Ellis Course Work

A2 MEDIA

A2 UNIT G324ADVANCED PORTFOLIO IN MEDIA

RESEARCH AND PLANNING

Candidate Name

Candidate Number

Centre Name

Centre Number

Ellis Blunden

The Leigh Academy

61101

How do film magazines use, develop and challenge forms and conventions?

Masthead: This magazine challenges typical forms and conventions used in magazines as the masthead is placed behind the main image. The main images head

covers one of the letters in the magazines masthead which isn’t expected as the masthead is important and is what helps to advertise the companies magazine so people can easily see the company’s title and buy it. In this case they made the

decision to challenge conventions and this draws more focus onto the main image.

Main Image: The main image on the cover of this magazine uses typical form and conventions that we would expect to see on a magazine. The image is positioned in

the center and is very large; taking up a lot of space on the cover, this makes the image the focus of the magazine and shows that the film inception will be featured

somewhere throughout the magazine as the actor on the cover is the main character from that film.

Main Cover Line/Anchorage Text: The main cover line also uses typical forms and conventions that are expected on a magazine cover, its placed in the center of the cover in big bold letters making it stand out from the smaller cover lines. In addition

the main cover line is printed in a red font which contrasts from the smaller cover lines that are printed in black. The main cover line could also be called the anchorage text

on this magazine as the main cover line says ‘Inception’ and this links to the main image on the cover which is of the main actor from the film ‘Inception’.

Cover Lines: The cover lines on the front of this magazine are challenging forms and conventions as they are printed diagonally and look as if they are exploding out of the

page. The way they’ve been printed could be to do with this particular main image/background image.

Puff: The puff slightly develops usual magazine form and conventions as it is placed quite a way into the page, away from the edge and is positioned over the top of the

main image. Typically puffs would be placed around the edge of the cover and doesn’t cover the main images.

How do film magazines use, develop and challenge forms and conventions?

Masthead: The masthead challenges typical forms and conventions as part of the masthead is covered by the head of the main image. This isn’t what we would expect to

see on the front of a magazine; as the masthead is used to advertise a magazine and so people can see what magazine it is. The masthead is normally one of the main focuses

on the front of a magazine but on this issue it is blocked out by the main image.

Skyline: The skyline on this magazine is challenging the forms and conventions of typical magazines as it is presented in bullet points which isn’t what we would expect to see. In addition it has the information of a cover line as it is informing you of information that you

will find inside the magazine; however it is presented as a skyline.

Main Image: The main image uses typical forms and conventions as it is how we would expect a main image to be presented on the front of a magazine. The image is positioned

in the center of the magazine and is very large, taking up almost the whole of the front cover.

Main Cover Line: The main cover line on this magazine uses typical forms an conventions that we would expect to see on a magazine. The main cover line is printed in larger font than the smaller cover lines and is in a bright white which contrasts from the paler grey that is used for the cover lines, this shows that ‘avatar’ is the focus on the front of this

magazine.

Cover Lines: Some of the cover lines on the front of this magazine develop typical forms and conventions as they overlap onto part of the main image. Normally the cover lines will

stay separate from the image and have space around them but on this magazine issue they’ve put a cover lines over the top of the avatar (main image) shoulder.

Colours: The magazine has developed a colour scheme to fit in line with the image on the front of this particular issue. The avatar (main image) is coloured a few different shades of light blue and so the magazine has chose to use colours that compliment this across the whole of their front page. The background has been printed in the same blue colours that

the avatar is; also the masthead, main cover line and cover lines have been printed in white and grey which compliments the colour of the background and main image.

How do film posters use, develop and challenge forms and conventions?

This film poster develops forms and conventions by fading the heads of the two main actors into the background at the top of the poster. This isn’t typical of film posters as normally the main actors would be in full

view and focus at the front and center of the poster. This poster also challenges typical forms and conventions as there is a large bright light source coming from in between the two actors heads

slightly above the center of the poster and this draws focus to this point of the poster.

