I should improve the titles by
playing around with the words more and not using
predictable phrases. This will make the audience more
intrigued about the film.
56. I would like to insert the production
company logo here so that it is
recognised.
In this shot I would like to include the film
website so that the film is marketed more. I
saw this on someone else‟s teaser trailer and
it is a convention of other teaser‟s so I
thought it‟d be relevant to include it in my
trailer.
When I make my changes I am going to exclude this
shot from the trailer. This is because I received
feedback from an audience member saying that it takes
away the fear. Watching the teaser back I saw this and
decided to take on board the person‟s comments and
change this shot. I have to take into consideration that
this will make the teaser trailer will be shorter. If I am
unhappy with the length I will consider replacing the
shot with another.
57. I posted my first draft of the video on to my
Facebook page. I received good feedback from
the audience; 6 likes and a couple of comments. I
thought that this was positive feedback seen as it
was my first draft of the teaser trailer. I didn‟t
receive any constructive criticism about any
changes I could make but at least I know people
like my teaser trailer and it could only be improved
60. In what ways does your media product
use, develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products
For my products I has to use most conventions of real media products so that mine were
realistic. However, I found that I challenged the conventions of a thriller teaser trailer the
most. This is how:
ACTION SUBTLE
featured in I find this more
real teaser effective to
trailers create a scared
feeling from
audience
I developed the convention of
including action by including
exciting scenes in the trailer but
they are not fast paced which I
found in my analysis.
61. TAGLINES I included a few taglines in my teaser trailer, I didn‟t find this a convention
so I am challenging this by including them in my trailer.
LOGO convention of featuring the logo is used. An important aspect.
62. I have used some conventions of a magazine front cover such as the bold title, including a tagline and
cover-lines, having a main actor on the front, including a barcode, and having the issue number and date on
there.
I feel that I have challenged some conventions such as featuring a competition which neither of the real front covers
have, I also feel that I have related the colours to my genre more effectively than the real media products.
More on this in my evaluation of my final magazine front cover
63. Conventions used from a film poster would be the billing block, main actors image featured, colours in
relation to genre and date the film is released.
I have challenged and developed some conventions as I sell the film based on the actors and director
which I do not think the real media film posters do. I also feel that the woman in my picture is not
„sexually sold‟, she has less makeup and does not look sensual like the women in the real film posters do.
More in my analysis of final film poster
64. How effective is the combination of your main
product and ancillary texts?
These are examples of the font used on my magazine front cover, poster and teaser trailer. The magazine front cover
font used is the same as the poster, I wanted to use the font that is in my teaser trailer on the ancillary products but
the software used to produce them was different and did not have the font of my teaser trailer. I did however find a
similar font which I think works well and still fits in with the theme also, there is consistency with my theme and all three
products link together which is important when promoting a film as it will be recognizable and have that consistency as
seen in my case study of the film Black Swan.
I have used the main actor central in my ancillary tasks and I have also featured her in the teaser trailer. This is
important as when producing the case study I found that the main actor was used in all of the marketing productions of
the movie. I also found that when analysing the teaser trailers, posters, and magazine covers the main actor(s) were
featured as a main focus. This is a successful way to promote the film as it is a unique selling point.
65. The date the film is released is an important aspect to include when promoting a new film. On the case study, two of
the three film posters featured the month the film was released, I think this was done to leave some mystery and
excitement for the audience. I wanted to put the whole date as this will create excitement and the potential audience
can make plans to go an d see the film. I featured the date on my poster and teaser trailer. This again, links the
products together and shows consistency.
I found that in my case study and
analysis of film posters, teaser trailers
and magazine covers, the directors
name was apparent. I felt that this
would be an effective use of a
convention to feature on my products.
To be consistent with this and feature
the name on all of my products I felt was
important as the audience can the
recognise the name and then recognise
the film.
66. What have you learned from your
audience feedback?
4 likes on my Facebook page is a
positive reaction from people. It
would have been better if I had
more likes so I should have
posted the video more than once.
I am also on social networking site
Twitter so I could have posted my
video on there too and asked for
comments/feedback on both
Facebook and Twitter
67. Questions I asked my 10 of my target audience…
“Do you think that by including the production “Based on the magazine front cover, poster and
company logo , the teaser trailer has improved?” the teaser trailer, would you pay money to see this
movie?”
“Do you think that the new font used matches the “Full price for a cinema ticket for an adult
genre better?” is £9.30, based on the products created,
how much would you pay to see the film?”
68. “If you said less than full price, why?” Looking at the magazine front cover, would
you buy it based on the look of it?
“If I had the choice, I
wouldn’t pay full price
for any film, its far too
expensive”
“I am not a big fan of
thrillers and the trailer
What catches your eye the most on the
seem quite scary”
poster?
“The image, the
blurred effect is
Do you think that the products are realistic
cool, I like that”
in comparison to real products?
“I like the film title,
it fits the genre and
stands out”
69. Do you think that the products are Finally, did you enjoy watching the teaser
consistent in terms of fonts, colours, and trailer and looking at the poster/magazine
theme? cover?
“I found the products great
to watch and look at, its
great what you can do
when you put hard work in”
“All the products are good,
of course there could be
some improvements but I
am impressed with what I
saw. The teaser trailer is
the best”
I have learnt many things from this final piece of feedback I got from the audience. I
asked more in depth questions about my products and I am pleased with the results of
the questionnaire. I have learnt that it is important to have a target audience and to
relate your products to them, otherwise the reception you get back will not be how you
wanted it to be.
I feel that I achieved the media products to almost my best ability but I could improve on
some things such as editing and theme. Other than that I am pleased.
70. How did you use media technologies
in the construction and research
planning and evaluation stages?
Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYNYgJ8QGN4&feature=plcp&context=C2ab4fU
DOEgsToPDskJW_3t9KLYdbRkNpg4NmXb0
