Representation of our teaser trailer. . .

Disability/Ability – Within our trailer we included no content which represents disability. However, a great deal of focus demonstrates those who with ability. Nevertheless, as our trailer suggests, ability can easily be taken advantage of and exercised in negative ways. For example, the villain in our trailer (the priest) applies his strength and power in order to triumph over his victims. The audience also whiteness’s the character Molly investigating the cause of her sisters death. This therefore shows how ability can be used to triumph over those more physically powerful by other means.

Social Class – Social class is not really of significance within our teaser trailer. Nevertheless, the middle social class is more predominant within our trailer. This is represented mainly through the use of location. For example, one of the key settings within our trailer is the home of the Bell’s family; highlighting the house we used a tracking shot to demonstrate the large spaces within the house as well as the modern design of the room itself. Other mise en scene areas we included were the use of costume and props of the main character; she wore a branded hoody and uses an iphone in order to record her voice. This demonstrates the characters wealth although it had no real significance to the narrative itself.

Gender – Throughout our teaser trailer we primarily kept to the stereotypical expectations of genders. For example, the villain we decided to follow the conventions of typical horror films and make them male. Throughout the trailer this character demonstrates dominance, strength, power and aggressiveness. Other male character such as the Dad displays strength as he contains his emotions in order to support his wife, this control over the situation suggests no sign of weakness. As you can see from the characteristics demonstrated of these characters, they are distinctive of the male gender. Opposing these characteristics is the Mum; the female character suggests lack of emotional control as she cries into the arms of her husband. This also suggests the dependence of a male. The use of the wine glass prop also highlights the characters vulnerability to the situation. However, while this character demonstrates characteristics we would expect the younger character Molly almost challenges these. Although it can be argues she is in one of the most vulnerable of positions, she still expresses confidence, capability and strength as she furthers her investigation on the unknown villain.

Age -   This is arguably the most significant of representations of our trailer, throughout our trailer every victim is only a child. This relates to our narrative as the purpose behind the killings and abductions. Therefore, throughout our trailer the children are represented as defenceless, weak and naive.  Within our trailer we include close ups of the wounded children’s faces. This highlights the lifelessness and the power the villain has over them. Within are trailer the villain is actually a priest, typically associate with a middle aged well trusted man. However, as our trailer demonstrates his age is used in order to overpower the young. However, in our trailer the middle aged parents are seen to be doing nothing other then grieve about the death of their daughter while the young character Molly investigates into what is happening. This contradicts what we would expect to find, however, it can be argued that these actions are simply naïve and placing the younger character into a more susceptible position.

Regional Identity – At the very beginning of our trailer we used bonfire night (Guy Faulks) in order to establish an equilibrium. This is an annual event typically associated with a British culture; celebrating the history of the country. Here we also suggest that the location of the film is based in rural areas. Again suggesting the regional identity and we have tried to represent a close knit community emblematic of such a region. As well as this we also have include dialog; this is particularly highlighted during the voice over of the Molly character.

Poster lay-outs

After researching a number of existing posters I decided to create three simple templates in order to provide a foundation for the beginning of the construction of my posters. 

Initial draft of our teaser trailer. . .

After taking into consideration results from our rough cuts we decided to further develop the first rough cut. This is the initial result; we have spent a lot of time and effort producing it and have work on all the areas necessary.

We showed this draft to a small focus group to gain feedback of what we can improve. Each of the audience said they thought it was good and was successfully persuasive.

The issue highlighted –

-          The main concern was the actual length of the teaser trailer. It is 1.55 minutes which is too long for a teaser trailer; our aim is to take it down to at maximum time of 1.30 minutes which is a typical convention of a teaser trailer. We initial found it difficult to address this problem is we have undertaken a lot of filming and find it difficult to take out scenes we are so happy with.

-          Another issue is the change in resolution of the trailer, although it is only noticeable in a very insignificant way it is still an area of technological improvement and shall be adapted.

-          Needs to build more tension, shots should a shorter especially in the establishment of the equilibrium and problems should emphasised.

What we will be focussing on. . .

 We had to pay close attention to a number of areas during our filming and the editing we are currently carrying out to best demonstrate our abilities of creativity and technical skills.

