Our narrative 'Insanity'

This is our narrative that we created as a group, here I have linked some of the images along with what is occurring within the narrative. Using 'Potosnack', I had made a mini slideshow. Due to there being no pulse button, I have ensured that this slideshow is repeated in order for it to be reader able.









 

Preparing our narrative

Today me and the rest of the group have started to come up with our own narrative, in order for us to prepare doing this, we have put together a 'Whatsapp' group. By doing so enables us to communicate more effectively, as well as making us more organised for the task set, which is to produce our own production. Due to us having this particular group, we had already started to come up with our own narrative, thus when it was time for us to plan our narrative we found this slightly easier.

In this group, we had discussed what the poster/magazine should consist of along with the trailer. We wanted to follow the conventional narrative for our production, however in some areas we have chosen to subvert using theorists to support our decisions. Similarly we have began to make links of influences which we want to feature in our production, especially in the case of the trailer, which can be seen in Gothic literature. This comes down to horror starting off in literature, we wanted to highlight this whilst reinforcing the importance, we have also referenced other horror trailers that could possible influence us.

We have also began to think of names for our trailer, however we found this difficult at start, as we wanted a name which would tie all elements of our production. ( I will shortly be posting this). Other areas in which we have also considered includes the following:

• Mise- en scene 
• Setting 
• Sound
• Post production 
• Extra (anything else we want to add in e.g. classification)

Our remake of Halloween of (1978), first group task

Using 'Premier', we have created a scene from 'Halloween', whilst adding our own twist on events. The main reason as to why we decided to change some element from the actual scene, comes down to the fact that we wanted to challenge ourselves, whilst allowing us to develop our skills. Additionally due to us having to make our own production, we wanted to get a sense of how some of our ideas would come across once its actually been filmed. This was a good indicator to see if we should make some elements of our ideas much more clearer e.g. in the case of the narrative without revealing too much. One has to have into consideration that due to the shortage of time, our scene couldn't wasn't our best as it could have been, for the final production we will be ensuring all the footage are edited smoothly.

What was effective?

• The use of text reinforced the genre of the film, which was in this case horror 'Be careful who you let in...' Although this was not actually stated in 'Halloween', we wanted to have the same fear factor as the actual film hence why we decided to include such text as a way of a evoking a reaction. Also we chose to make the text to be red, whilst canted as a way of reflecting the distraction of normality, suggesting that something is wrong connoting danger, which the audience can sense. 
• The narrative is clear, without causing confusion for our audience, this can be seen with the relationship the audience are introduced to. The audience rapidly get a sense of uneasiness, due to the voyeuristic nature, where is hinted the young couple are being watched. 
• The dramatic breathing adds to the suspense, whilst reinforcing the idea of them being watched. Here we slowing faded the breathing, whilst placing the actual soundtrack from the film on top as a way of building up more tense making the audience feel uncomfortable.  
• The slow motion of the mask, this is done to follow the convention of horror films, where masks are often one of many key ingredients. We done this, as we wanted the audience to feel as if they were watching from Micheal's perspective (point of view), which is used in the actual scene of Halloween.
• Slow motion of me slowing turning towards the camera appears to make it sinister, making it memorable for the audience as is not expected. Also due to it being the last image they see, is more likely to have much more of an effect, as is implanted in their brain, which is built up using only the breathing. 

Least effective/ what didn't work:

• There was a slight shakiness in the beginning scene, when the tilt was used, which is can be noticed by the audience. 
• Other shakiness can also be seen with the shot of the house, even though we were using a tripod, we struggled to film this smoothly, purely based on the height of the house. 
• The camera at one point was out of focus e.g. when the couples were saying goodbye to each other. Additionally the colour was out of balance, as there were far too much light coming out of the window making it look strange/ faded. 
• The scene with the couples consisted of  long takes that, it didn't add anything to the horror element. 
• Here the knife was being taken out, whilst close up of feet walking up the stairs due to the way in which we edited it (placing one footage on top of another), made it look messy, as well as the colour being out of balance. This made it hard for the audience to actually see what was going on, and thus not having as much impact as it could have possibly been. 
• Slight jump can be seen with me on top of the stairs holding a knife, which cuts to me slowly turning towards the camera. This was not effective as it made it predictable as to what will happen next, additionally it can be argued as adding nothing, due to the long take. 

What we would do different for our final production 

• For our final production, we will be ensuring we bring a white sheet of paper, as a way of us checking of the colour is  balance on the camera.  
• Shorter takes would be used, as otherwise makes the audience loose focus.
• Not to use canted sot, if not done correctly (as demonstrated from window scene).
• To practice using the tripod, to avoid shakiness.  

This what we as a group tried to recreated, as you can see there are some differences between our remake and the original.

First task as a group

Research into target audience: meaning behind answers

These are the trailers we used for our research, due to younger audience, we were unable to show a much more scarier trailer.





 Here we explained the reason as to why we changed the method in which we used to collect our research.

