Final Costume- Protagonists

Final Costume- Protagonists
This is the final costumes we decided for our protagonists to wear within our theatrical trailer. As you can see, we chose everyday clothes which would make the protagonists relatable and realistic as this is what people would usually wear when going camping- especially when it's freezing cold!
The uses of the coat connotes to the weather being of a cold climate but also does not reveal what is underneath, which could be important within the film as they could be used to identify each character. The cold climate is also reinforced by the use of scarves and gloves. We also had them carrying props, such as the D of E bags and roll mat, as these are the items which are usually taken when camping.
Our protagonists consist of blondes and brown hair girls, which makes them come across innocent due to them both being females. Having the use of blonde hair automatically makes her seem innocent and needing protection, as this is a stereotypical view of a protagonist within horrors. The use of colours also connotes many things, the use of the white t-shirts connotes to purity and innocence which we want to continuously present as that is the stereotypical view which is portrayed in horror films. Also the use of blue connotes to sadness and despair, therefore suggesting sad events will feature within our film. Red colours would connote to death, love and blood, which could create enigmas due to two opposing connotations; blood and love. However it is the stereotypical colour of which is used within horrors, as well as the colour black, which is also used to connote murder.   Within our trailer there are other protagonist's which all have similar costumes, of everyday camping clothing.

Overall Evaluation of Questionnaire

Evaluation of Questionnaire
The questionnaire was very helpful for us in deciding some critical decisions in the making of our film. For example, it was very useful having the audience views and opinions in what they think would be best for our film. We found out the main people who were answering our questions were between the age group of 15-24. This is good as this is our target audience for our film as we are doing a horror and studies have shown that this particular age group are the one who are most interested in horror film.

Some questions that we asked in the questionnaire was "What do you think the elements of horror should be set - daytime or night time?", the majority of the answers were in the night time.
This was initially very helpful as we were then able to make sure we timed when we went out to film correctly. This is because we were able to make sure we filmed when it was just getting dark, however not too dark that you couldn't see anything. We were also able to use torches to create the right lighting when it got slightly too dark, this meant the lighting that was created showed suspense and tension as you could only see the protagonist or antagonist depending on what the shot was.

Another very successful question that we asked was about the title of our film. We had seven different potential names that we showed them and got them to say which one they thought suited our film best. 'Betrayal' was the most successful title. I think that the reason for this is because the name itself comes across quite creepy and leaves an enigma to the audience before they have even watched it. For example,they do not know who is betraying who and will want to find out. Campsite 31 was another companion however was the least successful. I think this is because it is quite similar   - least amount of votes

Animated titles- experimenting with titles

Titles within trailers would have to suit the film's genre as they should not affect the continuity of the trailer. This explains why we experimented with different titles and transitions on how it is shown on screen, so we can avoid disrupting the atmosphere we create during the theatrical trailer. 

Title One -  We created all the titles on IMovie as we felt it had the right effects and tools to create a title we would be satisfied with. Our first idea is to incorporate the settings and location of the movie with the titles so the theme is consistent, by cropping one of photographs we took when creating the shoot for our poster, it left us with a sinister background that was good to experiment and work with. We then changed the this image to black and white by double clicking on the shot and adjusting the saturation to -100%. We then added our title on top with our chosen font; the title stands out well against the white cracks between the trees but is still camouflaged against the trees. To make the entire word stand out we decided to make the background image blurred. We then added the sound effects of the gas mask and the sound of a broken TV. The end transition we used is fading to black as it leaves an effect on the audience but also finishes the trailer in a conclusive way.

Title Two - This second edit was more complicated to achieve as we decided to incorporate one of our favourite shots of the less dominant antagonists. The reason we didn’t use our main antagonist (gasmask) is so we could hide his/her identity to create enigmas on who they are, allowing the audience to question the characters and plot. The natural lighting takes away the tension from the shot as it is idyllic; however we have edited it to invert the colours to increase fear. We only used this effect for seconds at a time to create a flashing effect; this also allows the title to stand out as we didn’t show the text in the whole clip. We decided to create the flashes increase the tension as it links into pathetic fallacy as it connotes the shock of a lightning strike. We used the same sound effects for each title ending as it relates to our theme of the gas mask and hints the main antagonist without actually showing him/her on screen.

Title Three - Edit three is effective because of the simplistic visuals which makes the sounds more noticeable, creating a more lasting effect on the audience. Again we used the same sounds as the other two titles because we feel they link best with our theme. To create this title we first made the background black with no image which connotes mystery and the unknown. We then decided to make the font white as it stands out against the black and also connotes the slight innocence we see in the trailer of the protagonists. The transition of the text links to one of the sounds (the static TV) as they both show the bad communication between where the movie is located and the "outside world" because it is known that there is never any good connection when you're located in a forest especially in a horror movie. The text also zooms forward towards the audience slowly, this is to create suspense even when the trailer is over. 

