This document analyzes the similarities and differences between a student-created trailer for "The Blair Witch Project" and the original film trailer. The student trailer replicated many elements of the original trailer, including using similar titles, recreating scenes showing the main character introducing herself and being interviewed, using establishing shots of forests, and shots implying being lost. Both trailers end simply with just the title of the film. The analysis discusses how replicating these elements made the student trailer feel authentic while building tension and suspense, similar to the effective original trailer.

1. Evaluation of Practical Task
In this presentation I will be looking at
the similarities and differences that our
re-created trailer and the original ‘Blair
Witch Project’ trailer share

2. Throughout our trailer we used almost identical titles to the ones used in the original
trailer. This is because titles are very conventional in a found footage trailer as it gives
the film more of an authentic and personal feel. As well as this, the way the titles have
been laid out produces a diary style look, documenting their journey. The first set of
titles show a positive review that has been made about the film, this is a prime
example of marketing and would encourage an audience to watch the film. The titles
shown below open up the trailer and help to set the scene by stating the date of
disappearance and by introducing us to our potential protagonists, three student
filmmakers.

3. We recreated many of the same scenes that were shown in the trailer, this being one
of them. This opening scene shows the main protagonist introducing herself to the
camera/audience. This is very effective in drawing an audience in because they are
introduced to the main character right from the start. The image on the right shows
our shot in which I am seen reenacting the original shot, displaying many similarities
between the two. We wanted our shot to have a simple background so that not too
much of the story is given away and so that all attention is on the female character.
Furthermore, I am seen wearing a burgundy jumper, very similar to the original
characters top. Similarly to the original, this was taken at a mid shot displaying my
facial expression and body language effectively.

4. From watching the original, we were inspired by the shots of strangers being
interviewed regarding ‘The Blair Witch’. This is because it made the trailer feel even
more realistic and builds tension. Considering our teacher also teaches drama, we
asked her to play the role of the old lady shown in the original trailer. This was very
effective due to Ms Silver’s brilliant acting skills! Similarly to the original, we edited
this scene to black and white, making it seem as if the clip is very dated therefore
suggsting that the ‘Blair Witch’ is something that has been around for a very long
time.

5. Similarly to the original, we used an establishing shot in our trailer to introduce our
audience to the forest, where the majority of the film will be set. Forests are very
conventional in horror therefore this shot builds suspense amongst an audience.
Likewise, we edited our shot to black and white, giving the shot a vintage and historic
feel. Both shots show a road which conveys the idea that although they could follow
the road, there is no escape from the Blair Witch.

6. The idea of being lost is very conventional in a horror film. Therefore, we thought it
would be relevant to add this scene to our own remake. Our own familiarity with
Hampstead Heath meant that for us as a group we were able to find our way around
efficiently and find good locations to film in. This shot is a mid shot, therefore body
language and facial expressions are on full display, conveying the idea of horror. The
rucksack we used is very similar to the one shown in the original trailer, the bag is useful
in suggesting that they have been travelling for a while.

7. This extreme close up shot of the protagonist is very effective
because the audience cannot see what is behind her, indicating
fear of the unknown. As well as this, her terror is made very
convincing through the tears in her eyes. Because we had to
film our trailer in daytime, we shot this scene by placing our
hand over the camera in order to block out the sunlight. We
also shined the torch into my eyes, emphasizing the idea that
she is in complete darkness.

8. Both of the trailers end with the title of the film. This is very common in film
trailers because you see it after you have watched the trailer, which means it is
likely to stick with you. Similarly to the original, we wanted our end title to be
as minimal as possible, making the title of the film effective.