'Empire' Magazine Research

This magazine focuses on the the action film genre, therefore like the other magazines, therefore there are aspects of the magazine which a cater for this genre. The colours used on this magazine, unlike the other magazine, is extremely conventional to the genre in which it is advertising. There are three main colours used on this magazine cover, which are green, black and white, these colours allows the audience to understand that dark happenings from evil people will occur, the black and the green, however the good will do anything to prevail this from taking over, therefore the good, seen in the white, always seems to be surrounding the dark. As the cover has only used these main three colours, it does also mean that the final look of the cover, is professional, clean and allows everything to link together. Although there may be significant reasoning to why these colours have been used, these colours also allow writing and images to be clearly seen.

The splash used on this cover, is extremely different, when compared to the other two cover in which I have looked at, therefore is unconventional. The positioning of the splash, is extremely clover, as due to the visual hierarchy, the placing of the splash means that it is one of the first things in which a reader will see, which means that the film gets instant advertisement, which is the purpose of the magazine. The splash, like on the other magazine, has certain words which are in a bigger font and others which are in smaller. The reasoning behind this within this splash, is the words 'The Dark Night' is in a bigger font, as this will draw the reader into the magazine, due to the film being extremely popular and already having a fan base due to the children's series and the past films which have been made. However the words 'Batman vs the Joker - summer just got serious' are in a smaller font for a very good reason. As they are in a smaller font, it makes people look into what is written, therefore persuades people to look further into the magazine and the film as they wonder why the splash has been written like that. The splash is in a black font, which shows that there is a lot of darkness within this film, however the white border could show that although there is a lot of darkness, that good will always prevail, and beat darkness no matter how much there is, which relates to the genre of this film.

The picture used on this magazine cover takes up the entire page, which therefore means that the readers eye is instantly drawn to it, due to the size. As the image is close up, instant recognition instantly occurs, meaning that the readers, will want to look further into the magazine and film. However, this also means that due to the image used, it allows the character to look strange, which will appeal the readers, as they will wonder why he is dressed so strangely. On the other hand due to the males face being painted in a white colour and his clothing being dark, due to the contrasting colours looks aesthetically pleasing, this will also catch the eye of the audience, which may lead them to looking further into the magazine and the film. As the image is placed as a background on the cover, this does allow the impression that the image is the least important component of the front cover, which would mean this is unconventional. However this may have been done as also Keith Ledger is a very well known actor, he is not known for a Batman film, therefore the splash is needed to allow readers to associate this famous actor with this film, as this is primarily the purpose of the magazine.

The title on this magazine could be said as being the unconventional, due to it being in the same font, colour and place as the splash. This could therefore cause the reader confusion, as they do not know which to look at. However due to the title being in a bigger font, this could cause the readers eye to first fall on this, meaning that the reader is able to instantly recognise the the brand of the magazine, which could cause more readers to be attracted to the magazine, due to them knowing the brand. This could therefore mean that the film on the front cover may get more recognition, due to the reader being attracted to the title, before the splash. The colouring of the title, like the splash, could reflect that within this genre, due to the title being placed in a black font, there is a lot of darkness within this film, however the white border could show that although there is a lot of darkness, that good will always prevail, and beat darkness no matter how much there is. The placing of the title also means that, due to the visual hierarchy, it is one of the first things the reader will see.

The subtitles on this cover, are placed on the left, at the top and at the bottom. This means that like the other magazine, it frames the image, meaning that although they are placed on top of the image, it does mean that the readers eye is drawn more to the image, as the subtitle's frame it. However due to the bright or contrasting colours of the subtitles, it does mean that they stand out on the page, naturally drawing the eye of the reader. Like most subtitle's, and the splash on this magazine cover, there are words within each subtitle which are bigger than other. Like in the splash, this has been done as certain words will draw the reader to the magazine, which are usually the words in the bigger font, however others draw the reader into the magazine, which are usually the words in the smaller font. This may mean that the film on the front cover may get more advertisement, as it will have a big section within the magazine, therefore if the image or splash didn't make the reader want to read into the film, then the subtitles have persuaded them to look further into the magazine. Like most magazine cover, advertisements have also been used, which are also an element which could cause the reader to look further into the magazine, on this cover, this is placed above the title and in a big font, to allow it catch the eye of the reader and persuade them to look further into the magazine and film.

'Total Film' Magazine research

This magazine looks at the genre science-fiction, which means that different aspects of the magazine will cater for this genre. The colours scheme used by this magazine, is extremely simple, yet very effective. The use of the black, white and red throughout the front cover, allows it all to link together and have a clean professional finish. The us of the black and white allows the front cover to look unnatural, which aspects of this genre also portrays. The use of the red on this cover allows different aspects to stand out clearly, however, this does not reflect any aspects which could be brought from the science-fiction genre, therefore this is unconventional to this magazine. Therefore the colours used on this magazine cover are both conventional and unconventional, which was also seen on the other magazine cover which advertised a horror film , this could therefore show, that the colours used on the magazines, do not always have to be conventional to the genre in which it is advertising.

