Coursework: Summer Project 2018
1) Research: Film trailer analysis
You need to write detailed 250-word close-textual analyses of six film trailers in your chosen genre. For each film trailer, focus on a different aspect of media language, and embed each one on your blog:
Film trailer 1: Narrative and genre
How is narrative and genre communicated quickly and clearly to the audience?
1) The Conjuring
In this trailer, enigma codes are utilised to portray a sense of mystery, this is shown in the middle of the trailer where the investigators are trying to discover the evil spirit that has taken over the house and the people within it which causes the audience to possess numerous unanswered questions and feel an urge to find out what happens next (Roland Barthes - codes). This has a typical hero and villain story line as the heroes are the ghost hunters/paranormal researchers and the villain is the evil spirit taking over the house and possessing the people within it (Vladimir Propp - seven spheres of action). The trailer starts of with a normal family moving into a house together (equilibrium) and the setting is tranquil at the beginning. However, the harmony is disrupted by a haunting spirit that takes over the house and haunts them. However, order is then restored (new equilibrium)
Film trailer 2: Mise-en-scene
What do you notice about the use of mise-en-scene to create meanings for the audience? Think CLAMPS.
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With mise-en-scene, particularly lighting, low key lighting was applied to suggest that something bad was about to happen as the setting would be an isolated area that was dark which connotes danger, thus aiding the audience in decoding the message (Stuart Hall-reception theory-1970's) that there would be an unpleasant occurrence. In terms of costumes, the actors wore clothing that represented what type of character they were, for example, a villain which was the "nun" in this case was dressed in all black which is the typical dress code for a villain in most horror movies. Furthermore, the make-up used on each character each displayed their role as the nuns who were presented to be evil and had their faces altered with the use of make-up to make their appearances intimidating yet realistic to the demographic, this is a key feature used in most horror movies. The props utilised in this trailer were mostly dangerous or terrifying objects such as sticks with fire, paintings of scary beings from the past etc. These are also typical objects used in a horror which conforms to the stereotype of horror movies as they are continuously used.
Film trailer 3: Camerawork
Here you are looking for particular camera shots and movement. E.g. Are close-ups used to introduce key characters to the audience? How are establishing shots used?
3) Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)
With camerawork in this trailer, a tracking shot is applied to particular scenes in order to make the audience feel like they are with the characters and experiencing their situations, thus engaging the demographic with the point of view of the character and what they are viewing, feeling etc. In addition, low angles and high angles are used throughout the trailer to convey who is more superior within each scene. For example, a scene within the trailer indicated a an older girl looking up to a younger boy from a low angle showing he is more superior within that situation which is very unexpected as it is usually the other way round. Thus this would draw the audience and persuade them to want to watch the movie due to the fact it is not a typical horror as it has unique aspects which thus generates a greater and wider audience (Steve Neale, repetition and differences). Furthermore, close ups were utilised within this trailer to introduce the main characters, and repetitively applied close ups to convey the main protagonist within the film. Also the close ups were not only applied to identify the character but also show their facial expressions so the audience can decode their emotions within each scene. Numerous establishing shots are used in the trailer to show the general repetitive setting and atmosphere that would be used throughout the whole film.
Film trailer 4: Editing
Analyse pace, transitions, number of shots and juxtaposition e.g. eyeline matches. Does the pace speed up towards the end of the trailer?
4) It follows (2015)
In terms of editing, an eye line match was applied when the protagonist was looking at the door that was slightly open which creates enigma within the scene as it allows the audience to view what the main protagonist was seeing to make them feel the emotions that the character was feeling ( Barthes - enigma and action codes). Furthermore in terms of transitions, after each scene within the trailer a blank black screen was shown to surprise the audience and create cliffhangers as they did not know what was to occur next within the trailer. During this trailer the pace varied throughout the beginning middle and end, due to the fact that at the beginning it was slow paced wand tranquil as most horror trailers start with a calm natural setting which then it proceeds onto a build up of tension thus the pace of the trailer gradually gets faster due to the fact that a disequilibrium occurs during the middle of the trailer. As it gradually proceeds onto the end of the trailer the pace speeds up to build suspense which generates an increase in the audiences adrenaline in which then it ends with a cliff hanger, this creates a huge impact as it draws the audience in through the pace and by ending in a cliffhanger it makes the demographic feel an urge to view the film due to curiosity of wanting to know what happens next.
Film trailer 5: Sound
Analyse both diegetic and non-diegetic sound - music, dialogue, voiceover, SFX, background or foley sound etc.
5) Slender man
The trailer begins with a young lady shouting "Once you see him, you can't unsee him", this is a puzzle as the gathering of people are left addressing who is it you can't unsee and what does he need. This diegetic sound is combined with parallel music, to make strain in the gathering of people and in addition fervor. The sentiment of strain and fervor is elevated by the sudden conflict when the title of the film comes up. This is trailed by quieting music to facilitate the group of onlookers notwithstanding young ladies having an average discussion. This has been done to enable the crowd to associate with the heroes and sympathize with them once tumult follows through to its logical end. Things again turn out to be more tense and exciting when the non – diegetic music begins playing and the hero continues to discuss how she wishes she could leave the town. Another way the executive makes nervousness in the crowd is using a ticking clock sound to show to the gathering of people that they are coming up short on time, or that it is just a short time.
