This film has the stereotypical results of whihc a horror film target audience should consist of. The age statics show that 15-24 year olds watch this film, which obviously means the certificate was 15 as that is the lowest age that an individual could watch the film. This is the stereotypical age group horror films focus at as this opens up a wide target audience therefore more popularity for the film. Ages after this target audience, shows them decreasing which is stereotypical as the older an individual the more mature and intellectual they are, therefore, stereotypically horrors do not appeal to them as they believe they are not realistic.
The gender results are very similar, with 51% male and 49% female. This is very balanced, which could be due to the release date being during the summer holidays, therefore mainly 15-24 year old going to watch the film, singularly or as a couple (due to the percentage being very similar). This could be due to film involving both protagonists being one male and female, therefore both genders being able to associate themselves with the characters. This may be good information for our trailer as if we make our trailer appeal to both genders it may increase the popularity of the film as it is a broader target audience.
The C1 class was the highest proportion of the audience with a percentage of 37. The C1 category of class is the lower middle class, so in full employment. This could have been the highest out of the classes due to them wanting to escape reality and therefore watching the film as they provide this. It also links to the target age audience as 15-24 year olds have jobs at this age. The DE class also has a high percentage due to them having vast amounts of leisure time due to not being employed and the release date being in the summer holidays.
The age statics automatically tells me that the certificate was 15 and above and there are zero percentage below the age of 15. Ages 15-24 was the dominant age group which watched this film production. This conforms to the stereotypical age for a horror as this age bracket is usually the target audience for horrors. This is because elder people are more mature therefore not a passive audience so do not believe everything they see, where as the younger less mature generation would think this could happen to them.
The gender results subverts the stereotypical target audience for a horror film due to the majority of the audience being female. As you can see, 60% of the audience were female whereas 40% were male. This could be due to the protagonist being played a by a women, 'Liv Taylor'. this means that the female audience could associate themselves with the film more as they can picture themselves in the position of her. Having a female as the main character subverts to the stereotypical horror as usually the protagonist is male who rescues the damsel in distress. Having used this subversion, could be the main reason the the high number in women watching the film. However 40% of the audience is male, which could be due to the protagonist being attractive. Another reason is that it could be due to having the less dominant protagonist, as he is a man, which the male audience can associate too.
The dominant class who watched this was DE class which are the semi skilled or non- working class. This could have been the high majority of the audience as they are not in full employment, which means they had more leisure time, and due the character being 'Liv Taylor', this may be why they watched it. However AB class which are the upper/ middle class who are professional in the full employment job, has a percentage of 29%. This could be due to the main reason why there are so many women within the audience; the protagonist being a women. Also it could be due to the realism of this film as this could easily happen to anyone, especially as the film is based on a true story.
This film is called 'The Cabin in the Woods', which is involves blood, pain and discomfort throughout the film.
As you can see the film was given a certificate 15 as there were no viewer below the age of 15 who could watch it. This film was heavily dominated by 15-24 year old due to having a percentage of 65. This may have been due to the supernatural alien like section within the film as these elements appeal to the younger generation. It may also be due to the the location used, as youngsters usually go camping with their friends in woods and forests, which may make them watch the film as it means it is relatable. One final reason is due ot the protagonists being a group of friends, which increases the ability for the audience to associates themselves with the film, as they would feel as if this could happen to them,
The statics for gender states clearly that the film was more appealing to men than women. This could be due to the similar reason I said before; may be due to the alien like events which subverts to a stereotypical horror. The film also involves bucket loads of blood, which is furthermore appealing to males as stereotypically them like this within horrors.
The class statics show that C1 class was the most popular with a percentage of 34. This is the working class in which consists of a range of ages. Due to not being realistic as there is the alien fantasy element to the story, it may not appeal to the upper class as, stereotypically, they prefer to watch more realistic films, such as dramas, documentaries or to a certain extent, horrors which are very realistic that could actually happen. With this information, it tells me that the trailer should be as realistic as possible as it would provide us with a much larger target audience, therefore more popularity and more of a profit would be made.
Entertainment Inc. Was invented in 1903 by Albert, Sam, Harry and Jack Warner – they were four Warner brothers. They are an American motion picture studio- introduced the first genuine talking picture in 1927. The four brothers began their careers showing moving pictures in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1903, they began to show there moving pictures in movie theatres and then moved into film distribution. Over the years, Warner Bros. have supported and distributed many world renowned films, such as Harry Potter, The Exorcist and Looney Tunes.Warner Bros don't really have a speciality in regard to what they do; they have a very wide range of films and genres. They make high budget movies that they always get a lot of money. They are then released around the world. Numbers from 2007 show that Warner Bros. comprise 19.7% of the US market share, and is the biggest player in the film industry due to the secured rights to so many popular films, making them the Number one name in the business itself.
Columbia Pictures Industries , Inc.(CPII) is an American film production and distribution studio that is part of theColumbia TriStar Motion Picture Group it is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. Columbia pictures is a member Big Six. It was one of the Little Three among the eight major film studios of Hollywood when it was in its golden age. It started in 1918 as Cohn-Brandt-Cohn Film Sales by brothers Jack and Harry Cohn and Joe Brandt, released its first feature film in August 1922. It adopted the Columbia Pictures name in 1924 and went public two years later. They have a good partnership with Steven Spielberg - the leading film director in Hollywood, he is a major reason for their success. They are all ranked as one of the highest-grossing film studios in the world. They make a very wide range of films, and will make anything that will sell. It comprises 12.9% of the US/Canadian market share but still remains a big player in the business.
The Walt Disney Company started in 1923 in a small office occupied by Holly-Vermont Realty placed in Los Angeles. Walt Disney, and his brother Roy, produced a series of short live-action/animated films collectively these were called the ALICE COMEDIES. The rent was a $10 a month. Within four months, the ever-growing staff moved next door to larger facilities, where the sign read "Disney Bros. Studio." Walt Disney specialises in family movies and animation, but in recent years it has been expanding more into live action. They also own an incredible amount of film institutions: Touchstone Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, and most recently Lucasfilm. They don't make films as often, making every film special. Their films are enjoyable and watched for both children and their parents, giving them an enormous turnover as they would sell lots of cinema tickets and DVD's. Walt Disney now holds 15.3% of the US/Canadian market share. They have highly rated and popular movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Meet the Robinsons and Enchanted. His films will be watched for lots of years to come.
