Ashley Finch Media Studies

Final Version of my Poster

2010-01-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

2010-01-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

Final Draft of my Magazine Front Cover

2009-12-08T09:10:00.001-08:00

How did we include a fairytale theme
to our modern cast and setting?

By using a modern cast, setting and costume, we decided to bring the fairytale theme into the trailer more by the captions. The opening caption is 'Once upon a time..' which is a traditional convention of a fairytale. The teaser ends with 'Who will get their happily ever after?' Which is a twisted yet still recognisable with the words 'happily ever after'. We are also aiming to add some magical effects to some of the trailer as we think this will again emphasize the fantasy theme of the trailer and create a distinction between this film and the rest of the romantic comedys which purely focuse on the explicit conventions linked to a typical 'rom-com'.

Editing

We used photoshop to edit our captions and began by mounting the writing onto a fairytale book and then mounting the book onto a enchanted forest background. Both the book and the setting of these emphasize the fairytale theme to the audience which is then contrasted by the modern setting and cast within the different shots we used. We then edited the font until it resembled a classic script and edited the colour to gold. Also we added a logo to each page of the story at the end of each line. This was also present on our magazine front cover and film poster which created consistency to the target audience. We then took photos to use on the left side of the open book which parraleled each caption. By using the photographs we aimed

2009-12-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Magazine Front Cover Analysis

I decided to also analyze the same movie as it appeared on a magazine, to keep consistency in my work and identify similar and different conventions between each.
The background is black, similar to the posters dark murky forest. The main picture is of Bella and Edward, and each one parallels the other. Both of their hair is chocolate brown and compliments the other, even their eyes have been edited to the same green and their skin is a cream and clear complexion.
The title of the magazine runs vertically across the top of the magazine. 'People' is in a large white font and instantly captures the readers attention. The words 'Special Collectors Edition' runs to the right of the title, 'Special' is emphasized by a white font and 'Collectors Edition' is in black, they are mounted on a yellow background which stands out against the black. This is aimed to the more dedicated readers of the magazine but still captures the target audiences eye.

The colour scheme of white, yellow and black continues with the caption 'Twilight Returns' in capital letters mounted upon the main image. This is in white which contrasts with the main caption 'New Moon' which is in a large, yellow, simple font which really stands out to the audience.

Below these are the additional images. One of Edward and Bella and One of Jacob and Bella. They are enclosed in a similar rounded rectangle which again draws the attention of the audience. The love triangle between the three main actors is also dominate through these photos are we see intimate photos between them in different locations. To the right of these images is the caption 'Exclusive' is in yellow which again highlights this particular word to the audience as the publisher is emphasizing on the actual story within the magazine, therefore encouraging them to purchase it to read it. Accompanying this is 'Behind the Scenes' which is in a white font (again they are using a continuous colour scheme throughout the magazine front cover) however 'Scenes' is in a larger font emphasizing this particular word to the audience.

The pug is mounted upon the main image to the right of the page. 'Hot New Photos!' is in a relatively small font, although it is contrasted with the whole front cover by using a red text. 'New' is in capitals and in the largest font, again emphasizing to the reader that these images and article are exclusive and will not be available anywhere else, encouraging them to purchase the magazine.
The bar code is neatly placed in the bottom right hand corner of the front cover allowing it to be visible but attract no attention away from the image or front cover itself.

2009-12-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

Analysis of 'New Moon' Poster

This particular film poster caught my attention due to its enchanted forest background, although it has quite Gothic element as well which is quite explicit to the reader by the faint sunlight and the fog (most dominant in the right hand corner). The font is simple, in the center of the screen at the bottom of the poster. The yellow font stands out against the dark background and parallels the glow of moonlight visible through the trees. 'New Moon' is in a larger font which makes it more prominent to the reader. An effect is used to create a more supernatural feeling to the poster where lines fade up above and below certain letters. (N,M,N) The same line runs vertically across underlining the title ( which again highlights it ) and then again below the same line, with a half moon between a divide in the centre. This small logo is very effective as it captures the readers eye and parallels with the title but does not distract their attention from the main image. Below this line is the date which again is a very important piece of information. However the title and the date is the only information this poster gives. I think that it is essential to include a quote on the poster which is memorable and catchy to the target audience. I also think a website is important for the modern audience the posters aimed for.

The main image is of Edward, Jacob and Bella. Their complicated love triangle is shown through the positions of each actor. Bella is turned towards the camera, eyes straight ahead and her body is adjusted towards Edward, as if she is pursuing him. Jacob is blocking her path and holds a protective arm out in front of her torso, although this is contrasted by Bella's hand upon Jacobs arm, as if she is comforting him, whilst still eager to reach Edward. Edwards figure is closest to the camera, his body is straight but his face and eyes (like Jacobs) are avoiding the camera, looking down. Jacob and Bella are both in neutral brown clothing, suggesting to the audience a link between them both. This also blends well with the natural background and lighting. Edwards clothing is grey and black, conveying his separation from the other two.

The main source of light within the image is in the far right corner above Bella and Jacob. The moonlight from the sky is shining prominently through the thick forest. This again parallels with the title and emphasizes it to the target audience. The outline of the trees which are visible to the audience through the moonlight seem to be prickly and full of thorns, giving the forest a forbidding ere and emphasizing on the Gothic genre of the movie.

2009-12-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

Evaluation

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

From research and analysis as a group we decided that it was essential to use various forms of conventions that are typically linked to a fairytale. We also had to include modern conventions to capture modern audiences attention and convey the setting of the film.
One of the main areas we focused on was the captions. We decided that due to our modern setting, costume and general mise en scene which conveys the typical romantic comedy genre, we would also need to portray to the audience the fairytale like storyline. We used these in chronological order to illustrate the individual storyline to the audience and capture their interest in the twisted modernized fairytale. Whilst analysing other teaser trailers which genres parallel own our attention was captured by a particular open sequence which appears in both 'Ella Enchanted' and 'A Cinderella Story' which are both well known successfull adaptations of classic fairy tales.

The narrative both begins 'Once upon a time..' which i a stereotypical convention of a fairytale and implies this genre to the trailer. We decided to use this opening as our own and like in Ella Enchanted, mounted the captions upon a story book. Instead of using typical fairytale images for all of our pictures accompanying the captions, we took a selection of our own images to use. By doing this we aimed to create a contrast between the fairytale genre and modern pictures, which would emphasize on the originality of our trailer and ensure interest in it.

