In what ways does your media product, use, develop or challenge forms and

conventions of real media products?

Question 1

From the beginning of my coursework I have relied on my research into the ‘Crime/Thriller’ genre to help me detect suitable codes and conventions that I may be able to use

in my own final products which would enable them to look more professional and realistic. I ensured that all three of my final products met the needs of my target audience and I also made sure that they all fit into the

genre of ‘Crime/Thriller’ by following the specific conventions yet at the same time developing them and challenging them to make my trailer more unique and

identifiable.

For our trailer we analysed various existing trailers as a group which would allow us to identify the general

conventions for a trailer. This would help us when we are filming our own. The trailers we analysed were genre

specific because at the beginning we either wanted to do a crime or a thriller. However after the trailer analysis we figured that we would combine the two genres together and this would create a wider audience for our trailer, it would be a selling point for the film because it includes

aspects of both genres.

Trailer

http://lsfcmedia2015-6.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/analysis-of-trailer-november-man.html

Analysis (Existing Trailers)

http://lsfcmedia2015-6.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/trailer-analysis.html

Analysis (Existing Trailers)

http://lsfcmedia2015-6.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/trailer-analysis-gone-girl.html

Analysis (Existing Trailers)

http://lsfcmedia2015-6.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/crime-thriller-trailer-analysis.html

Analysis (Existing Trailers)

Trailer Conventions

Length of 2-3 minutes

Appropriate soundtrack

Release date

Film nameIntertitles

Film distributor

and Production

company logo

Introduction of main

characters

As a group we had researched into many existing movie genres for example, horror, comedy, romance, drama etc. After carrying out research into

different movie genres, me and my group decided to merge two genres together, the genres were Crime and Thriller. We decided to combine these

two genres as the conventions within them had attracted us as a group to use in one film together. We have used the conventions of both of these genres

within our trailer. Both of the genres have an element of mystery and suspense in them. So, even though they are two different types, they work

very well in conjunction with one another. We gained inspiration from existing products to help us with our trailer.

Genre

Genre Conventions

Use of weapons

Fast-paced editing

Non-diegetic sounds

Dark colours; red is often

used

Males are the dominant characters

Clear title

Upbeat music to show

action/tension

Character names are

clearly visible

Main character is

easily identifiable

Genre in our trailer…

The crime/thriller genre begins in the trailer where Shiwa is texting. This scene shows the genre of the movie as the scene looks mysterious with a close-up of her eye and as she is

texting alternating one after the other. Through her serious and focused expression it is clear to the audience that her mood has changed from the previous scene where she was crying and making the audience aware of her vulnerability but because she is asking for a favour

there is still an aspect of her helplessness showing through but she is well aware of what she is doing suggesting that there is another side to her character which is shining through. The

genre is also visible through what Shiwa is typing claiming “I need a favour” is a straightforward statement which brings an element of thrill to the story as it makes the

audience wonder who she is texting and why?

In this scene we have also made the genre identifiable for the audience. This scene came immediately after the texting scene and it introduces a new character into the plot. The new

characters face is not showing as the scene is filmed in an over the shoulder shot which further puts the audience on their feet as they want to know who this person is. From the dialogue in

the scene the audience are now aware of what the ‘favour’ was as Shiwa says “ Make sure she is gone by tomorrow”. This is the exact part where the audience know that Shiwa is most likely talking about her sister Sarah to a mysterious man who is in on the plan to help Shiwa make Sarah disappear. This highlights the genre again as a convention is followed from an existing

crime/thriller genre where the main character plans to kill a character in the film. Also, Shiwa’s serious expression carries on from the previous scene, her direct eye contact with the unknown

character shows that she is stern on her decision. This further makes the audience question what events will take place next which is generally the case in existing crime/thriller trailers as

well. Suspense is key which is what we have included in our trailer too.

Genre in our trailer…

Genre in our trailer…

The handshake scene is another way we have shown the genre in our trailer. The point of view shot seems like the camera is looking through the eyes of the unknown character. This scene again adds an element of mystery because the audience have been made aware that

there is an agreement between the two characters. There is a sense of anticipation because the upcoming events are unpredictable in the trailer.

