An assistant helps the photographer during a photo shoot. They help with things like: - Setting up lighting and equipment. - Helping the actors/models get into position. - Handing props and costumes to the photographer. - Taking notes and keeping track of what photos have been taken. - Helping to move lighting or backgrounds between shots. Having an assistant is important as it allows the photographer to focus solely on taking the best photos possible. It speeds up the process. Digital Editing Software: Photoshop is commonly used by designers to edit photos for magazines and posters. It allows them to: - Crop and resize images - Remove any unwanted elements - Adjust

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

2. How do film magazines use, develop and
challenge forms and conventions?
Masthead: This magazine challenges typical forms and conventions used in
magazines as the masthead is placed behind the main image. The main images head
covers one of the letters in the magazines masthead which isn’t expected as the
masthead is important and is what helps to advertise the companies magazine so
people can easily see the company’s title and buy it. In this case they made the
decision to challenge conventions and this draws more focus onto the main image.
Main Image: The main image on the cover of this magazine uses typical form and
conventions that we would expect to see on a magazine. The image is positioned in
the center and is very large; taking up a lot of space on the cover, this makes the
image the focus of the magazine and shows that the film inception will be featured
somewhere throughout the magazine as the actor on the cover is the main character
from that film.
Main Cover Line/Anchorage Text: The main cover line also uses typical forms and
conventions that are expected on a magazine cover, its placed in the center of the
cover in big bold letters making it stand out from the smaller cover lines. In addition
the main cover line is printed in a red font which contrasts from the smaller cover lines
that are printed in black. The main cover line could also be called the anchorage text
on this magazine as the main cover line says ‘Inception’ and this links to the main
image on the cover which is of the main actor from the film ‘Inception’.
Cover Lines: The cover lines on the front of this magazine are challenging forms and
conventions as they are printed diagonally and look as if they are exploding out of the
page. The way they’ve been printed could be to do with this particular main
image/background image.
Puff: The puff slightly develops usual magazine form and conventions as it is placed
quite a way into the page, away from the edge and is positioned over the top of the
main image. Typically puffs would be placed around the edge of the cover and doesn’t
cover the main images.

3. How do film magazines use, develop and
challenge forms and conventions?
Masthead: The masthead challenges typical forms and conventions as part of the
masthead is covered by the head of the main image. This isn’t what we would expect to
see on the front of a magazine; as the masthead is used to advertise a magazine and so
people can see what magazine it is. The masthead is normally one of the main focuses
on the front of a magazine but on this issue it is blocked out by the main image.
Skyline: The skyline on this magazine is challenging the forms and conventions of typical
magazines as it is presented in bullet points which isn’t what we would expect to see. In
addition it has the information of a cover line as it is informing you of information that you
will find inside the magazine; however it is presented as a skyline.
Main Image: The main image uses typical forms and conventions as it is how we would
expect a main image to be presented on the front of a magazine. The image is positioned
in the center of the magazine and is very large, taking up almost the whole of the front
cover.
Main Cover Line: The main cover line on this magazine uses typical forms an conventions
that we would expect to see on a magazine. The main cover line is printed in larger font
than the smaller cover lines and is in a bright white which contrasts from the paler grey
that is used for the cover lines, this shows that ‘avatar’ is the focus on the front of this
magazine.
Cover Lines: Some of the cover lines on the front of this magazine develop typical forms
and conventions as they overlap onto part of the main image. Normally the cover lines will
stay separate from the image and have space around them but on this magazine issue
they’ve put a cover lines over the top of the avatar (main image) shoulder.
Colours: The magazine has developed a colour scheme to fit in line with the image on the
front of this particular issue. The avatar (main image) is coloured a few different shades of
light blue and so the magazine has chose to use colours that compliment this across the
whole of their front page. The background has been printed in the same blue colours that
the avatar is; also the masthead, main cover line and cover lines have been printed in
white and grey which compliments the colour of the background and main image.

