We decided to change our idea for the trailer, so the new idea would be simpler to allow us to be more creative. As when planning ideas for the trailer we found that it was easier to create the storyline and the different shots that could be used. Which means that this idea is more appropiate for us to create the trailer.
As the genre of the new idea is fantasy, the film will be about a popular girl who is bullying a normal girl. They swap bodies which happens as both girls read an email at the same time which allows them  to see each others lives from the others prespectives, the film will be called 'Mix up.'

Group discussion 2

In this discusion we are talking about the new idea we have for a trailer. As the original idea for the trailer we decided was too complicated so it would be difficult for us to acheve at a high standard. Furthermore the storyline was also difficult to portray in a trailer and would be difficult to include different shots and effects that we wanted to include.

 

 

 

 

The discussion explains that the target audience is teenagers 12-20 and the genre is drama. However we also want to include indie by using the bold colours and the cartoon like text to make trailer give the impression that it is going to be a feel good film. In this idea we will need more people to help us other than the girls in my group to make the storyline work.

A summary of the storyline is that it is about a girl who frequently moves school so she knows how to make friends quickly. However this time she makes friends with the wrong people (the popular ones), but she then makes friends with the geeky girl which makes her relies what a mistake she has made with her friend she originally chose.

Teaser poster analysis

 

Poster Analysis: Harry Potter and the goblet of fire

The poster I am analysing is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which is the fourth film of a franchise. The film is about a boy named Harry who is selected to take part in a dangerous multi-wizardry school competition even though he is underage. The target audience for Harry Potter was originally young boys but by the time this film came out the target audience was all ages as families of all ages except the very young went to see the film. This was the first Harry Potter film that had the age restriction of 12 whereas the other films are PG. This is shown on the poster by the darkly coloured background as it gives the impression of violence and danger. As it is similar to a background you would see on a horror film poster as it is dark and intimidating. However the other colours used in the costumes show that this is not the case as they are brightly coloured when stereotypically they would also be dark in colour.  

The image on the poster is posed as the image has not been taken from a clip from the film but they are still in character. This is shown by the way the characters are standing as it is structured so that Harry is seen as the main character and that the others are following him, by putting the other characters behind him. The contestants of the competition in the film are shown on the poster in the background; this shows that they have an important part in the film as they are who Harry is trying defeat. Also the three main characters Harry, Ron and Hermione are also shown as they are the well-loved characters in the film. Most of the characters are looking stern and determined which could give the impression that they are determined to succeed in the task that they are undertaking. However Ron face shows that he is scared and worried of what is happening, so that the different characters show the different emotions that are shown in the film. Also Ron’s face makes the audience worry about the characters as you worry that they are in danger. The audience acres about the characters as they have built a relationship with the characters which is different to posters about one off films.

The costumes that the characters are wearing are shown in the film as they are what the contestants are competing in. As they are in robs which are different colours to show the different schools and teams they are representing  and warm sporty type clothing which shows that they taking part in different challenges. Whereas Ron and Hermione  are not wearing this type of clothing instead they are wearing more contemporary clothes to go with the time eerie of the film.  As they are wearing jeans and a t-shirt it gives the impression that they are not taking part but they are supporting Harry to win the tournament. They are shown as being one team whereas the other contestants are shown to be on their own.

The wands shown in the poster show that they have a magical power which tells the audience that the film is fantasy and includes magic which connotes the genre of the film. The wands give the impression that they are ready to fight as the wands are in their hands facing down or pointing upwards so that they can cast a spell straight away to defend themselves. Harry’s wand is different as there is a bright light at the end of the wand which tells us that the wand is being used and also makes Harry stand out amongst the other characters. Ron and Hermione are again different as Ron has a wand whereas Hermione doesn’t this can show the different roles they play in helping Harry. As Ron is shown to be the one that helps fight in battles, as he has his wand ready to defend him, this could be because he is a male and they are represented as being more violent. Whereas Hermione is shown to be the brains of the three of them, as she helps by working out tactics and potions that may help them. As women are represented as being more smart than males which is why she is not shown with a wand as she is meant to be not as strong as the men.  

The background of the poster is dark as they have used dark blues, black and grey’s to create the background which gives the impression that the film is dark and that Harry is in danger. This is also shown by the foggy atmosphere which also makes the poster seem dark. It also gives the impression that not everything is what it seems as the audience cannot see the cause of the danger and that the true villain is not who or what you may think it is. The storm gives the impression that there is going to be a fight and that they are all in danger as the storm is portraying the battle the characters are going to undertake. The white part of the background which is behind Harry could represent hope. As it makes Harry stand out so it could give the impression that he is the person who is going to be the hero.