Film trailer 6: Trailer conventions, intertextuality, graphics, text-on-screen etc.
Here you need to explore trailer conventions and intertextuality - what does this trailer have that you've spotted in all the trailers you have analysed so far? Are there any intertextual references? Look at conventions, text on the screen, graphics, title, release date, social media links and more.
6) Scary Movie
This trailer reveals how the film is a post-modernist piece of work. This is observed through the fact it is a parody of the hit horror film “Scream”. This draws in a particular type of audience as they are able to identify and understand references made within the film, giving them a feel-good factor. Another way in which the trailer draws in an audience is through the fact it follows traditional conventions of trailers, with a twist. There is a brief plot given where the film scream s explicitly referenced, however, the plot of this film, in particular, is extended through the fact it is a comedy. Another convention this trailer has is the uses use of typography and an exaggerated voice-over from traditional trailers to add to the comical effect.
2) Planning: Film pitch
Here you need to plan your own film idea that will form the basis of your trailer and posters. This means developing a complete film pitch that outlines the narrative, characters and more.
Complete this film pitch template (you can copy the questions into your blog or complete on Word and link from your blog) to demonstrate you have planned a complete feature film in your chosen genre.
You need to write detailed 250-word close-textual analyses of six film trailers in your chosen genre. For each film trailer, focus on a different aspect of media language, and embed each one on your blog:
Film trailer 1: Narrative and genre
How is narrative and genre communicated quickly and clearly to the audience?
1) The Conjuring
In this trailer, enigma codes are utilised to portray a sense of mystery, this is shown in the middle of the trailer where the investigators are trying to discover the evil spirit that has taken over the house and the people within it which causes the audience to possess numerous unanswered questions and feel an urge to find out what happens next (Roland Barthes - codes). This has a typical hero and villain story line as the heroes are the ghost hunters/paranormal researchers and the villain is the evil spirit taking over the house and possessing the people within it (Vladimir Propp - seven spheres of action). The trailer starts of with a normal family moving into a house together (equilibrium) and the setting is tranquil at the beginning. However, the harmony is disrupted by a haunting spirit that takes over the house and haunts them. However, order is then restored (new equilibrium)
Film trailer 2: Mise-en-scene
What do you notice about the use of mise-en-scene to create meanings for the audience? Think CLAMPS.
2) The Nun (2018)
With mise-en-scene, particularly lighting, low key lighting was applied to suggest that something bad was about to happen as the setting would be an isolated area that was dark which connotes danger, thus aiding the audience in decoding the message (Stuart Hall-reception theory-1970's) that there would be an unpleasant occurrence. In terms of costumes, the actors wore clothing that represented what type of character they were, for example, a villain which was the "nun" in this case was dressed in all black which is the typical dress code for a villain in most horror movies. Furthermore, the make-up used on each character each displayed their role as the nuns who were presented to be evil and had their faces altered with the use of make-up to make their appearances intimidating yet realistic to the demographic, this is a key feature used in most horror movies. The props utilised in this trailer were mostly dangerous or terrifying objects such as sticks with fire, paintings of scary beings from the past etc. These are also typical objects used in a horror which conforms to the stereotype of horror movies as they are continuously used.
Film trailer 3: Camerawork
Here you are looking for particular camera shots and movement. E.g. Are close-ups used to introduce key characters to the audience? How are establishing shots used?
3) Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)
With camerawork in this trailer, a tracking shot is applied to particular scenes in order to make the audience feel like they are with the characters and experiencing their situations, thus engaging the demographic with the point of view of the character and what they are viewing, feeling etc. In addition, low angles and high angles are used throughout the trailer to convey who is more superior within each scene. For example, a scene within the trailer indicated a an older girl looking up to a younger boy from a low angle showing he is more superior within that situation which is very unexpected as it is usually the other way round. Thus this would draw the audience and persuade them to want to watch the movie due to the fact it is not a typical horror as it has unique aspects which thus generates a greater and wider audience (Steve Neale, repetition and differences). Furthermore, close ups were utilised within this trailer to introduce the main characters, and repetitively applied close ups to convey the main protagonist within the film. Also the close ups were not only applied to identify the character but also show their facial expressions so the audience can decode their emotions within each scene. Numerous establishing shots are used in the trailer to show the general repetitive setting and atmosphere that would be used throughout the whole film.
Film trailer 4: Editing
Analyse pace, transitions, number of shots and juxtaposition e.g. eyeline matches. Does the pace speed up towards the end of the trailer?
