Evaluation Question two – Ancillary texts
19 Apr 2011 2 Comments
Messed up the last bit of the clip, so the next video is just the ending!
In order for all three pieces of my work to be successful, it was paramount for some sort of relation and connection between the three to be demonstrated. In reference to this, for a sense of continuity to be presented, I initially related back to my research into my two chosen studied films ‘The Ring’ and ‘Sorority Row; by doing so I was able to recognize how the ancillary texts for these films coincided with each other, and what sort of relationship was presented across them. Neither of these films were featured within a magazine (of which I can find), and because of this I solely had to rely upon the relationships presented within the trailer and posters. Within both films, I noticed how primarily the leading characters or predominant surrounding is revealed within either texts, and because of this within my pieces of work I when beginning my project I initially began by emphasizing the importance and supremacy of my leading character. I chose to do this as I wanted the audience to be able to identify with her, and acknowledge that she is in fact the predominant focus and role within the film, and the face of my film ‘Imprinted’. Alongside this, as my studied films both adhere to this idea I chose to implement it within my own work, as it proved to be a successful method. By attempting to achieve this, a large majority of my shots within my trailer were focused on her, and in reference to my magazine cover and poster she was made the dominant aspect of the images used. Coinciding with this, I have tried to adhere to this by using several close ups of this character within my trailer, and likewise within my magazine cover and poster I have inserted close up shots of her face for both compositions. Within all three pieces of my work, I have edited the appearance of my leading character and by doing so again I feel it adds to the link between my three pieces of work as it allows for a recognizable representation of the character to be presented. For example, the green tone I have added to her appearance makes her a lot different in comparison to the other characters, alongside other films that are currently on the market; this ultimately makes the film unique and easily identifiable for my target audience. In a sense the green tone acts as the unique selling point for the film, and is the aspect of the film that the audience identifies and acknowledges my film with. This is a common convention of other ancillary texts, and in reference to ‘The Ring’, a blue and black tone and mood has been applied to the trailer and poster; this allows for the audience to recognize the film and in particular the leading character.
In regards to the font styles I have used, I have again used the same throughout which as a result of this adds to continuity of my pieces of work. For example, I have chosen the fonts within Photoshop and within all three pieces of work have edited them in exactly the same way; by doing so it has allowed for a uniformed look to be presented in my pieces of work. https://rallenchs.wordpress.com/category/a2-planning-my-trailer/ – This link leads to an example of where I have posted this on my Blog. The connection implied by the same font styles has allowed for the audience to be able to identify that all three of my pieces of work synchronize and are in fact advertising the same film; if different fonts were to be used, it would be more challenging for the audience to make that link between the three, and it would make it even less blatantly obvious that my pieces of work are marketing the same product. I feel that the tone and mood presented within all three pieces of my work, all coincide well; this is because, the same dull and gloomy representation is implied through not only the font choices, but also through the mise-en-scene and representations of my leading character. I feel that even though in my poster and magazine cover that only the leading character is revealed, and not the rest of characters it still allows for the audience to interpret and recognize that the same film is being portrayed; this is due to the tones within my image, as they match those that are within my teaser trailer.
I feel that my consistency in mood and tone was applied much better than within my trailer, this is because due to lighting differences of each shot it was very difficult to get the exact shading and mood. This has been one of my down falls within my work as due to this problem it has meant that the consistency across all three pieces of my work has not been as clearly identified as possible; and more so, the magazine cover and poster appear more concise than my trailer.
The theme and narrative that is presented within my teaser trailer is not directly revealed within my poster and magazine cover, however I feel that in reference to my poster if I were to include the other characters it would deter the attention away from my leading character and ultimately detract her significance within the film. In regards to my magazine cover, as I would have limited control over the magazine cover itself, it means that I would only be able to negotiate the image used, and baring this in mind, chose to use a large dominant image of Alice to really emphasise her importance and make her in a sense the ‘face’ of the film, rather than the actual story behind it or the other characters the predominant aspects.