The location of the film is shown in the bottom half of the poster and both of the main characters are shown again; they are positioned quite

small and are in the distance and so this challenges conventions as normally the characters wouldn’t be so small and they would be more in

the center so they are the focus. This film poster also challenges forms and conventions as it includes a synopsis on it, this isn’t expected on film posters as they don’t normally

give information as what will happen in the film. Also it challenges conventions as it is positioned in a cluster on the right hand side of the

poster.

How do film posters use, develop and challenge forms and conventions?

This film poster uses typical forms and conventions, the layout and presentation of this poster is very formulaic. The image of the main

actors is positioned in the center of the poster and takes up the majority of the space on the poster which shows that it is the main

focus and the picture is used to attract people to the film, the image used is all very structured and it is typical for film posters to present

images like this.In addition the film title also reinforces typical film poster forms and conventions as it is printed in very large font and it is very bold and the bright white font used makes it contrast and stand out from the block red background; as well as making it stand out from the rest

of the writing on the poster which shows that it is the focus. The title is positioned towards the top of the poster and is just about the

image of the characters which again reinforces typical forms and conventions as it is near the top and isn’t covering any parts of the

image. Further more the poster follows forms and conventions expected on a film poster as it has the five main actors names printed relatively

small compared to the title at the very top of the poster which is typical to see; we expect to see actors names on film posters so we

know who will be starring in the film. Also the poster follows forms and conventions of a film poster as at

the very bottom of the poster it has the release date which we expect to see on posters so we know when it will be out in cinemas

for audiences to view.

How do film trailers use, develop and challenge forms and conventions?

A disclaimer is showed at the start of the trailer for insidious 2; this is shown as it is a generic statement that has to be shown

at the start of all trailers.

An establishing shot is used at the opening of the trailer and this shows that it is using typical forms and conventions found in film trailers. This type of shot is used to show the audience where the film is set and for this film – insidious 2 – it is set

within a normal family home.

This is a medium long shot of the main characters in the film; this shot is shown at the start of the trailer and this again uses typical forms and conventions that we expect to see within film

trailers as it introduces the characters and shows who is the focus in the film. The parallel mood music played over the top of the opening scenes suggest it is a loving and happy family film and the scenes help to reinforce this as they show happy scenes of a family together and have bright lighting to suggest their is a lot of happiness. However not long into the trailer the

lighting becomes a lot darker and the music changes which shows the difference in moods; in addition the action in the

shots changes as it becomes a lot darker and more terrifying.

How do film trailers use, develop and challenge forms and conventions?

The insidious 2 trailer doesn’t use any voiceovers throughout the trailer; however at the start it uses a few statements that relate to the film and

give an insight into what the film is about/a backstory to the events. This develops conventions that we expect to see in a film trailer as we expect there to be a voice over however instead they just use small statements

positioned on top of a black background.

Shot reverse shots are used during the trailer and this follows typical film trailer conventions. This shot is used to show dialogue between two

characters which is why it is commonly seen in all types of genre film trailers. In addition this shot reverse shot is filmed at a slight high angle

which portrays the female as being weaker and more vulnerable which is typical to see in trailers and films as females are stereotypically the

weaker gender.

At this point in the trailer the tension heightens and the music changes to become more dramatic, dark and eerie which creates a mysterious and creepy atmosphere. This is called parallel mood music and this is often found in film trailers as it helps to set the mood, tell the audience what genre of film it will be and also helps to explain and heighten the action that will be shown in the trailer/film. The dark music helps to entice the audience in to the film and shows a quick and clear contrast from the

happier music played at the start of the movie. The fast pace editing use follows trailer conventions after the opening of the trailer as at the start the editing is quite slow and this challenges typical film trailer conventions that are based in the horror genre as they tend to have a lot more action and so have fast pace editing; the slower editing is used to build tension and

suspense. After the opening the trailer does use fast pace ending especially at the ending and this heightens the action and fear.