The splash on this magazine cover, is placed at the bottom of the page, which could also be seen as unconventional. This is because due to the visual hierarchy this would be the last thing that the readers eye would be drawn to, meaning that the film on the front of the magazine would not be the first thing to be advertised. However aspects of the splash, allow it to draw the eye of the audience, therefore advertising the film. As the splash is in a bold and big sized font, this means that the audiences eye is instantly drawn to the splash, therefore instant advertising is able to take place of the film. As the splash is in a white colour, this could be seen as conventional or unconventional, as on the image it is conventional at it stands out on the black, with it being a contrasting colour. However the corners of the splash are against the background colour, which is also white. On the other hand, as the splash has a faint black outline, it does allow the splash to stand out even on the same coloured background, therefore it easily draws the eye of the audience. As the splash is placed on top of the image, this could reflect that the name of the film is more important, in advertising, than the actual actor, although he is well known with the film. The name is more important, as 'Star Trek' is a well known series, which has a broad audience, therefore would have a big audience instantly due to it being well known. The use of the word 'coolest' being underlined, also allow attention of the reader to be brought to that word, therefore persuades the reader to see the film, as others who have seen it have enjoyed it.

The image used is a close up shot of a well known character of 'Star Trek', which means when he is seen, an instant recognition takes place, therefore drawing the targeted readers, which will already recognise the actor from the series of 'Star Trek'. This image takes up the entire page, therefore making an impact on the reader as soon as they see it, however it also means that the reader will be able to recognise the character from a far distance, therefore attracting the targeted audience to the magazine. The lighting on the image is very cleverly done and due to the lighting it is able to reflect certain aspects of the character. Due to this, the reader is able to see that this character may have two personalities, one where he is happy, trustworthy and kind and one where his darker side is able to show itself. The colouring of the image is very simple, yet cleverly done. The use of the black and white, allows the audience to see certain aspects of everyday things to be seen in a different light, which this sort of genre allows the audience to experience also. As the image is placed under other aspects of the magazine cover, this could reflect that his image is not as important, however it could also reflect that this genre takes things which are sometimes unnoticed, shows that they are much more, which I believe this image is also meant to reflect.

The title on this magazine cover, like most, is placed at the top of the magazine, meaning that it will be the first thing which the readers eye will be attracted to, due to the visual hierarchy, meaning that the brand of the magazine is instantly known, which could attract and persuade more readers to pick up the magazine and look at the film advertised on the front cover. However, like the splash, this title is in a white colour, which when over the image is extremely conventional, as it contrasts from the black, therefore standing out on the page, attracting the attention of the reader. However, at the corners where it meets the white background, it become unconventional, meaning that it could be hard to see what the title says, meaning that instant recognition may not be able to take place. On the other hand this does mean that the readers attention is placed on the film, meaning that it may get more advertisement than the brand of the magazine, which is very clever, as this is the main purpose of the magazine. However as the title is in a bold and big sized font which takes up a good percentage of the page, it does mean that the readers attention does fall onto the title, meaning that recognition of the brand does occur. Clever editing is also used on this title, as the the word 'total' is placed within the main title, like seen on the other magazine, however this word is transparent, which may draw people to the magazine, due to it looking interesting.

The subtitles on this magazine are both conventional and unconventional, due to the colours which they have been placed in. As some of in a black colour, this means that they are very visible on the page, and will naturally draw the attention of the reader. This will also occur with those which are placed in a red font, or who have a red border around it, however, those which are in the colour white, would be seen as unconventional, as they are extremely hard to read, therefore would not draw the attention of the reader, as much as those which are conventional. However those that are placed in white, do draw the reader who is already looking at the magazine, as they look further into those subtitles, to allow them to be read. Like on the other magazine cover, the subtitles are placed around the image, which gives the impression of bordering it, which means that the readers main attention is placed on the main feature on the page. However the use of the subtitles being placed around the image, means that once the attention has fallen from the main feature, it then naturally falls on the subtitles around it. As each subtitle is in big and small fonts, it means that the words which will draw the reader into the magazine are in a bigger font, which is the purpose of the subtitles. It also means however that the attention of the reader will fall on the subtitles, as they look aesthetically pleasing and interesting to the reader.

'Entertainment' Magazine research

This magazine front cover, looks at the genre which I am focusing within this project. However in many ways this front cover is extremely unconventional. The first way this is done, is through the colours which have been used on this front cover. Conventional colours within a horror genre are usually dark mysterious colour which causes fear and anxiety to grow within the user, however due to the colours used on this cover, it does not cause any of these emotions to audience. As the main three colours within this magazine are red, white and yellow, the emotions which are evoked are none of them stated above. However with the use of the red, the target audience does get a clue that this film will include some horrific things which will make your blood turn cold. The use of the white and the yellow, could also be a clue that even people who seem bright and bubbly and seem like an everyday person, can turn to the dark side.

The splash on this cover, cuts straight across the image, which could reflect that the name of the film, is a lot more important than the characters within it. The splash is also in a bold, big sized font, which allows the readers eyes to be instantly drawn to it. This is also helped by its position on the page, as it is placed in the middle of the page, and takes up a big percentage of it, it means that the eye is easily drawn, therefore advertising the film to the target audience, before they even realise what its even about, which is the main motive for it being on the front cover of a film magazine. The colours used on the splash is also extremely cleverly done and is another major reason why the eye is so easily drawn to it. As the main colour of this splash is white, it allows the red and black border to make it stand out. However this also allows the title to reflect that although a person is innocent and true, the way they are made to be portrayed, can allow people to forget who they really are.

