synergy between trailer/poster/cover

 

 

Trailer research- Horror film genre

Prior to beginning this project, I was aware of the genre I would choose-Horror. I chose this as Horror films are one of my favourite genres of film, and I believed it would be something I would find of interest to film and plan.

After analysing a series of trailers nominated for the golden trailer awards, I clarified that Mama was the best featured trailer. The use of jump cuts were used to an excellent standard and really built up tension and truly captivated the 'horror' feel. I felt aware of the story however not too much was given away, unlike trailers like sinister which I felt quite unaware of what the film was about. The use of the echoing 'mama' at the end gave a really creepy and eerie feel. The use of title frames were used very well especially the title frame "A mothers love never dies." This to me was extremely powerful and was one of the most memorable parts of the trailer, which is unusual for a title frame. The music was also used well as it gave a truly eerie atmosphere.

After watching this trailer and many others, I decided to use some of the qualities that are featured in these trailers in my own trailer. This being shots like; In Sinister how it reads '6 years later' This is something myself and my group decided we may use. Also, in Sinister where you can see the devils face behind the man at the table, I believe this truly terrified the audience. In Sinister, we are met by an establishing shot of the house, this is something I would like to consider when creating my project. Finally, in Mama, the echoing sound effects really bring out the eerie feel of the trailer, this is something I will also consider when creating my trailer.

Analysing the 'monster in the house' genre

I decided to research numerous films in then genre of 'monster in the house' as it is something I am going to peruse for my final project. The films that I have researched are Insidious, Sinister and Mama.

All 3 trailers begin with the typical structure of films in the monster in the house genre. We are welcomed with a friendly, comforting atmosphere. This is often sported with some peaceful/relaxing music. This builds up tension and makes the impact of the horror theme bigger and more dramatic. In Insidious we see a mother playing with her child, a family home, and a mother and husband laughing and playing with their child. What is unusual about this however is that we are instantly greeted with a creepy/eerie soundtrack. In this trailer we see a family moving to a home, a father putting a daughter to bed, a family dinner etc. We also hear the phrase 'I have a really good feeling about this.' This reinforces the feeling of positivity and family. In Mama we see Two girls who have been trapped in the wilderness, being brought home to a family. We see the girl hugging the uncle, we see the mother placing a doll on their bed, and we hear the phrase 'In a loving family environment' This again follows the same positive structure as the others.

One feature that is displayed through the 3 trailers is the soundtrack. All trailers include an eerie/creepy soundtrack. In Insidious we hear 'Tiptoe through the tulips' which has became in infamous song associated with the film due to its creepy feel to it. In Sinister we hear Sacrifice, Music by Andrea Nebel which again creates tension. In mama we hear Vampire Guitar written by Gerard Misael. This soundtrack fits well with the trailer as it creates a eerie atmosphere which compliments this specific genre.

A typical feature of monster in the house films is the numerous scary jump cuts towards the end of the trailer. This is used to build up tension and create a scary animosity. In Insidious we see several jump cuts of moving image from the film. This includes the protagonist with a red creepy face behind him. This gives further detail to the story without giving away too much of it. In Sinister we see multiple jump cuts such of; people running, a women screaming etc. This again builds up tension and fear. In Mama we see a series of jump cuts featuring a child screaming, some form of creature on the floor, also, the mother screaming and asking the child 'What is under the bed.'

All 3 trailers all have the components featured in the title- a monster, and a house. In Insidious there is the house where the film is featured, and the monster-Insidious which is haunting the son and causing this paranormal destruction in the house and the son. In Sinister we have the house and the family which are being haunted by the 'monster' Bughuul / Mr. Boogie. In Mama we have the 'monster'-mama haunting the two girls. One thing which is different but featured in all 3 of these films is the fact that it is not the house that's haunted, it is instead a haunting in their family that they cannot escape.

Below I have put all 3 trailers onto this post so you can refer back to them whilst reading my viewpoints on them.

The history of film trailers

The first trailer to have ever been created was Pleasure Seekers which was opened at Winter garden theatre in 1913. Since then, film trailers have been changing and developing ever since.