As all you film fanatics know, all films have a
certificate, which shows who can watch the film, which corresponds to the age.
These certificates range from a ‘U’ all the way to 18 rated films. However
these certificates should relate to the target audience of the film as if the
target audience for a film was for children and the film gained a certificate
of an 18, this would cut out a large portion of their target audience, meaning
very low and even negative profits. These certificates are decided and
classified by the BBFC, which stands for the British Board of Film
Classification. These apply these classifications to films so the films are
suited for the correct ages in the audience. They are based on the contents and
messages within the film. This stage is vital as you need to match the correct
target audience with the right certificate.
This certificate shows that the film is suitable for
all ages from ages four to elder people in the audience. The 'U' certificate is
used because it is virtually impossible to predict how and what might upset any
particular child, how this certificate should suit all audiences. One key
element for a 'U' rated film is that it should be set within a positive moral
framework, meaning being set in a positive atmosphere. They should also offer
reassuring advice and solutions to violence, threats or horror, which is to
help the younger ages of the audience to learn the differences from right and
wrong, which helps their learning development. There many examples of 'U rated
films such as 'The Smurfs' and 'Cars 2'. Many 'U' rated films are cartoons, as
this usually attracts this kind of target audience as cartoons are seen as fun
and these ages can easily relate to them and what occurs in them.
This rating is considered to be
for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. This
is because the film is mainly for children, but in order for the children to
see it the parents may have to come and see it with them, which means some
scenes must appeal to an older generation, which could include innuendos. These
'PG' rated films should not disturb a child, aged around 8 or older, which is
why it is suggested that if you are below this age you should be accompanied by
an adult. The accompanied adult, however, can decide if the contents of the
film is okay for their child by watching the trailers and judging on how
sensitive their child is to specific things.
However there two '12 rated
films, which are '12A' and obviously '12' rated films. Firstly '12A' rated
films are suitable for ages 12 and above, however people below the age of 12
can go and see it but would need to come with an accompanied adult. This
because some scenes may not be suitable for children under the ages of 12, but
if their parents feel as though they are old enough to see these they can see
them but the adult would need to be with them. However the adult must take
responsibility if the film upsets them in any circumstance as this rating
advised them to be careful. The '12 rated certificate obviously means that the
film is for people with age of 12 or above as some scenes may contain
materials, which people under the age of 12 would be unsuitable for them. The
use of the red colouring represents the difference between each certificate as
the darker one suggests it is more serious and for older audience.
The next certificate is for an audience which
individuals must have an age of 15 or above. These kind of films usually have a
genre of horror or adult comedy, which is why this rating is usually given to
these films. There are many examples films which are rated 15, such as, 'The
Ring', 'Role Models' and 'Paranormal Activity' series. Romances can usually be
in this rating due to the sexual scenes in them to show intermittent and
romantic scenes.
The final certificate is an 18 rated film, which is
for no one younger than the age of 18. This is because the scene which are in
the film, are not suitable for the younger audience. These are certificates
also mean that you have to be the age or above of the rating to purchase
this from a shop. This is to stop the younger audience seeing them as these
certificates are put on for a reason.
What certificate will my film be?
My film would probably have to be for the ages of 15
and above. This decision has many reasons behind it; firstly, financially,
around this age this target audience are looking for jobs so would have money
to go and see the films, so this would mean more profits and a larger audience
which would purchase tickets and watch the film. As this would maximize the
profit of what the film would make, it would still comply with the BBFC
guidelines Another reason is that this gives us a broad and wide range of
audience, as it is from ages 15 and above. Having this certificate would be
ideal as we can use our knowledge of what we 15 years and above like as we were
this age around a year or so ago. Also in my film there would be gore, horror and
scenes which may disturb and be unsuitable for ages below 15.
Flash Cutting= Editing sequences where the shots duration is short and brief. Used to build tension and suspense for scene. This editing technique is also called a 'Short Cut'.
Subliminal Cut= Where a few frames zoom past so fast that the audience is only subconsciously aware of them.
Cross Cutting = This is where you are cutting back and forth between two or more lines of action, which suggests these are occurring at the same time.
Eyeline Match= Editing technique in which the eye-line path between characters are matched.
Jump Cut= A cut in which disrupts the continuity of as it leaves certain parts out, therefore creating enigma's.
Seamless Editing= This is editing which is so fluent that the audience do not know that they were different cuts.
Shot reverse shot= This editing technique involves using a selection of over the shoulder shots, which imitates a conversation commencing between character's.
Sequence shot= One continuous shot which does not involve any cutting or editing of other shots into the frame.
Match Cutting= Metaphorically linking two shot together, which is between different people, oject or location. This used to keep the continuity of the production, therefore avoid disruption to the atmosphere.
Pearl and Dean is a film website, which tells you when all genre of films are being released, data and information about past films and even comparable information and statics between other similar films. This will allow me to see how successful other the film was and to see the type of audience they aimed and therefore gained; as they record the age, gender and class of the audience.
These are the results and statics from the horror film, 'Deliver us From Evil'. As you can see there are zero percentages between the ages of 4 - 14. This tells me that their target audience's age was aimed at 15 years and older, therefore having a certificate at 15. Having it as a certificate 15, it means the film has a broad target audience. This means that film will become popular as there are more people who can watch the film. As you can 50% were between the age of 15-24, which suggests they were the main target audience for this film. This gives me an insight of what age group our film trailer should be aimed at.
The gender statics show that the film was favoured by males than female as there were 52% males and 48% females. This conforms to the stereotypical target audience for a horror. These results may have resulted in this way due to there being blood and gore within the film. These feature automatically attract a male audience as these elements are what appeals to them. This could also be due to the main protagonist being a male, therefore the male audience would be able to associate themselves more with his character than females.
