Ancillary Product #2: Film Article Draft 1

Ancillary Product #2: Film Article Production Day 2

Today I spent a further 3 hours finalising my film article. Below you'll find screenshots capturing the progress I have made. This predominantly included working with the programme (Indesign) to pick the right font and layout for specific elements in the film article. One of the more noticeable changes I made was in removing the background for the body text because altogether, the article looked more effective without them. Furthermore, you'll notice that in the third screenshot, the picture is darker than the former picture (in the screenshots) and this is because after speaking to my media teacher, it was agreed that to make the image look darker, with a much greater impact to be felt, I should edit it further on Photoshop- which I've now done.

Ancillary Product #2: Film Article Production

In the images below you can see the stages I'm going through to create the film article. In the screenshots you will find that I'm using Indesign to make my film article. When I created a new document I added three pages so I could bring two together to make the two pages of the magazine article. Two columns were added to both sides but only those on the right will be used. I plan on having the title on the left with a short descriptive line about the film beneath it. A quote will be added to the top right corner of the article. This quote will either be a quote from another reputable brand (invented by myself) or a quote from the text (a pull quote). Below this, will be the start/ full article. 

As an additional note, I went about making the coloured boxes for text by inserting a rectangle shape and filling it with an off-white tone (slightly blue),which I then knocked down in opacity to 50%.

Ancillary Product #2: Film Article Possible Designs

Below are two images which I'm considering using as the central image to my film article. Both have been edited on Photoshop through manipulating the brightness, contrast and the colour (very slightly). Using the brush tool and applying an opacity of 15% to black paint, I painted around the edges of the image to make the picture appear a lot more ominous and to cause the actors to contrast well with the background.

Ancillary Product #2: Magazine Article Research // Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Predator (1987)

The article as a whole, is cast in shadow by the the image which masters the double page spread. A filter has been used to cast elements of the picture in darkness, creating a foreboding atmosphere. This immediately suggests that the film must have themes of horror involved (where thriller comes into it). The bright lights behind the main character are examples of the types of special effects we might see from watching sci-fi films which means we can infer from this that the film is a sci-fi film.

The predator in the picture is wearing a helmet and a protective chest plate which, although unconventional, is a form of military uniform. Since this means we can expect violence to be a key theme throughout this film, we are made to understand that it is an action film. The nature of the suit being large and of an inhuman appearance, this leads us to assume that the character in the article is an alien. Therefore the article informs us of the sci-fi genre through the inclusion of the predator.

From looking at the the picture and the information at the bottom and top of the article (i.e. 'ALIEN' in the top right hand corner and the title, 'The Ultimate Sci-fi Movie Special') we are led to understand that the target audience is sci-fi fans.

Ancillary Product #2: Magazine Article Research // Adventure, Sci-fi

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

In the analysis below, I've described how the use of grey tones is important in conveying the sci-fi genre since it is a colour often prescribed a futuristic connotation. The symbol in the background is the mark of the Capitol, a leading body, similar to a corrupt government. The inclusion of this unknown symbol reinforces our reading that it is a sci-fi film because it is a symbol not used in today's society so can only be relevant to a future world/ different world. Furthermore, the characters' costumes are similar to wetsuits, however they are minorly different in the way they are universally the same. The texture is unusual. Often we prescribe unusual costume/ appearance/ film sets with the sci-fi genre because sci-fi films deal with unusual things. Therefore the sci-fi genre is further reinforced through the costume.

By including the former review of the first Hunger Games, the reader is made aware of the fact that both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are linked together. Fans of the book and the first film will be aware that that film comes under the adventure genre. Including the first review will mean that the reader will come to understand that as a follow on from the first film, Cathing Fire will similarly be an action film.

The picture presents Katniss Everdeen as subverting the feminine stereotype. As we see, Katniss is wearing the same costume as Peeta showing that the two are equal. However we also find that she is standing further forward, implying she is the most important character in the film and that as a result, she is more critical to the plot and thus more powerful than Peeta. This shows she is subverting the feminine stereotype because conventionally women would have been seen as inferior to men. Moreover, Katniss' hair is tied back in a plait, connoting practicality, which is a stereotypically masculine attribute. This reinforces the reading that she subverts the feminine stereotype. As discussed, Peeta stands back from Katniss implying he is inferior, showing he subverts the masculine stereotype.

Both characters stand defiantly together, suggesting that they are are part of a great cause. Defiance implies the characters are courageous and have strong will which is often found and explored in adventure films. The lighting behind them, making it appear as if they are in the sky, suggests they must be the protagonists for the light is a sign of hope. It is conventional for film articles to use bright light to give the reading that the characters are the protagonists and a dark filter to imply that either the characters are the antagonists and/or that the film is dark and twisted.

Since there are no horrific images of violence or pain we can assume that the article is aimed at young adults/ a 12+ audience.

Ancillary Product #2: Magazine Article Research // Action, Adventure, Horror

World War Z (2013)

The mise-en-scene in the picture immediately reflects the several genres evident in this film. For example, the costume worn by the characters is a conventional military uniform. They are all holding weapons, which are icons of violence and power. This sets up the action genre as action films conventionally entail combat and fear (which is seen etched onto the characters' faces). The military are only engaged in civilian situations when something is dangerously wrong and the fact they are all running suggests that the film will document the battle between the protagonists and antagonists. Conventionally, films that involve a battle between the antagonists and protagonists will follow both sides journey and development before the two sides fight. Therefore we get the reading that the film is an adventure film also.