In the following scene there is a zoom in of a rock that appears with the unknown character holding it. This is where we have followed the convention of using a weapon in our trailer, the rock was used as a weapon to kill Shiwa in the plot. Also, from seeing the

rock the audience are able to relate back to the voiceover of the detective at the beginning of the trailer where he states “…This person has been hit with a rock!” this again creates

suspense in the trailer and puts the audience on edge for upcoming action. However, little do they know that there will be a twist.

Genre in our trailer…

Immediately after appears the scene where Shiwa stands in shock as she sees something. The audience would assume it is the rock as her gaze lowers and she looks right back up

again and begins to run. She screams after seeing the unknown character. This emphasises the thrill in the trailer. The running scene after the previous scene indicates crime/thriller too, as the audience are aware that a crime is about to take place. Shiwa running alone in the forest shows that she is helpless. The setting is isolated and adds to the thrill seeking scene. Generally in a crime/thriller trailer the main character is trying to get away from

danger and we have shown this within this particular scene. This whole plot twist fits well with the genre of the trailer as it is unexpected and shocks the audience.

Altogether we included the appearance of three characters in our trailer. Shiwa, Sarah and the killer. We included these three

characters as they had the most significance in the plot. We wanted our storyline to be clear and easy to follow but at the same time we did not want it to give away too much of the narrative. We only see the two female characters in the trailer. We deliberately did this so

that the thrill and excitement of seeing the killers face is in the audiences mind. Another reason why is to show the main characters

in the trailer which are Shiwa and Sarah, and to make it easy to identify for the audience that they are the ones to watch out for

when viewing the actual movie. This is a convention we used in our trailer because usually in Crime/Thriller trailers, the main characters

are visible.

Characters

Shiwa is the main character in the plot. The audience should be made to

sympathise with her whilst watching the trailer. We challenged the general

convention of a male being the dominant character in the film. This was a

technique used to attract more females to watch our film which is the reason why

our film is targeted towards both males and females.

Characters (continued)

The typical conventions of a narrative in a trailer begins with the opening then, there is a build-up towards the issues and

dilemmas faced by the characters which is after followed by the events or the action that takes place. For our trailer we made

sure that the storyline was easy to understand for our audience as we did not complicate it. However, at the same time we did

not give away too much of the storyline. We included action but not as much that may be seen in a Crime/Thriller trailer. This is a convention that we developed to fit our trailer and make it more

attractive for our audience. As a group we made sure the storyline and narrative linked well with the genre. We wanted to

make the narrative the focus as well as the characters. We ensured that our trailer was easy to follow by using the typical conventions of a narrative and splitting the trailer into the four

main categories.

Narrative

Narrative: opening in our trailer…

In the opening of our trailer we have introduced the audience to the crime scene. By introducing this at the beginning we have made it visible that we are setting the scene for the audience and that the trailer will be related to crime so that it can attract the

target audience quickly. The trailer starts with the voiceover of the detective where he says, “This is not a suicide, this is a murder! This person has been hit with a rock!” as he

is saying this the actors name appears which is one of the unique selling points in our trailer. He is a famous actor so the people who like the specific actor would generally like to see his films. The fact that his name is mentioned at the beginning shows that he is a

significant character in the film.

Narrative: opening in our trailer…

In the opening again we have used the consistent theme of showing the audience who the main stars are in the film. The argument scene follows up after the

beginning crime scene which may indicate to the audience that there has been an involvement of one of these characters however, we have not given that away in the opening of our trailer. Within this specific scene the audience are introduced to the two main female characters in the trailer, the actresses names are appearing on the

screen whilst they are arguing with each other which may suggest that there is a rivalry between them and they are the two to look out for in the film. From the

dialogue in the scene the audience are able to understand the plot a little more and that there has been an aspect of betrayal which has taken place. The audience also

find out that the two characters are sisters from the dialogue in the scene.