How do film trailers use, develop and challenge forms and conventions?

The insidious 2 trailer develops film typical forms and conventions as it gives an insight into the director of the film although the directors names are not actually shown in the

trailer. In addition this trailer doesn’t present the main actors names anywhere throughout the trailer; this challenges typical

forms and conventions that are expected in any film trailer.

This trailer uses dialogue to carry the trailer along which challenges forms and conventions of a cinematic film trailer. In

cinematic film trailers we expect there to be a voice over narrating the scenes and actions that are shown, however this shows different clips of dialogue that are taken from different

scenes throughout the film.

At the end of the trailer the name of the film is shown,

followed by the films release date. This follows typical film trailer conventions as every trailer always presents the

name and date that the film will be in cinemas to inform their

audience.

Me and Earl and The Dying Girl Trailer AnalysisThe opening shot in this trailer is a medium close up of the main character of the film; this is

typical to be shown in dramas as it helps to portray characters emotions. It is typical of drama film to introduce the main characters straight away within the location that they are set in; in

this case the main character is set in his bedroom at his computer. Often the main characters of a drama film will be presented on their own and then you will follow the journey of how they

meet and the events that they experience together. The parallel mood music played during this shot is quite upbeat and suggests a light hearted and happy mood however the lighting in

this shot is quite dark which challenges the lighting you would expect to see in the happier, more upbeat parts of a drama trailer. Narrative is used during this shot, this is using typical

drama film trailer conventions as narrative helps to present a character and their life stories/journeys.

This is an establishing shot which is using typical drama film trailer conventions, it portrays the set of which the film is based and can also contribute to the mood the audience should feel. The scene in this shot sets a lovely and happy atmosphere at the start which is before any drama or conflict happens, this is often shown in dramas so they can set a happy and

positive mood to then contrast with the more negative and deeper atmospheres when drama / incidents occur. The parallel mood music is the same happy and upbeat track it was

throughout the first shot and again there is narrative over the top which helps to move the trailer along through the journey of the characters lives and explains parts of the story to the

audience. In this shot the lighting is very high key and it shows some vibrant colours that compliment each other to create a lovely, happy and simple mood which is typical of

establishing shots in dramas as they start of in a happy and upbeat place before the story begins.

This is an extreme close up and it is used to show detail and the characters emotions, this uses typical conventions that we expect to find within a drama film trailer. The editing between

this shot, the previous shot and the shot that follows on after this is relatively fast which challenges typical conventions of a drama film, the fast pace creates excitement and shows that there is action and drama within the film. During this shot there is dialogue played over

the top which helps to carry the trailer along by telling the audience part of the story, this follows typical drama film conventions.

Me and Earl and The Dying Girl Trailer Analysis

This is a medium close up which uses typical drama film conventions as it can create a dramatic atmosphere; this particular shot is used to show a loving

emotional intimate shot, which is what we expect to find in drama genre films. At this point in the trailer the parallel mood music changes from the upbeat track before to a slower paced, romantic track; this uses typical drama film

conventions as a lot of dramas involve a love story of some kind. However this particular film trailer then challenges the drama film conventions as the music comes to an abrupt end and is followed by a voiceover which states that this

isn’t a film about a love story.

This medium shot is used to intensify emotions and this is what we expect to see in this genre film. The lighting and colours used in this shot are relatively dimmer/darker in comparison to other scenes used at the start of the trailer,

darker lighting and colours are often used in drama films to show when there is a sadder atmosphere and when the main part of drama occurs in the film.

There is dialogue used in this shot, the girl says ‘its so much harder than I’d thought’ and this shows her talking about her thoughts and feelings to someone who she has a strong connection with and this is typical to see in this genre of

film as we expect that a lot of the dialogue used will explain characters emotions, relationships or problems.