The class results are very similar ranging from 20% - 30%. This is unusual as stereotypically AB are very low as this genre is not to their taste. However as you can see this class group was second highest. This could be due to there being a thriller aspect to the film, which could of attracted them. Having such similar results to each other on this class statics, suggest that this film was aimed at all types of people, no matter age or status. This would ideal for us to achieve as it would broaden our popularity of the film and therefore increase profit and grossing costs.
Close up shots = A shot that focus only on the face or other parts of the body, which is in full frame of the shot. This is one of the most important building blocks in cinematic storytelling.
Extreme close up = A shot magnifying a part of a character's body or subject, which no background is present within this frame. This can be used to build tension or emphasis an importuncy of an object. Over the shoulder shot = A shot where the camera is positioned behind one of the subject's shoulder. This camerawork is usually used during a conversation between character's as it implies the relationship between the conversing character's. High angled shot = A shot which shot from a high angle therefore looking down at the character or subject. This is to make the subject look less superior and weak, which is why this shot is linked to the low angled shot. Low angled shot = A shot which is angled low, therefore looking up at the character or subject. This is used to create an illusion that they are bigger, suggesting they are dominant or heroic over others in in the frame. Establishing shot = A shot which sets the scene, therefore the first shot of production as it clearly shows the locale the action is in. Aerial shot is usually before this shot.
POV shot= A shot that depicts the point of view of a character so that the audience can see exactly through the character's eyes. Often used in Horror cinema to see through the killer's eyes.
Long shot= A shot which shows a whole character or object. This allows the audience to see the whole entire character/ object.
Extreme long shot= A shot which is taken from a very large distance, usually used to show a location.
Medium shot= This a very common camera shot in which only the shows from the waist and up of a character.
Crane shot= A shot where the camera is placed on a crane which moves up or down. This shot is usually to emphasis a character's loneliness within a film.
Zoom= A shot positioning a lens with a variable focal length that allows the cinematographer to change the distance between the object and subject with the absence of moving themselves. This can create many meanings, such as, a quick realisation or to build tension on what the character's has said.
Two shot= This is a shot which involves two people being within the frame, which is generally used to reflect the relationship between character's.
Whip Pan= A shot which is that same as a pan, but due to the speed the camera is moved at, it creates a blurred frame, which could blur beyond recognition. This is usually used to the vast speed of an object, for example, a car. It can even be used if someone is in an drunken or high state due to drugs and alcohol, as it would you how the character's are feeling.
Top shot= A shot in which the camera is position directly down on a scene rather than at an angle. This is also known as a 'Bird's-eye view shot'. This can be used during a car chase so the audience can see the runaway car trying to get away from the police, for example. Tracking shot= A shot which follows a character/ subject from either behind, in front or alongside them. This usually involves using a track rails, which is where a camera is attached to rails to increase steadiness and stability within the shot. Tilt= This shot is where the camera is continuously moving up to down or vice versa. This can be used to end a film where the camera is focusing on a couple walking away and then the camera slowly tilts up to the blue sky. Steadicam shot= A shot from a hydraulically balanced camera that provides high continuity for production as it generates a fluent smooth movement.
Handheld shot= A shot in which the camera operator holds the camera during a motion scene. This creates a jerky and unsteady feel to the shot, which could imply someone walking behind a character or reflects how the character is feeling.
Locked- Down shot= A shot where the camera stays stationary in one position while action continues off screen. This creates enigma's for the audience as they do not know what is happening off screen.
Matte Shot= A shot which involves foreground action with a background, therefore providing an insight of the location.
Money shot= A shot which is expensive to achieve but is deemed as being worth it due to the effect and potential the frame will generate.
Pan= A shot which involves moving the camera from left to right or right to left.
Aerial shot= This shot shows the exterior of a location, which is taken from the air. This can also be classed as a establishing shot, as it is setting the scene.
Arc shot= This is where the camera circulates the subject therefore being circled by the camera.
Bridging shot= A shot which suggests a change in time or place.
Deep Focus shot = A shot in which keeps the background, foreground and middle ground of the shot in focus; allowing a sharp picture to be generated.
Dolly shot= A shot which tracks forwards to the character/ object, while simultaneously zooming out create a vertiginous effect.
Dutch Tilt= A shot which the camera is tilted to one side to create a wonky looking angle. This can be used to suggest a character has fallen over and a dark figure is coming towards them.
Everyone knows who Alfred Hitchcock is! He is one of the most talked about director and writer of horrors of all time. He has created the horror classics, consisting of 'The Birds', 'Psycho' and 'Shadow of a Doubt'.
Hitchcock believes that that directors should understand the psychology of audience's. This means on understanding what the audience's are scared of and putting these fears on screen. This tells me that I should think of what scares me and other people, as it would therefore gnereate the scare factor to our trailer. This may be a good effective question to put on the questionnaire.
Hitchcock also mentions that directors need know 'audience love to enjoy the very thing they have brought in'. This means that the production should be something they love from this sort of genre, therefore the love of fear. This therefore tells me that our horror trailer needs to suit the target audience and exceed on their expectations. This means involving horrifying events within the trailer, which would therefore entice the audience to watch the film.
Hitchcock film ''Psycho' was one of the classics he directed, in which involves 'Anthony Perkins' who works at a motel. He says that 'the horror element comes to you after the film, when you're in the dark'. This suggests that his horrors are very realistic as the scare factor would only effect you when you are on your own or in an everyday life situation. This tells me that our production should be realistic enough so that audience would feel scared even after watching our film, therefore making the scare elements relatable.
This interview give me a lot of advice and information which I think I should take account of for my trailer. As he has directed films such as 'The Hills has Eyes', 'Scream' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'; he has understood and analysed what scares people. He says that the scare comes from the thought of someone trying to kill them, which our trailer consists of. He also mentions that ' the period of torture porn doesn't scare people that much anymore', which tells me our trailer should not be primarily based on the gore element of a horror. I think for our trailer we go for more of the realistic scare factor, which people actually feel when they are on their own. In Wes Craven film 'My Soul to Take', he explores and depicts the horror genre by emphasising the family and friendship relationships on getting to know the character, rather just the 'slashing' and killing of the protagonists, however these elements are also in there. This tells me that we should try and make the film trailer as scary as possible.