The plot is another example of how we followed a typical romantic comedy genre of film. From analysis of modern trailers such as 'A Cinderella Story' and 'Cruel Intentions' we were able to determine a typical treacherous plot with some characters which paralleled to Propps theory. The setting is one form of convention which we did challenge, as we only filmed in one key location for the majority of the shots which was at school. However we did this not out of convenience but to again capture our target audiences attention, as they have spent the majority of their lives at school and this is a setting they can relate to. It could be interpreted by some that by using one main location we would be at a disadvantage and so we decided to also film in a variety of other locations. Within the trailer the majority of shots are set at school as we felt that this is important when attracting our target audiences attention as the specific location kept the plot simple and understandable yet still comedic. The focus of our shots were not on the setting but the actual series of events as we felt that this would be an important part when conveying the romantic comedy side of our trailer. We also decided to use a numerous variety of different shots which are individual and uncommon as again we wanted to create an individuality to our trailer. These worked well as we showed some shots from different points of each Princess's view, such as an over shoulder shot where she spots her Prince with her new found enemy in his arms.

2. How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?

We decided that by keeping a consistent theme between all three of our products, our trailer would be more recognizable and memorable to our target audience. Each product contains obvious parallels between them, such as the title 'Hes Mine' in the same text and colour and also the images with the main characters which appear in both the poster and the magazine front cover as well as the teaser trailer itself. We completed our trailer first and then decided to create some sketch's of initial ideas of poster and magazine layouts. Within these we also brainstormed several ideas of images to appear on the poster and magazine which would help emphasize the twisted yet typical teenage Rom Com plot. To extend the link between the teaser trailer and our other products, we decided to use the same image in both the magazine front cover and the poster which will help emphasize on their link to our target audience.

The font was also a particular aspect which we kept consistent throughout the trailer (seen in the captions), the poster and the magazine front cover. To emphasize on the consistency throughout our three main products we also decided a logo could be effective in emphasizing the link between all three to the target audience. We selected an unusual heart image which appears in all three products and also parallels back to the genre of the teaser. Overall i feel that we successfully created a lot of consistency in our work which was our target as we felt that it was important for the audience to be able to link each of our different advertisements.

3. What have you learned from your audiences' feedback?

I decided to post the final versions of our three products on YouTube and publish the link in hope of achieving some useful feedback. There was a lot of complimentive posts commenting on our simple yet interesting plot and the audiences enthusiasm to find out the ending. Al ot of focus was on our captions and their effective contrast with our shots, with our target audience commenting on the clever use of the fairytale twist. Our wide variety of footage and quick changing shots from various different perspectives and of various different sequences also appealed to the audience, one person commented:

' This trailer has a great climax as the fairytale starting gives you the impression of a typical fairytale which is then contrasted by the comedic and interesting shots. The shots are also contrasting in their time length, towards the end they speed up and become more snappy which along with the backing track, helps to create the dramatic climax.'

We also received some negative feedback to our trailer which we greatly appreciated as it gave us weak techniques which we used and would possibly have avoided. These comments mainly consist of the same thing, where about the setting, one person commented:

'I think this trailer is very catchy and modern with an obvious twist in the storyline, but i would've liked to have seen a few more memorable locations in the shots. I think the setting in a movie is very important and must interest the audience where as the school location was a bit typical.'

Although we purposely used the school as our main location to our trailer, we felt that this would emphasize the audiences interest as they can relate to it. However it would be ideal to carry out a survey of a type of setting the audience would prefer for future reference.

Stereotypical fairytale setting, although an unrealistic location for filming.

A modern setting, in London which could've been applied to the plot.

4. How did you use media technologies in the construction and research planning and evaluation stages?

I used YouTube to find examples of particularly effective teaser trailers with a similar genre to ours, of a typical convention which i felt would capture the target audiences attention. I posted these on my blog and carried out focused in depth analysis's of my personal favourites in order to get a wide knowledge of the typical conventions used within these trailers.

I also concentrated on Costume, Setting, Narrative and Mise En Scene to help inspire me in my own ideas and adaptations of different aspects of the teaser. Whilst we didn't want to copy any of the trailers used, by analysing a wide variety of trailers and noting their each ones particularly effective techniques i felt that we could combine these and create a basis for our own trailer. I posted these on my blog and used it as a sort of journal to note down all my research into theory, existing pieces of media which relate to our products and the planning of our own product. By using the blog i had a clear list of all these things and could relate back to them in the planning and evaluation of the final three products. I also used YouTube to post the final products in an attempt to receive some critical and positive feedback.

We were also given the resources in order to edit and complete our final products. For this stage in our assignments, we used the Macs variety of programs to suit each of our products.

Firstly we used Photo shop to edit our captions for the teaser and to edit and complete to majority of our poster and magazine front cover. The images we used for these we're taken by a camera and we used a tripod in order to take the best shots we could. We also used lighting and background in our Drama department at school as these helped to improve the images we were taking and provided us a simple yet effective backdrop. All of these contained a variety of different layers, from tag lines to titles in the Magazine and Poster, to the narrative and logos included in the captions.

Photo shops effective tools enabled us to edit these quite easily and also to add particular individual effects to our pieces, such as the logo which we found on the 'shapes' tool.

To focus on the editing of our actual teaser, we used Premier Pro, which allowed us to easily view, edit, cut and erase any footage we had taken. Through Premier Pro we added a series of effects to our trailer, such as the turning of pages as the storybook changes to the shots. Premier Pro also allowed us the choice of speeding up shots, slowing them down and editing the lighting among many other effective tools. As a group we also debated using some magical effects which would emphasize on the fairytale twist, as well as the captions. However due to timing we did not know whether this would be possible and wanted to focus on finishing our final three products first as these effects weren't a convention we planned on using. Tripods and video camcorders were also used in filming the footage for our teaser, we tried to ensure as much filming time as possible as we felt that the shots involved were more important to creating a successful trailers than the actual storyline as the shots on the trailer are what capture the attention of the audience.

Overall the use of media technologies within our planning, research and evaluation of our products was defiantly essential as it allowed us to carry out in depth analysis, note this down chronologically and edit our products to maximum potential.

2009-12-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

Storyline of Teaser Trailer

Our storyline is quite basic and follows the fairytale lives of 3 best friends who ever boy wants to date and every girl wants to be. However they soon become enemies, implicitly portraying their fake friendship built on popularity, when they all develop a love interest in the same boy. During the teaser it is never revealed to the audience who actually triumphs over who and who secures the boy. Although we do include some hints to his preferable girl.

