Frame 1- Production company logo
This picture shows the production company logo that we used at the very start of our trailer. We decided to have this feature at the start of the trailer, in order to mirror the work of real media products. When researching into not only thriller trailers, I found that film institutions always promote themselves at some point in the trailer, in order to inform the audience as to who was involved with the production of the film. So, by including the name of our production company I believe that it made the trailer seem more professional from the get go giving our audience immediate confidence. The logo itself conforms to the typical conventions of the thriller genre itself, we thought that the dark low-key lighting would connote to the audience that the trailer is going to consist of sinister acts. In addition, the logo shows a dark isolated location, which is a stereotypical convention that is included in thriller films. For example, this is seen in the trailer of Zodiac.
I believe we did in fact manage to follow the conventions of the genre by showing the audience an image of something they would fear in a real life situation. For example, in thriller films such as Se7en there is a heavy emphasis on the "good vs evil" concept that was shown between the detectives and the serial killer. This acts as a binary opposite, which to some extent is something that we included in our production logo. The high key bright white lighting, contrasts against the low key light of the background which acts as a juxtaposition. This indicates to the audience that there is a sense of good vs bad which is represented through the storyline of the film. Therefore, following and developing the conventions of real media products.
Frame 2- Storyline/plot
The image I used to represent our plot was the prop that we used where the audience could see a POV shot from the perspective of the detective. By creating a map of the potential victims of the antagonist's acts, the audience can comprehend his wrath and negative influence on other people that could potentially be in the film. The black and white effect connotes that the point in time where the detective is viewing the board, is in the past. This creates tension within the audience as it suggests that the kidnapping has already taken place and the outcome has already been destined. This is something that is a common convention of the thriller genre that is seen in other media products, for example the trailer in Se7en shows that the antagonist has already committed the crimes that forces were not able to prevent. As a result, this acts as a marketing strategy to attract those who are seeking a thrilling and exciting film plot. Our plot itself can be seen to be slightly relatable to real media products such as Kiss the Girls and The Perfect Guy as we took some inspiration from the two. This is because they seem to be best able to attract both male and females, as it includes the typical violence we usually see in thriller films such as Split and some sort or distorted romance that females would be more interested in. By including a sense of love in our plot, it goes against the stereotypical conventions of the thriller genre as it may not seem to give audience members anxiety and anticipation that danger might provide. Nevertheless, I believe by portraying our antagonist as a mentally ill man that conducts malevolent acts, we were able to take a contemporary twist compared to other media products of the same genre.
Frame 3- Settings and effects
Choosing the right settings was crucial in making sure our trailer was effective in making sure we use and challenge the conventions of other media products. For example, filming at night time created a more dangerous and sister feel to trailer. This was a typical convention of other thriller trailers, including trailers such as the one for Zodiac. The image shown for frame 3 features the ending shot of our trailer where a canted angled shot is used to show a swing, swinging. This was important in showing the dangers that can occur in a public environment, having a greater impact on the audience. Research into Kidnapped showed us how a park can act as a juxtaposition, as it can represent enjoyment and fun, however it can also host many dangers that all parents dread to think about. So, in this aspect Love Me does follow this convention that is also seen in Kidnapped.
Another setting that we included in our trailer, was that of a church. This was something that the group decided to add to the plot of the film when we went out filming for the second time. Furthermore, when researching real media products I found that the use of religious imagery was used. As a result, this location allows the audience to realise that our antagonist is troubled and is seeking for guidance. To add to the effect of the church scenes, we used various filters to add unease within the audience. This was something that I didn't really come across when looking at other trailers of the same genre. This may have due to the fact large media corporations have access to better equipment and locations. Nevertheless, I believe that without these filters it would not go with the typical conventions of the genre as the lighting was too bright and it did not seem sinister enough. The filter we used for the picture above was labelled sic-fi giving a paranormal feel when viewing.
Frame 4- Props and costumes
This frame shows the candle that we used in our trailer. We decided to use a candle as it was a prop that could give imbalance to our trailer which is a common convention of other thriller trailers such as Split. A candle is universally known, and people can use it for many different reason. The flame itself can connote a sense of danger to the audience, however it could also represent the nature of the kidnapping. We took a close up of the candle whilst having a dark background, to fully emphasise the its importance in the plot. Looking back at my research, I did not see the use of a candle in any of real media products of the same genre. So, this means that by using this we did in fact challenge the conventions of the genre, which is something that the audience might like to see.
Other props we used included the use of a knife where it can be seen being dropped. This, with the synchronous sound of thunder makes the audience realise the significance of the scene. A knife drop of similarity is shown in the kiss the girls trailer. Therefore, we used and developed the conventions of other media products in order to satisfy our audience and meet their expectations.
When evaluating what costumes we used in our trailer, I feel like we were effective in making sure that both female characters Rosey and Daniella, were wearing up to date trendy clothes. This is because this creates a sense of realism within the audience and it enhances the realisation that they are two normal, stereotypical girls. Furthermore, this is something that follows the typical convention of the thriller genre, as when relating it back to my research the victims shown in other trailer all wear stereotypical clothes in order to connote the the audience that this can happen to anybody. Resulting in a rise in fear and anxiety. Trailers showing this include Se7en, The Purge and The Girl On The Train.
