Albert+Ndoka

=Albert Ndoka= = = =A2 Media Coursework=

Research & Planning
__**Trailer Analysis**__

__**Albert Ndoka**__ __**Genre: Police Crime Thriller**__

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The title of the film ‘Zodiac’ can be recognised by some which know the true story of the Zodiac killer in America if the viewers don’t know the history of the serial killer then the trailer informs the audience that the film is based on a true story...

Furthermore the trailer tells the audience that there is a serial killer loose and Special Forces are trying their hardest to catch him. In addition it’s a tale about a civilian with talents of breaking puzzles that wants to help solve these murders and catch the killer, and therefore takes it upon himself to do what he can to ensure this happens. Moreover his gift of solving puzzles brings him closer to the killer and the end of the trailer has him face to face with someone but its left to the audience to decide whether his the killer or not.

The choice of shots correlate well with the action and genre of the film, the shots go back and forth from the killings (killer) to the investigation. This is a powerful technique to use in police thrillers because it shows as they investigate he is still killing and the shots also resemble time the more shots the more time he has killed. However the shots come to a climax which is the last confrontation between killer and detective. Also there are close up shots of all the evidence, this is vital as it supports the genre, and also involves the audience in the investigation because audiences in these types of films like to figure stuff out themselves.

In this particular trailer there is no voiceover used, this could be because it ruins’ the suspense in the film by having someone else narrate the story. The trailer is self explanatory and by having no voice over it entices the audience.

The dialogue in the film is crucial because it introduces the Zodiac Killer and the police officers in charge of his case. In addition you also hear the killer’s voice, which is spin thrilling for the audience because it brings them a step closer to seeing this legend serial killer.

At the start of the trailer there is a message stating that this film was made from the directors of “seven” and “panic room” to successful films. This is vital is attracting the same market segmentation as those which liked them films. However near the end of the film the three actors names are shown, this is also critical in attracting the fan base of those actors but the directors must have been more important to be shown first.

The Mise-en-scene of the trailer/film states that this is a police thriller by having all the actors dressed up in suits and investigating the case. In addition the bright yellow cab and the type of police cars indicate that this film is set in America, and also has a shot of the Brooklyn Bridge.

The music in the first half of the trailer introduces the killer so therefore it is very dramatic and full of suspense. In addition the music in the first half is not really continues music, just sounds that create a sense of danger and bring fear to the audience. However the second part of the trailer is calmer and relaxed music as it introduces this civilian that is putting all the puzzles together to catch this killer, the music gives you a sense of relief that we are saved and both tones of music correlate to good and evil in the film trailer. Moreover the ‘humming’ music at the end reminds the audience not to get too comfortable and that even the detective is in danger...

The films target audience are those which like the director’s previous films and those which like the actors in the film. In addition the demographic would be those which prefer the genre as police crime thriller is not for your typical teenager, it is more a grown up taste and for those film lovers that enjoy mystery and solving cases!

The film i believe has a unique selling point as it is based on real events and not many crime thrillers are. It is a mixture of true story, puzzles and police drama. The fact that it is based on a true story would scare the audience and make them want to see it, because they might know the story and in this case the Zodiac killer has never been caught...


 * Comparative Trailer Analysis:**



Trailer 1: Seven : []

Trailer 2 : The Woman In Black : []

The two movie trailers i have chosen are of completely different genre's and trailer type; Seven is a crime thriller with a hint of horror and neo-noir elements also a 2:17 long trailer, on the other hand The Woman In Black is a teaser trailer lasting just 49 seconds and is of the supernatural thriller genre. The movie seven was filmed in 1995 whereas the woman in black was filmed in 2011, this is important in the technology used, the status of the actors/actress' and the typical audience tastes.

As the woman in black is only a teaser trailer they have to leave the audience in suspense and wanting them to go watch the film, so therefore they have to just give enough away to entice but not ruin the plot of the film. However as the woman in black is a famous book/play and movie the audience would know what to expect already. on the other hand seven has a unique selling point as its thriller based on the seven deadly sins which is a christian belief, and in the trailer it is made clear that the killer is striking in relation to the seven sins and the trailer indicates that the detectives are aware of this and are hunting him down. But in woman in black doesnt give the story away as such, however starting the trailer with 'the most chilling ghost story' gives away the rough plot of the film and by saying 'comes to life' it is playing on the fact that 'ghosts' are dead but in this movie they come to life!

__//The woman in black//__ //Seven//

The choice of shots in both trailers represent the type of genrethe movies are and correlate well with the theme of the movies. Seven presents long established shots that draw the viewer’s attention which captures the theme of the film conveying danger and menace. There are a wide range of close-ups used in the film which allows the viewer’s to relate to the emotions of the characters, mostly showing anxiousness and fret. as it is a detective film full of evidence the shots need to vary and last, so they audience get an idea of what type of serial killer there going to watch. On the other hand the woman in black starts of with a wide establishing shot of the hunted house, this conveys all the stereotypes of horror ghost films, like Alfred Hitchcock 'Psycho' where the focus is mainly on the dark, gloomy, abandoned hunted house. Moreover there is close ups of the shock in the protagonist face as these ghostly events occur, this makes the audience empathize with the actor and makes the audience share his fear. Lastly there is also mid shots of him surrounded by empty corridors which supports the whole idea of being alone in the hunted house... or is he alone?

