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.