Frame 5- Camera shots
The image I chose for this frame, is that of a low shot of our antagonist. I felt that there was a large importance in making sure we use the correct shot types in order to signify different meanings. This low shot of our antagonist is used to make him look big and powerful. As a result, the audience are informed of his dominance and strength that they may see in the actual film. On the other hand, we used high angle shots to show the vulnerability of our victim Rosey. Other media products tend to do this in order to show meaning through camera work, which may give the audience an unconscious understanding of what it represents.
We also used an extreme close up shot to show the emotion of Rosey when she has been kidnapped. Using an extreme close up was something that I did not think about using in my AS production. I believe that this shows the development I have made in this media course. The feedback we got from using the extreme close up was very positive, as it is not commonly used on characters themselves in other trailers of real media products of the thriller genre.
Another important shot type was the establishing shot we used. This is evident at the start of the trailer, and it opens it up to the rest of the production. This establishing shot was used to inform the audience of where the antagonist might be. Furthermore, this is something that is also seen in the trailer for zodiac. At the beginning, we see an establishing shot of the city where the film is set. As a result, the audience are aware of where the events take place, and this may increase their anxiety if they are in close proximity to the setting.
By planing the various of types of shots we wanted to use, we were follow the direction that other media products take, as they also have a wide range of shot types in order to interest and engage the audience. This is something that I found to be in every genre of film, as it is a fundamental aspect that all audience members want to see in order to meet their expectations.
Frame 6- Inter titles
The inter titles that we decided on using in our trailer were used to engage with the audience. We took inspiration from the real media product of Kiss The Girls where the titles come up separate to the footage, whilst having a white and black contrast of colours. However, I feel as though we developed from this as our text in our titles start to flicker, which synchronises with the fast paced jittery editing that we commonly see in thriller trailers. In addition, we do seem to challenge the conventions of real media products, because I did not see any titles that directly addressed the audience when researching various thriller trailers. They usually state the people involved, however we felt as though this did not go well with our trailer because nobody knows who we are as we lack star power. Instead, by asking the audience questions, I believe that they will be more engaged in the trailer as a whole as they will be thinking about how it can apply to themselves.
Frame 7- Introducing characters
The picture for frame 7 shows the characters of Rosey and Daniella who are the girls that fall victim to our antagonist.We used the from of conventions from real media products as it is important for the audience to see who is involved in the film, including the victims. This can be seen in se7en, where the audience are shown before hand the wife of the detective.
Something that I realised when looking at various trailers, is that most of them have non-diegetic sound which we did not include in ours. This was because we simply did not have the acting skills to match the dangerous mood of the trailer. However, we used voiceovers of the characters themselves offering the audience more diegetic sound which adds to the dramatic effect.
Although we did not let the audience see the face of the antagonist, we challenged the conventions of real media products of thriller films by including him in the trailer. Looking at Se7en and Zodiac they both do not include the face of the antagonist which makes the audience feel more anticipation up to the lead up of the reveal. However, whilst this is very effective, the audience may like the change as they will be aware of the type of person the antagonist is, who seems to be someone they may see in everyday life. This creates more fear as the audience will feel as though this can happen to them.
Frame 8- Magazine front cover
By looking at other magazine covers which included films of the thriller genre, I managed to develop an understanding of the typical conventions that are used. I found that dark colours such as red and black were commonly used, so I made sure this was something that I implemented in my magazine cover. The dark colours also creates synergy throughout my media products. Other conventions include, a large dominating title, a barcode, any quotes, whats inside and other films that are featured in the magazine in the magazine. I tried to incorporate as many of these as possible in an attempt to make a successful and effective cover that can both attract and appeal to the audience. I used Google to research and view other covers, which I could always refer to when seeking for any creative ideas. Some elements of my magazine cover can relate to other genres such as horror and action, as features such as main image and the mist covering the bottom half of the cover, can attract other people who may not be a fan of thriller films into watching Love Me.Frame 9- Poster cover
Like the magazine cover, I looked at other posters to give me an indication of what the common conventions are. They included similar ones to the magazine covers such as the use of dark colours and a main image of one or more of the characters included. The frame shows the poster I created, which included a sinister image of the antagonist with a large tree in the background. The fact that the tree had no leaves added to the anxiety the audience feels because of the fact that it looks lifeless which may give an indication of the nature of the film. This is a typical convention that other real media products in the thriller genre use to also create a sense of danger. I decided to challenge the conventions of some media products, as when I researched various ones of the same genre, most of them had a main image of one of the characters face. However, in mine the main image is still large and evident but there is also a heavy emphasis on the use of background. For example, the poster that I saw for One Missed Call had just a black background, whereas my poster has something that the audience can look at from the background.
No comments:
Post a Comment