The title 'World War Z' immediately tells us that the film is an action film, supporting our reading of the picture of the soldiers. The title itself suggests that the world is being upturned by a great force. It's common knowledge that if there was to be another war, and that if it was between countries, pure combat would surely lead to obliteration because of the mass number of nuclear weapons the world has at its dispense. Since this is not evident in the main image, we can assume that something more sinister must be at foot. It cannot be aliens however, because special effects would be visible in the images. Therefore this establishes the horror genre because it takes into account the fear of the unknown: a theme conventional of the horror genre.

The second image mainly informs us of the horror genre. In the picture a huge crowd is running from something worth fearing. The presence of the person jumping at the crowd with animalistic violence implies there are more running after the innocent civilians. Since this is the behaviour seen in zombie films, we assume the film follows the events of a zombie apocalypse. This article conforms to the horror genre by including such an image as the one of the zombie, which is something found in many horror movies.

As discussed in the analysis below, the predominant colours used are blue tones. Blue is a stereotypically masculine colour, implying the film is aimed at boys/men. The article conforms to the action genre by implementing this colour because while being a stereotypically masculine colour, action is a stereotypically masculine interest, further suggesting the target audience is men. However, without judging the stereotypical way in which the article is presented, we can assume that the audience is young adults/ adults because of the mature content (e.g. horror, fear and violence-unsuitable for young children).

Ancillary Product #2: Magazine Article Research // Biography, Comedy, Crime

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Immediately we see that this article is conforming to the conventions of a film article in how it's using a standard layout conventionally used by many magazine editors. For example, the article includes a headline, standfirst, body text and page numbers. As a double page spread, Empire magazine makes use of the two pages by having an image dominate most of the spread. This means that the article is more appealing to the reader because there is less text to absorb.

The headline and standfirst are the first indicators to inform us of the comedy genre. The use of words such as 'greed-guzzling' satirises the meaning behind the words, making it seem like a light-hearted film. Following this up with 'dwarf-tossing' would normally make us assume that the film has a form of bigotry to it. However, when paired with humorous lexis such as 'greed-guzzling' and the bright, positive lighting in the main image, this suggests that this the film is using the words 'dwarf-tossing' to convey the comedy genre because it is using 'black humour' to entertain the audience. It is very typical of comedy films to have characters who do/say outrageously bad things such as acting in a bigoted or racist way. Therefore, the standfirst is an indicator of the comedy genre.

The use of upper case typography for 'SO MONEY', which dominates the title of the film, helps to reinforce the crime genre by emphasising the focus on money. Wall Street is a place in America famous for the business and investments made there. Naming the film 'The Wolf of Wall Street' suggests there is a central character who is ruthless with money since wolves connote power and dominance. They also connote danger, implying the character this film revolves around has a corrupt control of money. This leads us to get the reading that where money and corruption are involved, so is the crime genre and so this is established through the title and heading.

In the picture we don't actually see a child on set: we only see the parents. The woman is wearing a particularly short dress which suggests the film has adult themes. The fact the film is about money also suggests this since money has associations of not just corruption but stereotypically it can be associated with sex and drugs. Both are themes to come under the blanket term, adult themes. Therefore this provides us with the reading that the audience must be adults.

(The film is actually an 18 rated film)

Ancillary Product #2: Magazine Article Research // Biography, Action, Drama

Rush (2013)

The article giving a write-up on one of the most technically effective films, Rush, was published in Empire magazine and can be viewed below.

I've mentioned in the analysis how the colours used are stereotypically masculine colours, suggesting the film is aimed at men (male sports enthusiasts), however only because it is usually portrayed as such in the media. Although on the other hand, blue is iconic and identifiable as a colour to be associated with Empire Magazine therefore another reason why the article uses blue typography and symbols such as the arrow, is to reflect/echo and standard, conventional style created by Empire.

The names, 'Lauda' and 'Hunt' have been featured immediately below the title of the film, informing us that the two central characters will be these two. Niki Lauda and James Hunt were famously recognised not only as competitors in F1 racing, but also as friends; we know this from the picture of the two characters captured using a two person shot. (Typically, two-person-shots are used to establish a relationship between two characters). This therefore establishes the biography/ drama genre because it suggests that the film will document an event in which both characters lives will be dramatically changed forever, and since these were/are real people, we can assume that the film is a biographical account of a time in their lives. Since it should also entail this, the drama genre is further reflected through our reading of the image.

The mere fact that this film is all about F1 racing already informs us of the action genre because the sport connotes challenge which is an association linked to action films.

Ancillary Product #2: Magazine Article Research // Drama, Mystery, Romance

Atonement (2007)

This is a film article taken from Empire, a magazine dedicated to the latest (major) motion pictures: those most likely to win awards for their inclusion of notably accredited actors and/or a powerful and meaningful storyline.

In the film article below, I analysed some of the features implemented here, all of which have been used to convey the genre and target audience. In the magazine scan we can see that the predominant colour scheme is green, used to echo the colours of the vast landscape that the war was fought in. Since the colour has light connotations we can assume that the film will explore themes which can be inferred as quite positive: romance, for example. By juxtaposing the pictures of the soldier and two women, we get the reading that these are the pivotal characters in the plot, and that there's a possibility of a 'love triangle' going on here; this thus reinforces the reading that the film prescribes to the romance genre. This leads us to further assume that there will be a form of drama in the film and so the genre, drama, is established also through the use of layout.