During the filming we had to ensure that each shot was steady and included a number of shot types and lengths, as well as this, material had to be appropriate to the task and best portray the desired genre of horror/thriller. When framing a shot, attentions should be placed upon mise-en –scene and the elements we include as well exclude appropriately.  

All editing we do have to be done in a way so its meaning is apparent to the audience. For example, a fast pace sequence of shots will build tension and anxiety for the viewers. We will also need to demonstrate our ability in using a variety of shot transitions, captions and other effects selectively as well as excellent sound.  

Editing Software. . .

Editing software

Now we have finished all our filming we have got to make the decision of what editing software we should use. In previous moving image projects I have always used Windows Movie Maker. However, we felt that this would not be able to best demonstrate our abilities and promote our trailer professionally. Giuls later introduced the software Sony Vegas Pro 9.0, after pitching the software to us we were all convinced this is what we should use. Although, only Giuls had experience in using it, we were willing and ready to learn how to use such complex software.

We had a total of 144 takes from our filming so with such a great selection we were sure to put them together to create the best possible trailer we could. The software was at first intimidating but after a few demonstrations from Giuls we became familiar with how to use it. This software truly allowed us to reach our full potential to gain our desired finish. There is such a variety in effects in both sound and image enabling us to experiment with such effects. The software also offers support in HD resolutions, as we filmed in HD this only adds to the quality of our final piece.

There was only one issue we as a group faced when editing using this software. This is that we all had to get to Giul’s in order to edit. With the snow, this was difficult but we managed to meet up on a regular basis to share ideas and edit.

Roughcuts results/analysis. . .

1 – Four out of the five asked preferred the first rough cut. This gives an idea to the sequence of shots we should use and work hard to develop upon. We can use this as a very rough guide.

2 – The reasons the audience liked this more was due to the variety of shots, better narrative structure and a greater tension was built. So this suggests that the filming we have completed and shots taken are to a good standard, the key improvements will lay in editing and sound. The one who favoured the second draft stated that this was due to it being shorter length. So therefore, this has identified a weakness of our teaser; however, this can be easily adapted and should be taken into account in further editing.

3 – All of the viewers but one thought that the first cut best portrayed the horror genre. This enforces that the first cut is the one that should be taken and developed upon.

4 – The majority of those asked believed that both rough cuts conveyed a typical narrative structure. However, we need to remember that maybe we are not trying to convey a typical narrative structure such as Todorov’s, but instead keep the audience guessing, anxious.

5 – Again most of the viewers thought that the rough cuts were to a professional standard. However, those who didn’t reasons revolved around editing, acting skills and length of shot. However, we need to remember that these are only rough cuts, editing was not performed instead, we were trying to best identify the best shots and sequence of, to then later edit to such a standard. Acting skills do appose as an issue, we will need to highlight this areas and address it accordingly, i.e. replace the scene or even erase or cut.

6 – Every one of the viewers asked agreed that we have provided a suitable certificate. Due to this, the content of our trailer will not need to be adapted in relation to gore etc.

7 – Four of five identified the second cut as being a more suitable length. This links to the second question and highlights the importance of time; this is an issue that we will address. This may be through cutting shot length, taking scenes out completely and just being more selective in the scenes we decide to include.

8 – All stated that we had provided an appropriate narrative for the task. This suggests that our teaser trailer is fulfilling its purpose; the viewers left wishing to find out more.

9 – Each of the viewers said the first rough cut would persuade them to watch the film. Again this enforces the idea that this should be the one chosen to further develop. This was mainly due to the strength of narrative and variety and length of shots. All these areas should focus on and developed further, as we now know that this is what the audience wants.

10 – One said yes and four said that we did not include an appropriate amount of shot length, angles and movements. However, when asked why, they stated that the only issue of the three was the shot length. So we will have to address this issue and edit accordingly. This would enable us to build greater tension etc.

11 – All of the results from the viewers were positive; comments such as scared, intrigued, anxious were used. These are all emotions which horror/thriller films depend upon. This therefore shows that are teaser does truly convey the effect and genre we desire. They felt that they were left guessing what would happen to the character? Who was? Questions such as these left in the audience mind would encourage them to then watch the film to have them answered.

12 – The majority of answers revolved around improving shot lengths, transitions and to add more drama. Each of these really refers to promoting a faster pace and frightening finish. These are all areas that can be worked on and will be worked on.  