Narrative: build-up in our trailer…

The build-up in the trailer takes place where the happy scenes of the two sisters are visible to the audience. This allows the audience to identify with the characters again and allows them to build on the storyline that they may have already predicted. The scenes have been put in

place to make the audience aware that the two sisters were living happy lives until ‘deception’ played a role and made their relationship sour. The scenes add an element of

emotions into the trailer and makes the audience want to sympathise with the character. This links with the film title and overall storyline. The fact that these two actresses are shown

again in the trailer suggests that they are the main characters in the film which is a convention we have followed to make it easier for our audience to identify the characters.

These scenes build-up on the suspense because the audience will question why Sarah had an affair with Shiwa’s husband and what will be the consequences of it. (how will Shiwa get

revenge?)

Narrative: Dilemma in our trailer…

The dilemma in the trailer takes place where Shiwa begins to ask a favour to a person who has not yet been mentioned in the trailer. The audience

see Shiwa looking distressed in the crying scenes where she is sitting down in a dark, isolated room showing that she has a problem and needs

someone to help her solve it. This highlights her vulnerability which allows the audience to sympathise with her. These scenes would make

the audience question why Shiwa is asking for help, and whether or not her problem will be resolved?

Narrative: Action in our trailer…

The action takes place in our trailer straight after Shiwa and the unknown character shake hands. Action is a vital part in our trailer because at this point the plot twist takes place. The action takes place just before the ending of the

trailer which is a convention we have followed in our trailer.

Narrative: Events in our trailer…

The events take place after the action. We have put these in black and white as they appear on the screen to show that these are yet to take place in the actual film. This is a convention that is followed in trailers which we have also used. The events include the unknown character

picking up his phone, the next scene is of Shiwa distressed from a high angle in a different setting, another scene is of Sarah and Shiwa

walking through a path in the woods to show that they are happy. Also, to conclude the trailer we showed the dead body again similar

to the beginning of the trailer. This is also another convention that we have seen in film trailers.

The unique selling points in our trailer are used to grip the audience and make the film appear more appealing

to them. We have used the unique selling points effectively in our trailer because they help make our final product look more attractive and realistic which

would then make the audience want to watch the actual movie. We have used many conventions from

existing products which we have used as inspiration for our own product.

Unique Selling Points

Unique Selling Point: One

The first selling point in our trailer are the main characters. This is a convention that almost all crime/thriller trailers follow so we used this to

inspire our own trailer. We added the names of the actors/actresses as they first appear on the screen. This shows that they are the main stars in this film and the audience are able to identify that. This is a way of selling

the film because if there are actors/actresses in the film that the audience like watching it would mean that they are most likely going to

watch the actual film due to the characters that are performing in it. Also, they would be able to predict the genre of the film because generally a

specific actor mostly stars in a specific genre.

Unique Selling Point: Two

The second selling point in our trailer is the dialogue and voiceover used. The voiceover at the beginning of the trailer entices the audience by grabbing their attention right at the start. The voiceover is the voice of one of the main stars in the film. This a convention we have followed from existing crime/thriller trailers. We deliberately did not physically show the actor in the trailer so that it bugs the audience to watch the actual film to see the role

that he is going to play. The dialogue in our trailer is very audience specific, they are normal everyday people with a British accent. The arguing scene lures the audience in because they want to know more about the plot and what will be the consequences of

Sarah deceiving her sister. The language used is very touching yet straightforward showing that the audience can relate to it. There is very little dialogue used but it is

effective. This is another convention that most crime/thriller trailers have.

The target audience for our trailer would be 18-30 year old male and females. We conducted research into our target audience by

researching into our genre. We discovered that young adults would mostly go to watch a film in the crime/thriller genre. But, from our results we also obtained that the genre would mostly

attract males. However, in our trailer we challenged this convention by using female characters as having the main roles.

This is so that the females would be more influenced to watch this film because the leading characters are females. In trailers there is

a lot of fast paced editing and action taking place which may be the reason why men are more inclined to watch the films in this

genre. We used the certificate rating of 15 for our trailer as it would not be suitable for viewers younger than this age. This is because our film contains strong language and violent scenes

which a person younger than the age of 15 cannot watch.