In the picture of Keira Knightley's character, two members of the camera crew can be seen in front of the camera. This is obviously a 'behind the scenes' shot. By factoring in such an image, we get the reading that the film article will look at the technical professionalism of the film, rather than just identifying and reviewing the plot. The magazine must therefore be aimed at professionals as well as film enthusiasts.

Since the characters in the shots are young adults, we can infer that the target audience is young adults/ adults in general. It is less conventional for children's films to use adults as the main characters, unless the themes (such as action/ adventure) are deemed suitable for them. Already I've discussed how we can assume that the film is based during the war, not just because of the male character's uniform but also because the nurse's uniform and swimming costume worn by the two female characters are archaic. Therefore war is a prevalent theme, much like the genre of romance. As the love triangle is based around adults and their affairs we must assume that the target audience is young adult/ adults. Moreover, although it's not entirely obvious on the page, in the right hand corner, 'ATONEMENT' is written for the reader to easily find out what the film is called. Fans of the book by Ian McEwan, will be able to recognise that the film is an adaptation of the novel, by seeing this.

Ancillary Product #2: Magazine Article Research // Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-fi

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

This article is taken from Total Film, a film magazine focusing on reviewing the latest movies to hit cinemas around the globe. As the magazine is designed for film, it's important that the magazine dedicates lots of thought into the presentation of its articles.

In the review of 'Thor: The Dark World', we find that the magazine has structured the article so as to have the image dominating the page on the right, leaving the review to feature on the left. Above the article is white space which keeps the article appearing 'less busy', appealing to the audience. It also gives the illusion that the article is simple and the layout, likewise, unadorned and easily more attractive (because it makes the information more digestible to the audience). On discussing the layout of the article, the structure of the landscape orientation is very similar to the coordinated and defined structure set out in reviews and news articles online. For example, the headline, sub-heading and body text have all been used so the audience can identify that this is an article.

Despite not using a byline or stand-first, as most newspapers would usually implement, the review itself has several other features which can only be applied to magazine articles. In the top right hand corner of the article is a heading/caption which is used to provide ease for the reader who would use this to quickly file through the pages, looking for a specific review. A page number is also used. For the headings using a blue label, the colour is stereotypically a masculine colour which can be linked back to the target audience and theme for the film. Since blue is a stereotypically masculine colour, we can assume that this implies violence is a theme to be followed in 'Thor' as stereotypically, masculinity connotes strength and power. Conventionally, Marvel films/comics were once seen as something targeted at boys because of the inherent strong themes of action and brutality. However we shouldn't use the colour here as an indicator of the target audience since both genders fall into being fans of these films.

The target audience for this film is quite evidently fans of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'. We know this since the image Total Film uses of Thor portrays him in a strong, defiant way, wearing the characteristic costume associated with Thor. Holding Mjölnir (Thor's hammer), our reading that the film stars the Asgardian God, Thor, is right. The mise-en-scene of this, in the use of the weapon, an icon of power and destruction, ensures the genres of action and fantasy are established. On the topic of mise-en-scene, Thor is found holding Mjölnir, standing resolute in a field (often suggesting a battleground) with characters in a blur behind him. The effect of this implies the characters are moving fast, providing the reading that the characters are fighting. Therefore the theme of violence and action is reinforced here. The pure fantasy of the Norse mythology backing the film, implies it deals with fantastical and sci-fi themes. Therefore we can assume that the film's genre is that which can be defined as action, fantasy and sci-fi.

The dominant colours here (despite the red and blue) are white, grey and black. The grey sub-heading mimics the colour of Thor's costume, creating an irony to the article, providing a comical aspect. As described below, there is specific intention in the use of the pull quote, sub-heading and caption which are used for very specific purposes: to entertain and inform. Below the review is a short line stating when the film is released, provided to inform the reader and discretely persuade them to watch the film. Furthermore, two small arrows follow this to prompt the reader to read on to the next page.

Ancillary Product #2: Magazine Article Research // The Inverted Pyramid Structure

Widely taught to journalism students, the inverted pyramid structure is a set structure which many writers follow in order to create gripping and intriguing stories. The base begins by outlining the most essential and important information, initially stimulating the reader's interest, making them want to read on. The following paragraphs, sometimes know as 'nut graphs' (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/04/) are for other relevant details, and the least essential facts. The image below demonstrates this structure. This applies to many news articles but the same structure can also be used to inspire how I come to write my film article. However although I shall have this in mind, I am aware that the written quality of my review won't be assessed with such high regard as the editorial and presentation of the article itself. Nevertheless, as a blog writer and reviewer myself, it can only do me more good that I practice writing in such a style and implement the structure into my own film review.

Image from: http://wannabehacks.co.uk/2014/08/06/how-to-write-a-news-story-5-top-tips/

Ancillary Product #1: Target Audience Feedback

I got several members of my target audience to choose which poster idea was their favourite and although it proved very close, the overall favourite was the third poster (top right). This is therefore the poster I will be working with.

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Designs

Below are 4 poster design ideas which I will be choosing from tomorrow when I get feedback from my target audience.

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Production

In the past week I've been working on creating the poster for my film. When I started looking at adding filters to my short film I found that the 'threshold' effect looked particularly interesting when applied to an image of Michael, taken from the short film. After taking a screenshot of this, I went onto Photoshop to enlarge the picture and put it into a format that would be suitable as a poster. I had to use the paint tool to get rid of a few splashes of white dots so that the image would look more powerful.