Poster Analysis. . .

Soundtrack. . .

Choosing a soundtrack is one of the most important fundamentals in the production of our teaser trailer. We went through each of our music collections until we narrowed it down to just three artists; X Ray Dog, Evanescence and Paramour. However, although each of the artist provided sufficient music for our genre we decided on a piece called Final Hour by the X ray Dogs. Unlike the other music options, this contained no lyrics. This is a strong, bold instrumental piece full of powerful crescendos and a sinister string instruments. This best suited our trailer as it creates a high tension due to its increasing build up of accents. The timing of the music can also be applied in order to emphasise the change in scene.

Throughout our trailer we have also include a number of sound effects ranging from loud heavy basses to highlight key dramatic events to electrical power cuts sound effects. Effects such as this enable us to polish off our trailer and keep the audience engaged in the action, building on their anxiety.

2 Step - Flow Theory. . .

This is a theory that proposes that the audience take an active role, the media tells the audience what to think but it is up to us to interpret the message. What you make of the media's values put across.

The audience will first access the media source and then form a discussion based around what they have seen (active role) and then an opinion leader is formed who will change and influence other viewers, changing their attitudes and behaviour. So therefore, it shows that it is the media that has caused the discussion, i.e. telling us what to talk about but not necessarily what to think.

Hyperdermic Syringe Theory. . .

This is a theory which suggests that mass media tells us directly what to think, proposing that audiences of media texts engage in a passive relationship.

According to this theory media texts have a direct, immediate and powerful effect on an audience. Media was said to of become a dangerous form of communication, with a influential pressure on viewers attitudes and behaviours. This puts the audience in a vulnerable and powerless situation, with no other source of information.

The 'Syringe' creates an emotive imagery emphasising the flow of the media message from the media source to receivers. Just like an injection into the human body, the participant has no control over the effects.



Shooting Schedule. . .

Photos of potential locations. . .

When choosing the location to shoot the scenes of our teaser trailer we had to consider many factors of mise en, restrictions and accessibility. We needed to find settings which best portrayed the right effect we our trying to convey to our audience.

The locations we needed consisted of both indoors and outdoors. The shots taken indoors, we should have no problem with as we have control over many variables that would otherwise oppose as threats. However, the majority of our teaser trailer consists of exterior shots so we have no control over extraneous variables such as weather, sound and light. This means we need to plan our shooting schedule wisely and take into consideration forecast, time of year and time of the day. As we our shooting during winter season, days are short, temperatures our low and weather is unpredictable.

We only had two key locations for all our indoor shots. A number of rooms around my house were used due to its accessible location and modern style interior. This therefore represents a typical modern family making the context of our trailer as close to reality as we can. However, we will adapt setting in order to convey the best possible effect, as you can see below we have achieved this by adding elements such as newspaper cutting on the wall. The other indoor shots will be taken within a chapel in one of the local villages. First we need to gain permission for its use; luckily Ellie’s grandmother is one of the key holders for the building so this should not cause an issue. These shots will only be brief and will allow us to fulfil the effect we desire, i.e. echoes, lighting etc. This location is related to the religious orientation of our extract, although it will not be made clear to the audience.

We have various locations for our required outdoor shots. Luckily for us, there is a local bonfire party happening in our local town. This is perfect for establishing a solid equilibrium we hope to establish, so this is an evening we will be sure to be taking advantage of. The second key location is again within the town of Towcester, within the neighbourhood of Shires. This shot will only consist of a back path; the reason for this location is due to its close proximity to our young actress. The last of the outdoor shots will be set within and just outside the local recreation ground. We have chosen this location due the facilities it offers. For example, the climbing and the swings will be perfect for our murdered children scenes i.e. a child ‘draped’ over a swing. Other reasons include it just alongside a high street, so this opens up a number of other various shot opportunities.

Permission. . .

Dear …………………………………………,

We as a group are currently creating a teaser trailer, film poster and website for our A2 Media piece of coursework and I would kindly ask for you to give your consent to use both the still and moving captions taken of you over the month of November 2010.

If you are happy to give your permission for the said use of your captions, would you please sign at the bottom of this letter and return to a member of the group.

We will also be pleased to show you the final product and would appreciate later feedback.