Michael Scorsese has directed and written many films throughout his life and has been part of the movement of film industry.
From this interview it has told me that the films and visual literacy is the directors,the writer and cinematographer way to broadcast their thoughts onto screen. This means we are seeing what these film maker's see through their eyes. For our trailer, it tells me we shouldn't just follow the crowd of which of which horror stereotypically do. It suggests that we should make a production through our eyes, on what people really want to see.
He also says how important ti is to portray the message you set out to explain. This is when he says that the different use of camera shots and lens are important to portray the correct message you aim to present. For example a wide lens is to stretch out the frame creating a distorted effect, or a crushed lens creating a flat effect. These all would portray a different story, which would transfer to the audiences eyes.
This interview provides me with lots of information on how to portray it to my target audience. It is vital to plan out what camera shots will be used and how this would affect the audience, especially trying to achieve the response I set out to accomplish.
This is James Wan who has directed numerous horror films, such as 'The Conjuring', 'Insidious', 'Insidious: Chapter 2' and many more.
In this interview he says that the horror genre is a fascinating genre, which allows you to really step out your box. This tells me that I can be really creative with the horror trailer I will be producing, by using adventurous camera shows, which provides high effectiveness through them, by using different use of mise en scene to portray different messages, and even putting plot twists. He explored the horror genre by making various different films, which subvert and conforms to the genre. For example, the 'Saw' franchise was primarily to scary and disturb people by using the mise en scene of blood, guts and gore; in comparison with his newer film 'Insidious' where he used the use of 'Astral Projection', which is an outer body experience, therefore not an out of blood shred, but still as frightening. He also likes to scare people, with his films, which is a main accomplishment which he believes horror films should do. This suggests that our trailer should reinforce that there will be scary events featuring in the film.
He begins to talk about the development of characters within horror films. He says that nowadays horror films are like action, they try to jump into the 'action part' of horrors, without gaining an insight for the characters. This could be used for our trailer as we could attempt to give an insight of each character through the actions and mise en scene shown through our production. However, as we are only producing a horror trailer it may be difficult to show this as we do not want to give too much of the film away but also we have a time limit which we have to stick too.
He mentions about the scare moments about films, whihc he states should be realistic, not the stereotypical 'bang on the window, and it's your friend with saying here's your credit card'. This is vital information which we should take in account as we want our trailer as realistic as possible, therefore we should make our shots build an unnerving atmosphere throughout our production.
The most vital information I gained from this director interview, is how to make a good horror film. He says 'for coming up with something someone hasn't seen before', which would obviously make members of the public go to see it as it's something new, a new cinematic experience.
The Birds: '... and remember, the next scream you hear may be your own'
This slogan is from the film 'The Birds', which is very effective. It obviously suggests that there are going to be murders due to the word scream being used. However this phrase, to some extent, is aimed very much at the audience, which would make the audience feel a little fear as it makes them think the events within the film could happen to them.
Black Christmas: 'If this movie doesn't make your skin crawl... it's on too tight!'
This automatically suggests something about cannibalism as it creates an image of the skin needing to be removed due to it being to tight. This reflects a chilling atmosphere to the audience as the thought of someone saying that would unnerve anyone. This could suggest that the film is a zombie like one which answers why the skin is too tight as they eat skin.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: 'Who will survive and what will be left of them?'
In my opinion, this slogan is not my favourite due to the it dragging on a little too long and having not much continuity within the sentence. However, it does create an enigma on who will survive within the film. This slogan also justifies and links the the name of the film, 'massacre', which automatically suggests blood and gore will be packed within the film.
Halloween: 'The night HE came home'
An enigma is created just by using the noun 'HE', as no one knows who this character is. Having it in capital upper case letter suggests that this character has dominance and power within the film, which you should not mess with. This therefore suggests that 'HE' is the antagonist of the film. Using the word 'home' implies that it would be set in a neighbourhood which would be very relatable to the audience as they live in a neighbourhood. Psycho: ' Check in. Relax. Take a shower'
This film goes for a different approach as it the title of the film does not link with the slogan of the film. this slogan suggests the location of the film being some sort of motel or hotel due to the 'check in' part of the slogan. This slogan could be emphasising the iconic moment which happens within the film which would make the audience want to watch the film as this slogan creates an enigma due to the title not linking to the slogan. Cloverfield: 'Something has found us'.
This could imply the antagonist of the film finding the protagonist, which give an inkling about the film. However due to the word 'Something' it suggests that this thing is not human due to not giving them gender. This could therefore be a alien/ supernatural film.
You could say this 2014 film is a 'remake
from a remake'. The first 'Godzilla' film, was made in 1954 which was the grass
roots of this franchise. Another remake was produced in 1998 by director
Emmerich, who wanted to develop the Japanese franchise, which would hopefully
lead to sequels of it. Although there was no sequel, there was another remake
which is the 2014 one. Due to the vast amounts of profits from this film,
$439.7 million, there is talk of a sequel.
The establishing shot of the trailer is
very effective from the use of shot used, special effects, music and dialogue
used. Firstly the trailer is established by a black screen where Bryan Cranston
voice, who plays 'Joe Brody' says 'I want to talk to somebody in charge'. This
automatically makes the audience intrigued as they do not know why he wants
too. This dialogue also tells us about the character's status, which is
suggested fairly low as he has to ask for the 'person in charge'. The tone of
his voice also suggests that this is an urgent matter in which it needs to be
addressed, due to the rush and hasty tone in his voice. Following this dialogue
is the use a low drum beat which increases in volume, therefore increasing
tension of the trailer from the outset; very effective use non diegetic music.
This music introduces the establishing shot of the trailer which a tracking
crane is shot evaluating the devastation within the shot. This shot allows us
to gain an insight of the location and what the film is going to involve. This
creates many enigmas on why there are so many cars and a crashed burning plane
in the centre of the shot. Joe Brody's character voice continues and acts as a
narrator over this shot, which he says 'You are not fooling anybody when you
say that what happened was a natural disaster'. This tell the audience that he
is a man who is trying to get the truth out of the powering leaders who has
said this was due to a 'natural disaster', which as you can see, it definitely
is not. This instantly makes the audience attract to the character as he is
acting as an honest man who trying to state the truth and facts. The use of the
special effects (maybe CGI) of the burning plane, follows the conventions of an
action trailer as devastation is usually within these. Using Bryan Cranston as
the first character you see and hear, is a very effective unique selling point
(USP), especially as he huge fan base of millions of fans (including me), due
to the recent franchise 'Breaking Bad'.