Another stage of making the poster included adding the text at the bottom of the poster. This is important because it outlines details such as the actors' names, the production companies and important individuals involved in the making of the film e.g. director, producer, editor etc.

I came to add a caption to the poster and I've experimented with the styles I've gone for since. The four ideas I designed can be found in the next post.

First draft

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Research // Sci-fi (The Maze Runner)

The Maze Runner (2014)

The two posters I found for this film don't include production details nor the names of the actors and the director responsible for producing the film. The main purpose of them is therefore to invoke the audiences' interest first and capture their attention on the images alone. 

In the first poster the release date, title and tagline are are positioned at the bottom of the poster, aligned centre, as is conventional of theatrical posters. Along with this is a short declarative sentence which reads, "BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING NOVEL" which immediately informs us that originally the idea was conceived by the author of a novel. By doing this, fans of the novel are made aware of the film and how it is officially connected with the book. It also persuades the audience to read the book, if they find themselves persuaded by the graphics. 

The typography on this poster suggests strength and power, both of which are associated with sci-fi films. In saying "GET READY TO RUN", we are given clues as to what will happen in the narrative, linking to the title. This suggests that the characters will be on the run from something and will have to fight to survive. Survival has become a very relevant theme to sci-fi films, particularly within apocalyptic/ post-apocalyptic movies. Therefore by using this tagline, the poster is conforming to the sci-fi genre. 

In the background of the characters running is a vast maze, covered with vines. The colours used are very drab and dull to create a foreboding atmosphere, implying that whatever the characters are running from, must be something dark, unforgiving and antagonistic. The fact they are running also suggests that they are doing so for survival. Their costume is dirty, worn and torn which also implies they have been fighting and living rough for days on end. Therefore the sci-fi genre is reinforced here. The proxemics of the characters and their positions shows that Thomas is the main character because of how he leads the group, followed by the next set of significant characters and so on. Therefore this instigates the idea of power and group organisation. Behind the characters is a bright light, similar to the artificial lights used in many sci-fi films such as 'The Host' and 'Star Trek'. Not only does this imply freedom, hope and the possibility that good can overcome evil, but the very use of it also shows that the poster is conforming to the conventions of the stereotypical sci-fi genre.

The following poster I identified is a character poster. In this we find the main character, Thomas, looking on confused, wearing threadbare clothing. The character poster gives little details regarding the film itself but rather allows us focus our attention on Thomas. His make-up has been acutely applied to make Thomas appear dirty, and covered in grime and mud. His clothing is much the same, although tattered to suggest it's been ripped by snagging branches and/or from fights with people/creatures. Essentially his costume and make-up suggests he is fighting for survival: themes key to sci-fi films. The characters stance is also very strong and masculine, giving us the reading that he is one of the main protagonists in this film. In the background are murky, grey and green tones which help to create the effect that mist is shrouding his vision, thus stimulating a sense of fear, tension and wariness about the setting. 

Sci-fi films will always explore themes of violence and isolation to cause the viewer to feel engaged in the film; yet also wary about what will happen to the characters. These posters hold all of these themes allowing us to understand that the narrative will follow a group of young adults through treacherous surroundings, fighting and persevering to beat whatever antagonistic force is preventing their freedom.

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Research // Sci-fi (Hunger Games)

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay pt 1 (2014)

This is easily recognised as a character poster, used to signify the importance of the main character, Katniss Everdeen. Fans of the previous films are likely to instantly recognise this due to a number of factors, including the similar typography used for the title and the mockingjay symbol which acts as an icon for the series. 

The information, including the title, is placed at the bottom of the poster, aligned center as is seen on all conventional theatrical posters. This makes it easy for audience's to see that this is purely a poster, advertising the film. What's different to the typical 'template' for posters is that the tagline can be found below the title: "THE COURAGE OF ONE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD". Having been written in red, the tagline echoes the deep red flames behind Katniss. The colour further connotes violence, blood, and gore all of which are themes which come under the sci-fi genre. (Although these connotations primarily relate to thriller and horror, they have become increasingly associated with sci-fi films). This therefore informs us that the film will involve violence. As I've outlined before, the use of capitalised letters creates a dramatic effect, suggesting power, force, strength and brutality. The tagline further implies that Katniss is a pivotal character, and one who will affect the events of the narrative. 

The colours we find in this poster include very deep shades of red, orange, yellow, black and brown tones, all of which can be associated with fire and coal. Seeing as Katniss is from the fire district, District 12, the image and colours provide a relevance to her district. However it also implies that set in the narrative will be fire and war. On her back are arrows, paired with a bow. As a weapon, this connotes force and violence. The clothing/suit worn by the character is militaristic which strengthens our reading that there will be a war and that this character will rise to be the one who leads it. Moreover, the icon of a mockingjay is paramount to the storyline which is why it has been used; as an icon of resistance, suggesting that the film's narrative will rest on a battle to end all.

By involving such strong imagery therefore, we are given the reading that action is intertwined into the narrative and so we assume the film is a sci-fi film. The unusual addition of the wings suggests that fantasy is also involved in the film. By combining the two we're also made to believe that this is a sci-fi film. Essentially, the image is simple yet direct, telling the story through colour and iconography.

