When producing a film, it is the distributors job to construct a distribution plan. This is essential in releasing and promoting the new film, as it helps make decisions such as when the film should be released and how it should be released, therefore increasing the films chance of success. In basic terms, the distribution plan is a way in which the distributor ensures maximum profit from the film. The distribution plan is often only confirmed when the product is ready for release.
It is vital that the distributor has an understanding of the target audience the film is set for. When promoting the film age group, gender, lifestyles and media consumption patterns need to be taken into consideration. The film needs to be promoted in a way that allows this target audience to become aware of this new release. For example, it would be pointless advertising a film for teenagers in a place where youth rarely go. It is important that the distributor remembers the core target audience, however it is also important that the film attracts as wide a spread audience as possible. This could be done by identifying niche interest groups as well as the broad mainstream, aiding the film to 'break out' and 'cross over'.
The distributor also needs to prepare a budget for the film, taking into account all the related costs. They need to ensure that they do not overspend and so therefore make a profit from the film, which is they intention. It would be pointless them spending more money promoting the film than what they
It is vital there is an understanding of the target audience before the film is promoted.
Showing posts with label D. Appendix 1: research for main product. Show all posts
Showing posts with label D. Appendix 1: research for main product. Show all posts
Friday, 20 November 2009
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Do you prefer voice overs or narrative structure?
From researching existing trailers, we realised that some used a voice over and some used a narrative and some used both. The voice over is spoken over footage of the film, and gives the audience a slight indication as to what the film is about. A narrative is when the audience are given an indication as to what the film is about through 'snipets' of the film being shown and characters giving away the story's main synopsis through dialogue.
As we are making a teaser trailer, we found it a good idea to ask whether people preferred narrative, voice over or if they would like both. The results show that 75% of the people asked would like to see both narrative and voice over in a trailer and so this will be incorporated into our trailer.
What horror sub genre does our target audience like to see?
We knew we had to make a horror trailer for a final piece, but when we looked into it, the horror genre could be broken up into different types of horror. There was supernatural horror, thrillers, gore and psychological horrors. It was important that we chose the sub genre that was more likely to be viewed. Our results show that psychological horror was preferred by far to the rest of the sub genres.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Are horror fans mainly male?
From researching typical horror fans, I found that they were mainly male. I decided to ask a group of equal males and females whether they enjoyed watching horror films. From carrying out my questionnaire, I was told that it was mainly men who watched horror films, but there were also some females that watched horror. When producing my trailer I will need to take this information into consideration, and try and make my trailer appealing for both males and females.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Explore how the horror genre represents women
Horror films strive to evoke emotions of fear, terror and horror in viewers. Women in these films have been portrayed as both victims and survivors. Women’s roles in horror movies have changed over the years, with women beginning to come into their own, showing them as strong as men and not just sexual objects.
In the early 1930’s, in classic horror films such as ‘Dracula’ (1931) and ‘Frankenstein’ (1931 ) women were shown as objects of desire and their needs were saved by the males. The roles were filled by beautiful looking women, often portrayed as being vulnerable and simple. They were often ‘scream queens’ where their shrieks would endanger not only themselves but would put others at risk too. More often than not, these women were killed and were not seen to fight back. This image of women began to change as women in society became stronger, with the feminist movement.
In one of the true first slasher films, Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’, we see the character ‘Lila Crane’ being one step ahead of her male counterparts. However, in this film although having been attacked by Norman Bates, she is not given the chance to attack back or even try to kill Bates. She is however rescued by Sam, her sister’s boyfriend. This allowing women not to be seen as in complete control and that the hero is always the man. This film was also thought to portray how a sexually repressed man fears a sexually independent women (Lila Crane).
Many women up until the release of ‘Halloween’ were portrayed as helpless and were rescued by strong masculine hero’s. In Halloween (1978) we are introduced to the strong and intellectual character of Laurie Strode. In this film the women fights back and stabs the villain, however her character’s strength is again reduced by the fact that she is never quite able to kill him, which proves the idea of superiority and strength of men over women and that male killers in horror films mostly triumph.
We also meet another strong female in ‘Alien’ (1979) where Sigourney Weaver plays ‘Ripley’, who is a strong commanding hero. However, several sequels of these films were released and it was seen how Ripley became more and more masculine as the films progressed, even having a shaved head!
In many horror films, we often see the ‘final girl’, this is often a stereotypical role where the actress has masculine traits, We see her virginal and pure surrounded by sexually active friends. She has often an androgynous name such as Laurie in ‘Halloween’ (1978), or Sidney or Billie. The ‘final girl’ often finds her friends mutilated, she is chased, cornered, we often see her scream, stagger and fall yet rise. The girl looks death in the face but still finds the strength to kill the villain or saves herself. We have empathy for her as we see her struggle and then feel relief as she survives her ordeal. It is the final girl in many horror films that gives the suspense. ‘Nightmare On Elm Street’ and ‘Halloween’ both portray the ‘final girl’.