Alongside considering the continuity between my ancillary texts, it was also paramount to take into account the marketing campaign of my media products. As my teaser trailer was merely to ‘tease’ and intrigue the audience it made sense to release this a lot more in advance to my other two pieces of work. Within my teaser trailer, I have not included a release date and I did this as I really wanted to leave the audience on edge and without any sense of understanding for the film; by providing them with as little information as possible really helped to support the idea of the film being a mystery. When comparing my work to other real media products, and in particular my film poster, I noticed that the posters that had been released nearer to the release date of the film contained a lot more detail and information in comparison to my film poster. Because of this, I feel that my poster likewise with my teaser trailer is just a ‘tease’, rather than a method of advertising the actual film. Nevertheless, because it provides some sort of information it is not as teasing as my trailer, and I feel that it would be released in-between the release of my teaser trailer and the actual trailer and film. This is because, the only real informative information that the audience can gain from it is ‘April 2011’ the actors, certificate rating, and the title of the film, whereas if the poster were to be released nearer the actual release date of the film it would contain a more specific date and much more information like star ratings and review quotations. Although mine has ‘Winner of best picture 2011’, I feel my poster merely adds to the hype of the film and again just adds to the excitement and curiosity of the film in itself, rather than acting as a method of advertising the film. I feel that the magazine would feature my film much closer to the release date, or during the films release; this is because, the feature would be focused primarily on reviews of the film and actor interviews. This therefore means that it would contain a lot of information regarding the story, which would eliminate any sense of it being a ‘tease’.
One of my main emphasis’s from my teaser trailer was to make the audience sympathize for the three other characters, and fear the leading character. However, I found that without the use of sound this was merely impossible. Although through the use of my shots, the three girls were portrayed to be very innocent and in danger, I found that these characteristics could still be exaggerated more. To do so, I experimented with different sound effects and soundtracks, and through my audience feedback found that by using a voiceover that was accompanied by a soundtrack over complicated the trailer, and eliminated the amount of tension and quality of the trailer as it distracted the audience away from the main action. To overcome this problem, I focused on just including a soundtrack and found that my audience preferred this, as not only did it allow for the trailer to run much more smoothly, but it also left them in much more suspense as their ability to understand what was going on was lost. Just a soundtrack on its own helped to build up tension throughout my trailer; however I felt it was paramount to include other noises so that extra tension could be included. Before, by using a voice over helped to support the trailers chronological mannerism, and because I didn’t want to portray this by including just snippets of text helped to make the trailer much more chaotic and unorganized.
I chose to feature my film in the ‘total film’ magazine, as I felt that it was suited to the correct target audience for my film. This is because, although the real magazine has quite a broad target audience, this broadness fits in with my target audience age of 18-25. The magazine typically also features very similar age ranged films as mine, and doesn’t advertise films that are too young to suit my tagret audience; because of this point it makes the magazine perfect to advertise my film as I know that it will appeal to my target audience.
Evaluation Question three – Audience feedback
10 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
When initially beginning the audience feedback part of my coursework, I decided to devise a series of polls.https://rallenchs.wordpress.com/category/a2-poster-research/ – This link leads to an example of such polls. These polls were specified to particular aspects of my trailer and ancillary texts; by creating polls it allowed me to break down sections that needed to be answered. However, I found that polls weren’t exactly the best way about accessing audience feedback, as I often found that only a small number of people would complete them, or misinterpret the questions, this meaning I would not gain a big enough response to determine what my target audience actually wanted.
Nevertheless, as my target audience is in the age range 18-25 it means that I fit the criteria, and because of this it allowed me to determine and have an insight into what my target audience would want and need. However, it was not enough to just go on the basis of what I wanted, as this may not meet the needs of others; because of this point, throughout the course I devised several different polls which allowed for my target audience to express what they wanted as well as indicate what they did and didn’t like within my own work and real media products. For example, when producing my ancillary texts, I provided my audience with polls whereby they had the opportunity to state what they did and didn’t like about my work and my studied media products. Coinciding with this, during my research it also allowed me to acknowledge the needs of my particular target audience, as the success of the media product provided me with an indication as to whether the audience liked it, and whether or not it met their needs and wants. I tried to produce as many methods for accessing audience feedback before I had finished each of my products so that if my target audience did not like something I would be able to make any alterations necessary. For example, during the construction stages of my poster I devised polls whereby the audience could decide which font colouring and style they preferred. Without actively asking for feedback throughout the course through the use of my Blog I have had the availability of teachers and friends to comment on my work, and discuss aspects they did and didn’t like; by other students providing me with feedback was of great benefit to me, as due to them fitting my target audience range it meant that their needs and wants were perfectly suited to the criteria of my products. The use of the comments section of the blog I found was much more beneficial and useful to me than the use of polls as it meant that the audience wasn’t limited to a tick box answer, as the comment box allowed for the availability to express their opinion and ideas. The link below leads to a comment whereby a student provided his opinion on the colour scheme used within my poster. https://rallenchs.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/poll-8/#comments
I have learnt through my audience feedback from various polls and video question and answer sessions that my trailer worked sufficiently as a horror trailer, and that the genre portrayed was clearly identifiable. Many people felt that the idea of horror was supported through the music used, pacing and suspense that was created because of this. One element that I discovered from my audience feedback was the fact that my music really helped to emphasise the thrill factor of my trailer, and that this aspect of my trailer really supported and promoted the text and sequences revealed. A large percentage of my audience feedback that I received said that my trailer clearly identified who the source of horror was within my trailer, and that a clear indication between my normal and abnormal characters was established. Due to this aspect, it allowed for a connection to be built towards my characters. However, a minority of my responses felt that due to not seeing much of the other characters or having some sort of understanding and awareness of their purpose meant that they were unable to sympathise and really connect with what they were being shown. Through the use of my polls and video recordings, I was able to establish how some sequences within my trailer did not work so well as others, and because of this the audience was unable to remain interested and excited throughout; this could support the reasoning behind the lack of emotional bond for my characters. Nevertheless, many people felt that the pacing and climax towards the end helped to sustain their engagement and really emphasise and exaggerate what they were watching.