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Research // Romance

The Theory of Everything (2015)

Although this film can be argued as mainly being a drama, it also has a heavy focus on romance. A convention of romance film posters, is that they show two characters (lovers) in close proximity. In this poster we see a stereotypically pair of lovers (heterosexual) holding hands and dancing. Therefore this informs us instantly that the film's narrative follows the two characters. It's very important to consider how much of the narrative is revealed through a poster. In this one, we see the backdrop of a grand building (Cambridge University) and written in a faded scrawl, above the image of the two characters are scientific calculations, informing us that the romance revolves around science, beginning at the university. 

Subverting the conventional 'template' for theatrical posters, the tagline can be found at the bottom, written using a formal font, in white, where it reads: "His Mind Changed Our World. Her Love Changed His". The simple declarative sentences have been capitalised at the beginning of each word to create the effect of pronouncing the importance of each word, as if to suggest that each small, seemingly insignificant event leading up to Hawkin's 'condition' was very important and that his love with Jane was extremely important in how he grew to cope with it. The actors' names are labelled at the top of the poster to show that the two can be paired and that this is a romance film. As for the title, rather than being positioned at the bottom of the poster, the promoters of the film designed it so that the image is rotated 90 degrees to fit the title between both characters. This is ironic for it gives reference to the one of the focuses of the film: science. By therefore rotating the image the poster gives the reading that the film has some relevance to science and gravity.  Formal typography broken up with italics gives the reading that the characters in the film are intelligent and eloquent. This is used to support the subject of the film, Stephen Hawking and his intellectual abilities as well as the articulate and prestigious air that surrounds the university. Furthermore, in romance films it is conventional to see elaborate graphology; thus the poster is conforming to the romance genre because it implements this.

The colours used are extremely vibrant. It's also worth mentioning that the background is blurred. Soft focus is used as an editing technique in romance trailers to show that the character's are infatuated with their partner. Together with the bright colours, which suggest euphoria and positivity, we therefore get the reading that the film comes under the romance genre.

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Research // Comedy

The Inbetweeners (2014)

It's clear that posters follow a template structure where you can find the title at the bottom of the poster, along with the rest of the production details. At the top will be the tagline and in the center it's common to either see a piece of iconography significant to the film's plot, or the main character/s themselves. In this poster the layout is very conventionally of film posters with the above tagline reading: "Four reasons to get out of Australia". In pairing this tagline with the 4 characters below, the comedy genre instantly sets itself in motion as it implies that these characters are the reason why no one should be in Australia. Since the film is the second in the film sequence, the poster designers were then able to play around with the tagline to make it link more closely to the characters/ plot. Whilst this may come off as something associated with a horror, the bright colours suggest that the film concentrates on 'happy affairs' as opposed to a forbidding, evil demon/event which is found in horror films. The fact that 'the inbetweeners' are the characters involved (instantly recognisable to a British audience) immediately gives us the reading that this is a comedy movie. Fans of the programme and former film will therefore know that the 4 characters often make a lot of mistakes and can be quite stupid. This gives a whole new level of meaning to the tagline which suggests the reason why people should leave Australia is that destruction is likely to be left behind by the 4 guys. Thus comedy is created because it suggests that 'the inbetweeners'' stupid antics will be just the same as what's found in the TV series, causing hilarity in its wake. The comedy doesn't end there, since another tagline follows the title: "Soz, Oz". The language is very informal which further validates our inference that the narrative will follow the characters' acts of stupidity. It also suggests that these 4 British characters will be just as likely to make Australia hate them because of how odd, inappropriate and idiotic they behave.

*The fact "the" is in the middle of "bet" is comical because it's in between the words "inbetweeners" which creates irony and thus informs us that the film's genre is comedy.

The title uses blue typography which echoes the colour of the sky in summer, thus also echoing the warmth of Australian weather. It also has no upper case typography which validates the reading that the characters and what will happen in the film revolves around 'the inbetweeners' being unintelligible.

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Research // Horror

*Ignore the watermark on the left

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death (Due to be released 2015)

In this poster we see two characters who we can assume to be significant to the narrative. Conventionally horror films use dark filters/ moody lighting to create an ominous atmosphere and to instil fear into the audience. This poster does just that, framing the poster with dark lighting. From the light which escapes a doorway, the silhouette/ shadow of the woman in black stands eerily over the boy's body. The haunting image of the women as a non-physical being instantly establishes that she must be a ghost. The use of black and the shadow covering most of her face creates a malevolence purely terrifying. Thus simply lighting helps to reveal the genre of this film. The little boy is sat huddled slightly against the wall, holding a doll which is another icon of the horror genre. In the prior film the woman is obsessed with the death of her son, taking revenge and killing young children. Knowing her relation to children and how she influences them, coaxing them unknowingly to their death, we get the reading that this young boy is a character who the woman will fight to control. The fact the walls are old, weathered and damp causes us to get the reading that the setting is yet again, Eel March House. 

Black and white writing has been used on this poster, in upper case lettering to suggest violence. Red writing is a conventional piece of typography used by films to establish a film as having a horror genre because of how it connotes blood and gore. White, although implying innocence, has connotations of isolation and sets us up for a divide between antagonism and the protagonists in the narrative. This makes the use of a black background more dramatic as that in itself has connotations of evil, danger, and antagonism. 

The layout is very similar to the conventional layout of theatrical posters whereby text is used at the top of the poster (typically a tagline) and at the bottom is the title, release date, associated production companies, distributors, director etc. As for the 'tagline', this poster is slightly different in the way several are used in the centre of the woman's shadow, each line spaced down, causing our eyes to fall on the small boy. As the lines get further down, the font gets bigger for dramatic effect by emphasising violence, increasing fear and tension. This also intensifies the reality of the words: "SHE NEVER LEFT". By doing this a baleful and menacing mood is put across, conventional techniques of the horror genre. 