Interestingly, a lot of horror films connect the female characters to sexual references. Often the first character to be killed is often female, often promiscuous and is seen to be drinking alcohol or into drug taking. These characters are often killed by men who are sexual inactive or sexually immature. Their unsociable behaviour tends to reduce the sympathy felt by the audience when they are killed and then when a ‘good living’ person is murdered, we as an audience feel more outraged. This increases the suspense and thrill in the film.
Women were also used in films to highlight the male’s negative feelings he has against females. Often the female involved would be a relative such as his mother or sister or it may have been a past girlfriend who have spurned him. Examples of this is seen in Psycho (1960) where Norman Bates has issues with his mother and in Halloween (1978) where Myers have issues with his sister.
Thankfully, like women have gained equal rights with men in society, women have gained better roles with better outcomes in horror movies. In modern films, such as Final Destination (2000) and the sequels and Wrong Turn (2003) it is more often than not, that groups of teenagers are hurt, hunted or murdered, with no more emphasis on females than males. No longer do we see weak, defenceless females, but now strong dependant women fighting back. It could also be said that films in general have progressed in different ways which have an effect on the way women are represented in the horror genre. With modern technology of computers and special effects, suspense and tension can be created in a more severe form rather than having to rely on a poor distressed female being terrorised.
In later years, women have also been casted as the villain, the main source of evil, in such films as ‘The Thing’ and ‘Poltergeist’ changing yet again the role of the women in horror movies.
Concluding, women’s representation in horror movies has progressed as society has progressed. They have become stronger and more independent.
In the early 1930’s, in classic horror films such as ‘Dracula’ (1931) and ‘Frankenstein’ (1931 ) women were shown as objects of desire and their needs were saved by the males. The roles were filled by beautiful looking women, often portrayed as being vulnerable and simple. They were often ‘scream queens’ where their shrieks would endanger not only themselves but would put others at risk too. More often than not, these women were killed and were not seen to fight back. This image of women began to change as women in society became stronger, with the feminist movement.
Many women up until the release of ‘Halloween’ were portrayed as helpless and were rescued by strong masculine hero’s. In Halloween (1978) we are introduced to the strong and intellectual character of Laurie Strode. In this film the women fights back and stabs the villain, however her character’s strength is again reduced by the fact that she is never quite able to kill him, which proves the idea of superiority and strength of men over women and that male killers in horror films mostly triumph.
We also meet another strong female in ‘Alien’ (1979) where Sigourney Weaver plays ‘Ripley’, who is a strong commanding hero. However, several sequels of these films were released and it was seen how Ripley became more and more masculine as the films progressed, even having a shaved head!
In many horror films, we often see the ‘final girl’, this is often a stereotypical role where the actress has masculine traits, We see her virginal and pure surrounded by sexually active friends. She has often an androgynous name such as Laurie in ‘Halloween’ (1978), or Sidney or Billie. The ‘final girl’ often finds her friends mutilated, she is chased, cornered, we often see her scream, stagger and fall yet rise. The girl looks death in the face but still finds the strength to kill the villain or saves herself. We have empathy for her as we see her struggle and then feel relief as she survives her ordeal. It is the final girl in many horror films that gives the suspense. ‘Nightmare On Elm Street’ and ‘Halloween’ both portray the ‘final girl’.
Interestingly, a lot of horror films connect the female characters to sexual references. Often the first character to be killed is often female, often promiscuous and is seen to be drinking alcohol or into drug taking. These characters are often killed by men who are sexual inactive or sexually immature. Their unsociable behaviour tends to reduce the sympathy felt by the audience when they are killed and then when a ‘good living’ person is murdered, we as an audience feel more outraged. This increases the suspense and thrill in the film.
Women were also used in films to highlight the male’s negative feelings he has against females. Often the female involved would be a relative such as his mother or sister or it may have been a past girlfriend who have spurned him. Examples of this is seen in Psycho (1960) where Norman Bates has issues with his mother and in Halloween (1978) where Myers have issues with his sister.
Thankfully, like women have gained equal rights with men in society, women have gained better roles with better outcomes in horror movies. In modern films, such as Final Destination (2000) and the sequels and Wrong Turn (2003) it is more often than not, that groups of teenagers are hurt, hunted or murdered, with no more emphasis on females than males. No longer do we see weak, defenceless females, but now strong dependant women fighting back. It could also be said that films in general have progressed in different ways which have an effect on the way women are represented in the horror genre. With modern technology of computers and special effects, suspense and tension can be created in a more severe form rather than having to rely on a poor distressed female being terrorised.
In later years, women have also been casted as the villain, the main source of evil, in such films as ‘The Thing’ and ‘Poltergeist’ changing yet again the role of the women in horror movies.