A fade out and fade out shot introduces
the next shot, which is entwined with the low beat non diegetic music again,
which is used to build tension and suspense. This makes the audience pay
attention and to continue to engage with the film. This over the shoulder shot
is very effective due to many factors. Firstly you get to see the location of
where the film is set. Most importantly it shows the contrasts of background
and foreground. In the foreground, the lighting makes the scenery/location seem
happy, however it is disrupted by the small children running and scream. This
bright lighting and children screaming (ambient sound) suggests that this
location used to be a loving and safe place, however it is not anymore, due to
what is commencing in the background of the shot. This over the shoulder shot
also allows us to see the background of the frame, which is obviously the focus
pull. This creates an enigma for audience as we do not know why this
devastation is occurring and makes the audience feel sympathetic for the people
who are living there as it is effecting everyone even the children. The main
reason I believe this shot is effective is because in the top left hand corner
are origami birds, which symbolise (symbolise code) the foreshadowing events in
which may take place within the film; very clever!
Another fade out and fade in
transition is used to show a man running frantically with people in hard hats
running in the opposite direction. This reflects the panic and chaos this
so-called 'natural disaster' is causing. The urgency and panic is reflected
through the use of flashing alert light and the facial expressions on the
fearful people's faces. Having the man as our main focal point implies that he
is more dominant than the other character running, which could suggest that he
is the main character. A dissolved transition is used to show military vehicles
driving along linear road, in a desert location. This tells the audience that
the government are getting involved, in whatever is causing these event.
Brody's voice continues saying 'Because what's really happening is that you’re
hiding something out there'. Having him as a narrator over these shots,
suggests that he is addressing the government to do something about this
matter. This phrase also makes the audience keep engaged and intrigued as the
word 'hiding' is really emphasis. This furthers the enigma on what they are
hiding. The use of the contrasting location, from the city to desert, suggests
that this exotic area is where all these disasters began...
The extreme long shot is emphasized y the
low horn like music, again building tension for the trailer. This panning
extreme long shot allows us to see the vast amounts of devastation caused over
the city, as you can see smoke, destroyed buildings etc. The panning shot acts
as though they are following the military helicopters, which is reinforced by
the use of the ambient sound effect of the propellers. The lighting used here
is dull which reflects the saddened and hopeless atmosphere, pathetic fallacy.
Using an iconic landmark, 'The Statue of Liberty', firstly tells the audience
that the film is based in America but most of all it symbolises (symbolic code)
that America's society has fallen.
Bryan Cranston is the first character you
see from this trailer, as I said, a very effective USP. This close up shot
shows the frustration his character is in, due to the interrogated tone of his
voice and due to the camera being so close to his face, as if he was getting up
close to someone face, in this case the audience. The camera is behind a glass
sheet which makes Bryan Cranston's character seem as though he is trapped and
unable to get out of this, which makes the audience feel sympathy for his
character as all he has done is try telling the truth.
Furthermore, the longest shot of the
trailer is around a minute into the trailer, which used to create suspense.
This shot is where astonished people are looking up at something which is
coming out of the water, moving ships and rocks. This is a powerful shot as the
non-diegetic music decrease in volume and the ambient sounds of the water
draining and people screaming is all you can hear, building up suspense. This
creates an enigma of what is coming out of the see to cause this much panic and
chaos. The shot which follows is of what we presume was caused by this 'thing'
coming out of the water, a tsunami. This shot is a low angled shot from inside
a car, which makes the audience fell as they are the people in the car as this
shot acts as a POV shot. The use of the low angled shot emphasis how big this
tsunami is and therefore emphasis how huge this creature is. Having the water
crashing on to the lens of the camera makes the audience feel as though this
has hit them, and therefore making them feel as if they have to hold their
breath. These special effects attracts the audience as it is so realistic, the
audience would feel like this could happen. As soon as the water hits the lens
the camera goes black, and a man's voice says ‘God help us all'. This acts as a
plead for help and emphasises the amount of action which will be involved
within the film, which this trailer would help entice the action thriller fans.
The next sequence of shots, gives an
insight of film which it explains and admit that these are not 'natural
disasters'. The use of military soldiers emphasises that the government hid
this from society, which is a very stereotypical action which government
nowadays do. Using nuclear symbols and follows the conventions of an action. In
this sequence, in my opinion the use of dialogue and music builds the tension,
which makes this effective. The phrase 'We awaken something', which is one of
the most iconic lines of the franchise, which is known as the 'Godzilla law'.
This introduces the thought that a creature is responsible for this. This short
but powerful phrase creates an enigma on what did them awaken... Furthermore a
shrilling non diegetic music is used in the background, which increases in
volume to increase suspense and tension. In these shots they involve
explosions, guns and bombs, which conforms to the convention of an action
thriller. Another piece of dialogue was that they didn't use these bombs for
tests, which creates an image that they were using these to kill something, but
what?
An interesting over shoulder shot is shown
later by another fade in transition. This shot involve what looks like to many
people who haven't seen the franchise, as a tentacle holding a bomb which is
done by the use of visual effects. This creates an enigma as the audience would
become intrigued on what it is and therefore watch the film which is being
advertised through this. Having used an over the shoulder shot makes the
audience feel as though they would feel part of the film. The use of lighting
also illuminates this weird object suggesting that it is significant and may be
vital to understand the plot of the film.