The end shot of the trailer is another medium close up which again is typical to see within this genre of film; its used to show characters emotions. This shot

shows the main male and female character together; this is what we expect to see in this genre of film as dramas normal have a male and female protagonist and don’t often include antagonists as the story revolves around the two main protagonists journey together. The editing between the shots before this final shot of the trailer use fast paced editing, the shots are very short and have

sharp quick cuts; this challenges the type of editing that we would expect to see in this genre film; the fast paced editing is used at the end of the trailer to build

excitement and drama for the audience.

Film Magazine and Poster TechnologiesPhysical Technology

Photographical Cameras: Cameras are used to take photos for film magazines and posters so that companies can advertise their film. Using photos to advertise films makes it more engaging and interesting for the

audience who are interested in the film and film magazines. Typical modern day ,digital, professional cameras are used in the film and magazine industry,

such as a Canon EOS 5DS Digital SLR Body, all these cameras produce high definition photographs and they store them on a memory card which can

then be uploaded quick and easy onto a computer for editing and printing. Studio: Photographs taken for film magazine and poster purposes are taken within a studio. A typical studio is located in a large clear room that normally

has white flooring and backdrop, it includes professional lighting, green screen, cameras, tripod, tinted gels to colour the lighting and memory cards. Having all of these things ensures that the photos taken for the film company

are of good quality and are professional.

Digital TechnologyComputer Hardware: Film magazine/poster designers will use 1080P or 1440P monitors, like the BenQ GW2765HT, so they can see everything in high definition. In addition designers would have an expensive high tech

computer so that it has a fast processor so works quickly and good memory so that they can store a lot of work and photographs etc on them.

Memory Cards: A memory card allows you to store things externally without the camera. It makes photos easily transferable and a lot quicker and easier

than having to connect the camera to a computer with leads. Internal memory on a camera would run out really quickly so having a memory card

means that loads more photos can be taken and stored.

Film Magazine and Poster TechnologiesSoftware

Photoshop: Photoshop is often used by film magazine and poster designers as it is an easy advanced software that allows designers to use many tools. The software allows designers to use airbrush tools to edit their photos as well as apply different layers of effects and text. In

addition designers can fix perspective error and change the type of format the file is stored as.

Promotion Software: Promotion software includes things such as electronic billboards and advertisements in apps etc. These are used

to benefit film companies as it helps promote their films to loads of different types of people so they can engage an audience.

PrintingPrinting Processes: Film magazine and poster manufacturers use

modern day printer presses to print many copies of their product within a very short amount of time. The printer press is a very fast, easy ad

convenient way of printing high quality images/products. Printer Hardware: The printer hardware is the computer which is used

to connect the printer with the software which you are printing from. The computer has the files that are wanting to be printed imported onto them and then the manufactures can print from there however

many copies are required.

Film Trailer Technologies Physical Technology

Video Cameras: When creating film trailers professional industrial cameras are used, these cameras have a tape compartment so footage can be stored onto them as well

as a battery compartment so that the camera can be powered and used to film in locations where plug sockets aren’t accessible, this makes the cameras easily

portable. These cameras can be used to film loads of different types of shots as well as having buttons to enable people to zoom in and out of a shot and enable people to

film pull focus shots. Microphones: Microphones are connected to the video cameras when filming, the

microphone enables sounds and dialogue to be picked up easily and clearly. Using a microphone is useful as it makes dialogue a lot clearer and easier to be heard

compared to when filming without a microphone.Lighting: Lighting is an important factor when filming, professional industrial lights

are used to create the correct level of shade and light in different shots. Lights can be made brighter and dimmer and even tinted different colours to create different moods and atmospheres. Lighting can help when filming in dark settings or filming at night

as the lights are used so actors, props and surroundings can be seen.

Digital TechnologyComputer Hardware: Film trailer producers use computers that have 1080P or

1440P monitors. This means they would be able to see everything in high definition and have a good quality fast processor which means that they can work fast and

effectively whilst viewing film footage in high quality. In addition the computer hardware would have good memory so a lot of footage can be stored on them.