Although using shots with 'Prince Charming' in them was essential, we decided to focus our trailer more on the comedic effect that he is having over the 'Princesses' lives, for example the typical break up escape, indulging yourself in inhuman amounts of food. We also concentrated on the girls attitude towards each other and how far they would actually go to capture 'Prince Charmings' attention.

We decided not to reveal too the audience 'Prince Charmings' chosen Princess as this is would be the main twist within the fairytale and therefore ensure our target audiences interest in the film and encourage them to go see the film.

We decided on this particular storyline as each of the contrasting 'Princesses' have an individuality that our target audience can all relate too. The setting and their age and to some extent the storyline is also something which they can relate to and may have experienced themselves before. We introduced the romantic comedy genre into the storyline with melodramatic exaggerations of stereotypical forms of jealousy which any girl may commit under these circumstances.

2009-12-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

Analysis of Setting

Location List

Corridor

Picnic Bench's

Outdoors along a footpath

Common Room

Class Room

The Park

'Princesses' Houses

Inside the 'Princes' Car

We decided to use a school as our main setting as this conveys the modern time setting to our target audience. It is also a setting which our target audience can relate to having spent the majority of their lives at school and therefore will be interested in. By using a school as the setting, we felt we were dividing our trailer from typical conventions of a fairytale story which are generally set in a castle or a secluded rural area. We felt that this would help modernize our trailer to a 21st century setting and contrast it with a typical fairytale setting.
We also used some outside shots which we didn't particularly pick for the setting, however the lighting in these shots contrasted with the indoor corridor shots and made a good variety.
Most of our shots were based in and around school as this is the main setting of the film. However we contrasted this with shots of 'The Princesses' at home and in other various locations as we wanted to include variety and originality in our trailer.

This is one of the corridors we considered for filming. We also had another one in mind for filming as we thought the lighting in here was very tempermental and may not do our shots any justice. We did end up using one or two pieces of footage from this particular corridor however for the tracking sequence following the 'Princesses' walking towards the camera we decided to use the following image which had better brighter lighting and colouring.

We decided also to have a sequence of the 'Princesses' descending these stairs as we thought the lighting here was quite good. Whilst editing out footage we also thought that having this sequence backwards would be a good effect however we decided that the background music may not suit this particular effect.

This is the firebell which we decided we would include in the opening of our trailer. It emphasizes both the setting and the time period, conveying to the audience a modern school. The close up shot also adds to the variety within our trailer.

2009-12-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Analysis of 'Mean Girls' Film Poster

This is a typical chick flick, romantic comedy aimed at a target audience of teenage girls. I chose to analyse this particular film poster as it has the three main 'Mean Girls' on the cover and we also have three similar actresses in our own teaser.

Background - The background is plain and simple violet and contrasts well with the dark purple, grey and white font.

Linsdey Lohan, the main actress, is positioned in a full body shot to the far left of the poster. The three 'Mean Girls' are to her right, looking straight ahead at the camera and in bold confident poses. They are grouped together and she is isolated, her eyes are staring to the right towards them, yet still avoiding them. All of the actress's postures and facial expressions capture the readers attention and they become aware of the conflict and intrigued by the storyline.

The title 'Mean Girls' runs upwards dividing the Mean Girls from Lindsey. The word 'Mean' is in bolder letters than Girls and therefore stands out to the audience, although it does not divert the readers attention from the main image.

'Watch

Your

Back'

Underneath the 'Mean Girls' in a light grey font is the tag which again very explicitly conveys to the reader the overall storyline to the piece. Its simple and catchy and would really appeal to their target audience and also conveys the revengeful sly and selfish characters and plot.

Underneath this is the release date which is another important part in the poster to convey information to the audience and to emphasize the release date to them. I also think it is essential to have a website on the poster as the modern target audience expects this to be available and it is another aspect to advertise the movie with.

2009-12-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Analysis of 'A Cinderella Story' Film Poster

I chose to analysis this particular film poster as it is a perfect example of a modern 21st century fairytale. The post itself contains many simple yet typical conventions which parallel a fairytale. I have also used this particular film within my research already and am aiming to contain consistency to achieve an in depth analysis of similar, successful teasers. I have also analysed and studied the original production of 'Cinderella' (created by Walt Disney) comparing it to Vladimir Propps theory.

The Princess is being carried by the Prince in an unconventional fairytale way, she is placed upon his back which suggests a more modern context and also emphasizes their relationship to the audience.

'A Cinderella Story' The title is in blue bubble font, with a lightening affect from the top. It is placed to the left of the poster and overlaps part of the main image although it does no obstruct it. Although the readers attention is grabbed by the actors and their costumes, the title does not divert their attention from this but compliments the white background and still is clear and visible to the audience.

Cast

The two main characters (Cinderella and Prince Charming) are captioned on a plain white background using a full body shot. Both actors names (Hilary Duff, Channing Tatum) are positioned at the top of the poster, in bold black font. This is to explicitly emphasize to the target audience that these actors are the stars and both of their large fan bases secure interest in the film. Duff and Tatum have been in many modern, successful, teenage films and have great reputation within their work.

Costume

The costumes within this poster are very significant to convey the genre of film as well as the setting. The Princess is dressed in a stereotypical white ball gown, which emphasizes the title 'A Cinderella Story'. She also has a tiara placed in her hair which again emphasizes on her part within the story line. Both of these link to the typical conventions of a fairytale and therefore convey the genre of the film to the audience. However poking from beneath her white ball gown there are a pair of pink converse (a popular,modern fashionable shoe.) The pair of converse parallel Prince Charmings casual yet modern t-shirt and jeans and both create a contrast with the ball gown and tiara. The production of this poster has been focused on costume to create the distinctive 21st century fairytale plot which the film is advertising.

''This film is what dreams are made of''

They include a quote from a famous magazine to encourage the target audiences interest within the film as it supports its reputation.

''Once upon a time... can happen anytime.''

I found this tag line on another version of a poster for the film. It was placed exactly in the place of the quote from the magazine. However i think that using a tag line will capture the readers attention more and also this particular tag greatly emphasizes the modern 21st fairytale genre. Its quite short and catchy but sums the overall plot up without revealing too much information.

2009-12-03T03:21:00.002-08:00

The 'Princesses'

Ashley

Charlotte Meek

Charlotte Piper

As a group we decided to use Charlotte Meek, Charlotte Piper and myself as the three main 'princesses' for out teaser trailer, film poster and magazine front cover. This enabled us to easily schedule our filming and we were all very reliable and dedicated. Each girl has a different look, I have long blonde hair, with green eyes, Charlotte Meek has brown hair and brown eyes and Charlotte has red hair with blue eyes. Each of the girls contrasting images still compliment eachother as a trio of 'Mean Girls'.