Kind Regards,

Lewis Tillyer, Chris Mahoney, Guilano Rapoz and Ellie Gocher

I ……………………………………………. Give my permission for you to use all captions taken of me in November 2010.

Signed

………………………………

Storyboard. . .

Why we watch horror/thriller films. . .

There are a number of reasons why people watch horror films; this is down to a number of factors such as individual differences, past experiences etc. I personally watch horror films in order to gain physical effects such as a rise in heart rate, jumping and gasping. All of these offer me the chance to experience physical changes which are rarely used in everyday life. A second reason people may choose to view these genres is escapism. For example, in films such as Alien it allows the audiences to engage in an unknown world to theirs, these results in them briefly forgetting about all threats, worries and problems they may have in their everyday life. Another may be to intrigue, solving puzzles or estimate later events. For example, the Saw movies are all based around jigsaws puzzles and games. This gives the audience a chance to work out what the characters have to do or even what they may have done. This involves the audience taking an active role (uses of gratification theory) as it involves the audience to think for themselves and interpret the situation in individual ways. A major reason may be that they often involve content associated with anti - mainstream activity. An exploitation of a taboo subject; something not acceptable within everyday society. This may offer the viewers the opportunity to access behaviour which they would not otherwise get the chance to see, i.e. a murder. Personal fear may also be another reason. For example, those afraid of spider may watch Eight Legged Freaks as this can be used as a means of facing their personal fear and taking a step of bravery. Lastly, people may choose to watch such genres due to the triumph of good over evil.

Possible challanges. . .

During the creation of our media productions we are likely to face a number of practical, ethical and theoretical challenges which we will have to consider –

Practical – The enviroment may become a challenge primary due to the weather. Any poor conditions such as rain, frost and high winds will all effect the quality of the picture and sound as well as making it extremely uncomfortable for those involved, i.e. the cast and crew. Other enviromental issues may be the space and locations available. Funding,  equipment and software all fall into the same belt, each is associated the overall professionalism and quality of our final production. For example, working with a poor camera will result in both a bad picture as well as sound.  One of the major practical issues our group is likely to face is time. Not only may we find it difficult to organise times when all the cast and crew are available to meet up and film, the limited hours in the day may also become an issue we will have to overcome, i.e. lighting concerns.

Ethical – Consent, we will have to gain permission from all those revealed within the filming and  images taken. We will be using a diverse range of people and ages within our productions, so this may result in  a long process and close attention to childhood formal consent. 

Theoretical – Values of Production Company, narrative, characters believable (acting skills), iconography.

Our Pitch. . .

Sunday's Child Synopsis. . .

Waltonbury, a small and secluded rural village on the outskirts of Hertfordshire, has always been recognised for its close knit community where everybody knew everyone and secrets were unheard of.

That is until the first child went missing…

She’s young. She’s beautiful. Her corpse, laid bare in the bypass betrays no secrets, that is except for strange numbers seared onto the inside of her cold lifeless hand.

The first body was a warning.

When Molly, a teenage girl living in the village discovers that her sister goes missing, terror spreads through the isolated town. Molly begins to fear that a brutal serial killer is stalking the village streets; a shadowy madman without mercy or apparent motive. How could this be happening in a place so serene?

The final body…might be hers.

With the death toll rising, Molly races to expose a deadly conspiracy and the sadistic killer at its heart, and every move she makes could be her last.

Sunday's Child Film Plot. . .