 

What we found from our target audience research: meaning behind answers

Research methods quantitative and qualitative

Definition of research:

• Such definition includes any gathering of data, information, opinions and facts for the advancement of knowledge. 

Quantitative data (own definition): this is the use of numbers, it produces statistical data e.g. questionnaires, surveys ect..This consists of close ended questions and thus can be representative. 

Qualitative data: (own definition): consists of word and as a result making it subjective, highlighting a person's social reality and thus can't be generalized. This includes open ended questions in order to the research to get deeper understanding. An example of this includes: focus groups, interviews ect.. 

Total Film v.s. Empire magazine front cover

How I could market my production

Using 'Photobucket', I have edited my photos, by adding a frame, mimicking a film wheel going along with the task set, which is to produce my own production.

Audience reactions to 'The conjuring': target audience

Here I have conducted my research into my possible target audience, using qualitative data (interview). I used 'Premier' to edit my findings as it was far too long, by doing so gave me a feel of using such program as I will be using this for editing my trailer. I wasn't sure as to who my actual target audience could be, leading me span my research into younger and older audience. Before I conducted my research I was set on, targeting younger audience, as I learnt from 'Paul Well's audience research' (2000). Here he suggested that younger generation, in contemporary times were a lot harder to scare, I however wanted test this hence why I started with younger audience. However in my actual production, I will ensure that my research, in terms of age goes up evenly, as here the age gap is far too big. Adding on to this, I will be using both quantitative and qualitative in my own production, as a way of backing up my evidence, making it more accurate.

What did I learn from my research?

• The use of interview allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my participates (as to what scared/ their personal view on this particular film), as well as their social reality. 
• For my actual production (in the case of the trailer), I will not be aiming it at younger audience, this is because at some point one of my younger participate fell off her chair as she was terrified. This has led to me consider targeting older generation (who were less likely to be scared, contradicting Well's research). I'm thinking of aiming at age 15 and above possibly. 
• In the same way, for actual production, I will be collecting data from various source (age), to get a real sense of the different ages and how how horror impacts them. 

Early stages in our production

I used 'Premier', I have edit our findings/ thoughts. I wanted to get into grips with such program as we would need to use this for our final production of our trailer, hence why I have chosen to edit in this particular software.

Getting into terms with horror trailers: our take on making a horror trailer

I came up with the idea of practicing horror trailer before our actual project was to start, as I believed would benefit me in the long run when creating my own horror trailer. Due to the fact that I had never created a horror trailer before, I believed this would give me an experience of what its like to create one. However I couldn't do this on my own so I asked Chloe and Adelina if we could come together as a group and putting our ideas forward. One of the major reason as to why it would benefit us working in a group comes down to the fact, in our final project we would need work together as a group. By working in group will give us experience than thus if any problems that may occur, we would know how to overcome it and still make a successful horror production.  

Here we started to brainstorm what the narrative could include, whilst following the conventions of horror trailer/ film. As you can see, we chose to follow the norm of horror trailers, which is evident from the ingredients of horror films, such as the use of religion (however twisted- following the conventions), mask (as a way of villain hiding their identity, whilst creating suspense for its audience, as they are left guessing who the killer is), blood ect... Nevertheless we also wanted to subvert the conventions of horror films by ensuring at least one of protagonists is of ethnic minority background, as many horror films tend to kill ethnic minority characters first. In the same way, we wanted to portray the final girl to be masculine, as well as her being of an ethnic minority background, as a way of reinforcing our subversion, whilst making our product have a unique selling point.

Adding to this, we began to look at possible names for our horror poster, as a way of reinforcing our narrative, which again is conventional within horror films. These were the possible names we came up with: 'Guess who?', 'Hidden secrets', 'Who done it' ect.... As a way of making it easier for our group to pick the best name, we put this to a vote where we all decided it would be best if we were to go for 'Guess who', in hope to add suspense as a way of playing with the audience's mind as to who the possible killer could be. In addition due to it being a rhetorical question, creates a tense atmosphere, making it unclear as to who may possibly be the next victim (could create moral panic e.g. such 'Psycho' and 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre').  

This is our storyboard, outlining what each shot would be consisted of, here we have said how long each shot should be and the type of shot the frame would be. We done this, due to the fact that we wanted to have an idea as to how the shot would turn out once we actually put it into practice. By doing this made as think of each shot clearly, and how it relates to the narrative without giving too much away. With all of this said, when creating my own trailer, I would ensure that such storyboard is detailed e.g. date, location, as well as consisting of more shots.

Here we began to write and number our narrative, this came about due to the fact that we wanted the trailer to follow in a particular order, as we didn't want to cause confusion amongst our audience. In the same way, it also gave us an insight as to how the narrative could potentially be set out. Furthermore such method enabled as to created the storyboard as we were now sure of what each frame should consist of.. However when creating my own trailer, this would be typed up into a proper narrative, consisting of 150 words, where I would incorporate some form of a cliff hanger. I believe this is effective, as it draws the audience in further, desperate to know what will eventually happen.