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Research // Biography

Rush (2013)

Just as with the posters I selected when analysing the promotion techniques for the third film adaptation of Tolkien's novel, 'The Hobbit', I've picked out two posters from the action/biographical film, Rush. Based on a true story of perseverance, will and friendship, this film follows the story of F1 drivers, Niki Lauda and James Hunt.  Considering the genre of this film, the posters are character posters, with little need to address a plot to the film. 

In the first poster is a close up of Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt. This is a very simple design which instantly captivates the audiences' attention because of how it forces you to focus purely on the face staring back at you. Placed in the centre of the poster, at the top, is written a short declarative sentence in capital locks: "BASED ON A TRUE STORY", which is used to signify that the film has a relation to real events. People are usually attracted to films that are based on such a true story as they can relate it to real-world-events, allowing them to connect with the characters on a deeper level. In the centre (left) is both the title, director and the tagline: "EVERYONE'S DRIVEN BY SOMETHING". The tagline is slightly satirical in the way "driven" is used both to simply imply the characters are motivated by something and because the film is about F1 racing. This provides us with the reading that the film incorporates some comedy. The typography is the same throughout, using white text and upper case letters with a similar font to create consistency, making it identifiable to the audience. The title is bold and uses a larger font to stand out, casting the audiences' attention on that, differentiating this from the rest of the text.

Despite the only real link to F1 racing being the tagline and title in the previous poster, the second poster shows two of the most important characters dressed in their teams' uniform. Despite being not entirely recognisable to a modern audience, certainly F1 enthusiasts can instantly recognise that the characters are F1 racing drivers. In the background are also F1 cars on a racing track, further validating our reading. Colour is very important in this poster as we see a dark clouds forming over the race track, suggesting the narrative will explore many difficulties encountered by the two characters. The use of the sun breaking through the clouds however signifies that something good will come out of the characters' friendship. The lighting contrasts against their faces also, which creates dramatic effect. In biography films it is conventional that the story explores the troubles experienced by the characters, particularly building up to a dangerous and profound moment in their life before it resolves and equilibrium returns 

The production details, release date, director, actors and even one-line quotes from accredited papers have been used to persuade the audience to want to watch the film. The fact it outlines that the director was behind such highly acclaimed films gives the audience faith that the film will match the success and effectiveness as the director's former films. Two white lines are used by the side of the title to resemble 'racing stripes' thus enforcing the racing theme and therefore the biography genre. 

Ancillary Product #1: Poster Research // Action-adventure

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

As with most of the films I researched, multiple posters were used to promote each film. These include those used to accompany a trailer, used in order to whet the audience's appetite and interest in the film. Often these types of posters don't reveal too much about the film's plot however they may yet include pictures of the characters and the name of the film. In contrast, a theatrical poster will include information about the film's production company and affiliated persons. Furthermore the stars and distributors are also commonly identified.  I selected a couple of posters to show the variety of posters used by the marketing team.

Conventionally action-adventure films include themes of violence, action and protagonist vs antagonist feuds. In the posters to the left, iconography such as a sword, connoting violence and power, helps to indicate to the viewers that this film is an action film. Conventionally an adventure film uses location and costume to imply a film explores the 'adventure' theme. Since the character in both posters can be seen wearing ragged, worn and typically 'unusual'/ 'unconventional' clothing we can assume that the film is set in a different time/ world.

As this film hasn't been released on DVD, the release poster design hasn't been stipulated for me to write about it. Although I can expect it won't vary considerably from the the two on this post, apart from typically using one line reviews from certain applicable publications.

Both posters focus on primarily showing one character: a character poster. By doing this, we are being informed of the main character.

Behind the character is a background, worn by battle and shrouded by mist. In the first poster we find the columns of a grand building framing Bilbo (main character). Receding into the background are also mountains. This informs us that the location is set in a vast landscape and judging by the snow, the film is set in the thick of winter. As for the second poster, the mountains can also be seen however this time, fire throws dark and foreboding smoke into the air as tattered, black flags rise from the darkness. Instantly the reading we get here is that the film's narrative is based around a war: antagonists vs, protagonists. This is supported by the character's make-up which suggests he's been fighting.

Dark colours have been used here to create an ominous atmosphere, thus creating a foreboding mood, which we often associate with war. This contrasts significantly in the first poster where we find bright, white light which encircles Bilbo, particularly around his head, forming a sort of halo. This suggests that he is an important protagonist in the film.

With regard to layout, in both posters, Bilbo is centred within the poster so that the audiences' eye is drawn to his character. Above him is the tagline "THE DEFINING CHAPTER", all in upper case letters which implies that something will happen to end everything. When connected with the images and knowledge of the narrative for the previous two films, we understand that by saying "the defining chapter" the tagline is referring to a great battle. The use of upper case typography strengthens this reading as it connotes violence and authority i.e. a reference to the leaders of each army. The colour echoes the title's typography which characteristically follows the same font scheme used by the following series,  'The Lord of the Rings'. This instantly connects the two series, establishing that just like the following series, The Hobbit will also incorporate an action-adventure theme. Furthermore, it informs fans of 'The Lord of the Rings' that this is a film that they are likely to love just as much. Following the conventional layout of movie posters, this film also centres the title, release, and production details at the bottom of the poster, allowing as much of the image/ graphics to dominate it: therefore causing out attention to be brought to the image first.