The font Harry Potter is larger than the other text including the name of the film as it the brand they want to see as they have watched the films before the sequel. The font design is stereotypical to Harry Potter films as it has been used on the other posters and in the films. They have done this so that the text is consistent throughout all products and so it is seen as its own brand as there is a franchise of different films about Harry Potter. The title and billing block is at the bottom of the poster which is stereotypical of a film poster but the text has been squashed into a small part of the poster at the bottom so that it fits in with the design. The date at the bottom of the poster says ‘the adventure continues November 18’ which also shows that the film is a sequel this is not stereotypical as normally only the date is shown. The colour used for the text was white so that it stood out against the black background as the text is small compared to other posters so that it fits in to gap at the bottom of the poster. Text at the top of the poster ‘everything is about to change,’ this sub-line gives extra information about the film. As the storyline of the film is that Harry Potter is about him growing up and not being so innocent as he loses someone to death. So he has to grow up to be part of the completion and to deal with loss of a friend.

I think that the poster is effective as it makes you want to see the film as the audience wants to see the next adventure of Harry Potter. Also the sub- heading “everything is about to change” is intriguing for the audience as they want to know what is about to change so people want to see the film to find out. Also the new characters which are shown on the trailer are also effective as it the audience wonders who they are and how it will effect harry. Also because Harry is a franchise this also makes people want to see the film so by having a picture of the character and the title is effective as people will associate the films quickly. 

Planning Discussion 1

This video shows a discussion on a initial ideas which we could use for our trailer. The points that we covered were:

•  Plot ideas: possessed, excorcism, devil signs, include fades as editing, using the green screen   
• Themes: we decided thriller/ horror and a psychological thriller from the experiences that one of the girls had when doing a romantic comedy and research.
• Settings: cellar, bathroom, woods outside of school we decided not in school because of litter
• Characters: who wants to be in the trailer which are the two Aimee's and who we can get to help  
• Music: voice over, music from garage band and heart beat are the ideas of the sound that could be used
• Target audience: young adults and teenagers and the certificate will be 15 plus
• Text: The colours that could be used is red and black

Romantic comedy trailer analyse

Life as we know it

Director: Greg Berlanti
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance


In this trailer a lot of the plot is shown, however not many characters are shown this shows that there are not many in the film. The storyline is stereotypical of a romantic comedy as it is about a relationship. As they are put together in a unusual way, in the middle of the film they have a fight which causing them to dislike each other however by the end of the film they fall in love and start a relationship together.

At the beginning of the trailer there is a clip from the film which then leads into the clip from Warner Brother’s pictures. This is not stereotypical as normally the Warner Brothers clip is at the beginning of the trailer then a clip from the film, however in this trailer it is done this way so that the transitions between the two clips is smooth. As at the end of the film clip the doorbell rings which then leads in to the other clip. Then at the end of the trailer there is a funny clip this is stereotypical as by having a funny clip from the film at the end the audience are more likely to remember the trailer and therefore see the film.

The music used in the trailer changes with the mode as at the beginning the music is jolly and fun to suit the atmosphere. However when something tragic happens the music became more dramatic to show the change in the mode. The music then changes back to the happy funny music as the clips change back to the amusing parts of the film. There is very little voice over used in the trailer as most of the dialogue is part of the clips which are being shown.

Text is used throughout the trailer so that the storyline is easy for the audience to understand. The names of the actors are shown at the end of the film this is stereotypical of romantic comedies as the famous names are what attract the audience to watching the film. Also the title is at the end of the film the text is bold and is in two contrasting colours of black and red. These colours could be used to represent the storyline of the film as the red represents love and the black is for the hate between the main characters in the film. A white background is used to make the text stand out.

Love and other drugs

 

Director: Edward Zwick

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

This storyline is a stereotypical romantic comedy as two people get together, they break up and then the man fights to get her back. However to make the film different one of the characters is ill this is unusual for romantic comedy’s as it is seen as sad subject. In the trailer this storyline is left open as the audience does not find out what is wrong with her. This creates questions for the audience which makes them want to see the film. However lots of funny clips are shown which shows that even though there is a difficult subject in the film it is still funny and a feel good film. The trailer has been set out in a stereotypical way as at the beginning is the 20th century fox clip and then clips from the film. Then at the end of the film the title of the film is shown which then goes into a funny clip, this is stereotypical as in both trailers for romantic comedy films this has occurred.

The text used in the trailer is used to introduce the main character and to explain the key things about him and the storyline. Then at the end the main actor’s names are shown which then goes into clips that show that character. The actors in this type of film are important as that is what draws the audience to see the film. The title text for this is simple and is white on a black background so it stands out. The text throughout the film is the same colour and background so that it is consistent throughout the trailer.

Music in the trailer is used to tell the storyline of the film as to begin with the music is upbeat and unromantic which shows that the he does not care about the girls he is seeing. This carry's on when he first meets the girl that Anne Hathaway plays until he relies that he likes her. Then the music becomes romantic as it shows the relationship growing and that he wants to stick with her through the illness but then she leaves him. However the music stays the same as he is still fighting for her so the consistent type of music could show that the love for her is also constant.