Target Audience

We have used various camera angles and shots to make our trailer more attractive to the audience. We ensured

that we used the correct equipment to film our trailer and be able to show the different angles distinctively. We

analysed several trailers and identified the camera angles that they had used, we found that the most common

angles and shots used were, the establishing shot, high angle shots, wide shots, extreme close-ups, establishing

shots, shot reverse shot, point of view shots and medium shots. These different shots are used to make the trailer more interesting to view and so that it flows effectively.

Camera Angles

Camera angles in our trailer…

The camera angles and shots used for the dead body were used to reveal the body slowly to the target audience. The trailer begins with an extreme close-up of the dead body, then it zooms out to a close-up of

the body and then finally zooms out once again to just a long shot of the dead body. This process was used effectively to show the dead body to the audience not at once but in different, short shots.

In the argument scene which followed shortly after the dead body, we used shot reverse shots and a two shot. This is to show the conversation between the two characters and to view their expressions

clearly. We used the two shot to highlight the relationship between the two characters together in this scene and the way they are standing far apart suggesting they do not like each other anymore.

Camera angles in our trailer…

We then used a wide shot which established the scene to show where the two sisters are walking in the woods, which foreshadows the events that will take place later on in the trailer. Also, the audience are able

to identify that the dead body was placed there as it was shown at the beginning of the trailer. Again, we used a wide two shot to show the relationship between the two sisters however, in this scene they are sitting

close together and laughing which highlights the change in their relationship after the incident.

In the crying scene which happens after, there is a slight high angle shot of Shiwa crying. The camera is placed above Shiwa making her look timid sitting in a corner and crying. This emphasises her vulnerability and makes the audience sympathise with her because she is helpless and heartbroken after her sister and

husband deceived her

Camera angles in our trailer…

In the texting scene followed after the crying scene, Shiwa is asking for a favour from an unknown character. We used an extreme close-up of Shiwa’s eye to signify that she knows exactly what she is doing

and it shows the seriousness in her eyes. Then we alternated between the eye and Shiwa texting. We used a close-up of Shiwa’s phone whilst she is texting so that the audience know what she writing

because there is no dialogue or voiceover.

In the next scene, we used an over the shoulder shot from the unknown characters shoulder to show Shiwa’s face. This highlights that she is making decision and is confident about it. Also, we used an over the shoulder shot to hide the identity of the unknown character by not showing his facial appearance so that it brings an element of mystery in the trailer. We used a point of view shot to show the hand shake between

the two characters and to show the audience that the decision has been made.

Camera angles in our trailer…

Near the end of the trailer we included an establishing shot to show the location of where some of the important events had taken place for example, the dead body and Shiwa and Sarah talking and walking happily with one another. Another shot we used near the end of our trailer is a birds eye view show. This is similar to high angle shot. We used this in the trailer to show that Shiwa is vulnerable and alone and she needs

someone to help her. It shows that she vulnerable .

Sound

Sound is very important within a trailer. It engages the audience which makes them want to watch the actual film. Almost all trailers have sound within them. This is so that the viewing experience is not boring, where there is more action taking place, the music is more upbeat

and fast paced however, when there are emotional scenes the music tempo is slow and

enticing.

Sound in our trailer…

The soundtrack in the background is non-diegetic. We chose to use the instrumental version of ‘Recovery’ by James Arthur for the background music. This is because the music at the

beginning of the song is very slow and mysterious, as the music heightens it creates a sense of suspense for the audience when they are watching the trailer which fits into the

crime/thriller genre. We used the most upbeat part of the song where the chase scene had taken place. This was to show action and add an element of adrenaline so the audience can

almost feel the way Shiwa is feeling whilst running and trying to get away. This is a convention we have followed as many crime/thriller trailers have heightened music in the

scenes where there is action taking place.

We used very minimal dialogue in our trailer. We thought the events taking place were very self explanatory and we did not want to distract the audience from the acting and camera angles/shots by including excessive dialogue. We used dialogue in the scenes where we

wanted the audience to understand the plot a little more clearly. For example, in the scene where Shiwa and Sarah were arguing and in the scene where the unknown character and

Shiwa make an agreement. This is all the dialogue in our trailer. We followed this convention as it is used in many existing trailers. We also used a voiceover in our trailer to

highlight the fact that a famous actor is starring in our film.