Concluding, women’s representation in horror movies has progressed as society has progressed. They have become stronger and more independent.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Daybreakers Trailer
This is the trailer for the movie 'Daybreakers'. Immediately, we are shown what looks like a modern building. From this we are then given an intertitle with the words 'imagine a world'. This hooks the audience into watching the trailer further.
A Nightmare On Elm Street -Teaser Trailer
This is the teaser trailer for the film 'A nightmare On Elm Street'. At the beginning of the trailer we are instantly shown a deserted run down building, a location often associated with the horror genre. Music is played powerfully in the background, creating tention immediately. Colour shown is limited, mainly grey and dismal, creating a cold and isolated emotion. We are shown a man running, escaping by hiding in a building, whilst a group of people stand outside holding 'weapons', exhibiting threatening behaviour. A shot of the man crouching down inside the bulding, fearfully, automatically engages the audience into having sympathy for him. Fire is thrown into the building and a shot of an explosion is shown from outside the building. This attracts the audience into wanting to know the outcome and so therefore they procede to watch the film. The trailer uses dialogue from the characters in the film, and so the audience are able to relate further with the film.
From here, we are then given an intertitle informing us that the film is from producer, Micheal Bay, this will attract audiences whom have liked Micheal Bay's previous works.
An echoed slow sound of children singing nursery rhymes is played in the background. Children are often used in horrors to indicate loss of innocence. Also in the trailer, sharp sudden sounds are used to emphasise characters movement, thus grabbing the audiences attention moreso.
The main scenes from the film are shown briefly and quickly, flickering from one shot to another. The music in the background also changes to this quick, jolty movement and so this furthers the tension. A scene of a graveyard is used, a typical location of the horror genre.
We are shown the title of the movie, which is in red, a colour often assosciated to blood. We then hear dialogue from the attacker, which takes us to the last scene shown in the trailer, where we see him head towards the female character. This leaves us in suspense wanting to know what happens next.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Return of the Repressed
When something is repressed it is stored in the person's unconsciousness and sometimes events may occur where this repression returns to the person's consciousness and the event will then be remembered. For example; if a person is abused in early life, this may be repressed and the person does not recall the event. However, something may occur in their current lifestyle, e.g. abuse watched in a film and the event is remembered.
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Haunting in connecticut Trailer
Based on a true story, the trailer is very jumpy, with eery music playing in the background, creating tension.
The 'Haunting in Connecticut' trailer examples key conventions of typical horror movies, to which draws in specific target audiences.
The trailer begins with dialogue from one of the central characters in the film. This automatically engages the viewer, but does not initially give the story away. We are informed at the beginning of the trailer, that the house 'does have a bit of history', indicating trouble to the audience. We are then shown the main location of the film, which shows suburban living, a setting often assosciated with horror movies.
From this, the trailer then uses a mixture of intertitles and snippets from the film, to example basic background information on the film. We are also told, using an intertitle, that the film is based on a true story. This is another technique in which attracts audiences.
Music in the trailer, is used quietly in the background throughout, creating mystery. Sudden sounds are used to emphasise characters movement and create further shock.
Nearing the end of the trailer we are shown quick snipets of the films most 'horrific' scenes, this attracts the audiences as they want to find out what is causing the trouble.
The title of the film is not shown until the end of the trailer, and remains on the screen for about 0.04s, whilst music continues to play in the background. We are then shown one more clip of the movie, where a sudden face appears in the mirror, this creating shock in the audience. As this shot is quite shocking and because it is the last shot seen, it is quite memorable to the audience and encourages them to see the film.
The 'Haunting in Connecticut' trailer examples key conventions of typical horror movies, to which draws in specific target audiences.
The trailer begins with dialogue from one of the central characters in the film. This automatically engages the viewer, but does not initially give the story away. We are informed at the beginning of the trailer, that the house 'does have a bit of history', indicating trouble to the audience. We are then shown the main location of the film, which shows suburban living, a setting often assosciated with horror movies.
From this, the trailer then uses a mixture of intertitles and snippets from the film, to example basic background information on the film. We are also told, using an intertitle, that the film is based on a true story. This is another technique in which attracts audiences.
Music in the trailer, is used quietly in the background throughout, creating mystery. Sudden sounds are used to emphasise characters movement and create further shock.
Nearing the end of the trailer we are shown quick snipets of the films most 'horrific' scenes, this attracts the audiences as they want to find out what is causing the trouble.
The title of the film is not shown until the end of the trailer, and remains on the screen for about 0.04s, whilst music continues to play in the background. We are then shown one more clip of the movie, where a sudden face appears in the mirror, this creating shock in the audience. As this shot is quite shocking and because it is the last shot seen, it is quite memorable to the audience and encourages them to see the film.
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