We can already see mass change in the 1937 trailer Snow White. In this trailer we see Walt Disney himself giving a run through of the characters featured in the film. This is unusual as we see black and white moving image from the actual movie however the creator of Disney introducing the characters. This was something only seen in older trailers such as Psycho. The first noticeable scene of the film is the on screen text that reads "The show thrill of your lifetime, nothing ever like it, in multiple Technicolor." The use of this dramatized dramatic voice over and on screen text was very common in the earlier days of trailers, as it was believed to help promote the product. #

The next most infamous trailer was Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. This trailer lasted a total of 6 minute 30 seconds and featured Alfred Hitchcock himself giving a tour of the location setting of the film Psycho. There is no use of colour in this trailer only a black and white display. This is perhaps the most unusual trailer still today since its release in 1960. There is no use of colour and instead a tour of the motel in the scene. We often hear phrases throughout such as "This picture has great significance.. because.. erm lets go ahead to cabin number 1." This leads the audience asking why is it of such significance and wanting to know more and explore the story in greater detail. The last shot we see the most famous shower scene of Marion Crane screaming as the shower curtain is drew back. This allows the audience some insight to the story and clarifies that this story is of a horror genre.

Another famous trailer/film in the 1960's was Dr Strangelove: How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb. This was a very quirky and unusual trailer, overall this trailer had about 136 jump cuts. The main feature of the trailer was the use of on screen text. For example, there would be cuts for each word that displayed the sentence 'why was general jack d. ripper obsessed by' then there would be moving image from the film of an actor saying the word 'fluids' as if finishing of the sentence displayed on screen. The use of repetition throughout this trailer was excessive,  this was to reinforce the title- Dr Strangelove.

In 1977 we were introduced with Star Wars IV- A new hope. This trailer was one of the first trailers to show special effects during this time. There is use of moving image throughout the trailer and their is still a narrative voice over which you could argue does still show some evidence of earlier trailer footage. The use of special effects such as; the dollar system and the sci-fi aircraft however really

highlight the huge transformation in technology since the earlier days of trailers.

Another famous trailer is the 1978 phenomenon Grease. Throughout this trailer we see moving image in colour. The is also narrative over the footage announcing the characters and film title. We are allowed some footage of the songs in the film which gives us the idea that the film is a musical. There are several humorous scenes from which we can infer that this film falls under somewhat a comical
genre.

The next big trailer was the 1996 Titanic. Prior this trailer there was another film about this event called A night to remember, which was released in 1958. In this earlier trailer there is no use of colour and limited moving image. There is also a voice over which as already stated represents a more earlier film trailer. The 1966 trailer shows how far technology really has come as; there is use of CGI, moving image in colour, direct footage from the film, solid suitable soundtrack etc.

Modern day trailer follow a typical format of title pages, moving image in colour, some use of CGI, multiple jump cuts, special effects etc. A trailer that highlights this is The wolverine 2013. this trailer lasts about 2:30 and contains approx. 116 cuts. Some of these cuts only last a matter of a second but play an important part in the trailer, for example,  a 1 second shot of a plane in the sky initiates travel. The use of CGI in this trailer is captured to an incredible standard therefore making these scenes look a excellent and realistic standard.

Media theorists

The presentation above is about theorists in the media industry. After researching their ideas I found they were of some great use and I hope to incorporate their ideas into my own media trailer.

horror film moodboard

This is my horror film moodboard. Here I have collected a range of different images all based in the horror genre.

Insideous magazine cover

The image above is a film poster featuring the insidious cover. I have analysed this cover on a Microsoft publisher document.

Rue morgue magazine analysis

 

Above is my analysis of a Rue Morgue cover. Whilst looking through the back issues of Rue Morgue covers on their website, I came across this issue-issue number 42 and I decided to analyse it as I found the qualities and techniques extremely impressive. The use of the antagonist-leatherface, almost running towards the audience was a good technique and is something I can apply to my final magazine cover. As my trailer features one antagonist on a quest to kill, I believe this magazine cover would be applicable to mine as both share similar story lines.