Soundtrack Research

Soundtrack research

Hoodie Allan - No Interruption

 This was one of the non - copy right music that we found. We found it on YouTube which was helpful as we were able to find a rang of songs easily and able to download them quickly without any trouble.  This was the first track that stood out to us as a group. We like how it is quite Hip-Hop/ pop as this conforms to the stereotypical music that teenagers listen to and makes their age group stand out to the audience. As this song will be playing for the first few seconds in the trailer when the group of friends are in the car driving to their destination, it will allow the audience to link it into their lives as they would most likely of experienced driving in the car with their friends with loud music playing. This will allow it to be more effective towards them when things begin to go wrong as they will see it as themselves. this is mainly because of the link into mundane realism. The music is sound bridged across the three different shots that we are using in our trailer of the car driving and pulling up into the destination of the car park that is in the camping site that they are staying in. 

Soundtrack 2

This is another non - copyright music that we found through YouTube. However, although we liked the music, we didn't think it flowed well in our trailer as it didn't link into the stereotypical conventions of music that teenagers would be listening to in horror films. This therefore meant that if we were to use it, it would mean that the audience wouldn't be able to link their own lives into it as they wouldn't have listened to it as much as the conventional music that we have also looked at. Therefore making it be less effective on the audience which would make the creepy things that happen in the film not be successful as the audience wouldn't feel it the way that the characters in the film would be showing it. However, we did the the fast paste beat that was in the music, the main reason for this is because it would go with the fast driving that would be shown in the trailer as it is teenagers driving with friends in the car. This is one thing that we made sure we looked for when we did further research into finding a soundtrack that suited our trailer and all the conventions that we want to show.

Soundtrack 3

This was the third soundtrack that we found, Although it could possibly link into our trailer, we decided to go against it. The main reason for this is because it had no lyrics in the music. This meant it would be harder for the audience to link and put them selves in the characters shoes as they will not be able to compare there own music into the music that they are listening to in the trailer. It also took away the scene that we are trying to create as it makes it seem as if the teenagers will be set in a club when in fact they are driving to a campsite which is completely different.

Overall

We decided to choose our first sound track that we found (Hoodie Allan - No Interruption) because we thought it went well with the setting of our trailer and linked well. It also created the right atmosphere that we wanted it to create within the audience which builds on the effect and tension that we want the trailer to further show.

