Throughout the project we tried to use, develop and challenge typical forms and conventions of real media products. We did this using both research into similar media texts, and by investigating and expanding on already existing conventions of posters, magazines, and teaser trailers.In our teaser trailer we used common conventions from trailers such as "Law abiding citizen" and its use of revenge displayed through its themes and narrative. A similar form that this trailer displays is used and then developed in our very own trailer. The inevitable twist from happiness to sad/anger is displayed at the start but make makes the audience aware of this, despite the happy and comfortable images being portrayed, because of the mysterious and tension building music. We tried to expand uppon this and challenge this common technique by using a heavy contrast of both happy images and music. This allows for a much bigger and sudden twist in the storyline as the audience watches it.
Similar to "Law abiding citizen" the opening shots are long and enticing, drawing the audience in and making them feel comfortable. We applied this technique and then challenged them by using fast past cutting and flash lighting effects that added to the power and quickness of the developing storyline, captivating the idea of anger and "Reprisal".
An important convention of our trailer was how we used character positioning in the screen shot. The very opening shot (top of page) replicates this idea, with both main characters just off center with the sun between in the center dividing them, and this shows the equality of the characters. In addition, there is a shot within the trailer staring the main Character playing the attacker (Jack) and the victim (Parry). We purposely placed the victim in the center of the shot but far away towards the back of the room which diminished his power over the attacker who then walk straight into the center of the shot displaying his power over his victim. These camera conventions challenge already existing teaser trailers, and allow the audience to clearly distinguish the relationships between the characters.
Another key factor we used was clothing. The effect of clothing in such a short trailer like"Reprisal" is very important. The original clothing worn by the main character Jack at the start of the trailer was light and casual, but by the end the clothing changed to a dark hoodie indicating a change in the characters mood. The hoodie was effective in reflecting upon the theme of revenge and anger. Overmore, the significance of the original attackers clothing of a hoodie and a tracksuit gives away an initial negative view, in partnership with the change of music.
The trailer "44 inch chest" uses brilliant use of location to create dramatic effect of its theme. In order to compete or challenge existing films the filming of the "Reprisal" and its theme of revenge meant that we would have to find a location that would reflect and emphasize the working title. And we succeeded in finding a location that did just just that.
Our ancillary texts also involved used familiar conventions of existing posters and magazine's. The two texts includes the common features of a film advertisement like main title, quotes image, main stars it features, subtitles, price, producer logo and website information. Going along with the theme of "Reprisal" we decided to use contrasting colors such as reds, blacks and whites. Many advertisement companies when promoting films use these colors as they both fit well together and fit with the contrasting theme's of happiness and anger. These two posters are perfect examples of color schemes in relation to their themes. These conventions were used and developed in both our ancillary texts.
From audience feed back we have gathered that the elements most favored in the trailer was the lighting effects and the way the music really fitted into the whole genre of the trailer. In addition the structure, tempo and climax of the music was favored, "The music really extenuates that part" was a quote about the music effects.
From audience response their could also be some obvious improvements. We gathered that the storyline could be more specific and clear, however the feedback also suggested that the shortness of the trailer good be a good element as it could leave the audience in suspense. Furthermore, we gathered that the text included at the end of the trailer could be improved by using more effective and professional looking text.
Overall, we gathered that the audience's response to "Reprisal" was very good and positive, with acceptation of minor improvements such as text and a broader storyline.
Before creating my media products I had never used either iMovie and had barely touched Photoshop, so they were both alien to me. Throughout the making of my three products I learned a great deal from both. I think that I really got to grips with both softwares and within a few days it became quite simple. From the start of the process with Photoshop I started with simple layering, and then advanced onto multiple layering and then detail and effects. With iMovie I starte
d with the basic cutting of the
footage and placing the right frames along the timeline. I then progressed to more advanced conventions such as lighting effects and intense time cutting. The part which I enjoyed the most was the adding and editing of music. I was originally going to use one piece of music but then decided to use two for a more dramatic effect. The most important element of this production was the timing of editing with the music. I worked hard on perfecting this and i even added some flash lighting effects to stress and emphasize the beat of the music. This payed off as we discovered that the part of the trailer most favored was indeed the connection between the beat of the music and the footage.
d with the basic cutting of the
footage and placing the right frames along the timeline. I then progressed to more advanced conventions such as lighting effects and intense time cutting. The part which I enjoyed the most was the adding and editing of music. I was originally going to use one piece of music but then decided to use two for a more dramatic effect. The most important element of this production was the timing of editing with the music. I worked hard on perfecting this and i even added some flash lighting effects to stress and emphasize the beat of the music. This payed off as we discovered that the part of the trailer most favored was indeed the connection between the beat of the music and the footage.
"44 inch chest" trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQO1p8pUA30
"Law abiding citizen" trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w87UlINbcWE