We modernized the fairytale theme into more of a romantic comedy with the melodramatic shots and focused on the girls clothes, accents, makeup and hair to convey the 21st Century setting of the film. All of these things will capture the attention and interest of our target audience. As our target audience are primarily teenage girls from the age range of 14-18 we focused on them being able to relate to the actress's lifestyles and tried to make them as stereotypical as possible.

'Prince Charming'

We used Matt, a boy chosen from our sixth form, to play the Prince Charming. This was partly to do with convinience, as he was avalible in the day as well as weekends and fitted in quite well with our filming schedule. He is tall, with dark hair and dark eyes which emphasizes on the stereotypical dashing prince but also on the modern, cool and mysterious heart throb who would capture our target audiences attention. Matts image also parralels Charlotte Meeks brown hair and eyes, which implicitly indicates to our target audience that she may be the girl hes chooses (however it does not confirm this to our audience, which will encourage their interest in the storyline).

2009-12-03T03:21:00.001-08:00

Storyboard Analysis

1. We decided to open the teaser with the caption 'Once Upon A Time..' which is a typical convention linked to a fairytale and therefore emphasizes the genre to the audience and also will interest our target audience. We decided to use a fantasy like melody underneath the entire teaser with a dramatic climax to end it with which again emphasizes on the particular genre of our movie. The font within the caption would also be important in portraying the genre of the film and we decided on an elegant gold script. Later on we decided to mount the writing upon a book mounted upon an enchanted forest which was again to emphasize the genre of the film and help to include the fairytale genre within the modern setting and storyline.

2. We decided to open the trailer with an establishing shot of an empty corridoor which would convey the setting to the audience and also capture their interest as it is an enviroment they can relate to and therefore a time period which will interest them.

3. This would be followed by a close up of a bell ringing, which again conveys the setting and time period.

4. This would be followed by a medium longshot of a full corridoor which indicates the particular age range within this film which is similar to the target audiences so they can also relate to this.

5/6/7. Shots 5,6 and 7 were all to be close ups of the Princess's. This explicitly shows the reader the stereotypical cast and 'popular' girls, again who the target audience can relate to.

8. 'They're the girls everybody wanted to be...' Another caption would follow this, a more modern and catchy tag line which will intrigue the audience to know more about the plot. It is also there to convey the 'Princesses' social statuses.

9. We then decided on a medium shot of the 'Princesses' was also essential to show that they were all united as friends, this makes the reader question what the storyline is going to be and also adds a wider variety of shots to the teaser.

10. 'Until...' Another caption follows this. It is short, snappy and too the point, ensuring the audiences attention as they want to know what happens!

11. This is the first shot of 'Prince Charming' and we therefore decided to use a close up. Although the audience may have been expecting a boy to be the route of the storyline they will still be shocked in the following sequences to find out the destruction he causes between these friends!

12. We then decided to use a close up of the three girls during a three way phonecall. We was inspired by Mean Girls to create this clip, as we thought that is emphasized on their seperation after falling for 'Prince Charming.'

13. This close up will be followed by an extreme close up of each girls pair of lips, mouthing the words 'Hes Mine' (the title).

14. 'This Summer..' We decided not to include the specific date of release on the trailer as the audience will be more intrigued to find out the date and also anxious to see the movie.

15. Included in our storyline, we decided to include one of the Princesses falling over infront of Prince Charming, which would emphasize on the comedic areas of the film. By including comedic shots we are widening out target audience and also emphasizing their interest to an atypical modernized fairytale.

16/17. Following her fall, we included a close up shot of the princes face which would be unfocused and from her perspective. The audience will be feeling her embarressment and also be amused by the irony of this shot. It would then come into focus. Each shot should only last about 2 seconds to keep the audiences attention focused on the teaser and encourage them to want to see me.

18. 'There in it to win him..' A typical and wellknown quote, however the 'it' usually assosicated at the end of the line has been changed to 'him'. This conveys to the audience the desperation of the Princesses and their one main target, Prince Charming. No Princess will be distracted from her task and each one has her eye on the prize. We decided to use well known tag lines and stereotypical captions as they would be more memorable to the audience.

19/20/21/22. We then decided it was essential to show the Princess's reactions and facial exspressions when they spot the Prince with one of the three. We used these shots to build up to one of the Princesses ultimate revenge. In shot 21, we switch to a extreme close up of a mysterious hand grabbing scissors, which then changes to a close up from a mysterious Princess's point of view in shot 22. She is going to cut one of the girls hair, this is demonstrating to the audience how far these Princess's will go to get what they want when they want.

23. I particularly like this shot, where one Princess is standing in focus of the camera, appauld and furious at her newest enemy. In the background over the main actress's shoulder we can see the Princess's (whose identity is finally revealed) holding a pair of scissors and a smug exspression.

24. To emphasize on the comedy of the film, we included a medium close up of the Princess attacking her ex best friend.

25. 'Hes Mine.' Finally we are revealing the film title in the next caption. This lightens to audiences tension and is a short and memorable title which sums up the plot perfectly without revealing too much of the plot or the twist.

26. 'Who will get their happily ever after?' A modernized and twisted version of the conventional ending to a typical fairytale. We decided to use this again to keep consistency when conveying the fairytale theme to the audience. This caption is also very memorable and leaves a question in the audiences mind, they want to know what happens and they want to watch the film to see who actually does get their happily ever after, if anybody.

2009-11-12T00:54:00.000-08:00

Filming Schedule

Thursday 3rd November - 1.30pm - 3pm

Establishing shots for setting, for example an empty corridor, a bell shot, full corridor.

Thursday 5th November - 8.30am - 12pm

Sequence shots of main female characters, close up sequence of lips.

Sunday 8th November - 2pm - 3pm

Sunday 15th November - 2pm - 4pm

Whole cast confirmed for filming. Fight scene between girls, close ups of main male character. Shots to convey the storyline to the reader.