4. How do film posters use, develop and
challenge forms and conventions?
This film poster develops forms and conventions by fading the heads of
the two main actors into the background at the top of the poster. This
isn’t typical of film posters as normally the main actors would be in full
view and focus at the front and center of the poster.
This poster also challenges typical forms and conventions as there is a
large bright light source coming from in between the two actors heads
slightly above the center of the poster and this draws focus to this point
of the poster.
The location of the film is shown in the bottom half of the poster and
both of the main characters are shown again; they are positioned quite
small and are in the distance and so this challenges conventions as
normally the characters wouldn’t be so small and they would be more in
the center so they are the focus.
This film poster also challenges forms and conventions as it includes a
synopsis on it, this isn’t expected on film posters as they don’t normally
give information as what will happen in the film. Also it challenges
conventions as it is positioned in a cluster on the right hand side of the
poster.

5. How do film posters use, develop and
challenge forms and conventions?
This film poster uses typical forms and conventions, the layout and
presentation of this poster is very formulaic. The image of the main
actors is positioned in the center of the poster and takes up the
majority of the space on the poster which shows that it is the main
focus and the picture is used to attract people to the film, the image
used is all very structured and it is typical for film posters to present
images like this.
In addition the film title also reinforces typical film poster forms and
conventions as it is printed in very large font and it is very bold and
the bright white font used makes it contrast and stand out from the
block red background; as well as making it stand out from the rest
of the writing on the poster which shows that it is the focus. The title
is positioned towards the top of the poster and is just about the
image of the characters which again reinforces typical forms and
conventions as it is near the top and isn’t covering any parts of the
image.
Further more the poster follows forms and conventions expected on
a film poster as it has the five main actors names printed relatively
small compared to the title at the very top of the poster which is
typical to see; we expect to see actors names on film posters so we
know who will be starring in the film.
Also the poster follows forms and conventions of a film poster as at
the very bottom of the poster it has the release date which we
expect to see on posters so we know when it will be out in cinemas
for audiences to view.

6. How do film trailers use, develop and
challenge forms and conventions?
A disclaimer is showed at the start of the trailer for insidious 2;
this is shown as it is a generic statement that has to be shown
at the start of all trailers.
An establishing shot is used at the opening of the trailer and
this shows that it is using typical forms and conventions found
in film trailers. This type of shot is used to show the audience
where the film is set and for this film – insidious 2 – it is set
within a normal family home.
This is a medium long shot of the main characters in the film;
this shot is shown at the start of the trailer and this again uses
typical forms and conventions that we expect to see within film
trailers as it introduces the characters and shows who is the
focus in the film. The parallel mood music played over the top
of the opening scenes suggest it is a loving and happy family
film and the scenes help to reinforce this as they show happy
scenes of a family together and have bright lighting to suggest
their is a lot of happiness. However not long into the trailer the
lighting becomes a lot darker and the music changes which
shows the difference in moods; in addition the action in the

7. How do film trailers use, develop and
challenge forms and conventions?
The insidious 2 trailer doesn’t use any voiceovers throughout the trailer;
however at the start it uses a few statements that relate to the film and
give an insight into what the film is about/a backstory to the events. This
develops conventions that we expect to see in a film trailer as we expect
there to be a voice over however instead they just use small statements
positioned on top of a black background.
Shot reverse shots are used during the trailer and this follows typical film
trailer conventions. This shot is used to show dialogue between two
characters which is why it is commonly seen in all types of genre film
trailers. In addition this shot reverse shot is filmed at a slight high angle
which portrays the female as being weaker and more vulnerable which is
typical to see in trailers and films as females are stereotypically the
weaker gender.
At this point in the trailer the tension heightens and the music changes to
become more dramatic, dark and eerie which creates a mysterious and
creepy atmosphere. This is called parallel mood music and this is often
found in film trailers as it helps to set the mood, tell the audience what
genre of film it will be and also helps to explain and heighten the action
that will be shown in the trailer/film. The dark music helps to entice the
audience in to the film and shows a quick and clear contrast from the
happier music played at the start of the movie. The fast pace editing use
follows trailer conventions after the opening of the trailer as at the start the
editing is quite slow and this challenges typical film trailer conventions that
are based in the horror genre as they tend to have a lot more action and

