In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?

What have you learned from your audience feedback?

In creating my product I had to be constantly aware of the effect it may have on the audience. For example I had to look at different audience theories, as horror movies are known for having negative effects on a viewer. In looking at the film, I had to research into the mass audience, as opposed to a niche audience, as that was who my film was targeted at. Looking at the effects model, I had to consider that my piece of work could have an influencing effect on an audience that a passive audience are powerless against, naturally in seeing the violent images, typically seen in a horror film and trailer. Though, in creating a horror trailer through audience research it was made clear that what attracted an audience were these violent images. The fear in creating a horror film, is the risk of The Bobo Doll Experiment being applied to violence seen in real life. The experiment by Bandura, showed a group of children who watched a video where a doll was being violently attacked lead them to react in the same way, copying the violence they had seen. This can be applied to cinema and particularly horror films as there are accounts where violence in cinema is copied as shown in the Jamie Bulger case. Though, this is more common in a younger viewer, so to avoid such effects I have restricted my film to an 18 minimum. Obviously, this doesn’t account for when the film is sold and may be shown to people under the restriction, however it does mean that the film is clearly certificated to prevent that from happening. Similarly, if my film is leaked on the internet it may be available for a younger audience; I can hope to avoid this by releasing the film as soon as possible after it has been shown in cinema. In terms of adult viewing possibly being influenced by the violence in my film, in order to attract the audience there must be violent images as shown by my survey it is what attracts a viewer. In my audience response there was no clear indication that the audience may be influenced by the trailer, or the violent images. This draws on the idea that the audience may be attracted to the film for catharsis, this can be developed in looking at users and gratifications theory. This essentially leaves the power of the product with the audience, in this instance my audience research proves that an audience is drawn to the product for both diversion and escapism. A horror film can be cathartic in being able to escape from reality and feel suspense, fear, anger, almost overwhelming emotions to leave the cinema feeling calm almost unloading all these emotions, being in control of their consumption helping them with shaping their personal identity. It can also aid in a social identity for the young adult target audience, as they may go with friends as a social event. When asked if they would watch the film the audience predominantly said yes as it looked good. Though one member of the audience said they would be too scared so they probably wouldn’t go unless it was with friends, proving that this theory applies. One piece of audience feedback that particularly interested me however, was the idea that due to the style of filming and the fact that the characters are trapped within a confined space there will be a slight big brother feel. In some ways this reinforces the theory by Steve Hall that the active audience will read a message within the text. This taught me there are many complex levels to the film. The mise-en-scene, specifically setting of the underground bunker, type room in darkness, would make the audience feel inclosed themselves in the dark cinema. This increases fear, increasing the effects previously said. This removes responsibility from the director, ignoring the initial intention, or meaning and allowing the active audience to create their own interpretation.

Overall, my audience research taught me about the mass audience, and the mainstream fans of horror. This brought me to focus on how my film can target and appeal to these audiences. In researching the audience, I learned how the conventions of not only horror but also narrative can be adapted to make the film more appealing. In filming I learned what shot types appeal to the audience, and what elements draw an audience to a film. Similarly, creating the ancillary tasks I learned about conventions how the typical features of a magazine and poster can be adapted to create a new exciting product that can appeal to a wider audience. Specifically though, in creating the horror film my audience research has taught me a lot about applying theory of audience to my audience response, in measuring the effects of my trailer and film. In doing so I have most interestingly learned that film can be open to interpretation, the effect a film -or specifically a horror film- can have on an audience is dependent on the person.

How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

Slideshare technologies from missbrockman

Throughout my project I used a range of different technologies to produce and present my planning, production and final products. By combining the strengths of each technology I was able to create successful final products. For example I used, Photoshop to edit an image that was later featured in my trailer, which I made on imovie. Due to advances in modern technologies, and these technologies being ready available to me I was able to make a successful products. Throughout the process of creating the products I depended on these technologies for even the simplest processes such as uploading images to the computer using a USB, which before would have been taken on camera, printed and had to be scanned in. Now, I am able to upload the image, or footage seconds after taking it. In the process I was able to use technological convergence, using an ipad and iphone for example specifically during my research stage.
My most vital element in technology particularly, a somewhat new advance in technology is Web 2.0. Web 2.0 allows reader to physically interact  -through user generated content- with the web rather than it being only for physical viewing, like a book. For example, currently I am typing a post to go on my Blog, that will be open on the internet for viewing, others are then able to view this post, and interact with it themselves by posting a comment. Web 2.0 has enabled me to present my ideas, and physically display my thoughts for others. Websites, such as Blogger, Prezi, Educreations allow me through Web 2.0 to physically interact with the internet and post my ideas in an exciting intriguing way, such as my evaluation. In my evaluation I was able to use a range of programmes to present my ideas for viewing.
Web 3.0 develops meaning in the data of computers we are otherwise oblivious to, it essentially means are we able to type and the computer through codes can deduce meaning. In search engines we can ask a question and the computer itself is able to answer that question. With developments such as Siri 2011 on iphone, you can ask Siri a question and Siri is then able to with instruction search the net and find a suitable answer, this makes projects such as this significantly easier as it means any questions we ask, or searches needed can be answered immediately  Even the simplest things can be vital, we may want to know if it is sunny tomorrow as we need to do filming and we cannot do that in the rain, Siri can answer that question more accurately than we could.

