The document discusses how a media product uses, develops, and challenges conventions of real media. Specifically, it analyzes a student-created film trailer, poster, and magazine. For each, it identifies conventions from similar existing works that were used, such as opening logos, credits, and intertitles for the trailer. Some conventions were developed, like using a unique horror font for the poster title. Overall, the document aims to closely follow conventions to attract audiences while also adding original and creative elements.

1. EVALUATION Q1.
In what ways does your
media product use, develop
or challenge forms and
conventions of real media
products?

2. MAIN TASK: FILM TRAILER

3. USE OF FORMS + CONVENTIONS
• I primarily focused on the forms and conventions of pre-existing
film trailers which I had come across when studying film trailers
like “Women in Black” and “The Possession” because they all
share similar qualities which I wanted to include in my own
product. These forms and conventions included:
– Opening green screen and production logos.
– Film release date and credits.
– Film title.
– Footage to inform and entertain.
– Inter-titles.
– Average duration of 1-2 minutes.
• These are all forms and conventions that I aimed to include in my
own horror film trailer.
• Similarly, forms and conventions of the horror film genre consisted
of:
– Suspense and anticipation at selected times.
– Typical horror plot e.g. paranormal activity and murderers.
– Low angles and low-key lighting.
– Eerie music.
– Lack of dialogue.

4. EVIDENCE
• I created my own green screen, which played
for a few seconds at the very beginning of
the trailer. I copied the MPAA green screen,
because it is recognisable to audiences
which makes the trailer look more
professional.
• Here I have used a typical convention of a
production logo. I created my own fictional
companies of “Vertical” and “Timecode
Pictures”. I also kept the look in style of
the horror genre, with low-key lighting to
make it look gritty.
• I used inter-titles to break up the footage
and to inform the audience in a different
way. I also used the typical “based on true
events” which creates suspense.

5. EVIDENCE
• A graveyard is a common location for any
horror film and this shows how I carefully
planned where to shoot, as well as
developing conventions.
• I based my plot around a paranormal woman,
like the film “Woman in Black”. These
shots were purposely dark and aimed to build
tension and suspense, like most horror
trailers.
• The editing was also key and I developed the
horror genre, by creating a “static” style
shot which suits the style of the trailer
well.

6. ANCILLARLY TEXT: POSTER

7. USE OF FORMS + CONVENTIONS
• The title is eye-catching with a unique
horror-style font, whilst being the largest
font on the page without taking too much
emphasis away from the image.

8. USE OF FORMS + CONVENTIONS
• I developed the idea of “creepy” dolls,
which I wanted to challenge by prying on the
fears of the audience. This creates a unique
but ominous poster, with the conventional
bloody handprints.

9. USE OF FORMS + CONVENTIONS
• At the bottom, I placed the release date and
credits, with the production company names
credited separately. Here I have clearly
used the forms and conventions of a film
poster.

10. ANCILLARLY TEXT: MAGAZINE

11. USE OF FORMS + CONVENTIONS
• I used the typical convention of an eye-
catching red logo. I didn’t want to
challenge this convention because I wanted
my magazine to be recognisable.

12. USE OF FORMS + CONVENTIONS
• I placed short and informal informational
around the main image, so it was bold but
not distracting. Headers are also a common
convention on film magazines which I have
also included.

13. USE OF FORMS + CONVENTIONS
• I developed the convention of additional
pictures by placing it in a film reel. This
gives the poster some originality and it
shows how I have tried to use my creativity.

14. OVERALL
• I have closely paid attention to the forms
and conventions of pre-existing products
because I want to attract my demographic
and create products which are in line with
professional products.
• Across all three tasks, I have used,
developed and even challenged some of the
forms and conventions of a film trailer,
magazine and poster.