The image used on this cover, takes up the entire front cover, which allows the eye of the user to naturally be drawn to it. This could also reflect that within the film 'Paranormal Activity', that these characters play a very important role. The facial expressions within the image, allows an increase in fear and anxiety to be placed in the audience. This is done, as they do not know why they look so scared, therefore causes them to feel some fear, as they do not know what they are fearing. This was similarly used in the trailers and the DVD covers, as the murders identity was never revealed, so therefore caused more anxiety to increase, because of this been unknown. Although the image has the splash placed over it, the image itself is placed partly over the title of the magazine. This could therefore mean that the characters within the film are unknown, therefore this would be why the name of the film within the splash would be more important they they would be, as the name would advertise and persuade people to watch the film as it creates fear within the audience. However due to the actor and actress not being known, this will not advertise the film more than the name of it, however their facial expression does, therefore it is more important than the title of the magazine.

The title of the magazine, although is partly taken up by the image, attracts the audiences eye naturally due to its position on the page. As it is at the top, due to the visual hierarchy, the eye is first of all drawn to this, therefore the magazine brand is instantly recognised. This could mean that the film on the front cover is advertised more, as if the magazine brand is popular, the audience is more likely to look at the magazine, than if it was unknown. The title is in a bold and big sized font, which ensures, even with part of it covered, that the eye is drawn to it, to allow the reader to know what magazine it is. The use of the red colour, also allows it to stand out on the page, therefore drawing the eye once again, too allow recognition to occur. The use of the word 'weekly' being printed within the other letters of the title, is very clever editing and is a good example of it. This however also allows a sort of logo to be created for the magazine, which would also allow easy recognition. The use of this being white also allows it to be visible against the red title.

The sub titles on this page are placed around the main feature for a very good reason. This allows the readers attention to be drawn to the main feature on the front cover, however due to the way in which the subtitles have been placed it allows the attention of the reader to move to them. The use of the subtitles being placed on either side of the main feature, also allows it be frame it, giving the , magazine a professional clean finish. As the subtitles are placed in a black, yellow or red, it means that they stand out from the white background, therefore meaning that they draw the eye of the reader. Each individual subtitle also uses two colours, which allows them to look exiting, therefore again drawing the eye of the reader which is also the reason in placing a coloured box around a subtitle, but to also allow it to stand out and look different from the rest. The different sizing in font, also allows them to look very different to anything else on the page, therefore allowing the readers eye to finally be attracted to them, as if they were any bigger, they may take the attention away from the main article.

Little problem ...

I am having a problem at the moment, in that I can not find any film magazine which has got a cover on the trailers and DVD covers in which I have done. Therefore I am going to do three film magazine front covers, but they will not be on the films which I have focused on previously, and may not even be within the genre in which I am doing. However through this research I will be able to see how magazines portray different film genres and hopefully will be able to apply this knowledge to my own genre.

'Halloween' DVD Cover Research

This DVD cover, uses many techniques to draw the audience to the DVD and to persuade them to buy and watch it. This DVD cover places the title at the top of the cover, which is extremely conventional, as this means that it will be the first thing which the audiences eye is drawn to when looking at this cover, due to the visual hierarchy. This title is also big and bold on the page, therefore places a dominance over the page, which also allows it to draw the eye of the user. The use of the contrasting colours, also allows the users eye to be drawn to the title. All these aspects are very sufficient, as they all mean that as soon as the target audience is attracted to this cover, they instantly know what the film is, but it will also intrigue those which have not seen the film before, as Halloween is acknowledged world wide. The title itself, is extremely clever, as although it is acknowledged throughout nations, it also allows the target audience to understand the genre instantly, therefore allowing the wanted target audience to be attracted.

The image on this cover, is the most dominant aspect of this cover. This is done by it being placed in the middle of the screen, therefore the eye is naturally drawn to it, but also due to it being a big size on the cover. This could also imply that within the film, like the picture takes over the cover, so does this figure, meaning that it may be biased around him and his actions. The audience is also drawn to this cover due to the picture, like the title, being in contrasting colour to that of the rest of the cover, which allows it to stand out, but will also draw the eye of the reader. Another aspect of the picture used, is its unnatural look, which gives in unsent to the murderer within this film, that he is unnatural, which causes both confusion but also fear, as why he unnatural is unknown to the user. The use of the mask, also allows the identity of the murderer to be hidden, which causes the user an increase in anxiety, as they do not know who this killer is, therefore allows them to feel their own life to be threatened as they would not be able to identify this person if they were to see them.

The colours used on this cover are very simple, with the main two being black and white, which could reflect that the film is very dark and gloomy, however there are pieces of light, where this darkness could be stopped. However if this were to be reflected, it would mean that the image of the murderer would be light within the dark, this therefore means that the image could be seen as unconventional, as although he is causing this darkness, he can be portrayed as the light within the film, which is not true. This cover is extremely simple, and does not use many effect like most recent DVD covers within the same genre. This can therefore show the difference within DVD covers over time and how new technology and effect has helped them to progress.

Within this DVD cover, like the other cover it places its title at the top of the screen, to allow the audiences eye to be instantly attracted to it, due to the visual hierarchy. The eye is also attracted to the title as it is bold and a bright contrasting colour, against the black background. The means that when the audience is attracted to the DVD that the title will be one of the first things which attracts them, therefore they instantly know what film is, but this could also mean finding the film is a lot easier. Unlike the first cover, this cover does use the same font, but a different colour is used. This is done as it allows a link to be made between the picture and the title, which the cover cover also does. This is done to allow the whole cover to work together, which would not be achievable without these subtle links. The title used on this cover is also a reasonable size, which is done for various reasons. The first of these is to allow the title too be visible and readable from a distance, which will allow the audience to find the DVD a lot easier. It is also done to attract the eye of the audience, as the word 'Halloween' instantly attracts them, as this is acknowledged throughout the world, therefore the target audience will be attracted as Halloween reflects a horror genre.