8. How do film trailers use, develop and
challenge forms and conventions?
The insidious 2 trailer develops film typical forms and
conventions as it gives an insight into the director of the film
although the directors names are not actually shown in the
trailer. In addition this trailer doesn’t present the main actors
names anywhere throughout the trailer; this challenges typical
forms and conventions that are expected in any film trailer.
This trailer uses dialogue to carry the trailer along which
challenges forms and conventions of a cinematic film trailer. In
cinematic film trailers we expect there to be a voice over
narrating the scenes and actions that are shown, however this
shows different clips of dialogue that are taken from different
scenes throughout the film.
At the end of the trailer the
name of the film is shown,
followed by the films release
date. This follows typical film
trailer conventions as every
trailer always presents the
name and date that the film will
be in cinemas to inform their
audience.

9. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl Trailer Analysis
The opening shot in this trailer is a medium close up of the main character of the film; this is
typical to be shown in dramas as it helps to portray characters emotions. It is typical of drama
film to introduce the main characters straight away within the location that they are set in; in
this case the main character is set in his bedroom at his computer. Often the main characters
of a drama film will be presented on their own and then you will follow the journey of how they
meet and the events that they experience together. The parallel mood music played during
this shot is quite upbeat and suggests a light hearted and happy mood however the lighting in
this shot is quite dark which challenges the lighting you would expect to see in the happier,
more upbeat parts of a drama trailer. Narrative is used during this shot, this is using typical
drama film trailer conventions as narrative helps to present a character and their life
stories/journeys.
This is an establishing shot which is using typical drama film trailer conventions, it portrays
the set of which the film is based and can also contribute to the mood the audience should
feel. The scene in this shot sets a lovely and happy atmosphere at the start which is before
any drama or conflict happens, this is often shown in dramas so they can set a happy and
positive mood to then contrast with the more negative and deeper atmospheres when drama /
incidents occur. The parallel mood music is the same happy and upbeat track it was
throughout the first shot and again there is narrative over the top which helps to move the
trailer along through the journey of the characters lives and explains parts of the story to the
audience. In this shot the lighting is very high key and it shows some vibrant colours that
compliment each other to create a lovely, happy and simple mood which is typical of
establishing shots in dramas as they start of in a happy and upbeat place before the story
begins.
This is an extreme close up and it is used to show detail and the characters emotions, this
uses typical conventions that we expect to find within a drama film trailer. The editing
between this shot, the previous shot and the shot that follows on after this is relatively fast
which challenges typical conventions of a drama film, the fast pace creates excitement and
shows that there is action and drama within the film. During this shot there is dialogue played
over the top which helps to carry the trailer along by telling the audience part of the story, this
follows typical drama film conventions.

10. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl Trailer Analysis
This is a medium close up which uses typical drama film conventions as it can
create a dramatic atmosphere; this particular shot is used to show a loving
emotional intimate shot, which is what we expect to find in drama genre films. At
this point in the trailer the parallel mood music changes from the upbeat track
before to a slower paced, romantic track; this uses typical drama film
conventions as a lot of dramas involve a love story of some kind. However this
particular film trailer then challenges the drama film conventions as the music
comes to an abrupt end and is followed by a voiceover which states that this
isn’t a film about a love story.
This medium shot is used to intensify emotions and this is what we expect to
see in this genre film. The lighting and colours used in this shot are relatively
dimmer/darker in comparison to other scenes used at the start of the trailer,
darker lighting and colours are often used in drama films to show when there is
a sadder atmosphere and when the main part of drama occurs in the film. There
is dialogue used in this shot, the girl says ‘its so much harder than I’d thought’
and this shows her talking about her thoughts and feelings to someone who she
has a strong connection with and this is typical to see in this genre of film as we
expect that a lot of the dialogue used will explain characters emotions,
relationships or problems.
The end shot of the trailer is another medium close up which again is typical to
see within this genre of film; its used to show characters emotions. This shot
shows the main male and female character together; this is what we expect to
see in this genre of film as dramas normal have a male and female protagonist
and don’t often include antagonists as the story revolves around the two main
protagonists journey together. The editing between the shots before this final
shot of the trailer use fast paced editing, the shots are very short and have
sharp quick cuts; this challenges the type of editing that we would expect to see
in this genre film; the fast paced editing is used at the end of the trailer to build
excitement and drama for the audience.