Through my audience feedback it allowed me to acknowledge that a few of the people who had watched my trailer felt that due to Alice being so abruptly introduced, without having any sense for who she was limited the amount of fear that they experienced, as they felt that they felt lost when watching her, and couldn’t fully engage or understand her purpose within the trailer. Nevertheless, a large proportion of people felt that it was obvious as to who she was, and that I made it blatantly obvious that she was causing fear to the other girls.
In reference to mise-en-scene, a large percentage of the audience feedback I received stated that it was obvious through the use of lighting and costume choices of my characters who the horrifying character was, and that the different outfits worn by the characters alongside the lighting that accompanied them helped to support the idea of their innocence and normality. https://rallenchs.wordpress.com/category/a2-evaluation/ – This link leads to the polls that were devised. The video also on this page discusses my use of mise-en-scene.
Overall I am relatively happy with the audience feedback that I received, as not only was it very useful during the construction stages of my work but it also allowed for overall opinions to be expressed after the work had been completed. The continual feedback during production allowed for me to adapt and change my ideas in accordance to my target audiences wants, as well as have an insight to their thoughts once everything had been completed. One of the main responses and suggestions regarding my work that I obtained from my audience feedback was that they felt that if more close-ups or different angles and techniques were to be used within the trailer it would help to maximise their interest and engagement; as they found that due to many of my shots being mid length it meant that they knew what they were getting, and my trailer didn’t really exaggerate or break away from its uniformed appearance therefore reducing the fear factor that could otherwise be implied with varying and wacky techniques. it was evident through my audience feedback that my chose of music helped to support the film, and the pacing and climax implied through it added to the tension and mystery of not only my possessed character but also the trailer as whole.
Evaluation question four
08 Apr 2011 1 Comment
The evaluation stage of my project really allowed the opportunity for me to experiment with different media technologies. Likewise in earlier stages of the course I devised polls oo my Blog whereby other students and teachers had the availability to discuss what they thought about my work. Alongside this, again the use of the comments section on my Blog also was very useful as it facilitated the opportunity again for people to discuss opinions and ideas as well as elaborate on their choices within the polls. The polls were a very good method for accessing quick and precise feedback on all of my ancillary texts. Coinciding with the poll method, I also used video recordings to access my audience feedback; this was a particularly effective method as it again allowed for the person to explain their thoughts and in particular was a relatively creative method to use as its more exciting than reading an essay or looking at a poll result which doesn’t really explain itself that much.
When devising my evaluation answers, I also used a variety of different media technologies, including Powerpoint presentations, video and voice recordings. I felt all of these technologies allowed for the point to be clearly established without being too bulky and boring as if an essay.
Directors commentary
06 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
I did begin to use audio for my directors commentary however, due to the length of my commentary it was too long to fit the trailer, even after the trailer had been slowed down.
The first opening sequence whereby the films association certificate has been situated I decided to do so as I felt that it helped to establish the film and acts as a structured opening for my trailer. I chose to start my soundtrack immediately as the trailer begun, as I felt that during the association certificate it allowed for a sense of tension and mystery to be built as the audience is unaware of what they are going to be shown next. Coinciding with this, it also helps to clearly establish the genre of the film as due to the dominance of the music.
I chose to use a dark night-time shot of my location as I wanted to ensure that the audience had some sort of understanding as to where the film was going to be located. I didn’t want to give too much away in regards to the surrounding, so by taking the shot at night-time minimised the amount of area and surrounding that the audience could see.
The dissolve used after the establishing shot prior to the first over the shoulder shot of my leading character is used to really slow down the pace of the trailer, and in a sense helps to emphasise the significance of what they are about to be shown as it helps to drag out what is about to be shown and build up tension.