__//Hand on the shoulder ( the woman in black )//__ //Brad Pit doing detective work ( Seven )//

The voice over used in Seven is smartly added as it adapts to the whole religious theme, the voice over can represent God telling the story. In addition they mixed the voice over well with original dialogue which helps boost the suspense. however in the woman in black there is no voice over which is done to increase the suspense and keep the sense of loneliness, the captions tell the story and the actions also, so by using a voice over it would of taken away the fear and the seriousness of the film.

The movie seven was made in 1995, and it was one of the first big movies the director made, so his name was not mentioned, also the actors did not have the same buzz as they do this present day, so there names were associated last. however this film did not try to sell itself on director and actors, mainly the unique story line... On the other hand the woman in black just focused on the movies status and the famous big actor Daniel Radcliffe whom appeared in Harry Potter which sold millions, so the actor has a big fan base.

__//Main actors ( Morgan Freenman & Brad Pit )//__ //Main actor ( Daniel Radcliffe )//

The mise-en-scene in seven is set in Los Angeles, California. The costumes of the two protagonists are presented as two middle-class detectives and represented through their age. in the movie seven the convey the stereotype of detectives wearing a trench coat and having a hat. However in the woman in black the mise en scene is more on the location of the place, the house in the middle of nowhere is vital in creating the scene. Also the protagonist is wearing an old suit with a bow tie which is traditionally an old English wear. but there is not much chance to see anymore mise en scene in the 50 seconds, however in the time they have they set the time period.

__//The fear and the cloths ( woman in black )//__ //cross symbol of faith, religion ( seven )//

The music in seven corresponds with the pace of the trailer, as it is a crime thriller the music is deep and intense when the killings occur, but fast paced when the detectives are hunting down their prey, this ensures the audience is on the edge of their seat. in addition the music is being played in the background of the dialogue of the audience where as in the woman in black there is no dialogue in the trailer just simply sounds that correlate with the fear associated with ghosts and the child's play sound which is used in all scary ghost films to represent creamy kids.

The movie seven has a unique point as it was filmed in 1995 and no other directors had done this idea of police detectives hunting down a serial killer that is murdering in relation to the seven sins. However the woman in black concept of ghosts and hunted house's is not unique at all and the story of the woman in black has been told many times, that's why they used the famous actor to try sell the film more than the story!


 * Film Magazine Analysis:**

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 * Poster Analysis:**

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 * Genre Research:**

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__**Case study - Law Abiding Citizen**__

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__**Audience Research**__

Normally the most important part of the trailer is the beginning because it is the first action the audience see and it is usually what grabs the attention and keeps them locked in till the end. Hence the end is as important because it leaves the audience in suspense and the end is usually when the date of release is introduced. However the middle has to make sense and link both the start and end together also the end is the icing on the cake because most of the action is in the middle then it builds to a climax, then the ending can include a spoiler which builds context on the film.
 * __What are the most important parts of a trailer?__**

I would expect to hear it in a particular genre; Police crime thriller, kids movies, comedy … these particular genres especially crime thriller have a complex story line so there is not enough time in a trailer to get everything in whilst being short and sweet. So having a voice-over explains the plot in an exciting way but still keeps the suspense in the tone used to deliver the words!
 * __Do you expect to hear a voice-over in a trailer? If yes why?__**


 * __How important is music to a trailer?__**

Music is very important aspect to include in a trailer as it sets the temperament and atmosphere of the film. The music can give the movie a good feel to it and therefore help in the selling of the film, and also particular music in trailers also give away the genre of the film. In addition in horror trailers the use of no music or sound can also work very well in setting the mood and creating a fright.


 * __How important are names of cast/crew in a trailer?__**

Names of cast/crew in a trailer are important depending on the reputation of the cast and crew. If the film consists of highly talented cast then mentioning their names on the trailer can help boost sales as individuals have fan bases that would want to see the film because they are staring in the film. Also if it has a handful of good actors then the fans would feel that the film is going to be good because the quality of actors. More over in certain trailers it will state weather that actor has been nominated for awards or the director nominated for any awards that means their performance was outstanding in this film so drives audiences to see the movie more. On the other hand it has been argued that the names shown on the trailer have no effect depending on the genre and that the technical aspects of the film appeal more to the audience.

__**Should a trailer be done in a linear or non-linear way?**__

Doing a trailer in a non-linear way can possibly entice the audience as it will be scrambled up and the audience could want to see the film to try understand the trailer, however this could have a negative effect depending on your target audience. Some people might be too confused to even bother seeing the trailer, so therefore you have lost them. However doing the trailer linear would ensure u build the trailer to a climax with a start, middle and end. Deciding whether to do the trailer linear or non-linear depends on the genre of film because if you do it linear you could give away to much of the film and throw the audience of, if you decide non-linear the audience might not understand the film, using both can also be very effective…


 * __What music is expected in an urban drama?__**

In an urban drama the music has to correlate with the theme of the film, as it is an urban film then the music has to be from an UK artist and preferably grime.