Final Draft 'Victim' Horror Trailer

Fourth Draft 'Victim' Horror Trailer

Third Draft 'Victim' Horror trailer

Second Draft 'Victim' Horror Trailer

First Draft 'Victim' Horror trailer

Filming Letter of Consent

By writing this letter I am ensuring I have legal permission and the actors have confirmed to the consent stated in the terms.

Final magazine draft

Final Poster draft

Development of my Poster

Poster Drafts

First Draft On paper

Second Draft On Paint

I particularly like the main image of the face in this image, it is something you expect to see in a horror poster: either the face of the protagonist looking scared, or the face of the antagonist  Considering my antagonist is 'an unknown entity' I have chosen to show the protagonist looking fearful. Similarly I like the colour red being used in my movie name and the blood hand print, as it connotes danger and clearly shows the genre. I don't however like the image of the weapon being in shot, I think it deducts from the element of the unknown and makes the poster seem unprofessional. Missing from this first draft is a font that would be used on my poster as well as the credit block, release date, and any ratings or quotes.

Third Draft On Photoshop Using Original Graphics

In using original images I am able to see problems that may occur in making my final poster, such as, my schedule may be rearranged due to the fact some elements are more time consuming than I had initially anticipated. Such as, the blood streaks take longer to create the shape and the splattered effect. What I've also focused on in this draft is the details that are important in a poster, such as the layout, the release date, the billing block and quotes from magazines (including the magazine I will create as a part of this project). I feel there may be too much red and the visual hierarchy isnt clear, thus this is something I will experiment with in my redraft.  

Fourth draft on Photoshop using the image I will be using in the final draft 

Magazine Drafts

Typical layout of a magazine

First draft of my magazine done on paper

Second draft of my magazine on Powerpoint

In doing my first draft I have realised the main image is too similar to the poster and would be stronger for the horror poster. In this instance I should use an image that shows more of the actors face as it will be a form of promotion: the audience will see the famous actor and will be persuaded to buy the magazine. 

Third draft of magazine done on Photoshop using original graphics

Photographs for the Poster and Magazine

Poster images

Magazine images

Analysis of Magazines

The main image is unusual for the magazines typical style, conventionally a long shot of the main character is used, and their head is normally slightly overlapping the masthead as shown in the X-men addition. This is because the brand name is and colour is so recognisable that the image overlapping has become a typical feature, bringing visual hierarchy to the image. In this instance unconventionally for the magazine, a close up shot has been used from a high angle, with the character turning the head down to create a daunting, scary effect. The masthead however is not overlapped by the actors head as seen in X-men this could be because the head would completely consume the masthead taking away the title of the magazine, however, it could also due to the change in colour scheme. Due to the fact the iconic red of Empire has not been used they could have intentionally not used overlapping in order to make the brand name more obvious and easily seen in a crowd, making it easier for the audience. In the X-men edition however a cool blue background has been used contrasting with the Red, and the Green edition contrasts with the black background and the red lips. This shows that contrasting colours are used in each edition to make the brand name stand out, enhancing their brand identity.

Empire magazine is a leading film magazine conglomerate in the UK, and is included in the top ten most popular film magazines of the world. Published monthly since 1989, and produced by one of the leading publishing companies in the world: Bauer Publishing. This particular issue as said at the top of the magazine comes as a matching pair where the reader can choose its ‘alliance’ either buying the magazine featuring the Joker (the villain) on the front cover or, Batman (the hero). This is a unique selling point for the magazine as it targets both audiences of the film meaning the magazine is appealing to a wider audience, as well as, intriguing their already existing target audience of film magazines. The other magazine a more typical issue advertising X-men.