I initially used an over the shoulder shot of my leading character so that her identity wasn’t introduced immediately. I felt that by not really being able to see her within the frame not only due to her positioning but also the lighting all helps to support her mystery and the audiences sense of unknowing and isolation away from the character.
The shot that followed this introduced Alice’s face was still slightly blurry and very dark; because of this I feel that it again supported her mystery and really exaggerated her abnormality within the trailer. This characteristic was a key idea that I wanted to emphasise within my trailer.
Due to the close up used within these sequences it is unable to gain some sort of understanding as to where the character is situated. The shot was taken in a friends bathroom that was filled with photographs of the family; the room was very small and congested and because of this really I only really had the option to carry out close-ups of the character. Nevertheless, I feel that due to the intensity and closeness implied helped to demonstrate a feeling of entrapment and isolation away from everything else.
The sequence then follows on to a cut away from this character to a mid shot of my other three leading characters. I decided to place this shot after the introduction of my leading character, Alice as I really wanted to exaggerate her significance within the trailer and I feel that by her being revealed to the audience first allows her to remain in their memory and stand out the most in relation to the other characters. Alongside this, because she is shown to be on her own meant that she was the sole focus within the frame, which again allows for the audiences predominant attention is maintained on her.
The shot of the three girls is much brighter and more energetic in comparison to the sequence shown prior; I decided to show this as I really wanted to emphasise the difference between Alice and the other characters, and I felt that the lighting used was the most obvious may to do so.
Continual shots of Alice alone are used throughout the trailer, and I felt by including such shots would again support her isolation. Typically, in real media products the frightening aspect of the film is demonstrated to be alone and I felt it was important to show this so that the audience could clearly establish who she is and her purpose within the trailer.
the music up until the first text feature has a similar sort of tone and pace, however after the text has been shown the action becomes much more exciting and the change in mood and pace of the music helps to support and convey this idea to the audience. It also helps to build up tension and gain as much excitement and engagement from the audience as possible.
The text features that have been used as a method for intriguing the audience as well as providing them with some sort of understanding as to what is going on.
The shot whereby Alice is shown to be smashing a photograph has been used to imply how their friendship has been lost, and ultimately broken. I felt this shot was paramount within the sequence as it really helped to emphasise how Alice was targeting the other girls.
I have tried to establish throughout the trailer how Alice is tormenting the other three characters, and by showing them to be trapped or in pain has allowed for this impression to be implied. I have shown two of my characters to be trapped in the room where Alice was at the beginning of the trailer as I felt that a link between Alice and the room clearly needed to be emphasised. The lighting within this sequence is shown much more clearly, and I decided to do so as I wanted the audience to be able to identify with the room and have some sort of awareness for its significance. Alice is shown to be in the room several times throughout the trailer.
I chose to blur the shot whereby Alice was inflicting pain on Maria as I wanted the audience to be unable to clearly see what she was doing, as I wanted to remain a distinct sense of mystery and unknowing.
One of my longest sequences is of Alice walking up the stairs; I have chosen to edit the clip so that the lighting appears as though it is flickering on and off. During this sequence shots of my other characters are introduced quickly. This sequence doesn’t really have any sort of purpose or meaning, but due to Alice approaching and getting closer to the camera really draws her into the audience’s attention and effectively allows her to appear as though she is coming towards them instead of the characters within the film. The sequence is very slow and I felt the pacing allowed the action to be really exaggerated. I feel it helps to imply how the trailer is coming to an end, as the pacing of the music and footage all slows down.
The title at the end has been used to allow the audience to identify what the film is. I chose to place it towards the end as I didn’t want the audience to have all the information require right at the start, as I wanted them to feel left intrigued and in a sense lost throughout the majority of the trailer.
The ending sequences reveal how a character is led on the stairs, this shot was paramount as Alice had just been shown to be there and in a way this ending shot I tried to identify how Alice has left and this is what she has left behind her. Again, the character reaches out for help towards the camera and I decided to do this as I wanted the audience to feel connected with her, and have a feeling that she is reaching out to them. This adds to the realism of the film.
At the end of the trailer, I decided to insert a blank shot for a while as I wanted the audience to feel as though this was the very end of the trailer. However, the trailer actually ends with a close up shot of Alice again and a voiceover that whispers her name. I chose to include this as I wanted the audience to be shocked by the shot as they would have previously thought the trailer had finished. Also, I felt that it helped to imply how Alice hasn’t gone, and that she is still there. This very last shot effectively stays in the mind of audience, and again adds to her paramountcy within the trailer.
Rachael :) 