Further into the trailer you see the first
appearance of Aaron Taylor Johnson who plays 'Ford Brody'. This is another
unique selling point created due to the use of a very successful actor. This
would attract a huge portion of the female audience due to his well-built
figure and attractive face. Due to his ruggedness and muscles the male audience
are attracted to him in a way of wanting to be more like him whereas as the
female audience would be attracted due to his attractive appearance. His
character is also portrayed very normal therefore relatable to the audience so
could engage with the trailer more. His normality is shown through the average
clothing of an everyday leather jacket and jeans. The characters are compared
with each other in shot a little later on in the trailer. They are compared by
using a medium shot of having Joe Brody in the foreground and have Ford Brody
in the background. Having Joe in the foreground suggests that he is more
dominant character than Ford due to him being closer to the camera. This shot
could, on the other hand, suggest the sort of relationship they have, which due
to the distance between them not that close.
Halo Jumpers obviously demonstrates the
kind of adrenaline stunts the film will include, which appeals very much to the
action thriller audience. The use of the high angled shot acts like a POV shot
of the audience looking over at these jumpers, which makes them feel more
engaged with the trailer. It also gives them a feel as what the jumper would
feel like just before jumping out of a plane. The use of non-diegetic music
emphasises the amount of courage and heroism these people need as the music is
of singing choir, which connote this message. They halo jumpers are also jumping
into thick smog, which could be a symbolic code for jumping into the unknown,
meaning humans are fighting against something which is unknown and even
unbeatable...
There’s one major shot which subverts to a
stereotypical action thriller trailer/ film. This is the shot of when Joe Brody
(Cranston) is crying clasping his hand to his face. This obviously subverts to
an action as they do not usually involve someone crying or being emotional in
the trailer let alone the film. Furthermore having a man crying, suggest that
it will gain an emotional response from the audience as stereotypically men do
not usually cry. The crying shot emphasis the attachment the audience will
become to the characters, suggesting the audience would become submersed into
the film from the outset.
The shot of inside the monster emphasis
how big this creature is, creating an enigma of how they are going to kill this
thing. The shot is a high angled long shot, which emphasises how in
superior the human race is compared to the creature. It also gives us an
insight of the internal features of the creature, which is fairly similar to
ours. The lighting is very dark which connotes dangerous and evilness, which
could suggest that characteristic of this monster; this therefore creates a
fearful and scared atmosphere, which is replicated to the audience.
A montage of shots is used near the end of
the trailer. A montage is a technique of choosing, editing and piecing together individual sections of film to form a continuous whole. This montage technique gives us, the audience, a clue of what the film will involve; therefore giving an insight to the storyline of the film.This gives clues to the film from using many shots, such as, the flares guns shooting flares in the sky, revealing the creature; to having shots which involve helicopters falling out of the sky. This is a clever way to give some of the storyline to the audience, as if they didn't do this the audience would be less interested into seeing the film as they wouldn't really know where the story would go.
The Most effective shot is when you see
the creature, 'Godzilla', which is seen few second. The shortness of the shot
makes the audience want to watch he trailer again to see if they can see more
of it. Due to the CGI 'Godzilla' is very realistic and creates the
feeling that this could actually happen, which passive audiences would feel
threatened and feared from this film. Having the low angled shot from behind a
closing door makes implies two things; firstly emphasises how big the creature
is and secondly creates symbolic code that the audience would feel like hiding
away from 'Godzilla’. The music also increases as the doors are closing which
suggests this is the ultimate climax of the tension building. This increase of
this shrilling scream suggests the force of the creature which would make the audience
feel vulnerable. The piercing screech was achieved by stroking the strings of a
double bass with a leather glove covered in resin. This is a clever idea which
could inspire me for our production. This screech scream is very iconic in this
franchise which would obviously attract the fans of these previous films.
The title of the film is introduced by a
fade in transition which keeps the continuity of the film. There is a use of a
misty red cloud behind the title, which connotes to blood and danger. This
cloud acts like a blood cloud which could symbolise events which occur within
the film. There is also a Japanese writing which blurs in with the cloud, which
is used to continue the historical side of the film, as it was based on a
Japanese legend. The font is also in block capitals and in black font. This
allows the font to stand out from the red background and also makes the title
stay in the audience mind due to the boldness.
3 Point lighting Three point lighting consists of three lights which are positioned in the direction of the subject. Each one of these light creates a different lighting, therefore creating a different atmosphere of the shot. Key Light= Main light on the subject. This light is not always the brightest, as brightness of this light varies, on the directors choice. This is the initial light used when filming.
Fill Light= Softens the hard edges of the key and balances the light.
Back Light= Light behind the subject, creating separation from the background.
More Lighting Hard light= Light that creates heavy shadows that strongly contrast with the brighter light. This is usually from a direct source.
Soft Light= This light is used where there is no hard shadows, therefore producing only soft ones. This is usually used to create early morning or late summer afternoon light.
Eyelight= This is the light which is seen in characters eyes. This is the little spark in a character's eye which make them look alive, have a cheeky side to them and gives them character and personality.
Kicker= A light behind a subject but enough to the side so it skims along their face. Creates shadow to the subject's face. Mysterious effect created.
Three Kinds of Studio Lights:
Fluorescent= Studios do not use the conventional tri-phosphor fluorescents light. Studio fluorescent, like KinoFlo, are high frequency, colour balanced and take less electricity to run.
HMI= This stands for Hydro Mercuric Iodide lamps. These reproduce daylight, meaning they create light which look as if it was daylight.
Quartz= These lights are also known as Tungsten. This kind oflight uses a Tungsten filament in a quartz container. This light is explosive when touched by bare hands. This light produces large amounts of light (depending on the size), also brightness can be altered.
The institution is the first element you
see from this trailer, which allows the audience to see who produced and made
the film, in this case, 'Warner Bros'. This subverts to the stereotypical use
of institution as there is a colour alteration on this certain one as
traditionally the institution companies have a set colour used, so they are
recognisable. This may surprise the audience as it does
not follow the traditional conventions of which, stereotypically, all
films follows. The colour used here is green for the logo of the
institution rather than the traditional colour yellow connoting
happiness; therefore this indicates that the genre is Sci Fi, as
green connotes this. Usually the sky is a calming blue colour making the
atmosphere comforting and appealing, however, in contrast, the clouds are
stormy and grey, which suggests that the genre is action or a drama as
this colour connotes dauntingness and suggests that a storm is brewing...