This is the basic summary of our whole narrative, as a way of simplifying it for those who may want a little insight of the story. One of the main reason of its effectiveness comes down to the use of rhetorical question, in a sense breaking the fourth-wall, where the audience are also placed within the narrative. In addition the use of rhetorical question can create moral panic (amongst the audience), as it almost feels like a reality  they themselves also need to escape from. I personally believe this is effective, and would consider this in my own trailer

This are the character profiles, we wanted to use an ethnic minority protagonists, as they are often portrayed in horror films. This also reflects our aims, as we wanted to subvert certain representations, as a way of putting our own stump on it 'unique selling point', and potentially targeting a wide range of audience. Is evident throughout our character profiles that our aims are met, in terms of subverting the protagonists. 

What did I learn from this this?

• Greater care is needed when considering narrative, as it can easier cause confusion for both the characters (actors) and directors (us)
• Various location to bring the story alive, as well as making it interesting for our audience. 
• Find characters who are willing to stay behind after school in order for production to reach its ultimate success. Touching on from this, I have found it's a lot harder to find males who are willing to be in front of the camera. When creating my own production, I will ensure that I have back ups for characters in case any for whatever reason drops out. 

Location, location ....

Whilst walking home, I came across this location, which I found interesting for potentially filming my horror trailer. The main reason comes down to the fact that, the light against the shadows are quite effective, giving it that isolated and sinister setting.

Researching in target audience part 2

Researching target audience part 1

Cabin in the woods article, by Sean Richardson

These are a few points that I was able to gather from reading such article, I found these interesting looking at the different characters and what they ultimately brings to the movie.

• 'The opening sequence introduces five college 'types', including the archetypal Whore, Athkete, Fool, scholar and virgin'. Here the article explores and explain the different characters that are portrayed in Cabin in the woods. Such characters are conventional within horror films, supporting  Steve Neal (1980) argument 'genres are instances of repetition and differences'. 
• 'The characters leave the city for a weekend at the cabin in the woods, and the traditional backwoods verses city Levi Strauss binary oppositions are set up.' Here it hints the contrasting setting, I personally believe this subverts Cabin in the woods from any other horror films. It can therefore be argues that this is what made the movie as successful as it did, due to it being different and thus gaining a wide range of audience. 
• 'Horror films such as Evil Dead or Wrong Turn are referenced, with the dark wild backwoods holding the dual push and pull of primal evil verses wild abandon'. Again reinforcing Steve Neal genre. 

Promotion and Marketing... lesson learnt!

Today in our lesson, we were taught ways in which horror films and other genre of films are marketed. Due to the fact that many of us had forgotten about the importance of marketing and promotion, I personally felt it was very helpful, as we would need to conduct such research during our own trailers, posters and magazine covers. In the same way it was useful hearing and discussing, what ultimately attracts people to horror films, going hand in hand with the target audience that particular film aims to target.

Target audience for own trailer:

• Although we have not started our research into target audience for our production, I have already looked into the possible target audience for my trailer (will soon be posting my findings). Personally I want my trailer to target those from the age range 15 and upwards. 

What are the different ways I can promote and market my trailer?

• Interviews (whether is one to one or focus groups.)
• Merchandise e.g. mugs, tops, pens ect..
• Posters
• Soundtracks 
• Magazines 
• Harsh tags on social media such as 'Facebook' and 'Twitter'
• Private screening e.g. could show my trailer to audience, whilst collecting feedback afterwards (what was effective and what needs improvement).
• Cinema adverts (realistically, I'm not entirely sure if this would be possible).

Who / what is distributor?

• The company who own the film and loan it to the cinema to show for a period of time are called the distributors, due to the fact that they distribute the film around the country. 
• The distributors are keen for the film to be successful as possible so they create marketing campaign which aims to raise awareness, throughout the time creating interest. In this way the distributors stand the best chance of making a profit on the film.  

What makes people go and watch films? (This will be helpful when creating my own production, as I would be able to incorporate some on these examples- drawing in more audience in order for my trailer to be successful, as well as my poster and magazine cover). 

• Links to other films
• Word of mouth from peers who have seen it 
• Games which has been turned into films e.g. 'Silent Hill'
• Actors who are present in films
• Good story line
• Classification of age e.g. age range 
• Based on true events 
• Genre e.g. slasher 
• Fan made (fans on take on film) e.g. trailers, poster ect...
• Title (rather is grabbing or not)   

The importance of my trailer:

• Is powerful weapon in the marketing campaign (gives you a sense of whether my  production is going to be successful or not). 
• Posters are important in capturing the initial interest of the audience and drawing them into the your other products e.g. trailers. However they do not bring the excitement and atmosphere of the film in the same way as a trailer does.
• Trailer and sound together is 'larger than life' due to the advancement in technologies, bring audience a great deal of excitement.      
• The trailer stirs emotions and gives us a 'flavour' of the film that is impossible through still images alone.   

 

    

Cabin in the woods (2012)

Exploring Ferdinand Saussure media language, the Signified and Signified