On this cover a subtitle is used, unlike on the first, this allows an instant link to be created between the trailer and the DVD cover. This caption is also placed in space on the cover, which will not be instantly see. This is done as the audience is not meant to be attracted to this instantly, but is meant to read this once looking at the DVD cover for a while. This caption is therefore the last persuader to the audience to watch the film. However with the use of a contrasting colour to the background, the caption is able to be attract the eye, but as the caption is smaller than the title, it is not instantly seen by the audience. Within this caption the word 'He' is bigger in size, which allows anxiety to be increased within the audience, as they will wonder why he is such a threat.

The image used on this cover, is extremely unusual and forces the audience to take a second look at the DVD cover, to actually work out what the image is. On first look the user is able to see a pumpkin, which would link to the title on the cover, therefore allowing it to work, due to the subtle links, however when looking for a second time the audience is able to see that the pumpkin is made up of knifes, which places an increased amount of anxiety, as the knife if is within a hand which looks as if it is about to stab something. The image take up a majority of the page, which could reflect to the audience that this threat takes over the film. as it does on the cover. The image is also this size to ensure that it catches the eye of the audience, and persuades them to look further into the cover and finally persuade them to watch the film which is the main aim of the cover. The use of the orange through the image, not only allows it to stand out on the page, therefore drawing the eye of the reader, and allows it to resemble that of a pumpkin, but is also allows the image to reflect, violence and heat, giving them an taste to what could be included within the film.

Like the other cover, a simple colour scheme is used on this DVD, the three main colours being black, white and orange. This allows the audience to understand that this film is extremely dark and gloomy through the background being black, however through the use of of white, the audience is given an clue that there is a glimmer of hope, that this dark and evil being can be stopped, however the way in which this is done is completely unknown to the user, as the cover gives no clue of this. However the use of orange, allows the audience to understand that this character who is known as being evil, is like a fire, used by the colour orange on the image, that no matter what people may do, his evil and darkness spread quickly and he is extremely hard to catch and stop. This cover is extremely simple, and does not use many effects like most recent DVD covers within the same genre. This can therefore show the difference within DVD covers over time and how new technology and effect has helped them to progress.

'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' DVD cover research

The DVD cover of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' places the title of the film at the bottom of the cover, which is quite conventional through DVD covers. However this may mean that the title is one of the last things to be seen on the cover due to the visual hierarchy, so therefore this could be seen as unconventional. On the other hand, due to the contrasting colours (white and black), it allows the title to stand out and draw the eye of the reader. The effect which has been placed on the text allows it to look old and forgotten, which could give an insight into what the film is about, it also allows the DVD cover to have an eerie feel which may mean that the target audience could feel uncomfortable, which is the aim of the film, therefore is the aim of the DVD cover. Within the title, all the text is placed in a large font to attract the attention of the target audience, however the 'The' within the title is not in a large font, which could be interpreted as the events within the film, takes over and over shadows the lives the character had. The 'Chainsaw' is also in the largest font, allowing it to be predominant within the title. This is done to allow fear and discomfort to be placed on the audience, as chainsaws are seen as a dangerous tool which any person would not like to come into contact with.

The image used on the DVD cover, causes confusion, fear and discomfort. This is due to a lot of factors, but the major one being that the picture is unclear, as it only shows the chainsaw clearly, however their face, therefore who it is is hidden through lighting and colours. This is what causes the discomfort for the target audience, as who is doing the murders is unknown, which is also done in the trailer, this therefore shows that links between the trailer and DVD cover, are simple, yet allow the same feelings to be predominant throughout both of the products. The image is the predominant factor of the DVD cover, which allows audience to be attracted to the DVD, as it is unusual. It could also reflect that it is this figure is the reasoning for the film, therefore there is a need for it too take over the DVD cover, as it takes over the film.

The colours used on this DVD cover are simple, however they are used cleverly. There are only 3 main colours which are used on this cover, these are black, red and white. The use of the black, causes a dark evil sense to the film, which could reflect that there is no happiness for the people within it, just darkness and loneliness, which could also be reflected in the creature which is causing this atmosphere. The use of the red could reflect danger, death and gruesome activities, which is reflected in the title of the film. This therefore foreshadows to the audience that this film is a horror film, which portrays all the outcomes which the colour red. The colour white is only used on the text, to allow it to stand out, however it could also mean that the figure which is causing all the activity within the film, may be seen as a godly figure to some, as the title which is what he is called is the only thing white.

This DVD cover uses different techniques to create similar atmosphere of the film 'The Chainsaw Massacre'. Like on the first DVD cover, this also places the title at the bottom of the page which is conventional as said before. However unlike the the first DVD cover it does not stand out as much, and this may of been due to the colours used, as they were very similar, with both being a shade of brown. However this could reflect that the events are not always going to be expected, but come from the shadows when least expected. There is also no effect placed onto this title, however this may be due to it not being visible, therefore there may be no reason to place it upon it. On the other hand, unlike on the first DVD cover, this cover does place a bold outline on the title to ensure it is visible for the target audience.