11. Film Magazine and Poster Technologies
Physical Technology
Photographical Cameras: Cameras are used to take photos for film
magazines and posters so that companies can advertise their film. Using
photos to advertise films makes it more engaging and interesting for the
audience who are interested in the film and film magazines. Typical modern
day ,digital, professional cameras are used in the film and magazine industry,
such as a Canon EOS 5DS Digital SLR Body, all these cameras produce high
definition photographs and they store them on a memory card which can then
be uploaded quick and easy onto a computer for editing and printing.
Studio: Photographs taken for film magazine and poster purposes are taken
within a studio. A typical studio is located in a large clear room that normally
has white flooring and backdrop, it includes professional lighting, green
screen, cameras, tripod, tinted gels to colour the lighting and memory cards.
Having all of these things ensures that the photos taken for the film company
are of good quality and are professional.
Digital Technology
Computer Hardware: Film magazine/poster designers will use 1080P or
1440P monitors, like the BenQ GW2765HT, so they can see everything in
high definition. In addition designers would have an expensive high tech
computer so that it has a fast processor so works quickly and good memory
so that they can store a lot of work and photographs etc on them.
Memory Cards: A memory card allows you to store things externally without
the camera. It makes photos easily transferable and a lot quicker and easier
than having to connect the camera to a computer with leads. Internal memory
on a camera would run out really quickly so having a memory card means
that loads more photos can be taken and stored.

12. Film Magazine and Poster Technologies
Software
Photoshop: Photoshop is often used by film magazine and poster
designers as it is an easy advanced software that allows designers to
use many tools. The software allows designers to use airbrush tools to
edit their photos as well as apply different layers of effects and text. In
addition designers can fix perspective error and change the type of
format the file is stored as.
Promotion Software: Promotion software includes things such as
electronic billboards and advertisements in apps etc. These are used to
benefit film companies as it helps promote their films to loads of
different types of people so they can engage an audience.
Printing
Printing Processes: Film magazine and poster manufacturers use
modern day printer presses to print many copies of their product within
a very short amount of time. The printer press is a very fast, easy ad
convenient way of printing high quality images/products.
Printer Hardware: The printer hardware is the computer which is used
to connect the printer with the software which you are printing from.
The computer has the files that are wanting to be printed imported onto
them and then the manufactures can print from there however many
copies are required.

13. Film Trailer Technologies
Physical Technology
Video Cameras: When creating film trailers professional industrial cameras are used,
these cameras have a tape compartment so footage can be stored onto them as well
as a battery compartment so that the camera can be powered and used to film in
locations where plug sockets aren’t accessible, this makes the cameras easily
portable. These cameras can be used to film loads of different types of shots as well
as having buttons to enable people to zoom in and out of a shot and enable people to
film pull focus shots.
Microphones: Microphones are connected to the video cameras when filming, the
microphone enables sounds and dialogue to be picked up easily and clearly. Using a
microphone is useful as it makes dialogue a lot clearer and easier to be heard
compared to when filming without a microphone.
Lighting: Lighting is an important factor when filming, professional industrial lights are
used to create the correct level of shade and light in different shots. Lights can be
made brighter and dimmer and even tinted different colours to create different moods
and atmospheres. Lighting can help when filming in dark settings or filming at night as
the lights are used so actors, props and surroundings can be seen.
Digital Technology
Computer Hardware: Film trailer producers use computers that have 1080P or
1440P monitors. This means they would be able to see everything in high definition
and have a good quality fast processor which means that they can work fast and
effectively whilst viewing film footage in high quality. In addition the computer
hardware would have good memory so a lot of footage can be stored on them.
Inputs: The firewire connects the cameras to the computer. This enable easy transfer
of all the footage from the camera it was filmed on to the computer where it will be
stored and edited.