4) It follows (2015)
In terms of editing, an eye line match was applied when the protagonist was looking at the door that was slightly open which creates enigma within the scene as it allows the audience to view what the main protagonist was seeing to make them feel the emotions that the character was feeling ( Barthes - enigma and action codes). Furthermore in terms of transitions, after each scene within the trailer a blank black screen was shown to surprise the audience and create cliffhangers as they did not know what was to occur next within the trailer. During this trailer the pace varied throughout the beginning middle and end, due to the fact that at the beginning it was slow paced wand tranquil as most horror trailers start with a calm natural setting which then it proceeds onto a build up of tension thus the pace of the trailer gradually gets faster due to the fact that a disequilibrium occurs during the middle of the trailer. As it gradually proceeds onto the end of the trailer the pace speeds up to build suspense which generates an increase in the audiences adrenaline in which then it ends with a cliff hanger, this creates a huge impact as it draws the audience in through the pace and by ending in a cliffhanger it makes the demographic feel an urge to view the film due to curiosity of wanting to know what happens next.
Film trailer 5: Sound
Analyse both diegetic and non-diegetic sound - music, dialogue, voiceover, SFX, background or foley sound etc.
5) Slender man
The trailer begins with a young lady shouting "Once you see him, you can't unsee him", this is a puzzle as the gathering of people are left addressing who is it you can't unsee and what does he need. This diegetic sound is combined with parallel music, to make strain in the gathering of people and in addition fervor. The sentiment of strain and fervor is elevated by the sudden conflict when the title of the film comes up. This is trailed by quieting music to facilitate the group of onlookers notwithstanding young ladies having an average discussion. This has been done to enable the crowd to associate with the heroes and sympathize with them once tumult follows through to its logical end. Things again turn out to be more tense and exciting when the non – diegetic music begins playing and the hero continues to discuss how she wishes she could leave the town. Another way the executive makes nervousness in the crowd is using a ticking clock sound to show to the gathering of people that they are coming up short on time, or that it is just a short time.
Film trailer 6: Trailer conventions, intertextuality, graphics, text-on-screen etc.
Here you need to explore trailer conventions and intertextuality - what does this trailer have that you've spotted in all the trailers you have analysed so far? Are there any intertextual references? Look at conventions, text on the screen, graphics, title, release date, social media links and more.
6) Scary Movie
This trailer reveals how the film is a post-modernist piece of work. This is observed through the fact it is a parody of the hit horror film “Scream”. This draws in a particular type of audience as they are able to identify and understand references made within the film, giving them a feel-good factor. Another way in which the trailer draws in an audience is through the fact it follows traditional conventions of trailers, with a twist. There is a brief plot given where the film scream s explicitly referenced, however, the plot of this film, in particular, is extended through the fact it is a comedy. Another convention this trailer has is the uses use of typography and an exaggerated voice-over from traditional trailers to add to the comical effect.
2) Planning: Film pitch
Here you need to plan your own film idea that will form the basis of your trailer and posters. This means developing a complete film pitch that outlines the narrative, characters and more.
Complete this film pitch template (you can copy the questions into your blog or complete on Word and link from your blog) to demonstrate you have planned a complete feature film in your chosen genre.
Film Pitch
Our coursework brief requires us to create our own film trailer and posters for an original movie that we have created in the horror or coming-of-age drama genres. Plan the following:
Title:
Don’t look back
Tagline:
“Revenge is a dish best served cold” “He never forgives and never forgets”
“The past will come back to haunt you…”
Genre (and sub-genre/hybrid genre if applicable):
Horror
Logline – one sentence that sums up the film and hooks people in (25 words or fewer):
A conflict between a strong friendship once left and forgotten in the past has come back to haunt Mabel and little does she know the identity of the haunting presence is closer to her than she thinks.
Other successful films that are similar to yours:
- Revenge (2017)
- Carrie (2013)
Narrative structure – what happens in the film and in what order:
Main characters Mabel and Kai have been best friends since they were children due to their parents being best friends since high school, but their friendship was once disrupted which caused great conflict between them and broke them apart at one moment. However, they were able to move past it and rebuild their friendship as it was a minor dilemma and their friendship was too strong to be broken. From this moment, they continued being best friends, yet Mabel was unaware that Kai had been holding a grudge all these years which led up to his revenge on her that he had been plotting for years. As he was holding in a grudge and had been in a state of anger and hatred for many years, a darkness had taken over him that he was soon unable to control.
Hero/heroine, their desires, the conflicts they encounter etc.:
Mabel’s sister Amelia has always had mixed uneasy feelings about her best friend Kai but has never expressed her opinion to her sister due to the fact that they have been best friends for years and she doesn’t want to create a disruption in their lifelong friendship. Every Time , she's in the presence of Kai she feels a darkness and bad feeling in the atmosphere surrounding them. Thus, when Kai takes action and acts upon his revenge towards Mabel, Amelia does her research to find out how to prevent it and puts her life at risk to save Mabels.
Other characters, their narrative role and their audience appeal:
Parents: The parents of the characters have no clue of what is occurring between their children as they are on a trip away from home which was suggested by Kai as part of his plot in order to get rid of distractions. Kai and Mabel both have single Mums as parents which seemed suspicious at times as when confronted about either their life long friendships or their husbands, they would only provide limited information with one word answers.
Mother of Kai: Laura
Mother of Mabel and Amelia: Sierra
Target audience for your film (age, gender, social class, interests etc.):
My main target audience for this film is ages between 17 - 21 as it relates to teenangers within this modern day.
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