Entertainment weekly magazine cover analysis

Above I have analysed the cover for the film magazine 'Entertainment Weekly.' I found this magazine was set out in a quite a modern fashion and similar to magazines of a different genre, for example music. The use of the image being the central focus in this magazine was quite cleverly done, and the colour scheme throughout was completed to a very high quality.

Sinister poster analysis

 

 

 

This is my poster analysis for the film 'Sinister.' I decided to analyse this poster in particular as it is a film in the horror genre and had some really good effects to analyse in my opinion. I used Microsoft Publisher to create this.

Wolverine poster analysis

This is my analysis of the film poster for The Wolverine 3D. Here, I have used the image of the poster and analysed it on a Microsoft publisher document.

Strangers poster analysis

 

The picture above is my analysis of the strangers poster. I like the use of the masked characters in the photo as it introduces the antagonist without revealing their identity. The use of the masked characters on the photo is something I am wishing to peruse for my final ancillary product.

The collector poster analysis

Above is my analysed poster of the film-The collector. After researching multiple Horror film posters, I decided that this poster is something I would like to use as inspiration for my own. I like the way this poster establishes the setting and the antagonist, and as our trailer is about a masked man who breaks into a house, both share similar storylines. I also think the tag line is extremely catchy and reflects the film title very well, this is something I will be careful to consider when creating my own tag line.

Conjuring poster analysis

This is my analysis of the film poster-The Conjuring. I decided to choose this poster as I believe it had some good qualities I could incorporate into my project and it is a recent poster in the film genre of Horror, which is my chosen genre for my project.

codes and conventions of film posters

Main genres of hollywood films

 
According to Blake Snyder there are 10 main Hollywood genres of film that He has categorized through his novel 'save the cat.'

Monster in the house

The films consist of two working parts. A monster and a house and when you add people to into that house, desperate to kill the monster, you've got a movie type so primal that it translates to everyone, everywhere. Every ghost story ever told are all examples of this genre. This can even consist of films without paranormal or supernatural elements, for example, panic room. The 'monster' does not have to actually be a monster, this can be a person, an animal, a fictional character, ghost etc. According to Snyder, he insists that the house must be a confined area e.g. beach house, a spaceship etc. Snyder suggests this category has NOT been exhausted. There is always a way to do a new one, whether it be a fresh twist? but you must ultimately break away from cliché. Films that are in this category consist of Jaws, Paranormal, when a stranger calls, the purge,
silent hill, the exorcist.


Golden Fleece
Golden Fleece films usually consist of some form of quest. The name has derived from the myth of Jason and the Argonauts which ultimately is about a hero who goes on 'on the road' in search of one things and winds up discovering something else-himself. A film in this genre is finding Nemo, this animated movie shows a clown fish who's son is taken by scuba divers, travelling to the deepest parts of the ocean in search of his son, through events of meeting sharks, swimming with turtles, being stung by jelly fish, him and his son are finally reunited with one another. Other films in this genre consist of A fish called Wanda, trains planes and automobiles, the pink panther, layer cake, the Italian job,

Dude with a problem

This genre is defined by the phrase: “A ordinary guy finds himself in extraordinary circumstances”  This ultimately means where the character begins an average day and something extraordinary happens which becomes a problem, thus the title “dude with a problem”  Examples of this are; superbad, 2 young boys embark on a normal day where they are met with an invitation to a party which they have to provide alcohol for, this therefore becomes a big problem with catastrophic consequences. Another example is the day after tomorrow, which features a normal day which develops into what is said the end of the world. This genre has 2 working parts- the dude, who is just an every day guy, and the problem
which is this massive thing beyond his control. With this
genre the cooler the guy the bigger the problem. Other
films in this genre consist of  Bill and
Teds excellent adventure, Ferris Bueller's day off etc.

Rites of passage
These are ultimately the tales of pain and torment. These can consist of tales about puberty, mid-life-crisis, old age, romantic break up and grieving stories. An example of this is p.s I love you , this film features the journey of a grieving widow who receives letters from her late husband helping her move on and grow from his passing, this film features sadness, happiness, grieving etc. In the end, these tales are about surrendering, the victory won by giving up to forces stronger than ourselves. Other films in this genre consist of clueless, stand by me and Big.