The first shot (establishing shot) gives
an establishment of where the film is located, a city. Using a city allows the
audience to associate themselves with the film as the majority of the audience
would be a working people who work in these locations. Using a low angled shot
suggests how minute humans feel compared to their surroundings, which to a
certain extent could symbolise how the character within the film feel like.
Following the low angled shot is a high angled shot which emphasises the
dominance and power this city has, could suggest the impact the city has within
the film. A fade in transition is used to introduce the phrase ' In an ordinary
world'. This reinforces how ordinary the world is and therefore making the
audience feel as though this could happen to them or even be happening now.
Following another fade out fade in
transition, a phrase 'You do your job' fades in on screen. This is the same
font as the first phrase used to introduce the film. The font is in block upper
case font which could symbolise (symbolic code) the importunacy of the text.
There is also a green tinge to the font which implies that the genre of the
film could be linked to aliens, therefore Sci Fi. Following this phrase was a
low angled medium shot of the man working in a cubicle office, which is dimly
lit. The use of the dim lighting in this shot, could suggest and symbolise many
things, for example it reflect how horrible and boring the man's job is as it
makes the appearance of the cubicle simple and dull. It could also symbolise
the atmosphere which is known as pathetic fallacy, meaning the surroundings
suggest the mood and the atmosphere of the shot; in this case and depressing
and upset mood, maybe stuck in a dead end job. Having only one person within
the shot suggests he may be the main character of the film, therefore gives the
audience an insight of the characters life and status in society. On the other
hand, as the man has his back to the audience, he could just symbolise what job
people usually do stereotypically. Through the use of dim lighting and dullness
of the shot; the audience would feel sympathetic for the character as they
either know how one feels or that due to the depressing atmosphere created,
they generally just feel sorry for them.
The next shot again has a phrase before
the shot comes onto screen, 'You go to parties'. All these phrases are linked
with a shot therefore they are describing the phrase. This allows the audience
to create an image in their heads of what they do, therefore allows the
audience to associate themselves with the trailer. The used is a medium shot
which shows a few figures within it. This shot doesn't appear to be a normal
party due to the use of productive clothing and punk like hair. This could
reinforce that the genre of the film is Sci Fi through the use of clothing and
wacky hairstyles (mise en scene). The shot isn't very well lit, which this
lighting suggest it's not a normal party the audience would expect, creating an
enigma of what kind of party it is.
Another fade out fade in transition is
used to show another phrase and shot. The phrase says 'You pay your bills',
which would associate with pretty much the whole audience as they would pay
these, however, what is the big deal about these bills? All these phrases
describe an average person’s life, which makes the audience feel maybe a bit
worthless as they describe their life in four sentences. This therefore would
make the audience intrigued as they can associate themselves with the person
who also feels similar to this. The shot used here is a low angled medium shot,
which is a repeated location of the office cubicle, with the same man. This
implies that this man may have significance within the film as he has been
repeated. The lighting again symbolise the depressingness of what the man is
feeling and therefore making the audience feel sorrow for the man. Having used
an office location would make the trailer more relatable as the audience would
know how it feels to work and therefore would lead to the audience watching the
film.
The final phrase which comes up is ' You
live as a slave!' This phrase is separated with shots in between the word
'live' and 'as' with a tuning non diegetic noise. Having this phrase separated
buildings up tension within the trailer which is reinforced by the tuning
effect noise. The use of punctuation emphasises the word 'slave', which
implicates that this is a main factor in which the people involved in the film
feel like. This could be the reason why there are so many angled shots
(high/low), so that it makes the characters seem very small and worthless and
also the audience watching it. This section of the trailer is fairly fast pace,
(fast pace editing), which makes builds tension but also makes the word 'Slave'
stand in your memory as the phrase doesn’t fade out for a while. The shots in
between these phrases, are different people, which suggests these are the main
characters of the film, especially as the man is furthermore repeated. The last
shot of these short shots, is the man waking up, but what from? This therefore
creates an enigma for the audience. This man waking up creates a metaphor of
him finally realising what is happening in this 'ordinary world'...
The next shot is introduced by a narrative
saying, 'Have you ever had a dream, which has felt so real. What happens if you
are unable to even wake up from that? How will you know the difference from the
dream and the real world?' This automatically begins building the tension of
the trailer, especially as the tone of his voice deepens as he asks the finally
question. The pause between the 'dream' and 'the real world', reinforces this
tension building as, it tells the audience that things are not as they seem.
The narrator is revealed, who is portrayed as some sort of spy of rebel against
society die to the use of mise en scene, of the dark shades and black leather
jacket. This makes the audience want to know who this person is and why they
are saying this to this average young man. Also within this scene of shots is
the black haired man who was in the opening of this trailer, therefore
reinforcing he is one of the main characters of the film and the audience will
be following his journey. The use of the liquid portal implicates the trailer
is advertising a Sci Fi film due to having an alien like prop and special
effect used. After this phrase was said there is a sequence of shots which
involves shots of supernatural events of a young girl moving objects with her
mind and a mouth sealed with skin. These shots reinforces the genre of the film
being Sci Fi due to having unnatural and weird events. These shots are also
very short cut, which makes the audience unable to see these shots in detail.
This therefore makes the audience want to know what this is so would watch the
trailer or film to see what was going on. Due to the editing, it suggests that
when the man touches this portal he sees all this supernatural things. This
links to the slogan early, ' Live as a slave', as he is just realising what
this 'ordinary' world is like. These shots are also all close up shots which
provides minimal information for the audience, therefore making the audience
concentrate and become more intrigued as they want to know what and where this
person is.
The next shot is a close up shot of
a woman whispering into the black haired man's ear, which he asks, 'What is The
Matrix?' This obviously explains what the concept of the title means, which
would give the audience an insight of what the film plot is about and what it
could lead too. Having used this over the shoulder close up, with the woman
facing the camera and the man away, shows that she has more dominance;
therefore has a main part within the film. Following this shot is a medium of
the dark skinned man, ‘Morpheus’ in the film, which due to repeated appearance
suggests that he is an important figure within the film. The use of mise en
scene, the dark lens glasses, makes the character seem as though they are the
boss or the leader, but of what? The dialogue used here 'It is the world that
has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth', explains what is
meant by ' The Matrix'. This tells the audience that these people are going to
uncover 'The Matrix’, and destroy it. Due to the tone of the man’s voice, it
creates a negative representation of 'The Matrix' as the tone is very low. The
medium shot allows us to see the dimly lit room, which this lighting reinforces
that 'The Matrix' is a topic which is unnerving and dangerous.