2009-11-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

Applying Theory

The Verve -Bittersweet Symphony

It is a very simple music video. Tracking is used to capture the lead singer walking towards towards the camera. The Verve used ideas and conventions from the video Unfinished Symphony by Massive Attack which also uses one shot tracking the singer, which moves around her body to create a range of different angles for the audience. The continuously moving angles gives a snapshot of life in a run down suburban setting. The Verve however took this one step further. The also showed a rundown Eastern environment which relates to their target audience. Their attitude in the video conveys them as a band to the audience as carefree, down to earth teenagers, which emphasizes the appeal the video has upon their target audience. The setting emphasizes this by showing where they used to live which again relates to the target audience. The bands attitude to life, as though they don't care, captures their target audiences attention. The only people with the lead singer are his mates (band members) and their individuality again emphasizes the target audiences interest towards the video. Although the ideas are similar to Massive Attacks Unfinished Symphony they are much more pronounced, which is why The Verve's video was more successful.

Fat Lez - Vindaloo

In Fat Lezs - Vindaloo there are clear inter-textual references to The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony. A Richard Ashcroft look a like is deliberately included in the video. The style of the video, including the setting, is also similar to Bittersweet Symphony and again is completely deliberate. This is only apparent to the audience as both The Verve and Massive Attack have previously used these conventions.

The variety of characters used mainly all relate to the target audience as they represent England and typical stereotypes from England.

How does this link to theory which applys to film trailers?

Clearly none of these videos have a narrative voice. Unlike a film trailer which uses a narrative voice to illustrate a story line and leave questions in their target audiences mind which encourages them to go and see the film. The music videos use lyrics to capture their target audiences attention, whereas a film trailer uses its narrative voice. The narrative voice can either be omniscient or a character from the film. We have decided to use an omniscient voice to distant the all seeing voice from the film. We are aiming want to convey a unbiased view of the three main girl characters to the audience and therefore decided not to use one of their voices to narrate the trailer as we thought that this would then limit our different camera shots.

2009-10-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Applying Functions - Walt Disney's The Lion King

1. Absentation - Simba is forced to leave Pride Rock by Scar and the Hyenas, their cunning plan has made Simba believe he killed his rather, and out of shame he runs away from his pack.

2. Interdiction - Simba is told by his father, Mufasa, that everything the light touchs will soon be his one day, when he becomes king. When Simba asks him about the 'Shadowlands' Mufasa forbids him to go there, saying it is only terrible danger which will await him, this intrigues Simba even more.

3. Violation of Interdiction - Simba and Nala sneak away from their escort, Zazu, and head for the Shadowlands, where they are ambushed by the Hyena pack.

4. Reconnaissance - Scar decides that he must kill Mufasa and Simba in order to become King of Pride Rock.

5. Delivery -

6. Trickery - Scar tells Simba that Mufasa needs to speak with him and leaves him on a vast area of desert, he then tells the Hyenas to chase down a herd along where Simba is waiting. Knowing that Simba will be in immediate danger very soon, Scar fetchs Mufasa, who is ignorant of his brothers plan. Mufasa rescues Simba, but is then killed by Scar as he throws him off a cliff and into the herd.

7. Complicity - Simba thinks himself corrupted and that he has killed Mufasa, under the encouragment of Scar.

8. Villainy and Lack - Scar kills Mufasa by throwing his brother off of a cliff he is hanging onto.

9. Meditation - Simba is becomes a victimized hero and is chased away by the Hyenas, along with their threats to kill him if he dared return and the guilt he feels for he thinks he has murdered his father, he runs from his family.

10. Beginning Counter Action - Nala accidently runs into Simba, and convinces him that his pack are nearly doomed, for Scar has taken over Pride Rock and driven it to ruin, enslaving the lioness's. Simba decides that he must return to Pride Rock and take his rightful place as king. This is a defining moment for the hero as this is the decision that sets the course of future.

11. Departure - Simba leaves the new home he has found with Timon and Pumba and sets off along with Nala and his new family to avenge his place as king.

12. First Function of the Donor - Timon and Pumba accompany Simba in his quest to Pride Rock and aid him through his battle with the Hyenas and Scar, who had taken over complete rule of the Pride Lands.

13. Hero's Reaction - Simba reacts to the actions of Rafiki.

''I know what i have to do. But going back will mean facing my past. Ive been running from it for so long.''

''Oh yes the past can hurt. But the way i see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.''

Rafiki tells Simba that he 'knows' his father and leads him through the wildlife to a secret pool, where Simba sees in his reflection, his father, Mufasa. Rafiki conjures Mufasa's spirit from the pool.

14. Receipt of a Magical Event - Simba receives advice from his fathers spirit, which convinces him that he is obligated to return to pride rock and take his rightful place as king.

''You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life.''

15. Guidance - Simba is lead from his new home to return to Pride Rock, accompanied by Nala, Timon, Pumba and Rafiki.

16. Struggle - Simba, aided by his faithful family (Timon, Pumba, Nala, Pack of lionesses, including his mother) begin to fight with Scar who is aided by the Hyenas. Simba then goes on to battle Scar in one on one combat.

17. Branding - Simba is forced onto the edge of Pride Rock by Scar.

18. Victory - After Scar taunting him about his past, Simba admits to his family that he is the one who killed his father and their king, Mufasa and trys to assure them that it was an accident. However it is then revealed that Scar is the one who pushed Mufasa off of the cliff and to his death. Simba then goes to kill Scar, but mercifully lets him go. Scar is attacked by the Hyenas who he tried to blame for his motive for taking over the kingdom.

19. Liquidation - does not occur.

20. Return - Simba returns to the throne and his rightful place in the circle of life.

21. Pursuit - Does not occur.

22. Rescue - Simba as the hero, over-rules Scars physical power over him and has him at his mercy.

23. Unrecognized arrival - Simba left home when he was just a cub and has grown up with Timon and Pumba after running away from his past. It is serval years later when he finally returns to Pride Rock and even his mother fails to recognize him as a fully grown lion. Oly upon hearing his voice does Simbas mother truly realize that her son has returned.

24. Unfounded Claims - Scar forces Simba to admit to his family that he is the one who killed Mufasa, their beloved king. The truth is that Scar is actually the one who killed him.

25. Difficult task - Simba has to find the courage to reveal to his family what has haunted him for all this time. He then has to overcome Scar through physical strength.

26. Solution - Scar: ''I killed Mufasa!''

27. Recognition - Simba is recognized as the true King and heir to the throne.

28. Exposure - The pack realize that Scar is their true enemie as he killed Mufasa.

29. Transformation - Simba becomes whole as he is reunited with his family and his true place in the Circle of Life. ( Which is a soundtrack for the movie )

30. Punishment - Scar is banished from Pride Rock by Simba. However his punishment extends when he is killed by the Hyenas for betrayal.

31. Wedding - Simba marrys Nala, and they are united in marriage. The happily ever after is emphasized by the birth of a daughter.