Interestingly the typical bold colour scheme has been adapted using the colours of the Joker. The masthead and main article cover line typically on this magazine would be red to create a brand identity; the colours are associated with the magazine. However, in this unique issue the colour scheme has been changed to a bright green the masthead has been changed to black with green lines and the cover lines also in the same shade of green. This draws more attention to the film whilst, uniquely contrasting with the typical colour scheme it makes the audience focus more on the magazine as it stands out by being in luminous green. The colour green is associated closely with the film and the character shown; however, it also creates a haunted horror feel. 

Film Schedule

Above is an inserted image of my filming, by shot and order of location. This is to ensure when filming I have filmed every shot featured in my storyboard. This schedule does not include extra shots that may be taken and edited into the trailer in the future. 

Trailer Storyboard

Trailer Shot Plan

Main setting a Secondary/High school, the trailer is predominantly shot in the underground of the school. Certificate shown at the opening, and production company.

SHOT ONE
Tracking shot introducing the film, loose frame, two characters One filming and Joy running ahead in a small hallway leading to an open balcony to the atrium- having a conversation about meeting the rest of the group for a filmed drama rehearsal. Diegetic sound, speaking and background sound leading to the atrium.
How it will be filmed: Me running after joy, an intentional wobble to show I am running, keeping the camera as steady as possible.


SHOT TWO
Film rating and quote

SHOT THREE
Establishing shot, loose frame, high angle/aerial shot, over the side of said balcony looking at an empty space, Ronnie is seen below looking up at the camera gesturing to the two girls to come down.
How it will be filmed: Leant on the balcony.

SHOT FOUR
Close up, tight frame, using zoom, Ronnie gesturing to come down.
How it will be filmed: Leant on the balcony.

SHOT FIVE
Tracking shot, loose frame, another hallway leading to the drama room camera begins to go out of focus so they stop to into close up of Joy smiling and laughing as they bring to camera back into focus.
How it will be filmed: Me running after joy, an intentional wobble to show I am running, keeping the camera as steady as possible.

SHOT SIX
'Based on real footage of the London Killings'

SHOT SEVEN
Establishing shot of the drama room the camera is set up on a stand filming a rehearsal of the performance, mid scene, the lights go out. The girls scream as Ronnie laughs. Cameraman switches the camera to night vision, as they decide to go to the underground light system to fix the lighting.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT EIGHT
Long shot of the underground, Joy, Ronnie, Raine negotiating their way through the metal bars and dangerous underground to the light system. They hear a noise and stop scared.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT NINE
Close up of Raine looking scared asking whats happening then screaming saying something had touched her as she goes of out shot.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT TEN
Writing on the screen 'When everything goes wrong and there is nowhere to turn'.

SHOT ELEVEN
Close up of a screw driver without blood with the diegetic sound of crying and screaming, with a light zoom, loose frame.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT TWELVE
Close up of a screw driver covered in blood with the diegetic sound of crying and screaming, with a light zoom, loose frame. (the iconic shot used on the poster).
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT THIRTEEN
Flashback to the close up of a screw driver without blood with the diegetic sound of crying and screaming, with a light zoom, loose frame.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT FOURTEEN
Mid Shot darkness no longer in night vision, running away, diegetic sound of screams and crying.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT FIFTEEN
Mid-close up of Joy Crying looking scared in the corner of a dark room, in night vision
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT SIXTEEN
Long shot Joy and Raine hugging Ronnie telling them to calm down whilst panicking telling the cameraman to stop filming
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT SEVENTEEN
Mid-long shot tight frame of Ronnie and Joy arguing over what to do.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod, rotating, slightly tracking/panning.

SHOT EIGHTEEN
Mid shot of Ronnie looking towards the camera holding a weapon in a threatening way looking scared, diegetic sound of crying and Ronnie shouting.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

SHOT NINETEEN
Establishing shot blurred of the setting to connote fear, diegetic sound of crying and shouting 'where is it? What is it?'
How it will be filmed: Handheld

SHOT TWENTY
Camera drops on the floor showing nothing as there are screams and crying then, silence.
How it will be filmed: Handheld

SHOT TWENTY-ONE
Name of Film and release date

SHOT TWENTY-TWO
Joy in the corner, in night vision, close up of her face 'We're not safe'. A scream darkness.
How it will be filmed: Using a tripod

[This plan does not include extra shots that may be taken and edited into the trailer in the future.]

