After reflecting back upon my primary audience research I feel as though the original ideas for my trailer were not thought out properly and do not live up to their expectations.
I am still going to create a horror film, called "No Mercy" which reflects upon real life situations, it is going to feature people who the target audience can relate to, and the main antagonist is going to be a "rejected girl" who is seeking out revenge on those who have hurt her in the past, and as rejection takes over her actions become worse and anyone who gets in her path is no longer safe.
Also this plot for my film is a lot more feasible to work with, as it doesn't involve sourcing "supernatural costumes" that may not appear as convincing.
Friday, 30 September 2011
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Reccees - Trailer, Poster, Magazine
Prior to filming my trailer, I visited the potential locations to decide upon the suitability of the location for shooting, presented below are my findings in video format and written format.
Housing Estate
Whessoe Road
Bridge
House
Marske Grove
Housing Estate
Whessoe Road
Bridge
House
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
How might my products offer something new and how might they reach a wider audience?
As my trailer is going to use the traditional forms and conventions of a horror film; I need to ensure that my film has something new to offer and is memorable. In order to make my film memorable, I have used a catchy title: "No Mercy" and the release date "11.11.11" is also memorable and catchy. In terms of what my trailer may have to offer that's new, I think that my film has a different kind of antagonist that has never really been seen before. Although I have referred to my antagonists as zombies, they still have a human resemblance and also in a sense appear to be quite attractive.
Although I am required to produce a teaser trailer, a magazine cover and promotional posters. These are not the only methods in which a film will be advertised. In order to reach a wider audience, a film can now be advertised using cross media platforms.
One way in which a film may now be advertised is through the use of social networking sites such as FaceBook, Twitter and MySpace. A wider audience can be reached through social networking websites in the following ways: It's likely that a fan page will be set up on FaceBook, this can then be promoted on the advertisement section on FaceBook where it can reach an audience who have previously joined fan pages of similar films or mentioned similar films on their statuses. Furthermore, films are advertised using Applications such as games or an App which may edit their profile picture. For example, if I was to advertise my product on Facebook, I could consider creating an app that could turn peoples profile pictures into zombies and so forth. A film can also be advertised on Twitter by using a promoted HashTag in which it will be placed on the top of the trending topics list for people to see. For instance if my film would be promoted on Twitter, a HashTag such as "NOMERCY111111" may be used. Furthermore, a promoted profile of the film may be created which would appear in the user's "Who To Follow" list, particularly if they are already following people in the film industry.
Furthermore, the film may be advertised on YouTube where the trailer may be displayed on the homepage which will link the user to the specific YouTube Channel. Additionally, the film can be advertised through Apps on iPhones and the Android Market, such as LoveFilm, CineWorld, Vue and Odeon apps, in which the Apps often contain trailers, a synopsis of the film and in some cases videos of interviews with the actors.
Although I am required to produce a teaser trailer, a magazine cover and promotional posters. These are not the only methods in which a film will be advertised. In order to reach a wider audience, a film can now be advertised using cross media platforms.
One way in which a film may now be advertised is through the use of social networking sites such as FaceBook, Twitter and MySpace. A wider audience can be reached through social networking websites in the following ways: It's likely that a fan page will be set up on FaceBook, this can then be promoted on the advertisement section on FaceBook where it can reach an audience who have previously joined fan pages of similar films or mentioned similar films on their statuses. Furthermore, films are advertised using Applications such as games or an App which may edit their profile picture. For example, if I was to advertise my product on Facebook, I could consider creating an app that could turn peoples profile pictures into zombies and so forth. A film can also be advertised on Twitter by using a promoted HashTag in which it will be placed on the top of the trending topics list for people to see. For instance if my film would be promoted on Twitter, a HashTag such as "NOMERCY111111" may be used. Furthermore, a promoted profile of the film may be created which would appear in the user's "Who To Follow" list, particularly if they are already following people in the film industry.
Furthermore, the film may be advertised on YouTube where the trailer may be displayed on the homepage which will link the user to the specific YouTube Channel. Additionally, the film can be advertised through Apps on iPhones and the Android Market, such as LoveFilm, CineWorld, Vue and Odeon apps, in which the Apps often contain trailers, a synopsis of the film and in some cases videos of interviews with the actors.
Reflection upon watching previous students trailer's
In order to gain inspiration for my final products, we were shown previous students trailer's. I feel that watching these trailers has helped influence my final products significantly. If anything the horror trailers have shown me what not to do.
For instance, one of the trailers which was a horror trailer was shot in broad daylight this gave a really unconvincing atmosphere of the film. Furthermore, during the climax of the trailer, the trailer had an incredibly slow editing pace which again conveyed that the trailer did not belong to the horror genre and i felt as though it did not have a unique selling point. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that it's very difficult to source good actors to star in the trailer, however the actors appeared to be uncomfortable filming, therefore I need to ensure that the actors that I source are comfortable with starring in a trailer.