2009-10-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Characters

The Villan - Scar, Simbas uncle whose life resolved around him ascending the throne after Mufasa dies, however this plan is ruined with the arrival of Simba, and Scar begins to plot schemes in attempt still to become king of pride rock.

The Magical Helper - Rafiki, an old and wise baboon who has been an advisor of Mufasa for a long time.

The Donor - Timon and Pumbaa, who teach Simba to be independant but also encourage him to take his place as king.

The Princess - Nala, who is enslaved by Scar when he takes over pride rock, and then goes on to marry Simba after his return.

The Dispatcher - Hyena pack, Scars army of Hyenas serve him and are sent by him to kill Simba, although Simba outruns them, they still tell Scar he is dead.

The Hero - Simba, who finds out that Scar was the murderer of his father, Mufasa. Simba kills scar, takes his true place as king of pride rock and marrys Nala.

2009-10-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Applying Theory

I have decided to apply Vladimir Propps theory to another well known Walt Disney fairytale production. After studying Cinderella and applying Propps functions to the storyline i made some connections between significant functions which did not occur in Cinderella but did however occur in The Lion King. By applying Propps theory to the Lion King as well as Cinderella i feel that i will have a more indepth knowledge of two disimilar fairytales, one set with a more traditional structure (Cinderella). Cinderella portrays all of the typical conventions of a fairytale, with a princess enslaved by her wicked stepmother and then rescued by the prince charming. The other (Lion King) which is set in Africa and is dominated by magical characters from all different species of the animal kingdom.

2009-10-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

Applying Functions - Walt Disney's Cinderella

1. Abstentation - Cinderella leaves for the ball against her stepmothers wishes.

2. Interdiction - The King announces to the Prince that he must choose a bride and provide him with grandchildren. A ball will be held at the palace and the King invites every eligible maiden to attend in hope of his son falling in love.

3. Violation of Interdiction - The Prince is not interested in any other the maidens at the ball, much to The Kings annoyance.

4. Reconnaissance - Cinderellas evil stepsisters introduce themselves to Prince Charming and her wicked stepmother almost recognizes her whilst she is dancing with him.

5. Delivery - Cinderellas wicked stepmother finally realizes that it was her dancing with the Prince at the ball, and locks her in the attic with a hope that one of her daughters will be somehow proven as the Princes mysterious love.

6. Trickery - Cinderellas stepmother successfully captures her and imprisons her.

7. Complicity - One of Cinderellas wicked stepsisters manages to force her foot into the glass slipper, and the Grand Duke is convinced he has found the Princes love.

8. Villainy and Lack - The wicked stepmother purposely smashes the glass slipper and the Grand Duke feels all hope is lost.

9. Mediation - Gus and Jaque aid Cinderella as they steal the key from the wicked stepmother and carry it up many flights of stairs to her room which is at the top of the house. They deliver her the key and finally, she is free.

10. Beginning Counter-Action - Prince Charming demands that the glass slipper Cinderella left is to be tried on by every maiden in an attempt to find her.

11. Departure - does not occur.

12. First Function of the Donor - Gus and Jaque, with help from the other mice and birds, set to work on Cinderellas mothers old gown, which needs some work. Cinderella is unaware of this as she has been given lots of chores from her stepmother (who hopes she will not finish them as she will not be able to go to the ball.)

13. Hero's Reaction - does not occur.

14. Receipt of a Magical Agent - The Prince finds the glass slipper on the stairs to the palace.

15. Guidance - The guards try to follow Cinderella as she leaves at the stroke of midnight.

16. Struggle - The Prince is overcome by maidens who all want to impress him as he tries to pursue Cinderella.

17. Branding - does not occur.

18. Victory - The wicked stepmothers true intentions are revealed and she is banished from society.

19. Liquidation - Cinderella is freed and she is able to prove to the Grand Duke that she is the mysterious maiden although the glass slipper found by the Prince has been smashed.

20. Return - Cinderella returns to the palace.

21. Pursuit - does not occur.

22. Rescue - does not occur.

23. Unrecognized Arrival - After being assured by the wicked stepmother that there are no other maidens of the household, The Grand Duke is surprised by Cinderella shouting as she descends the staircase.

24. Unfounded Claims - does not occur.

25. Difficult Task - The Grand Duke cannot determine whether Cinderella is the mysterious maiden as the glass slipper has been broken.

26. Solution - Cinderella produces the other glass slipper, proving to The Grand Duke who she is.

27. Recognition - The Grand Duke realizes who Cinderella truly is and is astounded that he has located the Princes love.

28. Exposure - The wicked stepmother is left astonished at Cinderellas impossible escape from her locked bedroom and is revealed to The Grand Duke as a liar.

29. Transfiguration - Cinderella clothes are changed from rags to a beautiful wedding dress, her hair is no longer lank and down, it is up with a tiara, these signify a significant change in her fortunes to the audience.

30. does not occur

31. Wedding - Cinderella and Prince Charming get married.

2009-10-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Applying Theory

I have decided to apply Propps theory to Cinderella, a classic disney fairytale, which has also been modernized recently into 'A Cinderella Story'. Since i am aiming to produce a modern fairytale genre i think that applying the theory to this particular movie will widen my own knowledge of the simply yet enduring plots of fairytales.

Characters

The Villan - Cinderellas wicked stepmother and stepsisters, who both force her to become their slave when her father dies. Her wicked stepmother banishes her to the attick, where the only company she has are the animals. Cinderella is forced to cook and clean for her new vinidictive family.

The Hero - The Prince, who saves Cinderella from her imprisonment and after falling in love with her marrys her.

The Donor - Gus and Jaq, two of the main mice who Cinderella befriends. Their loyalty never falters throughout the movie, they work together to make Cinderella a beautiful dress so she can go to the ball and they also steal the key to the attick from Cinderellas wicked stepmother, in an attempt to save her.

The Helper - Cinderellas magical Fairy Godmother, who enables her to go to the ball, after her wicked stepsisters ruin her dress, she provides her with a new one, a carriage and glass slippers.

Her Father - Who loved and doted on his daughter very much, the fairytale is opened with his tragic death being revealed to the audience.

The Dispatcher - The Princes father, who encourages him in his new found mysterious love. He demands that a search for the mysterious maiden ( Cinderella ) must be conducted immediatly, and sends his most devout servant with the remaining glass slipper to find her.

The False Hero - The ugly stepsisters who try to claim the glass slipper as theirs, whilst Cinderella is locked in the attick and unable to try the slipper on and prove who she is.