14. Film Trailer Technologies
Software
Final Cut Pro: Final cut pro is an example of a film editing software that
may be used by people within the film industry. Final cut pro enables
users to import their clips and then order them in the order they wish for
them to appear when watching the clips altogether. This software offers
many tools such as cut, which is used to cut out sections of clips that are
not needed. The software also has tools so text can be added onto of
clips, for title slates etc, the text can be edited by changing font, size,
colour, style, how the text appears on the screen or how long it appears
for. In addition this software allows users to colour grade which means
that the colours of shots can be altered and this may be used to change
the atmosphere/mood of the film or clip. Also final cut pro enables
sounds and music tracks to be imported so they can be added in, to play
over the sequence of clips. This software has all the correct and
necessary tools for editors to be able to edit and create a good
sequenced film or film trailer.
Distribution
DVD Burning: DVD burning is a process which allows photos, videos or
music to be copied from a computer onto a blank DVD. This technology
is used in the film industry as it enables film producers to produce and
then distribute the same copy of their film as many times as they wish. In
addition DVD burning could be used to store photos on, for film posters
or magazines, and the disc can then be used by someone else to easily
access these photos. DVD’s have a lot of storage which is why they are
good to use when burning and distributing films.

15. Film Promotion Questionnaire
• In order of 1-5 what is the most eye-catching feature of a film poster?
• What colours do you associate with romantic drama film posters? & Why?
• In order of 1-5 what is the most eye-catching feature of a film magazine?
• What colours stand out the most to you on film magazines? & Why?
• Do you prefer male or female leads in a romantic drama?
• What audio convention do you prefer more in a romantic drama trailer, dialogue or music?
• Do you prefer romantic drama films to have happy endings where both characters live or sadder
endings where a character may die or get separated? & Why?
• What colours do you expect to see in romantic drama film trailers? & Why?
• What content would you like to find within a film magazine?
• Think about the style of text you would associate with the romantic drama film genre and
describe it in a few words below.

16. Film Promotion Questionnaire Analysis
• Question 1 – ‘In order of 1-5 what is the most eye-catching feature of a film poster?’
I used this question as I wanted to know what element of the film poster I should focus on and make prominent on the poster. I found from my
questionnaires that the most popular answer was that the main image is the most eye-catching feature on a film poster; in addition I
found that the least eye-catching feature on a film poster is cast names. I think that my audience find main images more eye-catching as
they are aesthetically pleasing and stand out a lot more compared to text. Also the image can help to tell the audience about the film
compared to cast names which don’t tell the audience anything about the plot or genre etc. The information I discovered from this
question will influence me when designing my film poster as I will make sure include a good and large main image.
• Question 2 - ‘What colours do you associate with romantic drama film posters? & Why?’
I used this question specifically to find out what colours would be suitable for me to use on my film poster. The most popular answer from my
questionnaires was red & white, and the main reason for people choosing these colours was because they represent, love, happiness
and innocence which is what they expect from a romantic drama film. Thinking about my audience I believe they chose these colours as
they represent the feelings and moods that everyone expects to see from a romantic drama film, such as red representing the love and
romance. This will influence me when creating my film poster as I will now try to incorporate red and white within it.
• Question 3 – ‘In order of 1-5 what is the most eye-catching feature of a film magazine?’
I used this question in my questionnaire as I was interested in finding out what my target audience thought is the most eye catching feature on
film magazines. I found that the most popular answer was again the main image, and I also found that the skyline was the least eye-
catching feature. I feel my audience may have chose the main image as the most eye-catching feature as images stand out more and
are interesting to look at. I will use the answers from this question to influence me when creating my film magazine cover; I’ll include a
suitable main image printed across a large part of the cover so it catches peoples eye and I won’t spend ages creating a skyline as they
aren’t as important or eye-catching for my target audience.
• Question 4 – What colours stand out the most to you on film magazines? & Why?
I used this question in my questionnaire as I wanted to see what colours my audience felt stood out most on film magazines and therefore
would be more eye catching compared to other magazines. I found that the most popular answer was red and black and the reason for this
was because they are very bold colours. I think my audience chose these colours as they are bold and would be most eye catching, and also
the colours red and black go well together and compliment each other. I will use what I have found out from this question when creating my
film magazine, I will try to incorporate red and black or if not I will opt for other bold colours that I feel are just as eye catching and I will avoid
pale and lighter colours.
• Question 5 – ‘Do you prefer male or female leads in a romantic drama?’
I used this question in my questionnaire to see what gender lead my audience would prefer so I know what to consider when creating my film
trailer. The results from this question show that males are preferred leads over females, but only slightly as some people thought that in a
romantic drama both male and female leads are equal. I feel that my audience chose males as my target audience is females and they prefer
the opposite sex as they are attracted to them however some of my target audience said they preferred females as they could relate to them. I
will think about my audiences opinions when creating my trailer, I think I may choose to have both a male and female lead and not have one
more important than the other.

