Using non-profit music

For our trailer, we have to use music that won't leave us in a situation of breaking the copyright law. This would mean that if we use music without the permission of the producer, then we wouldn't be able to use the music. So far, we have been granted permission to use "Mad World" by Gary Jules. However, in order to create atmosphere, I don't think "Mad World" by itself would help represent the different atmospheres and emotions I attempt to achieve in my trailer. For example, at the beginning, I don't believe that "Mad World" would be appropriate to use in creating a casual atmosphere.

So firstly, what I did was I went onto google, and I typed in "no copyright music", so I can see what sort of websites come up that are related to this search. I then found a site named creativecommons (click on link to see the website), where it provides links to other websites which has a huge directory of music that we could use without the hassle of asking for permission.

After searching through several sites, I have found that BeatPick was the best site to use, as it is very easy to use and their search engine is very precise. After searching through a few song types, I have chosen two songs which could help create two very distinct atmospheres:

Researching Horror Posters

As part of our production work, we have been asked to produce a horror poster to help sell the movie. This works alongside the trailer that we've been working towards. Researching about horror posters will give me a better idea on how to compose my own horror poster.

In this poster, it is evident that the poster is dominated by the black colour. This suggests an empty space, which leads onto the suggestion of mystery. Also, black connotes darkness, which is heavily relevant to horror. Also, the main focal point of this poster is the shocked look from the woman in the middle. Her facial expression suggests that there is a sense of danger and being alert, which foreshadows that something bad is going to happen. Also, the brightness and enlargement of the eyes implies that she is aware of what may happen. Also, with the black colour surrounding her, it implies isolation, since not much of her face is exposed on the poster. The grunge style effect that is added onto her face suggests distortion and instability. They have also used simple text, which just like logos, is easy to digest for the viewer. The title uses a sans serif font. Using a sans serif font challenges the stereotype of horror movies, since the font is usually meant to suggest high class, organisation, and superiority. However, it is quite the opposite, since they have used red to highlight danger and blood. It can also be argued that this text has been used to suggest that the killer is sophisticated, and the killer may be organised in the sense that they already have premeditated who their victims may possibly be. Also, they have switched the "R" in "Mirror", to suggest that the title is abnormal. This helps emphasise the horror genre, as being abnormal is related to horror events (with events being unexpected). Also, the use of white text not only is useful as it contrasts with the black background (making it easier to read), but it could also be suggestive of binary opposition (in respect to what white connotes e.g.. light vs dark, pure vs dark). They have also included the names of producers and when it's released at the bottom of the poster, which is a generic convention of horror posters.

Colour in this poster have been used well. Again, white and black have been used to effectively contrast, but with the main focal point being in shades of brown to suggest dirt, there is one bright shade of red which stands out from the rest. Essentially, this is like breaking the monotonous colours used, which does heavily suggest danger. Moreover, the isolation with the black background have been used again. Also, simple text has been used, most likely for the same reasons as the posters before. Conventions of horror posters have also been used, with producers being named in the poster, and the title of the poster being on the bottom. The focal point, the female in the middle, has their head lowered and the hair draped over some of their face, which suggests that she's trying to hide their identity. This further implies that maybe she's a secretive and discrete killer, which suggests that the film may involve unexpected attacks, and possible scenes of false sense of security to scare the viewer. With the black background fading into the face, it shows that maybe the main focal point is welcoming the darkness, and she does not seem alarmed. This suggests that she may be the antagonist. Finally, the title "Lovely Molly" is ironic. This is because instead of love, horror films usually promote the complete opposite, such as destruction and death.

I have also annotated these two posters to give myself an idea of how the structure of these posters should be planned out.

Understanding Cultural Globalisation

Transcript:

Working within a budget

As we do not have the luxury of using high tech resources, it is essential that we grasp an understanding of how we can use what equipment we do have effectively. As a result, I have looked on YouTube at other student's media work, and compare it to high-budget productions, to compare the differences between both high budget and low budget trailers.