• Opens with a young girl running from an un-seen threat and eventually getting brutally killed by a hooded character.
• Credit Sequence
• Few months later, the village (the girl killed was from) are throwing a fete.
• Little girl goes missing
• Police are investigating, forensic science teams, etc. But they cannot trace the girls’ whereabouts or the killers.
• Girls’ parents begin arguing more and more and the mother has turned to drinking.
• Girls older sister can’t stand problems at home anymore and as police cant find anything she begins to create her own investigation.
• Girl begins to investigate around the village, asking citizens what they saw happen at the fete, where they were etc. Uses microphone to record investigation
• Other incidents begin to occur- a small group of children (all similar in age to the previous) go missing from the village playground.
• Police get nowhere with investigation.
• Molly finds security in her boyfriend, her parents disapprove of her having a boyfriend, arguments occur between parents and molly, they blame her for daughters’ disappearance.
• Whilst investigating one day, few days after playground incident, molly is walking down a road in the village and senses someone/ something watching her, making her insecure, when she turns to see what’s there she sees no one. As she turns back she bumps into the village priest. He apologises and comments on molly’s sisters’ disappearance and how he hasn't seen them both in church for several months. Molly smiles and carries on walking.
• Molly arrives at the playground and looks around for any signs of evidence. She can’t find anything. As she goes to leave she notices a large adult size shoe print of some mud on the path. She quickly takes a photo and returns home.
• Whilst looking at the shoe print image on the computer, struggling to find any clues of suspects from it, she sits back in stress. As she does so, she notices a pattern of mud on a flyer in a pile on her desk. She suspiciously picks up the flyer, for it to reveal the same footprint as the image. Unaware of the priest watching her outside the window (masked)
• Flashback- when molly bumped into the priest dropped some flyers and the priest accidentally stepped on one.
• Molly quickly grabs her bag and microphone and runs out of the house (night time).
• Molly runs to the village church, the lights are on inside unusually and the door is unlocked.
• Molly creeps in quickly, looking around for children and the priest.
• Suddenly as she walks round the corner and into the main church hall a horrible smell hits molly and she sees all the missing children, all dead in the church pews, etc.- ‘Sunday school’ style.
• Molly runs to her sister to see if she is alive- she doesn't move suggesting she's dead.
• As she stands in the church, breathing deeply and beginning to cry, the priest appears from shadows and begins to loudly preach and pray, cornering molly.
• As the priest leans into her, raising his blood-stained hands, molly takes out a bible from behind her back and smacks the priest around the head.
• As the priest crouches in pain, molly pushes past him and begins to run for the door.
• Just as molly is about to reach the door, it swings open and a crowd of the village adults swarm in.
• Molly is relieved and quickly reveals how the priest is the killer and they have found him, however, the adults all ignore her and continue to walk towards her, forcing her back into the church, whilst chanting prayers.
• Molly begins to panic and scream- “what's wrong with you?”, “he killed them all!”, “he’s right there! Why won’t you help me?”
• Adults all crowd around molly and the priest leans in and sedates her, she screams and then blacks out.
• As she wakes up, slightly dazed at first, she notices she is outside and all the adults are down below her. Molly looks around and has realises she has been crucified. Molly screams in pain and disbelief of it all.

Target Audience Profile

When selecting a core buyer for our media products, we need to not only consider those who will be interested in the genre, but also, those who will be interested in our particular narrative. We have decided to target those between the ages of 15 and 25; the main reason for theses ages is due to the appeal of the cinema as a frequent social event. To ensure that our productions meet the needs and expectations of our target audience the results of our questionnaire were gathered by those ranging from 15 – 17. Although this is the younger end of the age range, we fill our results are still valid. The reason we made it to 25 is access of a larger target audience, however we feel that are product is one which can be enjoyed by older ages. I have found it difficult to target just one gender. I would expect that males are more interested in the horror aspect of our production, i.e. the blood and violence. Whereas, females are likely to be attracted by the psychological/thriller side of our production. Also, are main protagonist is female so therefore, they may feel more obliged to relate to her and therefore take a keen interest in the narrative of the production. The social class of our core buyer is not particularly important. However, our film is set in a small village, a location which is typically associated with middle to upper classes. Therefore, this is likely to appeal to an audience of this social class as they feel they are able to relate to the characters. In contrast, cinema is an experience typically related with the working class. So therefore, we can provide no primary social class our production aims towards. When taking into account ethnicity it takes no ethnic bias what so ever, we will attempt to demonstrate a range of ethnic groups within are trailer.

Themes of Horror/Thriller

After taking into account my personal experience of our genre I have concluded four main themes that are shown.

·         Torture – An example of this is shown consistently throughout the Saw movies. The main protagonist Jigsaw inflicts a frequent pain on the proposed victims in order to teach them a life lesson in order to improve their life. This is also an example of the theme of moral philosophy.

·         Mind games – This is particularly evident in the thriller genre, examples of this is in Batman, here the audience is constantly processing events and predicting later events, the film attempts to make this prediction incorrect.

·         The Supernatural – The most recent example of this film I have recently viewed is Wolfman. The story is about a man who turns into a werewolf once the moon is full.