Inputs: The firewire connects the cameras to the computer. This enable easy transfer of all the footage from the camera it was filmed on to the computer where it will be

stored and edited.

Film Trailer Technologies

SoftwareFinal Cut Pro: Final cut pro is an example of a film editing software that

may be used by people within the film industry. Final cut pro enables users to import their clips and then order them in the order they wish for them to appear when watching the clips altogether. This software offers

many tools such as cut, which is used to cut out sections of clips that are not needed. The software also has tools so text can be added onto of clips, for title slates etc, the text can be edited by changing font, size,

colour, style, how the text appears on the screen or how long it appears for. In addition this software allows users to colour grade which means

that the colours of shots can be altered and this may be used to change the atmosphere/mood of the film or clip. Also final cut pro enables

sounds and music tracks to be imported so they can be added in, to play over the sequence of clips. This software has all the correct and necessary tools for editors to be able to edit and create a good

sequenced film or film trailer.

DistributionDVD Burning: DVD burning is a process which allows photos, videos or music to be copied from a computer onto a blank DVD. This technology is used in the film industry as it enables film producers to produce and

then distribute the same copy of their film as many times as they wish. In addition DVD burning could be used to store photos on, for film posters or magazines, and the disc can then be used by someone else to easily access these photos. DVD’s have a lot of storage which is why they are

good to use when burning and distributing films.

Film Promotion Questionnaire• In order of 1-5 what is the most eye-catching feature of a film poster? • What colours do you associate with romantic drama film posters? & Why?• In order of 1-5 what is the most eye-catching feature of a film magazine? • What colours stand out the most to you on film magazines? & Why?• Do you prefer male or female leads in a romantic drama?• What audio convention do you prefer more in a romantic drama trailer, dialogue or music?• Do you prefer romantic drama films to have happy endings where both characters live or

sadder endings where a character may die or get separated? & Why?• What colours do you expect to see in romantic drama film trailers? & Why?• What content would you like to find within a film magazine?• Think about the style of text you would associate with the romantic drama film genre and

describe it in a few words below.

Film Promotion Questionnaire Analysis • Question 1 – ‘In order of 1-5 what is the most eye-catching feature of a film poster?’I used this question as I wanted to know what element of the film poster I should focus on and make prominent on the poster. I found from my

questionnaires that the most popular answer was that the main image is the most eye-catching feature on a film poster; in addition I found that the least eye-catching feature on a film poster is cast names. I think that my audience find main images more eye-catching as they are aesthetically pleasing and stand out a lot more compared to text. Also the image can help to tell the audience about the film compared to cast names which don’t tell the audience anything about the plot or genre etc. The information I discovered from this question will influence me when designing my film poster as I will make sure include a good and large main image.

• Question 2 - ‘What colours do you associate with romantic drama film posters? & Why?’I used this question specifically to find out what colours would be suitable for me to use on my film poster. The most popular answer from my

questionnaires was red & white, and the main reason for people choosing these colours was because they represent, love, happiness and innocence which is what they expect from a romantic drama film. Thinking about my audience I believe they chose these colours as they represent the feelings and moods that everyone expects to see from a romantic drama film, such as red representing the love and romance. This will influence me when creating my film poster as I will now try to incorporate red and white within it.

• Question 3 – ‘In order of 1-5 what is the most eye-catching feature of a film magazine?’I used this question in my questionnaire as I was interested in finding out what my target audience thought is the most eye catching feature on film

magazines. I found that the most popular answer was again the main image, and I also found that the skyline was the least eye-catching feature. I feel my audience may have chose the main image as the most eye-catching feature as images stand out more and are interesting to look at. I will use the answers from this question to influence me when creating my film magazine cover; I’ll include a suitable main image printed across a large part of the cover so it catches peoples eye and I won’t spend ages creating a skyline as they aren’t as important or eye-catching for my target audience.