The importance of division of labour

Division of labour is splitting up the workforce in order to each individual's strengths. Division of labour will allow the production process to be sped up, and as a result, all areas of work will be up to a quality standard.

In terms of this project, there are 3 main areas that need to be worked on, and I have allocated roles with who should be working on what:

Theory/Pre-Planning - Myself
This includes looking at research, and writing up the base of the trailer, so the group has a clear understanding of what the trailer looks to achieve. 

 Filming/Editing - Will
This includes working on specific shots whilst filming, and see what type of clips will look good in the composition set for the trailer.

How will this effect my horror trailer?

Understanding division of labour is important, since we are able to speed up the process of which we can complete our trailer. The faster we complete the trailer we have in our time limit, the more time we will have to redraft our trailers and complete it to the best of our ability.

Production: First draft of the opening sequence

With the knowledge I know, I have produced a first draft of the opening sequence.

Firstly, I have used calming music to help give off the impression that it is a trailer suggestive of a genre that is soothing and relaxed, as opposed to presenting the horror genre straight off the bat. This is unlike other horror trailers, where they want to build suspense up straight away by using eerie music to begin with. Also, I use this music with the information of what audience should be watching this, as well as the production logo to give credit to their work. However, it is important to note that the green screen information is not the actual one that I will use for the final draft, since the information is inaccurate (like it shows that it's from America when it's produced in the UK). I am only using that as a reference.

However, suddenly, there is a static sound, and PAL colour bars that are seen on a TV, to give off a distorted effect, and catch the viewer from a false sense of security. This also helps imply the horror genre, as the distorted effect help suggest that it is something that you would not expect, but also gives the viewer a shock. Giving the viewer a shock is the intention that we aim to give off, since the horror genre is intended to shock and scare the viewer in a sense of surprise.

We then go on to intertitles where there some insight to the main character's thoughts. Not only is this applying enigma codes to my trailer, but it also helps the viewer understand the trailer. For example, "Why did this happen to me" has the viewer guessing on what did happen to this girl. Also, since the spotlight is constantly on the girl, it shows that she is the main character, and does imply that the quotes are coming from her point of view in an ominous way.

We then continue to tell the story in a consecutive way, showing that the girl's take pictures, and the camera shots are shown. This is so the viewer understands the disruption that is being created.

Production Logo - "Skyline Productions"

Based from the research I have done on logos, I have created a production logo which will be used in our horror trailer.

This follows the same rule as any other logo would. It is simple, as it clearly shows the silhouette of a skyline, with a blue to white gradient. I've used these two colours, as it connotes a calm, and soothing atmosphere. It could also suggest the reflection of water on the skyline, which leads on to the suggestion of nature.

With the text, I have made it big and spread out enough for the viewer to know what the name of the production firm is. Using bold text has also helped in this instance, as it is easier to read than other fonts types such as "san serif". No other effects have been used on the text, as I want to keep this as simple as possible. The more simple the logo, the easier it is for the audience to digest. However, I did have to make sure that there was some link between the design and text, otherwise the skyline design could've been suggestive of anything. The two aspects compliment each other.

Logo research and analysis/Conventions of the very beginning of the trailer

A logo is used to represent someone or something. Whenever a specific logo is seen, then it usually refers to something, and is therefore, symbolic. The most common feature of a logo is that it has to be simple. It is known that if a logo is too complex, then the consumer may not remember the logo as well as they could do, and therefore, it will slip their mind. Below are a few examples which follow this rule:

This is the "firefox" logo. As you can see, this is not complex at all. It is relevant to what it sells, and the name. A gradient that is similar to fire’s colours are shown on the fox, as well as it being wrapped around a world. The world is implemented in this logo to imply that this is relevant on a global scale, which it is, as this provides a service to roam the internet.