Unlike the other DVD cover, this cover uses three different pictures, which individually allow a combination of emotions to occur. This main image which is placed at that bottom of the cover, causes confusion, suspense and discomfort. Like on the other cover the identity of the person on the lower image is not shown, which causes confusion as it is unknown who it is, therefore the identity of them is also hidden. The chainsaw in which he is also holding, is slightly hidden behind the title, which could imply the way the chainsaw is used, will not be expected, but will come from the shadows when least expected. The use of the faded pictures could reflect that these people were victims of the chainsaw massacre. The use of the fade also allows the images to be clear but not overpowering. Both of these images represent fear and suspense, shown through both eyes and body placement, as the two males have no control in how their bodies are placed, this therefore leads the audience in suspense in what they think will happen to these males. The fear in the females eyes causes anxiety to build, as the reasoning why this fear is present is unknown, therefore causes people to want to watch the film to find out why this has occurred.

Unlike on the other cover, this one has captions on it. The majority of these are names of actors, producers and directors, which allows the audience to want to watch the film as they may recognise the names. However as they were placed around the main image, I do not think that they looked aesthetically pleasing, however they did draw the eye due to this which may have been the reasoning for them to be placed there. There was also a caption of 'every legend has a beginning', which may intrigue the audience and persuade them to watch the film. However all the captions are in a light brown shade, which does cause them to be hard to read, however this could be a way in which makes the audience pick up the DVD to read it.

The colours used on this DVD, being different shades of brown, causes an old and stained, which gives a slight eerie sense to the DVD. This therefore goes with the horror theme, but could also give a sense into what the film is like, this therefore links to the caption about a legend. The colours could also cause a mysterious, distressed and aged look which could be an implication of the house within the film. Is also allows the audience to realise the genre of the film, without having to look at anything else other than the DVD cover, as due to the lack of bright colours, or any real colour at all the audience is able to know that the film is unusual, but mysterious as well. The effect on the DVD is that which was placed on the text on the other DVD cover, which makes the cover look older.

'The hills have eyes' DVD cover research

The DVD cover of 'The Hills Have Eyes', has placed the Titles of the film at the top right hand side, this may be due to the visial hierachy which means that the individual looks at the top of the DVD first, therefore this would be something that the usert would see instantly. This means that they fully understand what film is, which is also helped by the size of the font, as it is big and fills a vast percent of the cover, allows it to be instantly recognisable. The use of the words 'Hills' and 'Eyes' are both ina bigger size than the rest of the title. This may have been done to like in the trailer to give an insent into the creatures within the film which bring so much morror. Consequently this also means that the DVD cover and the film trailer link, as the same font and sizing is the same. The H, E and both S's all are also in a slihglty bigger font, this allows an effect of hills to be also created within the font, linking back to the story line.

The caption on this DVD cover, is placed below the title, yet it is not until the user has a second look that the caption has any attension brought to it. This could resemble that within the film the creatures are always hudden, which adds an extra thrill to the story line as you do not know when these creatures will strike again. The caption is in the same font of that of the title, to allow a link between both to be seen, but also to allow the DVD cover to flow. Like in the title, there are some workds that are bigger than other, which within the caption is 'lucky ones'. This places confusion within the user as it would be thought that the one that didnt die would be the luckiest not the first. This therefore like in the trailer draws people into goin to see the film, but also allows another link to be seen between the trailer and the DVD cover.

The image used on the DVD cover is cleverly used, as due to the picture in which has been used fits the page well and can be seen as some sort of border to the DVD cover. The actual picture on the cover, is misterious and causes questions to be asked, as the figure which is pinning her down is not shown. The fear in her eyes could also cause people to be drawn into the film, as they can clearly see that what ever is pinning her down is unnatural which causes tension and suspence. The use of this image also allows a link to be seen through the DVD cover and the trialer as a simular image is used at the end of the trailer. The image also causes an eerie tension towards the audience due to the shot which has been used, as the image shows only the a close up shot. A use of a long shot could have been used, and the same tension may have still been drawn to the audience, however as there is a close up, the audience is drawn into the fear which she portrays, but it also allows them to ask many questions, such as why hasn't the murderer been shown and why hasn't a long shot been used? All these questions allows the audience to be drawn further into wanting to watch the film.

The colours which have also been used on this DVD colour, are bland, pastel colours, which bring a mysterious, aged and distressed, look upon the DVD cover, which gives an input what the film is like, that distress upon the environment may cause the past the cause implications on the present. Is also allows the audience to realise the genre of the film, without having to look at anything else other than the DVD cover, as due to the lack of bright colours, or any real colour at all the audience is able to know that the film is unusual, but mysterious as well.

'Halloween' Research

The trailer which I have analysed at the moment have all been quite modern, therefore have been able to used special effects which may not have been available year before. This is therefore the reason, which I chose to analysis a trailer which was older, and see if there were any effects which i may be able to take inspiration from. The first thing that the audience hears within this trailer, which causes a sense of discomfort, therefore setting an atmosphere for the rest of the trailer. A shot of a house is then shown and part of the beginning shot is also is also shown of the film, which causes the same effect which is seen at the beginning of the film. This series of shots show someone stabbing someone through two eye holes of a mask. This causes the audience to feel confusion and anxiety to build, as at this time we are unable to see who the murderer is, or who he or she is attacking. At this time also, we are given a non-diagetic dialogue, in a deep tone, exclaiming that the area which this is set in was a small town in America, which places more anxiety onto the audience, as it reminds them that this could occur to anyone. As we see the stabbing the audience is given a low non-diagetic tone, which causes confusion, as the audience does not understand why this is occurring, following this is high pitch, minor non-diagetic tones, which increase in volume and decreases in pitch to cause more confusion and anxiety to increase, as the audience doesn't understand what is happening. The audience is then given a medium shot of a little boy who was the person we saw through the mask eyes. This causes the audience to feel slightly disturbed and distressed as they are unable to understand how someone so young and innocent could do such a violent act.