This dialogue continues as a narrative for
the next shot of a man looking out of a window. The dialogue says 'you are a
slave born into a prison for your mind'. This tells the audience that
whatever's going on, individuals are being used for something bad. Having this
as a narrator over the medium shot of the man looking out of the window creates
an effect that this man is realising and understanding what 'Morpheus' is
telling him. This is reinforced by the expression on the characters face as
being fairly tense and gob smacked. Due to the lighting used, it illuminates
the characters face, making him seem innocent' therefore making the audience feel
sympathetic for him.
The following shots is a medium shot of a
group of people crossing the road, which are all wearing suits or work clothes.
This allows the audience to associate with them as they themselves go to work.
The use of clothing (mise en scene), is all black which connotes to death,
sadness and despair, which could suggest their life as they are doing the same
thing every day with no change. Having everyone looking the same, due to
clothing, makes them all seem like they are no different from each, therefore
no uniqueness in anyone. This medium shot also allows us to see the location of
the film, as being a city based location, very relatable. Morpheus is again
explaining 'The Matrix' in more detail, therefore reinforcing that the audience
understands what is meant by the title and therefore understand the general
plot/ storyline of the film. He is introduced after the medium shot, by the use
of another over the shoulder medium shot. This shows us that he is walking
against the direction of walkers in the street, which to a certain extent
creates an illusion that in the film he will be rebelling against society. The
use of tracking also makes us feel as we are walking alongside him as this
tracking shot as like a POV shot; this therefore makes the audience feel as
they will be part of the trailer and therefore become more engaged.
A few shot later the antagonist of the
film is shown. We presume he is the antagonist for many reasons. Firstly due to
the use of mise en scene, through clothing; the black suit and black glasses
makes him seem a bit mysterious and someone you wouldn't want to get on the
wrong side of. Having used all black clothing connotes to death, sadness,
evilness, which is a stereotypical element to have for an antagonist. The close
up shot used also supports that he is the antagonist as the character face is
looking into the camera as if he is in your face. This suggests that he is
talking down at you making the audience feel as though they are small less
superior than him, making us create a negative response to his character. The
dialogue the character says 'Humans are a disease' suggests that he doesn't
like people, however he is a human himself, isn't he? This creates an enigma on
why he is saying this, unless he is not a human himself...
Fire explodes onto the screen, which acts
as the transition for the next shots. The use of fire is a convention which all
action sci fi films has, therefore this conforms to a stereotypical sci fi
trailer. The next sequences of shot range from close up to medium shots, which
allows us to see different characters but mainly 'Morpheus' and the black
haired man. These shots also allows us to see the different location that would
be included within the film, for example a Japanese judo room. The use of
lighting in these shots also reflects who the protagonists and who the antagonists
are. This is shown by the use of lighter and brighter lighting used when protagonists
are in the frame, for example when Morpheus is in the Judo room. Whereas the antagonist
who is in the black suit and glasses is shown in dark dim lighting which
therefore reflects the goodness and evilness of characters.
The next shot involves the innocent black
haired guy from the beginning being interviewed by the antagonist. This shows
how the character has to develop, and to a certain extent supports Tessa Dixon
theory that characters are complicated. Having this interview shot creates an
enigma as the audience would become intrigued on why he is there, meaning they
would then watch the film to find out.
The following shots involves supernatural
behaviour of which aliens could possess. Involving the special effects of
someone smashing through walls and dodging bullets follows the convention of an
action genre, which therefore appeals to the target audience, sci fi action
fans.
The final shots of the trailer is where
the music speeds up to build tension and the use of fast cut editing is used.
This fast pace editing builds up tension and suspense, which intrigues the
attention of the audience, especially the action sci fi fans who thrive on
this. These shots all involve the use of guns, violence, stunts and even alien
actions such as floating in mid-air and projecting forces from your hands.
These are convention of this genre of trailer. It also involves the protagonist
fighting the antagonists of the film, however the protagonists are also wearing
g black clothing, which subverts to the stereotypical view of protagonists.
However, the black clothing could suggest that what every they are doing them
are doing it undercover...
The trailer ends with the title of the
film. The title is introduced by a decoding animation, in which the there is a
combination of numbers and non-human symbols. As the shot moves out, the
decoding letters and symbols show a name of the film 'The Matrix'. The
technology/ computer like style of font used reinforces that 'The Matrix' is a
system, which these protagonists will decode, which could explain why this
animation is used, The font is also green which connotes to aliens that
reinforces that the genre is sci fi action.
The music throughout the trailer is used
to build tension and suspense throughout it. At the begin, due to the choir
like music used makes the black haired character seem innocent as this music creates
an image of the music being sung by angels. After the phrase 'As a slave' the music
deepens in tone and becomes quieter, which although is quieter volume it still
slowly builds the tension. This volume decrease allows the use of diegetic
music such as the thunder and lightning sounds to be heard. As soon as the villain
of the film in the trailer makes his first appearance, the non-diegetic music
begins to increase and therefore reinforces that he is the villain. This also
build tension as the music begins to now increase throughout the rest of the
trailer. Also a chanting sound is used within the non-diegetic music which
suggests that this is a war between good and evil. During the fast cut editing
the music become more dynamic and explosive which compliments with perfectly
with the rest stunts and violence involved here.
This trailer perfectly illustrates the
Tzvetan Todorov's theory of narrative as the trailer begins in a state of
equilibrium, the office of the man working. Then there’s a disruption of the
equilibrium, which is when Morpheus intrudes into the black haired man's life.
This is then recognized which is where the black haired man realises that
Morpheus is right about 'The Matrix'. The trailer then shows that the man is
trying to fix the disruption, by fighting against the antagonist, which would
hopefully the equilibrium would be restored. This trailer follow this theory
very well without giving too much of the film away, very effective.