Comedy trailer analys

Bachelorette (2012)

Directed: Leslye Headland

Genre:  Comedy

In the trailer there were lots of characters and it gave most of the storyline of the film away. This means that the film may be very predictable when the person goes to see the film as they have already seen the plot of the film. Also the 4 main characters are each shown to have their own independent storyline.

This film target audience is females as the text used is colourful as it uses the colour pink which is associated with females. The text is also quirky which tells the audience that the genre is comedy. The text gives further information about the film so that the audience know more about the storyline. Also the main actresses and actor’s names are shown, at the end the name of the film is shown which is stereotypical for a trailer.

Furthermore the theme of the storyline is weddings and relationships which is common themes for comedy and is often used in chick flicks which the target audience would watch.
Still frame pictures were used to show the fun that the characters are having at the Bachelorette party. Also the still shots are black and white so that they look like photos which would be taken at the party. Swipe transitions were used to show the type of film as they make the trailer more relaxed and fun atmosphere whereas if a fade was used it would give the impression of a thriller. The music also helps to create the right atmosphere as it upbeat music which makes the trailer more exciting and light hearted as the audience knows that the film going to be funny. 

Dictator (2012) 

Directed: Larry Charles

Genre:  Comedy


In this trailer very little characters or storyline are shown except the main character. This means that the audience does not know much about the film but enough to make them want to see the film as they want to know what happens in the film.

The text used is in the colour of green/ orange which is suitable for the target audience which is males. These colours are also used to represent the colours on the country's flag. The trailer also shows that the target audience by including beautiful women and a joke which includes women's breasts. As this is stereotypical for this target audience so it is more likely for them to go see the film.

The music in the background is Indian/ rap styled music to give the impression of where the film is set as it is set in America which is represented by rap whereas the Indian style music represents the Asian countries. The music also set the theme of comedy as it gives a light hearted and funny atmosphere as they have used the music to reinforce a joke.

Fast pace shots are used during the trailer to show the different comedy parts of the film which are most funny to make the audience watch the rest of the fim as they believe that the rest of the film will be as funny.

Analysis of Dream House

Dream House (2011)
Directed: Jim Sheridan
Genre: Drama, Mystery and Thriller
Age certifin icate: 15


Analysis:

Music: to begin with the music is slow and very simple as it is just sound of a piano. There is also the sound of the children laughing this gives the impression of a happy family. However as the film trailer goes on the music becomes more eerie as the storyline develops and the audience knows that it is not a happy family.

Also the dialogue in the trailer is mostly a voice over so that different parts of dialogue from the film can be used so that the important parts of the storyline can be told. The voice over is stereotypical of a film trailer so I am hoping to use it in my film trailer.

Camera: the pace of shots increases during the trailer to make the trailer more effective to make the atmosphere seem more eerie and dramatic. The movement of camera is fast to show what is in the room in a frightening way as the mise-en-scene is a manikin and candles. Which are unusual and makes the audience wonder how it got there. Another mise-en-scene which does this is the writing on the wall as it makes the audience wonder what or who has done that and what it means. This creates questions in the audience head so that they want to watch the film. Also special effects are used as the colour from the shots are removed as the person touches the wall or the stairs to show that all the good is fading as his family is not real. Furthermore fades are often used to show that they are quickly moving through time and they are cutting parts out of the film. It also makes the audience want to watch the film as they want to see what they are missing. So in my trailer I will try and include lots of fades.

Theoretical Evaluation of Production

“Digital technology turns media consumers into media producers”. In your own experience, how has your creativity developed through using digital technology to complete your coursework productions?

•  Green screen 
• Slow motion
•  Final cut express
• Garage band
• Fade/ dissolve
• Cameras
•   Flip camera
• Blogger
• Apple mac’s 
• Changing size of the image
• Export the film
• Music by uploading it to final cut express
•  Lip sinking 
•  Deleting audio
• Cutting parts of the film

 

 

Hypodermic Syringe Theory

This theory believes that audiences are 'injected' with ideas, attitudes and beliefs. this theory is mostly used to describe children when they behave violently or inappropriately  after watching violence on TV or at the cinema. Also children can become violent after playing video games over a period of time.

Lots of people have been affected by this and have committed crimes because of it. For example at a cinema showing of the new Batman film near Denver Colorado, where 12 people were killed and 59 wounded after a man dressed as the joker from the last film shot the people. He open fired during an action scene in the film. This reenforces the theory as from watching the other Batman films he was injected with attitudes of the villain in the Batman film.

I think that my AS film opening uses this theory as it gives the idea to women that when they are alone walking at night that they need to wary of the dangers around them like someone stalking them. By this attitude being injected into the audience it will make people more wary and will keep women of all ages safer in the future.