not finished

Thriller poster collage

This wasn’t a significant part of the making of our film trailer, however I felt it would be interesting to create a collage on those posters which drew my attention the most. This collage features all different narratives of thrillers, varying from time periods, characters, settings etc. Creating this collage gave us inspirational ideas for our own posters. It heightened our knowledge on the conventions that thriller posters present. Studying this collage made me realise the importance of the model in the posters it is evident that in each poster that is being published, the model is the most vital and engaging element. For instance, all of these posters apart from ‘Red Riding Hood’ represent the models eyes being a focus point; this has purposely been done in order to make an audience interact with the feelings that the actors may be feeling- for example, the poster –Phone Both’ the model looks slightly scared, suggesting that the narrative involves something which may cause an audience as well as a character to be anxious about. The biggest similarity that all of these posters represent is the dark colours and lack of lighting; this follows the thriller conventions, as if the colours that were used were very calming and light then it wouldn’t be proposed as a thriller film. 

Film poster research

FILM POSTER RESEARCH

In addition to creating a film trailer, my partner and I are also producing a film poster in order to build upon the advertisement. Again, Fern and I will proceed in studying the conventions of a thriller genre, yet in this case we will look at how it is presented in a poster form as opposed to in a trailer. Initial research will illustrate a deep analysis and evaluation of different film posters which cater for specifically our chosen genre; thriller. The studying we will carry out will be extremely beneficial, and will be guidance for both my partner and I to work from. From doing this research Fern and I will be able to highlight those which are more successful than others; it will become evident what aspects are effective, and the importance of particular conventions that need to be included. 

After browsing upon several different posters that promote films, Fern and I had retrieved useful information. It is visible what is likely to engage an audience, and what is likely to put off an audience. Many film posters that I have observed extremely compliment the film, giving them a positive and luring representation. Nevertheless, there has been few that aren’t as appealing, and would be suggested as ‘unsuccessful’ because of the amount of excitement that they had lacked. When studying the film posters I had constant questions flowing through my mind, essentially these questions will again come up when Fern and I are making the film poster, as they are important factors that need to be taken into account. For instance, how is the image composed? What colour is the text? Does the light match the narrative? Etc.

This film poster is extremely enticing for several reasons. Firstly, I had realized after carrying out research that this was the teaser poster, meaning that it caters for a more wider audience rather than a specific target audience. 

The model that has been used is composed in the centre of the poster, this would seem very conventional and significant, as constructing the model in the centre means it is the vocal point- meaning it is the most important subject, and the rest of the image isn't considered as, as necessary. If the model on this poster was placed off centre, then it would be suggested that she wouldn't seek as much attention, as the audience’s eyes would be drawn to another subject that the image includes The young girl is attractive, which would be seen as a typical convention, however, the use of mise- en- scene such as costumes and props suggests that although she may be attractive, she isn't as innocent as suspected? 

The colours that are included in this film poster all reflect upon the genre, varying from greys, blacks and red, ultimately suggesting thriller conventions; darkness, danger and fear. The red is only used slightly, yet is used effectively- The most visible feature that has been made red is the cape on the model, this would imply that perhaps she resembles danger, therefore reinforcing the idea that it is a ‘thriller’ genre film containing ‘antagonists’. Several letters of the text is also put in red, this makes the text look more intriguing, and the fact that it is placed next to white text suggests the contrast between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ (white being good, red evidently being bad) These colours accompany the thriller genre that is being featured, and have intentionally been done to make an audience aware of what genre film they will be watching. 

The text at the top of the poster is rather small this would be seen as conventional as it isn’t likely for all the font to be in a large scale, nevertheless, I struggle to read what the text is saying, which could be justified as a disadvantage as if I struggle then I’m sure those who have bad eye sight or are old will struggle even more. The title of the film however, is placed near the bottom of the poster and has been presented in a large font; this enables an audience to focus specifically on the title of the film, allowing them to get an understanding of what the narrative will entail. ‘Red Riding Hood’ has been wrote in a ‘spooky’ type font which again emphasises upon the thriller narrative, this would be considered as a significant convention as if it was presented in an extremely girly, happy way the audience would feel puzzled by what is trying to be achieved, and therefore will dismiss watching the film. 