The viewer is then presented with a caption of the title of the film, unlike in the modern trailers, this trailer shows the title of the film very early on and repeats showing this throughout the trailer, which could show the difference in modern and older trailers. This caption is on a black background, with the writing being in a bold bright colour to allow it to stand out on the screen. The viewer is also shown a pumpkin, to show that the title of the film, is a traditional holiday shared by billions across the world. However as the pumpkins eyes, nose and mouth holes are lit it gives the whole caption screen an eerie sense. At this time, the audience is also given, non-diagetic dialogue, stating the name. However, as it is in a low toned voice is does allow the audience to feel extremely uncomfortable. The audience is then shown a long shot of a male explaining, about the killer, that he is untreatable and kills for no reason, however we are also told that he is also unstoppable. All this information causes the target audience to feel uncomfortable, fear and for anxiety to build as they are also told that this killer is on the loose, therefore could attack anyone, placing them into the trailer, as they may think that he could come after them.

We are then shown a shot a series of short shots of a woman being attacked within her car. The only shot we gain of the male is a long shot, where focus is not placed upon his face, therefore the audience may feel an increase in fear, as the identity of the killer is unknown. The shots of the girl being killed, allows the audience to feel an increase in anxiety, as they want to help the woman, but know that they can not. The only dialogue which is heard at this point, is the scream of the woman, which allows the audience to feel discomfort. A short shot is then shown of the male again, which allows what the male had said earlier, be supported by the shots which the audience had just seen. This shot also allows the audience to see the fear which is in the males eyes with a medium shot being used, allowing the tension within the trailer to build.

The next series of shots, the audience are shown the a group of three girls talking and walking, which lifts the tension within the trailer, however this is suddenly changed, when all are shown with a worried face which was also seen on the male. This then allows the audience to have a rush of anxiety, as what they are looking worried at is unclear, however the audience do have a sense that it may have something to do with the killer which has been mentioned within the trailer, therefore allowing the audience to fear for the characters lives. At this time, there is also an increasing non-diagetic low tone, which also allows the audience to feel an increase in anxiety. The title screen is then shown again, which is supported with the non-diagetic dialogue of repeating 'Halloween', which give the audience a sense that on Halloween, something is going to happen to these girls, because of this murderer.

The next shots are those showing snippets of how the murderer kills these girls and another male. The first shot shows a door slowly opening, which causes the audience to have an increase in anxiety, as the audience realise that this is the murderer, yet the characters do not. Other shots show different ways these characters have been killed, which increases the audiences fear, as they fear for the lives of the female which is still alive. At this point there is also an increasing low tone which causes discomfort and fear to grow within the audience. When the shot of the remaining female is shown this non-diagetic sound changes from a low tone, to that of a high tone, which causes the audience to sense that she is in trouble, but also to allow them to feel uncomfortable. At this point also we are able to hear diagetic cries and screams from the female, allowing the audience to feel discomfort again. In this shot we see a medium shot of the female, however in the shadows we see a white mask. This causes the audiences willingness to help the character to increase, as they know where the killer is, but she does not. In this shot the non-diagetic sound is not heard and we only hear the dialogue of the female, allowing the events happening to her to seem more realistic to the audience.

The following series of shots show a chase seen between the murderer and the female. At this time we hear a non-diagetic low tone which stops and starts and the dialogue of the female, which causes the anxiety of the audience to increase. The anxiety and fear also increases as at this point as the woman runs from the killer, however the killer only walks meaning that no matter how quick the female runs, he will always catch her. This is increased by the woman, not being able to get in a house and the killer is coming closer and closer. After this the title screen in shown again, which causes the trailer to have a cliff hanger, as the audience can not see if the female got away from the killer, meaning that this is a good persuader for the audience to go and watch the film.

'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' Research

At the begging of the trailer, when the producing company logos are shown, a non-diagetic sound is played, first with a shushing noise and then followed by a lullaby. This creates an unsettling tension within the trailer as the voice is of an old woman, yet it is not a soothing voice, but a harsh voice, which causes uncertainty within the audience of why this is present. Therefore this causes a tension and suspense right at the beginning of the trailer. At this time, a series of images are shown, giving implications of where this film is situated, however, it also finally shows the elderly woman, who is singing the lullaby and who she is singing the lullaby to, that it is not a baby, but a fully grown woman tied up. This causes a lot of confusion within the audience and also causes anxiety to increase. A sound is then heard, which could implicate someone who is walking towards them with a limp, which cause more anxiety to be produced as it is uncertain of what the noise really is. At this time both the elderly woman and the woman, have fear in their eyes and also seem startled. The young woman is then slowly zoomed and the audience is able to see the full fear within her eyes. Her breathing also gives irregular, resembling that due to the new presence, which the audience not fully knowing of, she is so fearful as she knows that she is going to be killed. This is followed by the short take of the house with the non-diagetic sound of a woman's scream at the same time. This causes tension and anxiety to yet increase again, meaning that in the first 40 seconds of the trailer the audience are drawn into the film due to the effects in which it has upon them.