This is the Batman logo, commonly used in its comics and films. They have used a simple shape (an oval) as the base of their logo, and used a bat in the middle, which is relevant to the name of their brand. They have also used distinct and contrasting colours, as it emphasises the colours and more importantly, the bat in the middle. No complex graphic effects have been used here.

However, in relevance to our trailer, I have to produce a production logo before the actual screening of the trailer. This is to give an authentic feel to the trailer, but also to avoid copyright if I was to use existing production logos/animations. Below are some production logos that follow the same conventions as the logos above:

Pixar have produced many famous films, such as Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo. This logo that "Pixar" uses is essentially just text. However, as simple as it is, there isn't a design or symbol that can be linked to the production name "Pixar". However, the use of san serif font symbolises that this is a production firm that representative of high class. Below the production name, they have included what type of company they are, which is informative to the viewer. As plain as this logo is, it follows the same convention as the logos that I've mention before: Simple.

"MGM" are also a very recognised film production firm. Their most notable film that they have produced is the series of "James Bond". Although their logo may seem more complex than the others I've mentioned, it does get their point across. The use of the lion is the most noticeable symbol out of every other aspect of the logo, as it's the easiest design to recognise. Also, they have used one colour for their logo (predominantly gold). Also, the production firm name is on the top of the logo, without any inference of other designs, which makes it easy to read. However, the other computer generated images (CGIs) make this logo a bit confusing. This means the viewer may not remember the whole design, but most noticeably the lion. The lion is also emphasised in animation, through the roar sound effect that MGM have added in:

How will this affect my horror trailer?

Understanding the conventions of a logo will allow me to create an effective logo that I will look to include in the trailer. None of these logos are specific to a genre, as the production firm have nothing to do with the involvement of the trailer. It is important that I create an effective trailer, so it is easy for the consumer to digest the information that is given to them in such a short amount of time. Usually in trailers, the production logo does not appear for more than 5 seconds, so the viewer would not have enough time to see the logo. I have featured various examples below, as well as indicate how many seconds the production logo shows up for, and between what times:

Great Gatsby - 2 seconds (0:06 - 0:08)
Dark Knight Rises - 4 seconds (0:06 - 0:10)
Love Actually - 3 seconds (0:06 - 0:09)

It is also important to note that whilst finding out about the logos within the trailers, I have noticed that the green screen with information of age group restrictions at the beginning lasts for exactly 6 seconds, including any transition effects that may be included. It is also important to note that it is 6 seconds in the beginning, despite the genre of the trailers being different. I can conclude that the genre of the trailer has no effect to how long the information is displayed in the beginning. Therefore, as it is a convention of a trailer, I will apply that into my trailer so it doesn't seem any different to the other trailers that have been produced for professional purposes.

Filming Day 3

Filming at my house

Today we went to my house to film Rachel in a casual atmosphere. We've decided to film at my house, since it was the most convenient location for all the actors and editors to meet up.

First of all, we filmed a shot of Rachel sitting on the sofa feeling miserable. In terms of our trailer, this was to create the feeling that she had time to think to herself, but it also really portrays the impact of the bullying that she's received. It was effective to film in our house since this can be seen as a place of comfort. We took about 3 takes of the same shot, to ensure we had a variety of shots to choose from. The motion featured Rachel looking off into the distance, whilst having her palm against her jaw, with an emotionless facial expression. This is filmed at a mid shot since it is showing her body from the torso upwards, but it also shows the homely atmosphere around her.

We then moved to the bathroom, where we made Rachel wear a robe whilst wearing her clothes. Having the robe tightly wrapped gave off the illusion that she may have no been wearing underneath, which makes use of the "Mulvey's Male Gaze" theory. We've made Rachel hold the phone up high, to make it seem as if she's taking a photo. We aim to use a foley sound to exaggerate the fact that she's taking a photo, by using a camera click sound effect. As you can see, we will also have Rachel smiling to seem as if she's happy about taking the photo, which shows her innocence and happiness in the beginning of the trailer. This also relates to Mulvey's Male Gaze since males may be attracted to such characteristics of a woman like Rachel in this instance.