Sound in our trailer…

We included many different features of costume, lighting, action, make-up, props and settings within our trailer so that it is more attractive for our target audience. If the

trailer appears attractive due to these main aspects then our film will be popular amongst the audience meaning that it is a success. The trailer is a form of advertisement for the film as it is showing the eye-catching parts in the

film so that it grips the audience. This is why the conventions of mise-en-scene are important within a

trailer.

Mise-en-Scene

Lighting

We altered through many different lighting in our trailer so that the scene is set for the audience. During the first part of our trailer in the argument scenes we used

artificial lighting from a light source which was a lamp. This gave the trailer a homely vibe showing that they are arguing at home and not publicly. Then in the trailer we

move to natural daylight to show the happy scenes in the trailer. We then move back into the house where there is no artificial light however there is light peeping in from

a window. The overall atmosphere in the room is dark and gloomy where Shiwa is crying. Finally, in the action scenes the natural lighting is very dark and shows

suspense where Shiwa is running alone.

Props

The rock in our trailer is the main prop we have used. This is because the rock has been used as a weapon to kill someone. The next most important prop we

have used is mobile phones. We used the phones in our trailer so that the unknown character and Shiwa are able to communicate. We also used black bags to put clothes into the bags to form a dead body to place in the woods. We used cones to place around the dead body. These props fit in very well with our genre which is why we have included them in our trailer. This is another convention we

have followed.

Setting

The main scenes in our trailer take place in the woods. However, we have used many other different settings such as in a house and in a park on the bench. These scenes show the moods of the characters, some scenes are happy whereas other scenes are negative. Each scene has different action taking place. We have used different setting to grab the audiences attention so they do not get bored of the

trailer only being filmed in one setting.

The credits and intertitles we have used in our trailer indicate the main events taking place.

The intertitles help tell the storyline to the audience so that the trailer does not appear confusing. This is why we have followed

the general convention of using them in our trailer too as it guides the thoughts of the audience.

The credits in our trailer are used to show the names of the main actors/actresses in our trailer which would allow the audience to identify them. We have also added the final credits at the end of our trailer which includes the name of the producers and editors

and actors/actresses in the film which is a convention we have followed because most trailers have credits at the end.

Intertitles and Credits

Intertitles

The intertitles in the trailer elaborate on what is happening in the scenes which gives the audience a more realistic feel about the storyline. We cleverly used the inspiration of a countdown in the intertitles e.g. Two Happy Sisters… One Death,

No Proof. This may emphasise that something is coming to an end and that it may be Shiwa’s life.

Credits

The end credits in the trailer makes the audience aware of the producers of the film. It also includes the names of the actors/actresses in the trailer and the

production company and film distributor logos. This is because if the audience prefer a certain producer or actor/actress then they will be made aware of it in

the final credits which would then make them want to watch the actual film.

Production Company & Film Distribution logo

The production company and film distributor logos are shown at the beginning of the trailer. This is to show the audience who produced and distributed the movie so that if they like the specific company then they

may want to watch the film when it is released. We used famous companies such as Legendary pictures and Warner Bro’s. Movies from these companies

are usually a success as they can afford to budget good quality films. This would show the audience that our film will be of a good quality as it is

supported by a big company.

Length

The length of our trailer is 2 minutes and 9 seconds. Trailers are generally around 2 to 3 minutes long so our trailer fits into that designated time. Trailers are short so that they do not bore the audience. They do not give too much of the story line away and

keep the audience on their feet. We followed this convention and tried to make our trailer as similar as possible to an existing

product.

Film Title

The film title appears at the end of the trailer. This is a convention almost all trailers have in common so, we had also used this idea too. The title is big and bold against the black background which makes it stand out and attract the audience. Titles usually fit into the genre of the film by using specific colours and text. We used black and yellow and made the border of the title look like a police tape which fits into

our genre of crime/thriller. Also, it fits into the house-style of the other two products.

Release Date

The release date for our trailer is ‘COMING SOON’ we decided to use this rather than an actual date because it keeps the audience waiting and

allows them to keep check on when the actual film will be released. By using ‘COMING SOON’ it makes the audience eager to find out so they

know when the film will be released.