The screen suddenly goes blank and a flash a woman's outline is seen, which is then followed by short series of moving pictures which are not shown at times long enough for recognition of what the shot allows visible, which causes both confusion and anxiety. This is also supported by high pitch noise which increases in volume and the dialogue of "you are all going to die" causes anxiety and suspicion to increase. A caption is then shown, then followed by another series of short takes showing knifes parts of bodies and negative images of a male, which is also supported with with non-diagetic screams and sound which sounds like a spring over wound. This could cause an insight into the film, as being people who have been wound so much, that they are at breaking point. This sound also causes anxiety and confusion to increase once more.

The audience are then shown a car travelling towards a male, in this car we are shown that there are happy friends. The non-diagetic sound of the wound spring is sounded again and with this we are given short snippets of a shot and black screen shown very quickly, showing the car over turning. This would cause a lot of confusion within the viewer, as although this is unsettling, there is no insight into why this has been done. Immediately after we see an elderly male, asking the young people if they are ok, this causes more confusion to occur, as the viewer can make no link to this male and the events in which have just happened. A black screen is shown again followed by a side close up of a young female, which allows the user to suddenly feel unsettled of the elderly males presents. We are then presented with an eye line match of the elderly male taking the other young people away in a police vehicle, but why he is doing so is uncertain. Anxiety is suddenly occurred when dialogue of one of the young people asks where they are being taken and they are given no reply. This causes the audience to feel unsettled, but also gives them an insight that these people are know in trouble which causes anxiety to increase once more. We are then shown a shot of a woman underneath a car, and the audience are made to jump , when suddenly a foot stamps on the floor, this is also supported with a non-diagetic low shot sound.

A series of short shots are then presented, which are faded into a blank screen, between each shot. Anxiety is increased at this moment, as these shots are of the house in which was seen earlier in the trailer, allowing the audience to realise what events happened earlier in the trailer, were going to happen to these people. This also causes the audience to project fear, as they fear for the safely of these people. The screen is then blank and a non-diagetic sound track is played of gun shot and screaming, which causes fear and discomfort to increase, as the viewer does not know what is happening to these people, or what horror they are experiencing. A series of shot shots are then viewed, which are yet again missed with black screens, these shots show these people running, yet what they are running from is not shown. This could cause anxiety, fear and discomfort to occur as you are uncertain of why or what they are running from. The short shots continue, however in between captions are shown which show 'This fall ... Witness the birth of fear' which would cause the viewer to have an increase of anxiety of why this would be. In between these shots, the audience is shown the first glimpse of the murderer, however his identity of who he is, is still concealed allowing more fear to build due to this lack of knowledge. There are two separate clips shown of this person, one showing his outline with a chainsaw, and one with his face shaded, all except his eyes, which are big and wide, in a mad sort of way, which places more fear into the audience, as we get a clue into his personality.

A dialogue is then heard which is played over a series of shots, which states 'people will not know what we say tonight, but by god they'll know what we did', this instantly places discomfort into the user, as they suddenly wonder if the elderly couple plays a major part in the fear which has been injected to the audience throughout the trailer. A series of shot shots are shown once again, however this time it consists of one of the females, who is screaming, running and looking fearful, however in between these shots are shorts are the chainsaw and the murderer figure once more. This causes anxiety and discomfort to build, as the audience wants to help the victim, but also doesn't understand want actually is going on. The screen then fade to white and a non-diagetic high pitch sound is heard to allow the audience to feel unsure as they do not understand what has just happened, which also causes confusion. This is followed by the title, which is a white tinted with gold to allow it to stand out on the black background.

There is then an extremely short shot which shows a male coming towards the camera with a chainsaw. This causes a sudden rush of anxiety to the user, as it seem the viewer is suddenly at risk, which would persuade the audience to go and see the film, as they would want too feel that rush once more.

'The Hills Have Eyes' Research

The beginning of this trailer is well thought through, as information is given about nuclear testing in a dessert within Mexico. The user is then given information about mutants which may be known in the area due to the tests, therefore allowing the combination of of text and images to intrigue the target audience and draw them into what the film or trailer is about. This piece of information also allows a confusion to occur, as why this information is being given, which could cause the viewer to be further drawn into the film to understand their confusion. The images are also backed up with an eerie non-diagetic sounds which plays throughout the back ground, however other war sounds are played to set the scene in which the user will be put into.

On the other, completely contrasting to the initial part of the trailer, a calm acoustic guitar is heard which is then followed by an upbeat song. This causes the audience even more confusion while still staring into the blackness of trailer. A picture of a dessert is then seen which turns from a black and white effect to full colour. The audience's confusion is then stopped as they understand this is the desert in which they were told about before. A shot of a normal loving family is then shot, allowing the audience in suspense as they wonder if the information earlier is going to effect this family (which within this genre is only inevitable).

Dialogue is then heard, allowing the audience to be left in another shot if suspense, as they come to understand, that these travelers are unsure of where they are going, and the words of "we don't get a lot of travelers in these parts," allows a sense of realisation that this family are not safe. Therefore the first part of the trailer although is unconventional, allows suspense and intrigue to grow within the audience. An effect is then used, resembling that of when the real may of got stuck on an old projector. At this time the sound track also stops and also replays the last note with the effect. An echo then follows this with a black screen only to be shown, this allows the mood of the trailer to instantly change from confusion to threatening. This is then followed by a series of short takes, which instantly raises the adrenaline within the viewer. At this time a fast soundtrack, with a predominant fast beat is also played to build fear within the audience, with the series of different effects are also used at this time to also build the tension.

