The document discusses how the media product conforms to and challenges conventions of real media forms. It analyzes the film poster created, noting how it echoes conventions seen in other posters like including the focal couple and credits positioning, while also challenging conventions in some ways. The magazine cover is also discussed, with the focal image using a unique superimposed technique to make it more appealing while still including typical magazine cover elements like the masthead and cover lines.

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

2. Film Poster Focal Image
Shown to the right is my final film poster. I believe this image
conforms to the conventions of the form. For instance, I looked at
the photograph used on ‘The Spectacular Now’ poster, during my
research; this is a ‘coming of age’ film, incorporating the sub-genre
of romance. The protagonists sit beside one another, undisturbed
by the surrounding environment. This can also be seen in the film
poster for ‘Blue Valentine’ - the couple appear lost within their own
world.
The focal image used on my own film poster echoes this - the
surrounding environment is blurred, irrelevant to the two lovers; the
only thing of importance is each other. The kiss hints at the sub-
genre of romance within our production; the colours of red/purple
suggest lust, love, passion etc. The gradient effect used can also
be seen on the ‘Blue Valentine’ poster; it creates a soft aesthetic,
complimentary to the composition.
The two characters captured are young, representing the ‘coming
of age’ genre; they are growing as young adults through being with
one another.

3. Film Poster Credits
My own
The
Vow
LOL
I placed the names of Hana Thain and Sam Mallock at the top of my film poster; the said names belong to our
leading actors. I decided to position the credits at the top as I felt this made them appear more prominent; the eye
would be led towards the names.
This positioning was influenced by the film posters for ‘LOL’ and ‘The Vow’; ‘LOL’ is a ‘coming of age’ film, and ‘The
Vow’ is a romance. Both credits are fairly similar in visual. They are written in pink, using sans serif font. The pink
colouring will appeal to the female target audience.
I decided to develop this convention, and colour mine white. Although I still intend to appeal to such an audience, I
wanted to create a more calm and complimentary visual. The white stands out from the mauve background. I
decreased the opacity of the text so that the typeface appeared subtle against the focal image, unlike the ones
seen in the other film posters.
I am also challenging conventions of the form; ‘The Spectacular Now’ is an Independent production, featuring fairly
new actors; therefore, the credits are not included on the poster. However, even though my film features new
actors, I have presented them as up and coming in the trailer- ‘best British newcomer’, thus my reason to display
credits on my poster.

4. Film Poster Quote (Critical Acclaim)
My own
The Spectacular Now
Fish
Tank
I added a quote onto my film poster; Independent production
companies utilise critical acclaim in order to promote films - as shown
in the examples below from ‘Fish Tank’ and ‘The Spectacular Now’.
Most Indie film posters include awards as well, however, I felt my film
poster would look cluttered with the addition of Laurel Leaves. I used
one quote; this can also be seen in the film poster for ‘The
Spectacular Now’. By adding one poignant quote, it’s particular
relevance to the film is increased.

5. Film Poster Title
I have conformed to the conventions of a film poster by including
the film title on my poster. This font was inspired by the title for
‘Easy A’; a ‘coming of age’ film. The ‘A’ in this title stands out in
red; this could represent the protagonist/narrative of the film. I
have echoed this style within my own ancillary product; the ‘A’
also stands out within my chosen typeface, representing the
protagonist to be an ‘outcast’, much like the said letter.

6. Additional Features
In order to conform fully to the conventions of a film poster, I added a billing block and date of
release. To create the billing block, I downloaded ‘steel tong’s from dafont.com. Billing blocks are
credits that are legally required on promotional posters; the text appears highly condensed.
Shannon and I decided for the release date to be ‘Valentine’s Day’, representing the sub-genre of
romance present within the production. It is also an annual celebration, making the date
memorable. I used the type face ‘Penelope Anne’ throughout my poster design; this can be seen
within the trailer and on the magazine cover, establishing a connection between the three media
products. I placed the date under the billing block, as this a conventional position. This can be
seen in the examples below…
In order to develop my film poster further, I added social network
links; this can be seen on the film poster for ‘Endless Love’.
Young people stay connected through the internet, making this
a perfect addition in order to appeal to the T.A of
teenagers/young adults - it also links to ‘pull media’. Viewers will
visit the sites, creating ‘hype’ prior release.

7. Magazine Cover Focal Image This image conforms to the conventions of a magazine
cover; the cover star is conventionally captured in a
mid/close up shot (head shot). On the other hand, my
photograph converts/challenges the conventions of the
form. Portraits included on a magazine cover tend to be
clear, however, I have transformed mine into a unique
image using the technique of superimposing within
Photoshop. This is something I wanted to do, having
experimented with this edit throughout my own
photographic pursuits. I was first influenced by the
photographer Davis Ayer; an example image of my own
work is included below. Superimposing allows you to
merge two photographs together, exemplifying a clear
relationship between the two. Here, I have placed a
kaleidoscope over Hana’s face - she almost looks
pearlescent, ‘glittering’ as the anchorage text reads. I feel
that this image will appeal to the T.A, as it is quite unique.
Independent film magazines tend to be quite arty in
aesthetic - such as shown on Little White Lies magazine
covers.

8. Magazine Cover Masthead
In order to conform to the conventions of real magazine covers, I
included a masthead within my design. This is the magazine title. I
decided to make mine bold, as seen on film magazine’s like ‘Empire’
and ‘Total Film’. This will immediately grab the viewers attention.
Then I had to think about font. I was inspired by the fashion
brand ‘The Kooples’, a clothing line aimed at young people.
Although I am not selling clothes, I am trying to appeal to a
similar audience. Therefore, I used the same typeface, ’cooper
std’.

9. Magazine Cover Lines
I included both a main cover line/anchorage text and several other cover
lines/sub-titles on my media product, in order to conform to the conventions of a
real magazine cover (although the Little White Lies publications includes no
information on the front cover). I included puff words such as ‘exclusive’ and
‘plus’ in order to entice the reader into buying the magazine.
I used the font ‘Arial Bold’ in order to
grab the readers attention; the typeface
is eye-catching. I presented Hana as
‘upcoming’. Film magazines such as
Total Film and Empire present cover
stars as their characters eg. Daniel
Radcliffe would appear as Harry Potter.
I have subverted this convention by
presenting the actor as herself.

10. Magazine Cover Barcode
In order to conform to the conventions of a real magazine
cover, I included a barcode on my design. I adjusted this to
feature the date, price and web address. On the other hand,
I am subverting conventions as the barcodes seen on
publications such as Total Film and Empire appear vertical -
mine is horizontal.
My own