2009-10-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Vladimir Propp

Vladimir Propp examined hundreds of fairytales in the generic form 'The Folk Wondertale' which was published in Russia in 1928. Although it was generally unnoticed in the West until it was translated in the 1950s.

Within 'The Monopoly of the Fairytale' he identified: 8 typical characters and 31 functions and these can be applied to almost any story, be it in literature, film, theatre and television. Propps theory is a form of structuralism which is a view that all media is inevitably in the form of certain fixed structures.

These structures are often culturally derived and form expectations in the mind of an audience from within that same culture. Thus genre structures form expectations in the mind of an audience that certain rules apply to the narrative. However cultural change can force structures to change, for example it is now common for the hero to be a woman.

2009-10-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

An In depth Analysis of Pans Labyrinth

An analyse of 'Pans Labyrinth' concentrating mainly on the editing, sound effects, music and mise en scene.

(00:09) An opening medium shot of horses being ridden by soldiers (the audience gathers this partially through their uniformed clothes) they are partly hidden by trees which sets the screen in a forest, tracking is used to show the soldiers galloping through the forest. The backing music is light and enchanting which emphasizes the genre of the movie to the audience. It is a simple tune played by a piano and each note plays in sync to the movement of the shots, changing each time a new shot is played, the short gap of silence in between each note adds to the suspense and creates a Gothic like element towards the atmosphere. The shot is used for barely a second and is followed by a second medium shot, the dark lighting here contrasts with the previous shot where the soldiers are highlighted by daylight. The furniture and burning fire create a time period for the movie which traditionally meets the conventions linked to a fairytale movie and also add to the Gothic fairytale genre. A panel of window light is shining through to emphasize a sleeping child. Again the shot is quickly changed and followed by medium close up of one of the soldiers in the same forest. As he begins to turn towards the camera we return again to the child. A birds eye view shot is used to show her laying in bed, eyes open. The only lighting that is used is the same shadowy moonlight shining through the window. The variety of shots moving at a quick pace continues to capture the audiences attention and the trance like music emphasizes the eerie atmosphere.

(00:14) ''WHAT HAPPENS'' Medium sized, bold font is used for a caption. This is followed by a cut in, point of view shot, where we see a delicate child like hand placed upon a book illustrated with a fairy picture and fine border. This again emphasizes the genre of the film. I think that the lighting in this shot is particularly interesting as the left hand side of the book is tilted and therefore slightly shadowed, which focuses the readers initial intention onto the illustrations of the book.

(00:17) A mid-length body shot is used as we finally see the child in daylight. Her attention is on the book we just saw which creates a significant part for her character and the book within the movie. The time period of the movie is again portrayed by her costume which is a vintage pinafore dress and she is wearing a headband with a bow in her hair which is also evidence of her young age. The setting is again the forest we saw in the very first shot.

The audience are shown a variety of shots in just two distinctive settings in 17 seconds and are aware that both will play a significant part within the film. The house becomes life in the ordinary world to Ofelia, (the child), whilst the forest becomes her escapism from her cruel and sadistic stepfather (the soldier in the second shot). Within the forest, she finds a tree which becomes her passage through to an underground kingdom complete with mythical creatures.

(00:018) Another medium shot with a caption follows this, with the same font and background as the previous caption. ''WHEN MAKE BELIEVE'' This confirms the audiences initial ideas of the genre of the film.

(00:20) The notes of the piano begin to descend with a higher tempo. An establishing shot is used of the forest setting, Ofelia is in the centre of the shot. Her back is facing the camera and we watch her move towards a large tree which dominates the shot. The lighting is daylight, although the sun is not shining brightly through the thick forest trees. I particularly like the lighting of this shot as the audiences initial impressions are that it is twilight, another technique which significantly emphasizes the genre of the film, a Gothic fairytale. The shot lasts for just three seconds, as the audience sees Ofelia move carefully towards the tree (away from the camera). Ofelia's steps are in perfect synchronization with the descending notes of the piano, which cleverly entrances the audiences attention.

(00:23) ''BELIEVES ITS REAL?'' Again the same font and background. Each caption is kept short and precise, still revealing an engaging yet teasing snippet of the films storyline. No speech has been used yet and the silence of the trailer along with the music create a lot of tension for the audience. A rhetorical question is used so that the audience subconsciously begins to crave a more in depth knowledge of the mysterious storyline and the shot is held for longer than any previous ones as the question begins to linger in the audiences mind. The music changes here and hangs on just one note which is again a technique to build up the tension in the trailer.

(00:27) The note which has been held begins to fade as does the shot. It fades to a long shot of Ofelia, whose back is still towards the camera. The setting is a mystery as it is in complete darkness which contrasts with the previous natural lighting in the shot of Ofelia walking towards the tree. The audience knows enough that she is no longer in the forest. Tracking is used as Ofelia curiously walks towards the unknown. Sound effects are used to create a sound of powerful wind blowing, indicating that Ofelia is outside, these effects are used to emphasize the outdoor setting and create a gloomy, Gothic environment. The lighting is brought back to the shot, although it is now clear to the audience that Ofelia has passed through into another world. The lighting is dim, possibly moonlight and the scenery is cold, dark and extraordinary.

(00:32) The shot becomes focused on a unidentifiable object, as Ofelia (to the right-hand side of the shot) wanders deeper into the unknown.

(00:33) The music dramatically changes as an abnormal fairy like creature flies into the shot from the left hand side. The sudden change of music alerts the audiences attention to this significant part in the teaser. The close up shot of this creature is blurred and unfocused, making the audience's concentration become more pronounced. The music continues again on the lasting note, which is chilling and strained and adds to the emotional climax of the audience.

(00:34) The shot comes into focus implicitly indicating an approaching change to the audience. The music suddenly drops again, as the object the fairy creature is lingering by turns suddenly and two mythical circular blue eyes turn out towards the camera. The shot only lasts for a second, enough for the audience to see the dark mythical creatures that contradict those within a fairytale and indulge their interest into the film. The film is slowly introducing the gothic elements of the film which challenge the typical conventions of a fairytale.

(00:40) The music is deeper and faster, strong drums accompany a black screen as the tension comes to the dramatic climax of the trailer. A medium shot is used to show the mythical creature, which is a horrific and chilling site, directly opposite Ofelia, who stands their as entranced as the audience towards this creature. The lighting is dark, with a circle of moonlight shining down near Ofelia. The shot is in the same ghoulish area we saw Ofelia enter and lasts for just over a second, using tracking to show the creature begin to stride towards Ofelia.