Post-Production: Film Additional Feedback // Bird Ambience

Having come across a slight issue with my short film regarding the presence of birds tweeting in the background of my film, I decided to make a post to inform my decision for choosing to continue including such ambience. Of course, hearing the bird's in the background of the tape recording in some ways, contradicts the plot where the world is overturned with the threat of extinction. Essentially, there is only so much of the narrative which can be put across in the time that the film plays for. Which is why my reasoning for including birds tweeting isn't obvious.

The plot doesn't entail the death of civilisation but instead, the corruption of the human mind. Think of it as a mass inoculation which has gone wrong and turned people psychotic, lost to their own fragile minds. Everyone is still alive. But only a few remain sane, unaffected by Archenda, the drug to have started the 'apocalypse'. For one, the birds create an eerie tone to the film because whilst the world is in a disarray, wildlife still flourishes. To many people this is a creepy juxtaposition. Secondly, they create a sense of calm for the viewer, who is unaware of what will later happen in the film. This reflects Michael's initial calmness also and makes it even more shocking when he is later captured.

Post-Production: Rough Cut 4

Note: When I watched the film back on my computer, parts of it glitches at specific points (e.g. see point 1:27). This was in no way an edit created by myself. Hopefully this shouldn't happen when you come to watching it back but just in case it does glitch, know that in this is not of my doing.

Furthermore, when watching from your mobile the sound from the mic is barely audible and I expect this is an error in the processing of the video. When watching from a computer, this issue shouldn't be evident.

Post-Production: Rough Cut 3

Post-Production: Teacher Feedback

In addition to the feedback I received from my target audience, I obtained further feedback from two media teachers. The first teacher told me to improve certain aspects already identified by many members of the target audience. This included perfecting the cuts, adding a darker filter to the footage of Michael and adding more shots to cross cut with the 'camera footage'. Furthermore, increasing the volume of the music in the background was another key point. These improvements have been made where appropriate.

After asking for feedback from my second teacher, I was given advice to make minor adjustments to elements of the film. For example, I needed to make the sound of the twig breaking quieter to realistically show that the snap is happening further out into the distance. I also needed to marginally adjust the music by turning the volume up ever so slightly. At the beginning when we see the 'nature' shots, I used the sound from the final clip so the sound was constant. The more significant adjustment I had to make was to play around with the footage of the 'psycho people' and how quick and often these shots would appear. I varied this so that the audience will feel uncomfortable watching that specific part of the film.

Post-Production: Audience Feedback

In the last media lesson, I got several people from my target audience to watch my film and give me some feedback after I asked them questions regarding it. Some were more specific than others. In the video below, I asked 6 girls what their opinions about the film were. To ensure I had a fair sense of what my target audience would prefer in a sci-fi film I asked 3 boys to also give me their thoughts on the film.

When asking my target audience what their immediate thoughts on my film were they generally agreed that it was something they found interesting despite it having quite a dark storyline. Many of them didn't guess the right genre, where they tended to describe the film as being a horror. Other specified genres included thriller and fantasy which are inclusive to the sci-fi genre.  In the video, many people believed the audience should be as I identified it: 15. However others, particularly the boys, believed that the film should be aimed at a 12 rated audience. The narrative was fairly understandable for most people, although when questioned further, a few others pointed out that the flashback scene where Alicia goes from being happy to being sad was slightly confusing. However this was countered by saying that the music linked well with the scene,helping to improve their understanding of the film. 

Most people said the title informed them of the genre however this was more so due to the typography rather than the title itself. Going back to the narrative, people generally understood it although there was a need for clarity on such things as what the drug does, and what role the audience serves by watching the 'footage'. One of the key things I was picked up on was the need for more cuts to break up Michael's speech.  The music was seen as effective, with a lot of people saying the music at the end and start of the film had the most impact. Some improvements to be sought upon from having asked about music includes increasing the volume when the 'psycho person' smiles at the end and to have a track running throughout the film in order to build a mood. 

Several people agreed that I should add more 'noise' to the video so as to make it more grainy, thus enhancing the verisimilitude of the film by showing that it is a tape recording. With regard to filters for the flashback scenes, whilst several people were happy for it to be left without a filter, others passed around different ideas. Sepia or black and white were suggestions but because the colour used in the footage is rather limited I don't think it would look as effective as I'd like it to be. However I did agree with several others that if a filter was to be used, it ought to be bright to indicate these are positive memories for Michael.

As for final improvements, I had one person say that the bright colour from the flashback harshly contrasts with the 'footage' of Michael speaking and that this slightly broke the atmosphere. The obvious resolution would be to make the flashbacks have a dark filter also however this would take away the message that Michael is thinking back on Alicia with a positive attitude. It was suggested that I ought to make the footage of Michael darker, to emphasise the ominous atmosphere. Generally however, it was suggested that I make more cuts, particularly showing the psycho people/ Archans. Since the footage I've been cutting on top is from the first few days of shooting (before re-shooting), there's only a few shots I can use and I will try to include as many as possible. However I am limited and re-shooting shots will not be a possibility. 

  

N.B. It's important to note that bar one student, no other member of the target audience was a media student.