• Question 4 – What colours stand out the most to you on film magazines? & Why?I used this question in my questionnaire as I wanted to see what colours my audience felt stood out most on film magazines and therefore would be more eye catching compared to other magazines. I found that the most popular answer was red and black and the reason for this was because they are very bold colours. I think my audience chose these colours as they are bold and would be most eye catching, and also the colours red and black go well together and compliment each other. I will use what I have found out from this question when creating my film magazine, I will try to incorporate red and black or if not I will opt for other bold colours that I feel are just as eye catching and I will avoid pale and lighter colours.• Question 5 – ‘Do you prefer male or female leads in a romantic drama?’I used this question in my questionnaire to see what gender lead my audience would prefer so I know what to consider when creating my film trailer. The results from this question show that males are preferred leads over females, but only slightly as some people thought that in a romantic drama both male and female leads are equal. I feel that my audience chose males as my target audience is females and they prefer the opposite sex as they are attracted to them however some of my target audience said they preferred females as they could relate to them. I will think about my audiences opinions when creating my trailer, I think I may choose to have both a male and female lead and not have one more important than the other.

Film Promotion Questionnaire Analysis • Question 6 – What audio convention do you prefer more in a romantic drama trailer, dialogue or music?I used this question in my questionnaire to see what audio convention I should use in my trailer. I found that people prefer dialogue more than music; I think this is because hearing dialogue helps to tell some of the story within the short time that the trailer last and so it engages the audience more. When creating my trailer I shall think about what audio conventions my audience would prefer and will make sure to include some clips of dialogue throughout. • Question 7 – Do you prefer romantic drama films to have happy endings where both characters live or sadder endings where a

character may die or get separated? & Why?I used this question in my questionnaire to find out what ending people prefer to watch in romantic drama films, whether they prefer happier endings or sadder endings. The results showed me that people prefer watching films with happier endings and it makes them feel happy and content and makes them feel as if the story is properly finished. I think that my audience chose happier endings over sadder ones as when people watch a sad film it makes them feel sad and change their mood and so an audience would prefer to be put in a good mood. However the people that did prefer sadder endings find them more engaging and gripping to watch and find them more dramatic. I will consider what I have found out when making my trailer and will choose an ending that I feel will be preferred by my target audience but will also be engaging to watch.• Question 8 – What colours do you expect to see in romantic drama film trailers? & Why?I used this question in my questionnaire to find out what colours my target audience expect to see when watching a romantic drama film. I found that people expect to see reds, pinks and yellows as these are light and happy colours. I feel that my audience would have chosen these colours as they are bright, vibrant and happy colours and the reds and pinks are linked to romance and love. I will consider using these colours when creating my film trailer, as well as consider other colours that are considered as being happy, light, romantic and warm.• Question 9 – What content would you like to find within a film magazine?I used this question in my questionnaire to see what content my audience would like to see within a film magazine so that I know what to advertise on my magazine cover. I found that the most popular answer was information on current film plots as well as information on new releases, in addition other answers given of this question included interviews and secret behind the scenes information. I feel that film plots and new releases was the most popular as people like to read about film plots so they know whether they want to see the film or not and new releases allows people to see what will be available to watch on cinema or dvd in the near future. I will consider what I have found out when making my film magazine cover and make sure that I advertise on the cover new releases and plot information for different movies. • Question 10 – Think about the style of text you would associate with the romantic drama film genre and describe it in a few words

below.I used this question in my questionnaire to see what my target audience felt was the right style of font to use when creating romantic drama film posters, magazine covers or film trailers. I found that everyone who answered my questionnaire described a curly type of font that looks like handwriting as it is elegant and fancy. I feel that this is the typical font that everyone would associate with romantic dramas as it is very light and delicate which is what you expect from romantic films. I will make sure to use font that looks elegant and is similar to handwriting when creating my film trailer, poster and magazine cover.