·         Death and Murder - Chainsaw manicure is a great example of this. However, although it may seem like the character is killing pointlessly. The story reveals that there is reason behind his actions. This can also be related to the area of revenge.

Our Stages of Narrative. . .

After great discussion in our group we have shaped the narrative structure which our moving image production will follow. My previous research into narrative structures demonstrated that most mainstream production follow the five stages of narrative proposed by Todorov. However, my research also highlighted that most horror/thrillers do not follow this structure chronologically although still including if not all, the majority of the stages. As our narrative follows such a structure it conflicts typical narratives although demonstrates the convention of a horror/thriller film. Our narrative should leave the audience in the up most anxiety and show know predictable path.  

Equilibrium
- Rural village establishing a close net community, all is well and normal.
- Traditional social event where the majority of the village attend (families, shop keeper, priest etc).

Disruption
- Suddenly when all seems fine, a little girl disappears inconspicuously.
- The ‘abduction’ becomes known (screams, panic etc).

Recognition of disruption
- A week on and the sister of missing child becomes suspicious of the disappearance (she believes her sister is still alive).
- The investigation begins

Disruption
- During her field investigation molly walks past the park where a group of young children are playing. A young boy goes through tunnel and as he comes out all his friends have disappeared, another abduction has taken place (this time witnessed by the audience)

Attempt to repair
- Molly finds out about the missing boy that evening, and her intuition develops.
- She goes to the scene of the crime, where she finds a symbolic religious cross necklace (boy pulled of priest during taking) “it’s the priest”
- Molly rushes to the church where the door is left slightly ajar.
- Molly looks in fear. Breaths deeply, bell chimes begin.
- Door slams in time with bell, molly gets dragged away into the darkness (a prayer being chanted)
- Revealed to missing children, Sunday school idea.
- The unholy appears on the final chime.

Classification and restrictions. . .

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

I am carrying out this research in order to distinguish my target audience and provide a suitable certificate for my media advertisement campaign. This allows me to develop a greater knowledge and understanding in what we can include and exclude from our teaser trailer.

The company was first established in 1912 and still remains strong to present day. The BBFC can be described as “A highly expert and experienced regulator of the moving image (especially film, video/DVD and video games), and also a service provider for new and developing media.”

The BBFC provides the competent classification of moving images into age and advisory related categories. So therefore, the companies’ main focus is to provide the public with information of whether or not moving image content is appropriate for viewing. They illustrate the significants of protecting those who are vulnerable within society, e.g. young children from unsuitable content such as blood and violence. They also have an influence on the inadvertent breaches of UK law and maintain to provide media industries with security and confidence publicity trusted.

One issue that the company has acknowledged is the change in culture diversity. With this, they have not chosen to simply ignore it but instead embrace change and meet requirements accordingly. A key example of this is the newly developed 12A, allowing the viewing of certain movies for those under 12 as long as accompanied by an adult. Whereas, before if you were not twelve, then you could not view it.

One of the key ambitions of the company is to

• Respond to changing social attitudes

This demonstrates that the company will continue to change and develop and will last meet the needs and expectations of society and be a continuingly trusted company.

List of certifications. . .

U – Suitable for all, more specifically those four and older.

PG – Parental Guidance, here most of the moving image is suitable for children but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

12A – A cinema certification whereby, viewing is promoted to those over the age of twelve unless accompanied by an adult. It is still not recommended that those under twelve watch the moving image but leaves the decision up to the accompanying adult.

12 – Only suitable for those older then the age of twelve. This is because it contains material that may cause distress to someone younger or what parent may perceive as unsuitable.

15 – Suitable only for those fifteen years and older. In this classification close attention should be paid to the content of; discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex and violence.

Are primary concerns;

·         Horror – Although tough peril and threat is allowed we can not relate these to any forms of sadistic or sexualised behaviour.

·         Imitable behaviour – If we included any form of dangerous behaviour, it should be shown in no great detail. For example, if self harming is shown, do not glamorise the weapon and only show briefly.  

·         Language – Strong language is acceptable but the continuous use of the strongest words will be questioned. Attempt to justify use.  

·         Nudity – Nudity is permitted but not in strong detail.

