3. Traditional horror conventions we noticed were:
•Dark desolate scenery
•Children are often associated as a link between the
paranormal
The research we did was necessary to understand the •Film title was at the end
conventions of a successful horror trailer, we had to study •No credits shown to make the film seem more realistic
existing trailers which promoted the trailer in the right way. •Ugly imagery and props
The two horror trailers we focused on was Pan’s Labyrinth and •Speed of clips matched the audio
Insidious, however, for comparison we also researched an •Silence can be key
antithesis; Dinner for Schmucks which is a comedy. We chose
•The story line follows the same path indicated by our
to do an opposite trailer to make the horror conventions
more obvious, and to evaluate how an audience would
research on Todrov;s narrative of equilibrium to
recognize them. disequilibrium then left at the climax.
Used: The conventions we choose to
conform to was those of the dark mis-en-
scene, the fast paced edits and flashing
images really enhanced our trailer.
Developed: The convention that we
developed was the use of a family
relationship being the setting, but filmed
as a documentary by the older sister.
Challenged: We challenged the
convention that dialogue was needed
in the trailer, instead we rely on the clips
and music to inform the audience. We
also challenge the use of actors and
producers names in the trailer, in using
new actors and not promoting them in
the credits it will make the trailer seem
more authentic.
While studying both teaser and full length trailers we discovered that the instant difference
between the horror and comedy trailers is the mis-en-scene. Even just from the posters we
can see that Insidious’ themes will only be dark and dramatic, where as in slight contrast
Pan’s Labyrinth portrays a slight crease of light, symbolising there is a battle between the
horror themes and a happy ending. Yet in complete comparison Dinner for Schmucks is
light and the close up emotions portrayed by the faces possibly symbolising the theatrical
happy and sad masks shows that the film is a hybrid of humour and drama.
4. Similarities: The similarities between these to
magazines is the importance of layout, they
both include what other articles are inside, clear
information and typography and the iconic
photo from the film.
Differences: The contrast of colours,;
ENTERTAINMENT is obviously a lighter and
humours magazine represented by its block
fonts and “sunny day” colouring. Where as
FANGORIA uses gothic typography and dark
outlines to represent that it is a specific genre of
magazine. The main difference we believe has
a huge impact on the magazine is the
importance of the films name, The Hangover
is considerably smaller than Insidious which Our magazine cover is presented through
create a completely different effect. EMPIRE, we chose EMPIRE because it is the most
successful film magazine around and therefore
our film will gather a lot of attention. We chose to
Used: After looking at dozens of magazine edit the title by mirroring as a reflection to
covers we decided to use the traditional symbolise the link with the film and the demonic
positioning of Title at the top, combined possession through mirrors, we also gave EMPIRE
with large image, and lesser information at a stain glass shiny effect to enhance the link of
the bottom. We chose to conform to this mirrors.
because it is the easiest format for a viewer We made sure that the use of layers was
to comprehend because it is linear. effective and complimented the cover, eg. We
Developed: We developed on the did not cover the main title only the reflection
separation of the typography such as but the title of the film takes priority over the
FANGORIA demonstrates that there is other photography,
films being advertised in the 35mm wheel. We kept the colour scheme as only 4 colours,
Challenge:d We challenged however the red, white, yellow and black. This is because it
makes specific elements of the cover standout
use of photography, instead of just one
such as the red is what the audience in drawn to
image we explored the use of combining
first and then they notice the less important
two, we found this effective for the
information . This colour scheme is also
audience to understand the link between connected with horror trailers.
the girl and the mirror. We were also sure to include the legal
requirements that must be visible on a magazine
such as the date and price.
5. The use of a film poster is to advertise to a percentage of the audience that perhaps may
not be able to access the media advertisements, so posters can be arranges in public
places for the world to see. The Insidious poster is very interesting, especially with the use of
location and typography. The darkened shirt makes it easy for the text to be read and the
positions of the upside-down title suggests evil and destruction are going to be elements of
the film. There is also reference to pathetic fallacy which enhances the tension of the poster.
Used: We decided that like most posters we were going to conform by having the
protagonist as the centre of the image. We also took from the Insidious poster to include
ourselves as producers so that the audience can have something else to judge what genre
of film it is.
Developed: We developed the use of also using a child as the protagonist but facing away
from the camera, we think this creates anonymity and suspense.
Challenged: However we challenged the use of only one carefully set up picture, but
instead used a multitude of images to give an insight of what is to some in the film.
Our poster is relevant to our film because it is another
level of effective advertisement that also contains
information the audience needs such as the date it is
released and the BBFC rating.
The title is bold and demonstrates the difference
between light and dark but also the reflection in the
mirror which is why the white half of Anna is backwards.
Static as the background is considered to be the sign of
the paranormal and this thought is enhanced by the
heart monitor line.
We also included a slogan but we made sure that the
text was smaller and less demanding then “ANNA” as to
not take the point of focus away, we included a slogan
to tick in the audiences mind.