A high angled shot is then used, to show the audience that the family are in trouble due to the area in which they are in, as a figure is seen looking down on them. Meaning that more tension is built and the audiences fear for the families well being. A series of short shots are then given involving a girl within a caravan. Due to the light which flickers in the distance is causes the viewer to look deeper into the shot as the actress does. We are also shown the terror which is present within her eyes as she is fearful of the situation she has found her self in. This allows the actress to link with the audience as at this time they both feel similar feelings. The sudden body thrown against the caravan window, allows the viewer to jump and feel an increase of adrenaline, which they trailer is supposed to bring. Followed by another black screen, this allows questions to be unanswered which brings the viewer further into the trailer and therefore into watching the film. A predominant heart beat sound is followed and another series of short clips to again build the tension within the viewer as the fear within all the families eyes are then seen.

An inhuman figure is shown within these short clips with another piece of editing turning a still image of a male to a sepia effect,which could show that history is repeating itself, allowing the audience to become suspicious of what happened in the past and what is going to happen in the film as a result of it. A long shot is then shown with a male looking through a key hole (which is a common factor of a horror film) with a woman crying and a deep laughter sounding non-diageticically, causing suspense to build in the audience as they realise what is about to happen. Between all these series of shots there is always a black out before the next shot, this could occur to show that the creatures which threaten the family are lurking close in the shadows. A series of still images in a sepia effect are then shown with a short clip of a being with an ax in his hand. At this time a series of screams are also heard building suspense and tensions throughout the audience.

The title of the film is then shown, which has 'Hills' and 'Eyes' in capital letters, with the others in a small font to may the title look strange and disfigured, given the audience an idea of what these creatures are. A shot of a hand on a girls face, who looks scared, is then shown, followed by a caption of 'the lucky ones die first', giving an eerie feel to the trailer and drawing the audience further into going to watch the film as they wounder why they be the lucky ones? I have noticed after analysing this trailer, that not at one point are you shown the creatures, which may intrigue the individual further into the trailer and into going to watch the film, as they want to find out what these creatures are, leaving them in suspense until they see the film.

My schedule ...

I am going to the show a rough schedule of what times I would like to get things done within this unit. However These are not the procise dates, therefore I my work may not always follow this schedule. However once prosise dates have been given to me, I will make another post allowing these to become visible.

1. Complete research (existing products/audience) by 24th July


2. Complete planning (scripts, shot lists, story boards, animatics, mock-ups, flat plans etc) by 10 September


3. Complete rough-cut by 20th September


4. Complete final cut by 1st October


5. Complete DVD cover/Magazine cover mock-ups by 15th October


6. Final DVD cover/magazine front cover completed by 31st October


7. Audience feedback by 10th November


8. Revisions by 20th November


9. Evaluations by 30th November


10. 1st hand-in by 1st December

Thoughts ...

When first thinking of how to do this trailer, I did come up with some ideas of a woman escaping from a mental home and her going on a killing spree, for revenge on those who put her in there, however I am cautious in using this idea as when looking at some of the trailers of horror films which have been produced in the past 5 years, I have not found one which is similar. However I have also got an idea of supernatural being living in the woods, which kill a bunch of friends when they become stuck there. This I have taken from such films as 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'Chain Saw Massacre', however I feel that this sort of idea has been used a lot, therefore may be seen as old and out dated. I am also put off this idea as when looking through some samples of A2 work, this seems to be the general theme throughout, therefore I am leaning towards my initial idea, as it is new and nothing has been done like it before.

Genre Research... Horror

The first peice of research I am going to do, is that into the genre of my trailer. I found that a horror film is a piece of moving picture which inflicts fear, horror and terror into the veiwer, allowing them to experience anxiety and suspence to build. This is usually done through plots of death, the supernatural and mental illnesses. Within my trailer I am going to try and produce this anxiety and suspence through a plot of mental illness and death. However, unlike most conventional horror films I am not having a male play the murderer, instead I have chosen to use a female character. I am doing this as I think that for my horror trailer to stand out it has to brake certain conventions set by horror trailers seen in today's media. Some horror films which folow these conventions are films such as, 'Halloween', 'Saw' and 'The Omen'.

First thought ..

Before I can start planning my thriller/horror trailer, I first have to look at trailers which are available at the moment. From this I will be able to see the standard in which they set, but also it will allow me to take inspiration from these examples. However, I will also have to look at examples of both front covers of film magazines and DVD covers, to allow me to gain some ideas into planning and creating my own magazine and DVD front cover.

I am planning on looking at:

Research into trailers x3

Research into fim magazine covers x3

Research into DVD covers x3

Although it may seem that the amount of research is not sufficient for an advanced portfolio, I am planning in doing these pieces of research in much detail, which will allow me to both see what past films have done within their trailers, DVD covers and through magazines, but will also be able to give me inspiration for my own products. If possible the research in which I am doing, I am going to try and keep within the same film, allowing me at the same time to research digi pacs as this is what my product will become apart of.

Introducation

Hello, my name is Katee Price and I am a A level Media Studies student at Biddulph High Sixth Form. This blog will hold my A2 Media Studies coursework which will store my research, planning, construction and an evaluation of a film trailer, focused on the genre of thiller/horror which I have chosen as I feel that I will be able to portray my skills through filming, which will hopefully allow my to gain maximum marks which I am capable of.