17. Film Promotion Questionnaire Analysis
• Question 6 – What audio convention do you prefer more in a romantic drama trailer, dialogue or music?
I used this question in my questionnaire to see what audio convention I should use in my trailer. I found that people prefer dialogue more
than music; I think this is because hearing dialogue helps to tell some of the story within the short time that the trailer last and so it engages
the audience more. When creating my trailer I shall think about what audio conventions my audience would prefer and will make sure to
include some clips of dialogue throughout.
• Question 7 – Do you prefer romantic drama films to have happy endings where both characters live or sadder endings
where a character may die or get separated? & Why?
I used this question in my questionnaire to find out what ending people prefer to watch in romantic drama films, whether they prefer happier
endings or sadder endings. The results showed me that people prefer watching films with happier endings and it makes them feel happy
and content and makes them feel as if the story is properly finished. I think that my audience chose happier endings over sadder ones as
when people watch a sad film it makes them feel sad and change their mood and so an audience would prefer to be put in a good mood.
However the people that did prefer sadder endings find them more engaging and gripping to watch and find them more dramatic. I will
consider what I have found out when making my trailer and will choose an ending that I feel will be preferred by my target audience but will
also be engaging to watch.
• Question 8 – What colours do you expect to see in romantic drama film trailers? & Why?
I used this question in my questionnaire to find out what colours my target audience expect to see when watching a romantic drama film. I
found that people expect to see reds, pinks and yellows as these are light and happy colours. I feel that my audience would have chosen
these colours as they are bright, vibrant and happy colours and the reds and pinks are linked to romance and love. I will consider using
these colours when creating my film trailer, as well as consider other colours that are considered as being happy, light, romantic and warm.
• Question 9 – What content would you like to find within a film magazine?
I used this question in my questionnaire to see what content my audience would like to see within a film magazine so that I know what to
advertise on my magazine cover. I found that the most popular answer was information on current film plots as well as information on new
releases, in addition other answers given of this question included interviews and secret behind the scenes information. I feel that film plots
and new releases was the most popular as people like to read about film plots so they know whether they want to see the film or not and
new releases allows people to see what will be available to watch on cinema or dvd in the near future. I will consider what I have found out
when making my film magazine cover and make sure that I advertise on the cover new releases and plot information for different movies.
• Question 10 – Think about the style of text you would associate with the romantic drama film genre and describe it in a few
words below.
I used this question in my questionnaire to see what my target audience felt was the right style of font to use when creating romantic drama
film posters, magazine covers or film trailers. I found that everyone who answered my questionnaire described a curly type of font that
looks like handwriting as it is elegant and fancy. I feel that this is the typical font that everyone would associate with romantic dramas as it
is very light and delicate which is what you expect from romantic films. I will make sure to use font that looks elegant and is similar to
handwriting when creating my film trailer, poster and magazine cover.