However, some of the trailers did influence me in showing how I can make my trailer look professional. For instance one horror trailer I watched used had used the traditional forms on conventions which i found during my research in planning. There was a fast editing pace during the climax of the trailer, and the locations appropriately conveyed the horror genre in an accurate way. Furthermore the soundtrack they used sounded very professional and worked well in unison with the increase in editing pace of approximately 0.5 seconds.
Overall, watching these trailers has helped increase my confidence for when I go and shoot the trailer for myself, as I have never had any hands on experience with a video camera before, as I did print production for my Foundation Portfolio, and watching the trailers has immensely benefited me as it has shown me what I should do in order to create a trailer that will award me with a high grade, and what I should not do that could create overall flaws in my trailer.
For instance, one of the trailers which was a horror trailer was shot in broad daylight this gave a really unconvincing atmosphere of the film. Furthermore, during the climax of the trailer, the trailer had an incredibly slow editing pace which again conveyed that the trailer did not belong to the horror genre and i felt as though it did not have a unique selling point. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that it's very difficult to source good actors to star in the trailer, however the actors appeared to be uncomfortable filming, therefore I need to ensure that the actors that I source are comfortable with starring in a trailer.
However, some of the trailers did influence me in showing how I can make my trailer look professional. For instance one horror trailer I watched used had used the traditional forms on conventions which i found during my research in planning. There was a fast editing pace during the climax of the trailer, and the locations appropriately conveyed the horror genre in an accurate way. Furthermore the soundtrack they used sounded very professional and worked well in unison with the increase in editing pace of approximately 0.5 seconds.
Overall, watching these trailers has helped increase my confidence for when I go and shoot the trailer for myself, as I have never had any hands on experience with a video camera before, as I did print production for my Foundation Portfolio, and watching the trailers has immensely benefited me as it has shown me what I should do in order to create a trailer that will award me with a high grade, and what I should not do that could create overall flaws in my trailer.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Sound Research
The use of sound within a trailer is equally as important as cinematography editing and mise-en-scene, the use of sound can convey the overall atmosphere of the film and can make a trailer appear convincing. Furthermore the audience can identify what genre the film trailer belongs to by listening to the sound and soundtrack used. Therefore, in order to make my trailer appear to be a convincing horror trailer i need to ensure that the sound and soundtrack I will use will represent the horror genre appropriately. Therefore this blog post is going to focus on the sounds and soundtrack that is used within professional products and what sounds and soundtrack I am going to source from copyright free sources.
Research Into Professional Soundtracks:
Presented below are various pieces of music performed by professional artists and trailers which has sounds that will influence my final product.
I believe that the music used within this piece would represent a horror film well, as it creates the stereotypical atmosphere that would be expected within a trailer. Furthermore the vocals combined with the music give a feeling of terror in particular the echo effect used at the beginning. If i was to use a similar piece of music in my trailer I would have to replicate the music on garageband or a keyboard and source a singer. However it would be a challenge for me to source a singer as I do not know any professional singers, therefore I would consider only using the instrumental.
After searching horror music on YouTube I discovered this piece which I think would represent my trailer well, it contains the stereotypical sounds of a horror score such as the sustained droning sounds which help to build up tension and sounds of screaming and so forth. I think that this soundtrack could be replicated easily, however If I was to use this score, I would not wish to use it in its entirety. Mainly the introduction has inspired me the most. Furthermore, the creator of this track has said that it can be used as long as I ask permission and give credit.
I also discovered this piece of music on YouTube which I believe would represent my trailer well, it begins with the sustained droning notes which I wish to use during the introduction of my trailer. Furthermore, what I particularly like about this piece of music more than the pieces of music presented above is that this music begins to increase in tempo and crescendo which would represent the "Turning point" of my trailer, where the antagonist begins searching for and attacking the protagonists. This piece of music has influenced me as I now wish to use a similar soundtrack to this that has an increase in tempo and crescendo. However, this music is copyrighted, therefore I would have to replicate this track via GarageBand or source a similar copyright free soundtrack.
Research Into Sound used in Trailers:
The trailer uses sounds such as the heightened diegetic sound of a heart beating to represent suspense. At the beginning of the trailer, a piano can be heard which appears to be using flat notes to create a feeling of discomfort. When the antagonist is shown attacking the protagonist, sudden sounds that represent an explosion can be heard. This is another factor that I wish to replicate within my trailer. As more intense scenes of the trailer are shown the music begins to increase in tempo with more instruments being gradually added into it. This is very similar to the "butterflies" soundtrack I researched earlier. This therefore suggests that this soundtrack is very common within the horror genre.
Again, the trailer uses heightened diegetic sounds of a heartbeat. In terms of the score, the score is very similar, yet different to the score used in Let Me In. The score used consists of industrial drum beats which gradually builds into an orchestral score to create an atmosphere of intensity fear and suspense.