(00:41) The first close up of Ofelia the audience sees, she is on her hands and knees, a large beetle is crawling up her bare arm. Her head turns down to the site of the repulsive bug crawling up her arm and her expression mirrors her fear. Sunlight is shining from the right hand of the shot, the direct Ofelia is crawling. Little of the setting is made clear to the audience, although the sunlight highlights several roots and vines which indicates that she is still in the magical forest.

(00:42) Again another quick movement is made. A point of view shot follows this, and an extreme close up shows a pair of black gloved hands (presumably male) unlocking a large black Victorian lock with a key. Throughout these shots the music has become sinister, speeding up constantly, it is dark and also quite classical music with a tenor group chanting alongside the drums. During this shot the audience clearly hears the clicking of the lock unlocking as he turns the key, again in perfect synchronization with the sound effect.

(00:43) Another medium shot is used again with Ofelia moving away from the camera through large double wooden doors. Her clothing looks like nightwear, and the setting indicates that we are at her home. I like the idea of the shots which follow Ofelia as they create the illusion that the audience are travelling with her through the adventure.
The camera zooms in towards Ofelia as she begins to open the doors and then blacks out.

(00:44) An establishing shot is used of Ofelia in a room. The lighting is just that of outside and the right hand side of the room is partially obscured for the audience. The furniture creates an unsettling and dreary setting for the audience. (Ofelia is banished to the attic by her stepfather, (the soldier) after her mother dies at childbirth.) Her clothing has become more worn and her hair appears less groomed. This implicitly portrays to the audience how her life has become a nightmare since she discovered

2009-10-06T08:13:00.001-07:00

2009-09-24T01:08:00.000-07:00

I have decided to add a poll to my blog asking the public which trailer they think successfully captures their attention through their portrayal of the characters. This is because i want to do an in-depth character analysis to gain ideas and inspiration of how to create the perfect characters for my film trailer.

2009-09-22T10:47:00.002-07:00

I decided to look at some trailers that wern't based on modernized fairytales and had other elements and tecniques to capture a young teenage girls attention, which would be my main target audience for my film trailer. Aswel as including conventions of a typical fairytale remake, i also want to include a storyline which portrays deceit, lies and envy. By doing this i feel that the target audience will be more interested as a typical 21st century school centers around all these things. By including these the setting of a modern school will become more obvious to the audience. I mainly focused on the portrayal of different characters within this trailer. Within this trailer i mainly looked at the characterization of the main character Sebastian, who is played by Ryan Phillippe, a famous actor whose image would attract the target audience. Throughout the trailer Sebastian is conveyed as a manipulating, scheming and yet remarkably cunning character.

''Im sick of sleeping with these insipid Manhattan debutantes, nothing shocks them anymore.''

At 0.30 seconds, Sebastian is given a proposal of a new 'mission' and a medium shot is used to capture Sebastian's reaction. He is in a standing position, with his head bent down and his attention appears to be on a pink orchid. Upon the works ''I have a mission for you.'' Sebastian's head raises up slowly and curiously which shows his sudden interest in the conversation. His apparent 'boredom' with life and its lack of female challenges his obvious here as he is obviously eager to challenge himself.

The setting in this shot also gives the audience a small insight into his place in society. Sebastian is obviously a well off, educated teenager, this is also emphasized by the way he is dressed, his accent and the language he uses. In just 30 seconds of the trailer, Sebastian has been successfully conveyed as an enduring character for teenage girls, his intelligence and social status and general image captures their attention.

''Introduce her to your world of sex, drugs... What else do you do?''

The trailer is again narrated by Sebastian's evil and vindictive sister who goes on to illustrate another side of Sebastian. A tracking shot is used at 00:37 which lasts for approximately 3 seconds where the narrators voice is used over the top of Sebastian in a classic Jaguar traveling down a country lane towards a mansion, both of these again emphasize Sebastian's status in society. He is obviously very well off, a trait that again attracts the target audience to him. Sebastian's image is continually being heightened to capture the interest of teenage girls, they will want to see this movie because of his character.

''She'll be my greatest victory''

His 'Cruel Intentions' are made clear to the audience,

2009-09-22T10:47:00.001-07:00

2009-09-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I decided to look at this modern remake of Disneys classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. The main character and 'outcast' of society, Penelope, is narrating the trailer and opens it with a typical fairytale line, with a twist.

''Most fairytales start with a girl and a dream, mine started with a scandal and a family curse...''

I think this style of narration emphasizes the type of trailer i am aiming to create. I think that by using the original conventions of a fairytale and then twisting them allows the trailer to create the illusion of the magic within a fairytale and the modernized storyline which the film centers around.

2009-09-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

2009-09-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

I chose to anaylise A Cinderella Story for my research into film trailers as i think it has a similar genre and target audience as the type of teaser trailer which i am trying to produce. The trailer starts with magical, fairy like music which emphasizes the theme. The narrator starts with 'Once upon a time, in a land called..' which is a typical conventional begining to a fairytale. However this theme is then changed abruptly when the narrator says 'Los Angeles' and the viwers initial impressions of the theme of the film are changed. Although the magical instrumental music is still playing in the background, which still indicates a fantasy and very chick film. A close up shot of a fairly average blonde, teenager which also emphasizes on the specific target audience this trailer is trying to appeal to. The narrator then goes on 'Who lived with her wicked stepmother...' again the omniscent voice is creating a fairytale theme. This is again contrasted and modernized into a 21st century world by the actress, who talks in an American accent, with sunbed goggles on which adds to the commercal aspect of the trailer when she burns herself after being 'wicked' to her step-daughter. The trailer is 0:30's in and is already outlining an ongoing storyline to the audience. I think the tecnique used where the narrator illustrates a fairytale story and the captions create a modern 21st century comedy, chick flick creates a versatile, imagenative and unpredictable movie which will deffinatly capture the attention of the target audience.

A Cinderella Story Trailer

2009-09-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Introduction

2009-09-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

I have decided to create a teaser trailer for a film for my A level coursework. I have chosen to produce a trailer as i am interested in the film industry and will enjoy the research and planning needed to create a successful trailer. I decided not to choose to produce a music video as i feel that using a song will create limitations in the production. Im working in a group of four and we have decided to create a romantic, comedy genre based film. As well as the teaser trailer, we also will be producing a poster and a film magazine front cover which will both be featuring the film. Firstly we drafted out some ideas and decided to focus on a fairy-tale theme, however we aimed to modernize it into a 21st century chick flick. We then went on to individually create our own storyboards including ideas for music, time and a variety of angles.