The setting of this film poster is in woods which signify darkness, which then leads to fear and suspense, which are elements that would be expected for an audience to react whilst watching a thriller film. Essentially, the lighting is a significant feature of this poster. The lack of lighting and high amount of darkness increases the mysterious effect that this poster gives off, ultimately adding to the anxiety. 

A billing block is displayed at the bottom of the poster which is white; this contrasts from the black background, allowing it to stand out. ' MARCH 11' is enlarged in comparison to the rest of the information on the billing block, which gives an indication of when this film will be released, it is evident as of why this has been done- purely to promote the film to an audience in advance, to advertise and draw in an instant market of individuals, and allowing them to be aware of when to expect to see this film. Overall, I feel this is a successful film poster; it incorporates elements which command a mass audience’s attention instantly, and follows the conventions of a thriller genre.

This is another film poster that I had found whilst carrying out basic research. Already, this film poster would be considered as very different in comparison to 'Red Riding Hood' this could be because of many reasons; nevertheless the most evident reason is that two characters are being displayed. The balance of these two characters is interesting as neither of them are placed in the centre of the construction nor are looking directly to the camera, one might argue that the fact that both of the characters aren't looking at the camera is unconventional, as it is difficult for an audience to establish the emotions that they are expressing. The composition of both these characters is effective, as it allows an audience to focus on them both the same amount. The expressions of both the characters face are engaging, the man that is on the left has a more frightful and rough looking identification, whereas the one on the right looks more clean cut perhaps more significant and powerful. This again, would reinforce the thriller conventions as there is always a character that is able to rule others. 

The background of this poster is essential, it has been displayed in a maze effect, creating a huge resemblance between the narrative of 'prisoners' (trapped) and then a maze which is form of closure, and difficulty. This maze background emphasises upon the story line, giving the audience a further pre-caution of what the film may involve. The two characters being placed either side of the poster suggests that they are both caught in this trap, therefore giving the indication of confusion within the film (which may need to be unravelled) 

The characters names are displayed at the top of the poster in white narrow text, this has essentially be done as an audience are more likely to watch a film knowing those who will be staring in it, this would be seen as a typical convention to include on a thriller poster, as well as all different genre film posters. I feel that one of the most intriguing aspects of this poster is the centre where a 'tag line' has been added- ' A hidden truth. A desperate search' this is extremely effective, as it not only allows an audience to get a deeper understanding of the narrative but it makes an audience react, almost leaving them in a 'scratchy situation' with the sense of uncertainty, the anticipation of wanting to know what is really going to happen. The fact that it has been placed in the centre of the maze is also effective, reinforcing the thriller convention of everything being observed in a sharp way (the tag line is viewed automatically because it is in the centre)

TRAILER RESEARCH NOT FINISHED

The beginning stage of our project was to ensure that we collected all of the research that was possible. It was vital that Fern and I took an insight to what conventions trailers contain, as without this knowing we wouldn’t be able to proceed in the making. The exploration into film trailers is essential, as without this molding we wouldn’t be able to decide on a specific genre to do.  From this research Fern and I will defy what isn’t necessary to include, and what will make our trailer a successful piece of work. It is significant that Fern and I unravel all of the features that make up a trailer, and the intentions that producers make in order to make an effective advertisement, to target a mass audience.  Fern and I will study trailers that cater for different audiences, as it would be interesting to recognize what prospects are needed in order to fulfill the requirement of our chosen genre.

Below is a selection of several film trailers that I have investigated into. I have covered those, which have completely dissimilar narratives/genres/target audiences. One of the most significant aspects that maintained the same throughout all thrillers that I had explored was the duration of the showing. It appeared that usually they had lasted for two minutes thirty seconds, because of this Fern and I had took into account this convention, and undeniably will make sure that we stick to this when creating our film trailer. 