We have then shot a point of view scene showing

Film's Cool: Digital Strategy

In this session of Film's Cool, we had _____ come in and talk about digital strategy. He explained that digital strategy is using media as a means to promote your product. Digital strategy involves using more than one media to promote your product.

(Powerpoint presentation)

The importance of continuity - How we plan on using it

Now that we've established the first draft of our storyboards, it is important to understand the concept of continuity. As explained before, continuity is the flow of separate shots to make one whole scene. Below, I have established of how continuity can be used. Firstly, I have done this with clothing.

Clothing is essential, as it would need to give off the feeling that scenes are following on from one place to another. For example, Josh (Will) is doing two separate scenes, where he is looking at his phone, on the way to go see his mates at football. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that to give the impression that the scene where he texting, and the scene where he going off to play football, all happens on the same day. The way of doing that is to keep the same clothing on, to make it seems that he didn't change when he is playing football, and therefore, may not have anywhere safe to keep his phone besides in his pocket (unfortunately, he didn't think of putting the next to the goal with all the coats and accessories, but that is his fault). So in briefer terms, although there is a different locations used in two different scenes, we used clothing to ensure that the scenes occur on the same day.
 

Also, another example of continuity is when Rachel is running up the stairs, and slams the door shut, whilst wearing the red coat. We then go to a different shot where she enters the bathroom, confused and staring at the pills. In both shots, we have Rachel wear the same red coat and the same clothing, so it represents that the scenes are happening close to each other in time, and therefore, continuous.

Risk Assessment - Using the void

Using the "void" can be risky to use, as there are many hazards which could result in serious injuries. Therefore, it is essential that we carry out a risk assessment before going inside, to ensure that we are safe and how to react in the case that anything does go wrong.

Questionnaire Analysis

With the questionnaire I've produced, I have to analyse the results in order to understand what my audience's wants and needs are. Moreover, it can establish my target audience.

Questionnaire (Field Research)

A questionnaire is a series of questions that are asked to random members of the public, and is used to extract specific information.

I have designed a questionnaire to ensure that my trailer decisions made are justified, and reduce the risk of failure. Capturing the audience's attention is essential, and in order to attract their attention, we would have to meet their wants and needs. A questionnaire is mixed with open and closed questions. 

A closed question is a question in which the person being asked would have to give a specific answer. In this case, they would have to tick a box, so answers can be quantified in analysis.

An open question is a question in which a 

I have interviewed 100 people in Bond Street (Central London), on the 12^th January 2013. Below is the questionnaire that we've handed out to people:

Questionnaire for Media Trailer (Pre-Production)

How old are you?

0-11 [ ] 12-14 [ ] 15-17 [ ] 18-25 [ ] 26-35 [ ] 36+ [ ]

What movie genre are you interested in?

Thriller [ ] Drama [ ] Romance [ ] Comedy [ ] Horror [ ]

What type of horror would you most prefer to watch?

Action [ ]  Comedy [ ]  Gothic [ ]  Natural [ ]  Psychological [ ]  Science-Fiction [ ]   Slasher [ ]  Splatter [ ]  Zombie [ ]

Out of these titles, what one would you prefer a paranormal trailer to be?

Psychosis [ ]  Ultionem (Latin for revenge) [ ] Narrow Light [ ] Blood and Trust [ ]

What colour would you most associate with horror?

Red [ ]  Blue [ ]  Green [ ]  Yellow [ ]  Purple [ ]  Black [ ]  White [ ]  Orange [ ]

What keeps you most interested in a trailer?

Editing [ ]  Storyline [ ]  Actors [ ]

What are your life’s goals?

__________________________________________

Do you think horror trailers in 2012/2013 are too violent?

Yes [ ]  No [ ]

Explain why

__________________________________________