Out of the bottle
When we think of this genre we think about a genie appearing from a bottle and granting a wish. However, it doesn't have to be magic to be part of this wish-fulfilment genre. A good example that describes this genre is Liar Liar, a young boy wishes for his father to not be able to lie on the day of his big important case in which his tactics are to lie, This leads onto a journey in which shows Carrey he must change his ways. In the end Jim Carrey not only wins the case without lying but receives the respect of both his son and his wife. Other films featured in this genre include Freaky Friday, Big, and Groundhog day.  

Buddy Love 

The secret with this genre is that it is actually a love story in disguise. This genre features 2 people in a love/hate relationship where you can expect the obvious finale of love for each other. Usually the pair begins hating each other however through their journey they come to the realisation that they actually have a need and love for each other. Films featured in this genre are Due date, this comedy features 2 men with no connection to each other on a road trip after being removed from the plane, A typical comedy where one friend brings nothing but trouble and annoyance to the other that ends in a fight that seems impossible to repair, however a change of heart or realisation brings them close together and they
then realise their love and need for one another. Other
films featured in this genre include; how to lose a guy in
10 days, the bucket list, finding nemo, are we there yet etc.


Whydunit

who cares who, its why that counts. Most classic whydunit's are about the audience discovering something about the human nature that they did not think was possible before the 'crime' was committed. These films take the audience to a dark side, the element of social drama allows us to detect and investigate the story throughout. We have a surrogate onscreen to represent us, whether this be the detective of the case etc. An example of a film in this certain genre is Kiss the girls, Morgan Freeman plays a detective who's niece has been abducted by a man known as Casanova, who imprisons and kills his victims. On his quest he is left more clues and a
 deeper knowledge of the story, we as the audience therefore try and
investigate the ending of the film due to his findings and conclusions
along the way. Other films in this genre consist of; I Robot, The Third
man, The insider, All presidents men, China town etc..


The fool triumphant
The 'fool' has been around in cinematography and the film industry for many years, We always have the perception of the fool being the village idiot however he is then unmasked to be of somewhat an extraordinary being. This initial perception of the 'fool' really makes the character shine once uncovering his true talent. There is always some sort of 'bully' in these films in which once defeated by the 'fool' really allows us to appreciate the character and gives us all hope, it also pokes fun at the structures in modern society. A film in this genre is forest Gump. Forest is a typical portrail of a 'fool', he has leg braces which limit his availability to run however, when running away from bully's he abandons these leg braces and masters this talent for sprinting. He then tells his stories of his life for example joining the army, meeting the president, having a shrimping
business, awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour for his
heroism, becomes a professional champion in the game
of ping pong, which indeed shows him to be quite an
exceptional person. Other films in this genre are;
I am Sam, mrs.doubtfire, Jerry Maguire, Coming
to America, Bridget Jones' diary etc.

Institutionalized
This genre tells stories of families/groups. Often movies in this genre are told by a newcomer to the group, who has been brought in by someone more experienced. Films in this genre all come down to one question, 'Who's crazier me or them?' A film that explains this genre is the help. This is about the divide in race in the 1950's period. One girl, skeeter writes a book of the stories of the treatment of the black help at this time which reveals the shock of how poorly these women are treated, it brings together a family, which is therefore why it fits in this genre of film. Other films in this genre are; The Godfather, Anchorman, Dangerous Liaisons, M.A.S.H and crash.


Superhero
This genre is completely how it sounds in this title. It can be explained through the quote 'An extraordinary person finds himself in an ordinary world.' This genre can go the marvel world,
 marvel world, or the DC comics characters. Most films in this genre show this extraordinary being faced in a mediocre world, with ordinary people around them. A film that best describes this is spider-man, an ordinary boy is bit by a spider which gives his life like spider qualities, he uses these to fight the bad and protect society and the world. Other films in this genre consist of Superman, 
Harry potter, Batman, Brave heart, The blind side, Antz, Shreck etc.
 