Video Diary #3

Questionnaire results- Graphs and explanations

These questionnaire's gave us an insight and guidance on how to distribute and produce our theatrical trailer. The first graph shows us what age certificate our film should be and what age we should aim our film trailer at. From these results we found that we should aim our trailer at 15 to 24 year old partly due to these results but also to the regulations from the BBFC.
The second graph shows that the horror genre is mainly aimed at males rather than females, however they are similar results. This tells us that we should have an equal amounts that appeal to both gender. This would make our trailer more effective and increase popularity of our film as it creates a wider audience as there would be elements which appeal to both genders. For example, we could have strong masculine characters which appeal to the female audience whereas for the females we could use blood, gore, action (through fast pace editing). These first two questions are very important as it is essential to portray the film to the correct age group successfully.
 The third question is quite a broad question as to what people prefer to see in a horror. 'Jumpy' was the most popular as shown through the results. This tells us that we should have frequent jump and scary parts within the film/ trailer as it would appeal to the audience. This question is fairly weak and not that effective as there are many other options a horror film could be, such as horror thriller, psychological horror etc. However we would be editing scary shots within the film.
The location question provide us with the insight on where we should set our film trailer. The results tells us that we should have the location within the countryside or city. This is due to countrysides being a very hostile secluded area, suggesting there is no escape or help from the horrifying events which could happen to the protagonists. The city location could also be used so that the trailer would show there are different locations within the film. Also people can relate to the city locations as some of the audience would be residence within cities. Also having set a horror film within these location would make the trailer ore scary as the audience would think these events could happen to them. From this research we will be using location similar tot he results as it would make our trailer scary therefore following conventions of a horror trailer but also appealing to our target audience.
The editing question provides us with the information vital for the post production stage. In our minds as media students and from previous research, having a mixture of editing paces makes a horror trailer more frightening and appealing to horror audiences and fans. From our questionnaire results, they support our finding and therefore gives us confidence into using different editing lengths; slow pace editing and fast pace editing.
From these questionnaires the general public had a mixed response on to what is the most important factor within a horror film. The options for this was; locations, actors, characters, music and plot. Plot resulted in the highest meaning that our audience prefers to having a decent story behind the film more than the other factors. This tells us that through our theatrical trailer, we should provide a sense of a good plot to our film. Actors and music came close second which therefore important information we should consider when making our film. Good actors would lead to good characters, which would make the trailer seem professional and more realistic. This reinforces why we interview different people, so we could get an understanding of who they were and if they would fit into our production. The music is another factor we need to consider the music would emphasis the scare factor which are captured within the shots. This means would have to do a lot of research into which music would be suitable for our trailer. Location was the feature which resulted in the lowest, which could be due to the other features being more important. From our horror trailer research we discovered using everyday locations would be ideal for a horror trailer as it would be easier for the target audience to relate too. From this questionnaire, we have decided to use different locations throughout our trailer so that it would be more realistic and suggest that there is plot/story-line to the film. Also during the planning process of making our trailer also agreed that the plot and music would be vital for a successful trailer as the music would create and aid tension to the shots but the plot would entice the audience into watching our production. This questionnaire therefore has aided us into the right direction of what our trailer should consist of and what the audience would like to see.
The general public stated that they would prefer a film to be more realistic than surreal. This could be due to the genre being a horror as, they need to be relatable to provide the scare factor which they set out to achieve. If the trailer was surreal it would mean that the audience wouldn't believe or feel as if it could happen to them, which is the opposite response of what a horror film wants to do. Making our trailer realistic would, firstly attract our target audience (15-24 year old) due to it being relatable, but secondly; due to what we found in our research into horror films as they are all very realistic and could happen to people. From these results we will be ensuring that our trailer is as realistic as possible.
The next question we asked was vital as we wanted to ensure we got the right music for the correct shots but also to keep continuity within the trailer.  From our results we found out that they would prefer mixed pace; slow and fast. This was also our initial thought as it would build adrenaline if we used both. as going from slow deep toned music to a sharp fast tune. This means during our music research we should concentrate on finding fast and slow music which both flow together but also emphasis the scare factor within the shots.
The final question we asked was what name our trailer could be called. From our results 'Silent Scream' and 'Betrayal' were the most popular. These both provide enigmas which would follow the conventions of a horror film which would be ideal. 'Pitch 31' was the least popular, which could be due to connoting a sci fi like genre film. Getting information and feedback from the general public gives us an indication of what they would like to see in a horror, therefore giving us the ability to provide it as best we can.

Script for trailer

Cast in car


1 - Establishing shot [2/3 seconds]

2 slow/ long shots showing the car from the outside (Diegetic sound of pop music) [1/2 seconds]


(Sound bridge)


3 - Mid shot of characters laughing, looking happy and having fun, breaking alcohol (stereotypical view). (fast paste shots) [5/6 seconds]


Mandy - "They'll be there when we arrive right?"


Pandey - "yeah"


4- Black fade out transition Titles [From the makers of The Woods and Intrusion]

Black fade in transition- car turning into location, (long/medium deep focus shot) revealing the name of the camp site location (black fade out transition) 

 - (Fade in transition) Match on action of character getting out of car and looking at the area (only 2-3 seconds duration). (Music stops suddenly) [2 seconds] (Then fades out)


Arrive in woods


5 - Bags drop on floor - loud thump (big effect on audience) [1 second]


6 - shots of them laughing, sitting around a camp fire, drinking and laughing. [4/5 seconds]


7 - Black transition. [8/9 seconds]


- Diegetic sound bridge of antagonist on phone. Complete black screen (creates enigma)


Voice on phone: “Help me... someone... Help me (panting crying whimpering voice)"

Mandy: “Jack, what's happening... where you are?" (Concerned voice)

Voice on phone: “Help me...  (Heavily breathing, muffled) ...please someone ... help me, they're coming"

Mandy - " Where are you!?" (Panicking voice)" Who's coming?" (Panicked voice)


Voice on phone - (gasp)”They’re here” (Panicked voice) scream... 

Phone Cuts off (dial tone) (Black transition lasts for 2-3 second for suspense)

-Diegetic sound of heavy breathing through gas mask

Fast pace editing begins:

Light behind three antagonists flashes on screen, revealing silhouette of them. 

Shots of people getting dragged, hiding behind trees, screaming, axe hitting against things, knife dragged against the wall. All these shots fastening up so fast the screen goes black. 

Diegetic noise of a lighter flicking- Girl appears, flame goes out.

Diegetic noise of the lighter flicking again, girl appears but closer as the camera is continuing zooming inwards and towards the girl. Flame goes out 

Diegetic noise of the lighter again, close up of girl face, flame stays light, and girl looks to the left. While she does that, gas mask antagonist face is revealed behind. Diegetic sound of the flame being blown out. As this happens screen goes black. 

Title of film fades on to black background 'Betrayal'