DEAR JOHN TRAILER (ROMANTIC)

It is evident that from reviewing this romantic trailer of  'Dear John' the typical conventions that are exposed all bring out a sense of emotion to an audience.The beginning of the trailer opens with a mellow sound track, this benefits and seems appealing for this particular genre as it makes an audience feel at ease, ultimately suggesting that the film will cover events including the typical narrative of ' a boy meeting a girl'  The first few shots in the trailer are all very slow, this has purposely been done in order to make an audience focus on the key stimulus of the narrative. The construction of the two main characters are typically portrayed, they are both extremely good looking and this is reinforced by the use of shots that have been used to explicit this, for instance, at the beginning of the trailer the two characters meet at the beach, and a mid shot has been used to cover the 'winning' and attractive body that the actor Channing Tatum embraces. The producer of this film has intentionally applied this shot, as it makes an audience feel engaged, and therefore feel keen to continue to watch the film. Supplementing two attractive characters in a romantic film would appear to be extremely typical, as although one might suggest it would be discriminating against those who aren't as attractive, I wouldn' t bang them  a mass audience unfortunately are likely to watch a film which entails actors/actresses that are good looking because they become an inspirational figure/role model.  Twenty seven seconds into the trailer, we are given a first title which says " From best selling author Nicholas Sparks' this had been written in white writing, which again is very conventional for a romantic genre, as it implies goodness, innocence and light, which all can be associated with those who are 'in love' if the writing appeared in a dark gloomy colour, dick munch it would seem rather odd and controversial. A voice over has been included in parts of this trailer, again this would raise empthay from an audiences perspective, as females who are the target audience, are able to identify themselves with this character. The voice over that is included is used whilst different shots are being displayed, the tone of voice that 'Amanda Seyfried' is speaking in suggests that a tragedy is bound to happen throughout this film... this is because she isn't talking in a happy manor. The shots begin to increase by speed once the music drops, this is because this is part of the film where things 'turn bad' therefore the increase of cuts allows an audience to feel suspense and sad about what is happening. The lighting that is used throughout this trailer appears as extremely mellow with a high aperture, this is a typical convention used for a romantic genre film, as it matches with the narrative that is being featured. 


TAKEN TRAILER (ACTION/ADVENTURE)

I had continued the exploration of film trailers , and had now studied upon a complete different genre which is Action/ adventure (however mainly action) Again, after observing this trailer it is evident what the most common conventions are that a action film conveys. 'Taken' is a popular film that targets a mass audience 

Questionaire

Fern and I felt it was vital to create a questionnaire in order to collect all of our possibilities, ideas and opinions to produce our trailer. We had used both quantive and qualitative questions within the questionnaire as we felt it was significant to get both open and closed answers. This is because some particular questionnaires need to be more detailed than others as it helps Fern and I make the correct decisions for our target audience. It may seem that several questions are irrelevant and unnecessary for instance; what is your gender? Nevertheless this helps Fern and I fulfil the correct target audience that we are trying to achieve.

This questionnaire helps us to justify the reasons for why we will include particular features within our trailer; it will help us to see what an audience expects and what they don't.

Fern and I will give out this questionnaire to our peers in our media class, our chosen target audience and our media teachers. I feel it is imperative to get different individuals to answer this questionnaire as it will help us to make final conclusions. Our peer’s preference will help us to proceed in the making, and ensure that all aspects of our trailer are spot on.

Once I receive all feedback from those who had participated in filling this questionnaire out I will transfer my results into further conclusions (graphs) the results that I retrieve will be much easier to understand in graph methods as I will be able to build up a specific target audience.

Whilst creating my questionnaire I had decided to research upon several different theorist, and gather information of what they felt was necessary to find out in order to create an accurate target audience . Below is something that I had come across-

I feel that this is an extremely valid point, as without not knowing who your audience is you may not be able to accomplish something as accurately, this theory is able to be applied to the making of Fern and I’s production of our film trailer- as if we haven’t carried out research upon our target audience we wouldn't be able to progress with filming our footage, editing and finalization etc
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