 

 

Film trailer questionnaire

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ACi6WmJSpea1RJFkPmePMEhVNI-Y28nFRi56QURF7xM/viewform

This link will take you directly to my questionnaire I created on google docs. This questionnaire will allow me a deatiled understanding of whom to target my film trailer clip towards, what film genre is of most peoples preference, and ultimately how to attract that desired audience.
Please access my questionnaire if possible so I can recieve some feedback.

trailer terminology including definition

Trailer definition:
A trailer or preview is an advertisement or a commercial for a feature film that will be exhibited in the future at a cinema. The term "trailer" comes from their having originally been shown at the end of a feature film screening. That practice did not last long, because patrons tended to leave the theatre after the films ended, but the name has stuck. Trailers are now shown before the film or the A movie in a double feature begins.

Trailers are set out with the purpose to entice the audience. they consist of a series of selected shots from the film. Trailer produces usually involve the most exciting/funny/notable scenes, however, they do not allow too much footage that will give the film away or allow the viewer too much. Most trailers do not follow an orderly sequence in their films and most consist of no longer than 2 and a half minutes. Each studio is allowed to exceed this time constraint once a year, which was achieved through Anchor man 2 in 2012.

Some trailers use special shot footage for example the `960's thriller psycho. This featured Alfred Hitchcock giving a guided tour of the setting of the movie, which concluded with his drawing back the shower curtain which led onto the infamous scene of Vera Miles screaming.

Most trailers do not use music that is featured in the film, and depending on the shot that has been shown, they will use a range of sound effects to intensify the chosen shot in the trailer.

Even though the trailer has been shot, this does not mean the edited movie exists. The trailer editors work from rushes or dailies. The trailer may be created at agencies such as; The Cimarron group, MOJO, The Ant Farm, Aspect Ratio, Trailer Park etc.

Trailer terminology

plot summary: 

Most modern trailers consist of a three-act structure similar to a feature-length film. The first part portrays the initial premise of the story. the second part continues the story and usually ends with some form of dramatized finish. This then leads onto the third part which usually includes some form of "signature music" which will be recognisable to the trailer. This last trailer can feature multiple shots/scenes of powerful and memorable moments of the film, also, if the film has a strong cast list, this will usually be featured to help sell the film.

 

voice-over
voice-over can help the reader understand the plot of the story. It can allow the reader set up the premise and provides extra explanation as well as the visual imagery. More older trailers featured voice-overs like "the best film of the year" to help sell the movie and promote it, however, more modern trailers feature voice overs from the actual film to allow the story some insight to the story. This will usually be non-diegetic sound meaning it will be added over the already recorded film/trailer.  

Soundtrack
Music plays an extremely important role as it dictates the mood of the trailer. usually music used in the trailer is not used in the film itself. The soundtrack featured in the movie can consist of music from the score of other movies. Popular or well known music, this can be modern or old. 'Library' music previously composed specifically to be used in advertising by an independent composer. Specially composed music or licensed songs.

Cast/crew

The cast consists of the featured actors in the movie. The director can also be mentioned as well if he is of a recognisable name i.e. Quentin Tarrintino/ Stephen Steilberg. Most trailers conclude with a billing block which is a list of cast and crew. Studio production logos are also featured at the beginning of the trailer/movie. Often there will be logos for both the Production Company and distributor of the film.

Technical elements
Sound mix: Dolby Digital presents many movies trailers sound mix as well as other multichannel. Scenes including sound effects are enhanced by the use of stereophonic sound and are therefore the focus point for many modern trailers.

Video resolution:

movie trailers preceding feature films are generally presented in the same format as the feature, being in general terms 35mm film or a digital format. High bandwidth internet connections allow for trailers to be distributed at any resolution up to 1080p

Summary of A2 coursework breif

The brief of this A2 coursework task is to ultimately produce a 2 minute trailer for a film. I will also produce 2 ancillary products; a poster for my film and a front cover of a film magazine featuring my film.
I will be using this blog to document my research and planning that I will produce throughout the process of this coursework.