·         Drugs – Taking of drugs is permitted but in no way should they be encouraged in misuse. The misuse of easily accessible dangerous substances such as aerosols is not acceptable.

·         Violence – This can be strong but not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Any reference of sexual violence must be discreet and be clearly justified.

18 – Suitable only for adults.

R18 – Only shown in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in a licensed sex shop and to adults not less then eighteen years. Usually associated with strong fetish and sex of adults.

www.bbfc.co.uk

Typical narratice structure of my chosen genre and character types

 Propp’s character types

Vladimir Propp (1969) studied 100 tales and as a result developed a character theory that identified 7 broad character types. He argues that these character types could be applied to any other media. He stated that ccharacters have many functions within narratives and each serves a purpose to it.

Propp’s character types -

1.  The villain (struggles against the hero)
2. The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
3. The (magical) helper (helps the hero in the quest)
4. The princess (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)
5. The father
6. The dispatcher (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off)
7. The hero or victim/seeker hero, reacts to the donor, weds the princess

www.worldlingo.com

After getting to grips with these character types are then watched two horror/thriller films and identified the character types suggested-

Batman the Dark Knight

·         The villain – The Joker and Two Face, these characters work together as they both share the same enemy (Batman), they cause constant disruption.

·         The donor – Alfred the butler, helps batman in the preparation of his quests and supplies him with fighting equipment.

·         The Princess – Rachel Dawes, she prevent Batman from fighting and the villains use her as an asset of Batman in order to get to him.

·         The hero – Batman, constant attempt to overcome the villain(s)

The Hills Have Eyes

·         The villain – The deformed people living within the mountains are attempting to feed on the characters on their territory.

·         The helper – One of these deformed people living within the mountains however, she attempts to help the family by caring and protecting their child.

·         The Hero – the man who attempts to save his family from the villains by going into their homes and kill them.

So it is evident that not all the character types are typically used within horror/thriller movies but more attention should be spent on the villain, hero and helper. I have also noticed that the villains ever just include one character or a group of. These villains have typically experienced trouble events themselves and show no real reason for their evil. The helper often only plays a minor role in the scheme of things, however, makes a large difference in the success of the hero. The hero, is often part of a group and is the last to survive and comes close to death themselves until they demonstrate a final stand against the villain.

 Todorov’s Narrative Structure

A story can be described as a sequence of event typically known as a plot. This sequence of events are then put together and become a narrative, all media texts have a narrative. So when identifying the narrative we do not look at the story, but the way in which the story has been put together.

Tzvetan Todorov’s Theory of Narrative is a key theorist in media; he outlined five stages of conventional narratives. This is a typical narrative structure and is evident in many mainstream and independent films.

There are as follows:

1. a state of equilibrium at the outset

2. a disruption of the equilibrium by some action

3. a recognition that there has been a disruption

4. an attempt to repair the disruption

5. a reinstatement of the equilibrium

www.longroadmedia.com

I then analysed one the media texts associated with my chosen genre outlining the stages of narratives it follows.

The Hills Have Eyes

The film begins and we are established with a State of equilibrium. The family seem to be on their on the way to a holiday destination in a caravan. A Disruption of the equilibrium then takes place as the car towing the trailer breaks down in an isolated area and the creatures begin to prey on the characters, the young boy is the first to be murdered. This disruption continues for a long period of time as these creatures access the female characters within the caravan. However, there is no real recognition that there has been a disruption instead the male main character attempts to repair the disruption which he assumes is only the broken car as he is not yet aware of the murders some of his family. However, he then reaches a location where these creatures are living and then Attempts to repair the disruption. He realises the threat of these creatures and tries to kill them. There is no Reinstatement of the equilibrium.

So therefore, typical Horror/Thrillers narratives will include the majority of Todorov’s stages of equilibrium. However, disruption of the equilibrium and attempt to repair are likely to make up to majority of the film as this is the stages the build anxiety and excitement to horror films. As shown in this example, reinstatement of the equilibrium is not always apparent. This leaves the audience on a cliff hanger, causing the audience to be left guessing and related to horror it maybe may suggest that the cause of this disruption can’t be stopped and may still be living.

However, in terms of our media production, we are producing a teaser trailer so while we may include elements of these stages they are likely to follow no chronological order in order to not give the plot of the story away.