General Planning

Magazine front page mock up

Four Lions Poster Analysis

Insidius Film Trailer Analysis

This film trailer was the closest i could find to the one we have in mind. I noticed the use of dark gilimmering type effects. This creates atmosphere and sets the tone of film. Emphasizing the time elapsed there is a timer set off. The establishing shot creates an initial view of the setting which is a house. Again similarly to the trailer i will be creating. Throughout the trailer there is a mix of low and high angle shots. The viewer is teased throughout with different narratives which leads to a typical horror cliche and steretypes. The mad scientist and medical equipment on. The paranormal activity of movements for example the horse rocking by itself all links to existing horror movies with their own twists.

Modern Day Trailer Review - Four Lions

Four lions is a low budget british film based on 4 guys who train to become terrorists.  This was released in 2010 which gives us a modern day point of trailers and how they evolved.

It opens out with an ameteurish shot which sets the idea of the film. This develops further in the next few shots when we realise they arnt good at what they do. The shot of him firing an rpg soon backfires. Leading to relating humerous quotes that feature in the film. We see text near the end from a review in short form. This gives the viewer a judgement which they usually take the word for.     

History Of Trailer

The Little Shop of Horrors (1960) - Trailer

From this trailer made at the start of 1960, There are very little edits used along with simple transitions such as wipe's and circle out. The basic plain text was fairly common around this period. We cant help but notice its in black and white, however this adds to its age. There is a voice over which elaborates on the storyline showing very few clips throughout without revealing the true storyline of the plant and what it does. This is effective as it gives the viewer a question as a reason to go and watch it. The trailer is only short (1 minute long)

The Godfather (1972) -  Trailer

Unlike most trailers the godfather starts off with a sound motif and slow fade ins. Naming the key characters followed by showing them. It focus's on medium-long shots and establishing shots for the setting. Primarily we only see the main guy (the godfather) throughout the trailer. With various speeches heard. It gives very little away however enough to gather the story line. The only scenes shown of a guy high up in a suit.

National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Trailer

The trailer starts out with a happy jolly soundtrack which sets the mood. The narrator sounds happy which tells us its from a comedy genre. A few of the jokes are shown with slower cuts than usual and more use of dialogue rather than voice over. Camera angles are largely long shots and close ups that show humour and general setting

HPATDH Part 2 - Empire Front Cover Analysis

This empire magazine is for the last harry potter movie. The text is very plain and they have highlighted its the farewell of the film. The triangle stance is in order of importance which is common for harry potter to have. We also notice the clothing which they wear is ragged but is purposely done to represent the battle and that the end of the road is near. They have no reason to dress up.

This film poster has a low angle shot, similarly to the empire cover. We notice harry takes a frontal stance and the co stars fall behind. This shows dominance and status of importancy. Alternatively the colour scheme is of a dark nature which sets the fantasy of the film. We notice how voldemort doesnt appear in this shot which could suggest its a secret and hes in hiding. The whole picture creates suspense with the smoke around their feet creating connatations of danger. This poster is very much dark and gothic where as the the empire magazine is holywood based and appeals to a more broader audience both young and old.

Harry Potter Trailer Analysis

-The trailer opens up with lighting effects creating a dark and evil texture with black fade ins.

- Large use of CGI (the girls hand has a flower in the center coming outwards) Also fire breathing from the dragon turning into different shapes

- Close up of main characters such as harry potters eye and flashes of imagination

- Music score matches the film as the dynamics are raised it is noticable how the edits/cuts follow.

- Bold texts with date of release and title of film. Gives the viewer an understanding of the films before they have seen it or ever heard of the concept harry potter

- Magic spells obviously points out to some mystical ideas, This will appeal to fantasy viewers and people intrested in action films.

- Mise on scene is of old temples, dungeons and open field settings. People dressed as wizards and different status's within power and ability in magic.

Trailers, Film Front Covers and Posters in marketing a film?

A trailer is there to give out a short message to attract a particular audience group. The excerpts usually show the most entertaining, funniest parts without spoiling the storyline or ending. This creates a cliffhanger for the audience to go out and view the movie in a cinema or alternatively buy the film upon release.

Usually no longer than a minute, they point out the name of the film, name of the key actors and are largely edited to create a cinematic effect

Film Front covers on the other hand put in place to draw in attention through pictures/text and colours. This being a key element in marketing a film. Darker colours could even suggest the genre of the movie being horror or a thriller. Where as a lighter colour can promote a happy feeling suggesting a comedy or similarly styled.

Posters, Again these create a view for a potential audience. Largely made up of a picture they are located outside cinemas to attract viewers into picking a certain film. It gives out information using puns and text to advertise or promote.

My name is paul roberts and this is my A2 Blog. I will be posting frequently on this page to show my research into media products relating to what i will be studying.