Post-Production: Rough Cut 2

Post-Production: Music

https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/unseen-horrors
https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/reign-supreme
https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/lost-frontier
https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/past-the-edge
https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/plaint
https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/clean-soul
https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/free-bass-drone-sound-effect-1
https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/mirage
https://soundcloud.com/britishshadowhunter/gathering-darkness

Post-Production: Editing Day 11

Today I spent 4 hours working on finalising the edits for my film. My primary focus was on sourcing music which would be appropriate for the different scenes in my film. Below are a few shots showing how I began editing the volume of the audio tracks. On at least one occasion, I edited such things as the pitch and distortion of a track to create an eerie and foreboding atmosphere. 

Furthermore, on going over the short film, I asked for feedback from a fellow media student who told me that the end credits should go on for longer and raised concern at how she became confused by how one of the characters in my film suddenly starts crying, from having been so happy before. Admittedly, when I planned my film I chose to use a scene where the audience would be made aware of the fact that Alicia's family were killed. When Alicia runs into a field and comes back crying, I intended to use a voice-over of screams calling out for Alicia (her family), which would have tied in with the former scene. Since I don't have the scene, it makes the fact she's crying all the more confusing. I plan on showing my target audience the film tomorrow and if the issue is raised yet again, I will look into making a recording to go over the scene. My only worry is that by adding recorded screams, the audio won't come out as good as I want it to be.

Post-Production: Editing Day 10

Along with editing more of my film y altering edits and music, I spent two hours most of today working on my poster. Below is a shot showing my progress.

Post-Production: Ident 2

Using a picture I took from my visit to Barcelona last year, I edited the intensity and colour several times on Photoshop before adding the title, 'A Mesmeric Production' on top. Here is the result:

Post-Production: Update

Unfortunately I've been unable to finish editing my film for the deadline I set ( to complete by the week of the week) and so editing will run into next week; I need to ensure that I have finished editing it very very soon. It's critical that I do this so that I'm able to get feedback from my target audience with regard to the additional improvements that could be made before I finally submit the film as my last and final short film (no longer a draft).

Post-Production: Editing Day 9

Another day of editing allowed me to explore the type of music I'd like to include in the start of my film, as well as adding in extra shots which will play as cross cuts, against the footage I have of 'Michael's video recording'. I made an advancement with making a poster which I will later explain further when I write a post on how I went about making it, including the stages I went through to get it to a finalised point.

Post-Production: Editing Day 8

Today I spent roughly two hours working on the second ident for my short film as well as taking time to source songs and continue editing my film. I also started on thinking about making the poster for my short film which I should be able to move onto completing next week.

Post-Production: Software

Post-Production: Ident 1

Today I started making idents, beginning with the first of two, 'IMPRINT PICTURES'. I took a picture of the moon outside my window, only a few nights back and I thought it would be a perfect picture to use for one of the idents. I added a few filters on Photoshop and cropped the photo so the moon is half cast over. The image stands out despite being only just distinguishable (as a moon). Below are several ideas I looked over when planning the overall presentation of the first ident. I have chosen to use the first image because the text is more formal than the other two ideas and is yet informal for it is sans serif, which helps to make the typography appear more friendly: thus giving the audience the reading that the company is sure to be a well-respected one. 

*Font on Photoshop

Font: 1942 Report, Source: http://www.dafont.com/theme.php?cat=113&text=IMPRINT+PICTURES

Font: Linowrite, Source: http://www.dafont.com/theme.php?cat=113&text=IMPRINT+PICTURES

N.B. I used slightly grey typography so that the production company name echoes the colour of the moon. Furthermore, I initially decided to look at fonts such as is seen in the second and third image because they linked to the idea of text being imprinted onto paper (such as is found with typewriters).

Post-Production: Editing Day 7

Today I spent a further two hours decidedly working on the titles/ idents to be used in my short film. You can see an example of the the things I've been working on in the screenshot below, showing how I'm making use of LiveType. I still have a few issues with the programme but overall, I'm finding it much easier to work with. In addition to developing this, I had a look at the music I might use for my film and added a few tracks at the start, playing around with the tracks, thinking about the appropriate mood I want to instil in the audience.

Post-Production: Rough Cut 1

This is the first draft of my film, which is already missing several elements as well as needing a thorough examination of the edits, filters, sound and titles. Nevertheless, this should provide an insight into the idea behind the narrative formed here.

N.B. For some reason, after rendering, when the title appears a bright green light flashes several times. This is in no way an effect applied by myself.

Post-Production: Editing Day 6

Today I spent a further 4 hours working on my film. I have finally come to a point where I can say I've made a rough draft, however it is exactly that; a rough draft. I still need to alter some of the filters used as well as applying more to other shots cut into the short film. Sound is another element which is necessary to my film and something which I need to include and develop on further. I intend to use music throughout the film to create an ominous atmosphere, whilst tinging the ending scene with a sense of foreboding and tension through the use of more erratic beats and either a higher/ lower pitch than the rest of the music in the film. I need to also fix up some of the edits by making them cleaner. Titles are something I need to considerably explore further. I've decided to work with the font chosen by my target audience when I did some research in December. The results of the research can be found here.

Essentially, during the time I worked on my film I managed to look at adding titles in LiveType. Regrettably, I'm still working on familiarising myself with the programme again so I will be working further on the programme in the future to make the titles as effective as I hope them to be. I also added a 'REC' button that flashes every second, mimicking the style of a camcorder recording, making it thus easier for the audience to get the reading that this footage is supposed to resemble 'found footage'.