 * __Within British Asian Dramas, do you expect to find parochial communities?__**

Parochial communities that are usually seen in British Asian dramas are closely linked to specific areas; Leicester and Bradford. Therefore the parochial communities within British Asian dramas are usually area specific and do not necessarily represent the British Asian community correctly.


 * __What are the different conventions in an independent and mainstream film?__**

An independent film is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system. A mainstream film is a commercial film that is made by major entertainment studios or companies that are owned by international media conglomerates. The difference is usually between the actors, the funding, marketing and the money provided. Independent films have more freedom but mainstream films are made for entertainment and to make a lot of revenue.

__**Is it important to have identical elements in the following?**__ All three must have identical elements and themes to advertise the brand and create recognition of the film. The motif, colour scheme, image, design, layout and names have to be identical so when spotted the audience will automatically think of the film.
 * Magazine
 * Trailer
 * Poster

The dialogue can be from the voice-over or from conversation between actors. Dialogue in a trailer is vital as it sets the plot of the film and helps identify the genre. It also draws the audience into sympathising with the actors as they deliver lines. Also in horror genres there is usually dialogue of screaming and characters panicking, that’s what distinguishes the genre…
 * __What dialogue is heard in a trailer?__**

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 * __ Production Stage __**




 * __ The Trail - Script __**




 * __ The Trail - Shot List __**




 * __ The Trail - Location Shots __**












 * __ Casting Analyses __**












 * __ Sketches __**


 * __STORY BOARD__**



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 * __Magazine cover!__**


 * __Magazine sketch 1__**

__**Magazine sketch 2**__

Both these sketches are drafts for my magazine. They both conform to the conventions that a magazine will impose i.e. with the masthead on top of the page and the main focus image central of the magazine front cover. i have chosen to go for sketch 1 as a template for my final magazine front cover because it shows the director close up and in action, having a new 'black' director on the front cover will attract the attention of those whom do not know who he is...


 * __Poster cover!__**


 * __Poster 1__**




 * __Poster 2__**



These are the two sketches for my planned poster. Poster 1 is the one i intend to produce because it has conventions of a police crime thriller unlike poster 2 that looks more like a horror poster. In addition Poster 1 holds a feel of as half of the poster is of the back of a dark haired man, this leaves the audience clueless of his identity. also the introduction of the 2 antagonist in a position ready to solve the potential crimes...


 * __Final Magazine Production__**

samples of pictures

this is the sample i followed, a simple midshot of the director enhances the success of the director and therefore the movie must be of quality

samples for magazine

I took a picture that resembled my sketches, then uploaded it on photoshop.

The picture was originally to dark to work with so i had to brighten it up using the functions on photoshop.



I then decided to make the background of the imagine yellowish to give it a golden effect, this was to correlate with the theme of the magazine and also the colour can attract customers more. lastly i added a barcode at the bottom right hand corner... = =

Most important step is the mask head, i spent time thinking of the title and the font type, colour and size. what i ended up going for fitted well with my image and the colour blended well...

After i resulted in placing the title to the back and having the image right at the front. This is vital in introducing the director, also the mask head 'feature' if you cover 2 words you can still read the rest. Furthermore i added titles on the side which gives the image more selling power...




 * __Final Magazine Cover__**



__**Final Magazine Cover**__



This is my final magazine cover, i had to change the directors name so it sync with all my other work. in addition i forgot the price and other little touches which i had to make to the final product...


 * __Final Poster Production__**

samples for the poster



I used the back of the killers head with the dark hair and coat to represent a dark evil orar. the picture was not planned it was something that i played around with and it just happened to work well.

After i decided to add the main detectives at the back. i made sure to focus on the rule of thirds, the male character is more dominant in the picture however the female is as dominant because she is at the front and on the left side, and the way your eye works you read from left to right so she is vital. in this picture you can see the crime thriller genre stereotypical objects like gun/handcuff etc



During this step it was difficult to cut around the two detectives, however i used a fine tool to cut around and put a plan white background to ensure the killer stands out more...



Step after included a plain white background, this enhances the killers image as he is in dark black and also makes the two detectives stand out brightly with a clever black and white effect...



This process included the placement of the title of the film. This step was vital because it was difficult finding the perfect font style, colour and size. However after finding what i believed best suited my poster (with a little audience feedback) i choice to place it at the bottom of the poster this was representative of other posters I researched in the same genre...



The tagline has to be placed right bellow the title and the golden colour is sync with the title plus the magazine font colour, this helps the audience associate the colour gold in the magazine and poster to my film.



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__**Final Poster**__



This the final film poster i had to make sure the BBC films was included and to ensure it sync with my trailer and everything else, in addition every other aspects like reviews and the bottom logo's had to be included.

__**Final Magazine and Poster**__

__**THE TRAIL FILM TRAILER**__

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__**The Evaluation Part 1**__

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__**The Evaluation Part 2**__

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