Planning Props

CAMERA

Considering the fact that the trailer will be filmed as a 'home video' the camera itself is considered a prop. One filming device available was the Iphone 4S, it was one choice as the filming quality is accurately good and due to the fact the screen is touch screen you are able to touch on the screen what you want to be in focus, also it is a device you would expect the people of that age to have available to film on. However, a prominent part of the film will be filmed underground and the camera cannot use dark mode, or a bright light. The camera quality is very good but, considering the phones size it is hard to maintain a stead hand when filming as a lot of the filming will be hand held. Another issue is space on the phone; in order to film a long enough video in one take or various videos in various takes you need to have a lot of space on the camera free, which is something that could greatly affect the filming stage making the process in production take a lot longer than anticipated. 

Another option available to me for filming, and that would be available for the characters is the Nikon Coolpix. A particular positive to this camera is that it films in HD. The camera can also have a Micro SD card 64gb meaning there will be a sufficient amount of space on the camera in order to save and film. This camera is also very light and easily movable which very convenient as it will be filmed in handheld, although, it doesn't have a stand meaning the shots may be shaky and unclear at times. The camera also doesn't bode well in the dark, the images become inanimate, this is greatly negative considering one of the main uses for the camera. The camera is also quite hard to hold due to the shape: it was designed to take pictures mainly, thus, the camera is not very good for holding comfortably again this could effect the quality of shots. 

Above is a video taken from http://nofilmschool.com/2011/10/iphone-4s-video-compare-canon-5d-mark-ii/ where they compare the quality of a HD camera and an Iphone camera. As you can see the quality is better on the HD and the colour balance is a lot more accurate. The HD camera in comparison to the Iphone is much better in a darker scene this is a particularly appealing quality. Subsequently  I have chosen to use a HD handheld to film my trailer.

WEAPON

One obvious choice would be a knife. It is quite common to see a knife as a weapon in a horror movie this is because it is easily available and it is easy to get prop knifes to create more gruesome scenes that will appeal to the target audience. However, I would have to purchase a fake knife ordered from the internet from a joke shop such as: http://www.escapade.co.uk/halloween-accessories-sale/knife-screaming-24213.asp. This creates a new range of possible problems such as the delivery not coming in time, or the knife not looking real which would destroy the image of the trailer. I would be less lead to use a weapon that has been used in so many horror films, as using a different weapon would create a sense of brand identity and unique reference. Although it is appealing to use a weapon the audience recognise it could create more curiosity and wider audience interest if I use a more unique weapon.

Considering the setting is underground in a maintenance type-cupboard or basement, a screwdriver is a convenient choice. You would expect to see tools such as a screwdriver in a maintenance cupboard so, this option would be convenient for the characters, as it would create a clear sense of continuity rather than a weapon conveniently appearing: this will appeal to the target audience as it makes the narrative seem more realistic. It also intrigues the audience as it is a weapon they wouldn't have seen in a horror film before. Also, it is easily available to me in getting the prop, and no fake version would be needed as long as it is handled with care. Thus, this would have to be clearly highlighted as a possible danger in my health and safety and consent letter.

TORCH

I have chosen to use a torch that would be readily available to the 'victims' Using the 'flashlight' app I was able to film the trailer in light conditions. 

Planning Actors and Costume

Ronnie 

Costume

I have chosen for Ronnie to wear dark colours. The dark colours are symbolic of character as they will make him look more mysterious, reinforcing my narrative and plot twist which leads the audience to believe he is the antagonist. Ronnie also inherits the look of a modern Goth, referring to the typical traits of a horror genre being relatively Gothic. Most importantly however, the clothes are modern and something that an audience member may wear. The converse are advertisement for product in my piece. 

Raine

Costume

I specifically chose for Raine to wear neutral colours, specifically green to tell the audience about the character. The colour green could represent envy; in my narrative Raine is not significant but a side character next to the side character Joy. This could be signifying Raine's jealousy for Joy as the popular more confident character. The colour green also connotes innocent as it is a primary colour, subsequently, it reinforces Raine's quiet nature. I chose for Raine to wear a dress for the same reason as it connotes innocent, especially the shape of the dress. It also shows that Raine is in fashion at the moment. The vans are advertisement for product in my piece. 

Joy

Costume

I intentionally chose for Joy to wear red, and have bright red hair to connote seduction. Red can be seen as a feminine colour due to its obvious link to menstruation it is associated with an adult women. Red can also be seen as seductive and appealing to the opposite sex. Similarly, Joy will wear a short black skirt to appeal to the male audience. The red hair mainly makes Joy stand out as both a character within the film and as an actress drawing focus on her signature red hair creating a sense of brand identity, and drawing in a wider audience, who are fans of the actress. The colour red also connotes bloody, typically seen in a horror film. Overall I wanted Joy to stand out as the main protagonist, thus, her costume is bright and contrasting with the other characters.