The trailer for orphan begins with a score that puts the audience into a false sense of security by convincing them that this film does not belong to the horror genre. As the trailer progresses and more of the forms and conventions of the film is displayed, the stereotypical aspects of a horror score can be heard, such as the increase in tempo and more instruments that give a feeling of intensity is evident. Again, heightened diegetic sounds of a heartbeat can be heard as well as screaming. Unlike the other trailers I have researched this trailer however, does use a lot of dialogue frequently.
Research into sound effects:
As well as researching the score, I need to source copyright free sound effects such as the heightened diegetic sound of a heartbeat, footsteps, screaming and so forth.
Heartbeat:
Various online websites provide the heightened diegetic sound of a heartbeat which i was intending to use. The sounds are copyright free too, therefore I can use them in my film trailer where appropriate.
Heartbeat effects
Screaming:
Again, various websites provide copyright free sounds of screaming, below are the sounds which I may intend to use. However, I feel that the screaming effects are not overall convincing and may therefore make my trailer appear to be "cheesy".
Scream Effects
Doors:
Whilst browsing various websites, I discovered sound effects which I had not considered using before such as sound effects of creaking doors
Door Effects
Update:
I discovered a very good website related to horror music, all of the music pieces are Royalty Free and can therefore be used in my trailer.
Royalty Free Horror Music
The music featured within my trailer are: Quinn's Song The Dance Begins and The House of Leaves.
After searching horror music on YouTube I discovered this piece which I think would represent my trailer well, it contains the stereotypical sounds of a horror score such as the sustained droning sounds which help to build up tension and sounds of screaming and so forth. I think that this soundtrack could be replicated easily, however If I was to use this score, I would not wish to use it in its entirety. Mainly the introduction has inspired me the most. Furthermore, the creator of this track has said that it can be used as long as I ask permission and give credit.
I also discovered this piece of music on YouTube which I believe would represent my trailer well, it begins with the sustained droning notes which I wish to use during the introduction of my trailer. Furthermore, what I particularly like about this piece of music more than the pieces of music presented above is that this music begins to increase in tempo and crescendo which would represent the "Turning point" of my trailer, where the antagonist begins searching for and attacking the protagonists. This piece of music has influenced me as I now wish to use a similar soundtrack to this that has an increase in tempo and crescendo. However, this music is copyrighted, therefore I would have to replicate this track via GarageBand or source a similar copyright free soundtrack.
Research Into Sound used in Trailers:
The trailer uses sounds such as the heightened diegetic sound of a heart beating to represent suspense. At the beginning of the trailer, a piano can be heard which appears to be using flat notes to create a feeling of discomfort. When the antagonist is shown attacking the protagonist, sudden sounds that represent an explosion can be heard. This is another factor that I wish to replicate within my trailer. As more intense scenes of the trailer are shown the music begins to increase in tempo with more instruments being gradually added into it. This is very similar to the "butterflies" soundtrack I researched earlier. This therefore suggests that this soundtrack is very common within the horror genre.
Again, the trailer uses heightened diegetic sounds of a heartbeat. In terms of the score, the score is very similar, yet different to the score used in Let Me In. The score used consists of industrial drum beats which gradually builds into an orchestral score to create an atmosphere of intensity fear and suspense.
The trailer for orphan begins with a score that puts the audience into a false sense of security by convincing them that this film does not belong to the horror genre. As the trailer progresses and more of the forms and conventions of the film is displayed, the stereotypical aspects of a horror score can be heard, such as the increase in tempo and more instruments that give a feeling of intensity is evident. Again, heightened diegetic sounds of a heartbeat can be heard as well as screaming. Unlike the other trailers I have researched this trailer however, does use a lot of dialogue frequently.
Research into sound effects:
As well as researching the score, I need to source copyright free sound effects such as the heightened diegetic sound of a heartbeat, footsteps, screaming and so forth.
Heartbeat:
Various online websites provide the heightened diegetic sound of a heartbeat which i was intending to use. The sounds are copyright free too, therefore I can use them in my film trailer where appropriate.
Heartbeat effects
Screaming:
Again, various websites provide copyright free sounds of screaming, below are the sounds which I may intend to use. However, I feel that the screaming effects are not overall convincing and may therefore make my trailer appear to be "cheesy".
Scream Effects
Doors:
Whilst browsing various websites, I discovered sound effects which I had not considered using before such as sound effects of creaking doors
Door Effects
Update:
I discovered a very good website related to horror music, all of the music pieces are Royalty Free and can therefore be used in my trailer.
Royalty Free Horror Music
The music featured within my trailer are: Quinn's Song The Dance Begins and The House of Leaves.
Storyboard
Here is my first draft of my storyboard, it outlines shots dialogue and sound that I wish to consider using in my trailer, as my ideas progress I may need to add more sections into my storyboard.
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