28th Nov. 2011 - Key Concepts for DVD covers

1. Age certificates - Irish and BBFC
2. Name of film on front and spine of DVD cover
3. DVD logo
4. Tag line of film
5. Three or more images on back of DVD cover
6. Feature of the DVD
7. Blurb of film
8. Credits and production company - logo of production company
9. Reviews & ratings
10. Version of the film
11. DVD info - length of film etc

17th October 2011 - Idea for Horror Narrative

Idea for Narrative

1. The internal monster, unknown to others. Twist on the fun child's game - wink murder. Game turns sour, die whilst playing, who is causing it, someone from the outside or a member of the internal group.
2. Setting - The Common, large open areas, ideal for large groups of friends as well as hiding in the background.
3. Props - Picnic items e.g. rugs, food etc.
4. Equilibrium - Fun picnic, general fun, talking, bored so games are played.
5. Disequilibrium - Game turns sour, leads to death, ends with shot of each character including the dead, but also a view from the outside suggesting there is someone else.
6. Binary codes - Light = good, fun, darkness (dark clouds) = evil and death
7. Enigma codes - Who has caused the death? How did they die? What is hidden from behind?

13th October 2011 - The Game Trailer Analysis

Key Concepts

• Release date - No release date shown, suggesting this trailer is supporting the film which is already out.
• No green screen - May have been cut from trailer, suitable for all ages to see, no restrictions needed to be seen. Or it is a web based trailer meaning there is no need for age restrictions.
• Tagline - "They Make Your Life Fun" & "Players Wanted" Direct mode of address "Your", already feel apart of the film without even seeing it, creates enigma codes: "What will make my life fun". Starts them questioning what they have seen, building tension as they have a fear that it could be them next. "Players Wanted" brings the audience into the film, gives the idea that they are the players and by seeing this film they have added to the story, building up excitement within the audience as well as suspense, as they question why they are needed.
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• Studios/Production company - Know what to expect, the studios and production company are will known for horror film, know that it will be good and builds the excitement with in the audience as they are intrigued to see what they have made now.
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• Director - "From the director of SEVEN". The audience can get an idea of how the film will turn out, they will know what to expect from knowing his other work. They will know the genre of film they are being shown, already creating tension and excitement as they want to know what he has created, but also feel tense as they are fearful of what the film has to offer. Also by saying who directed it they can know that he is successful and had made films before, providing reassurance that the film will be good and to a good standard.
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Sound

• Non-digetic sounds- Phone ringing, who is it? Creating excitement and tension as you need to know who is calling and what relevance it has to the film.
• Voice overs - Deep, mysterious, not within shot, creating tension as you start questioning who's voice it is. It adds excitement to the film, strengthens the film as it makes it bold and noticeable, whilst still being mysterious as the voice is unknown.
• Soundtrack underlying the trailer builds up the tension, drums emphasise the action, fearful parts creating excitement and adrenaline. Whilst strings create tension as they slow the trailer down, building suspense and tension and they gradually build up through the use of a crescendo.
• Diagetic - Dialogue between characters, builds the relationships, enigma codes are created as you want to know who the characters are. Machine sounds linking with the frame, question why there are machines, what part do they play to the film. These questions need answering, encouraging them to go and see the film.
  
  

Editing

• Type of edits - Use of fast paced montages creates the tension and excitement as it builds up the adrenaline of the audience.The faster the cut the more tension is growing as so much is happen and so many questions are unanswered.Intriguing the audience to see if their questions have been answered ans if the problems shown in shot have been resolved.
• The trailer starts of slow, with longer shots creating the story and background, there is equilibrium. But as tension grows and the shots become quicker causing excitement and there is so much going on at once, it gains in pace when disequilibrium occurs. The trailer ends at this pace as the answers haven't been given, making the audience think about what they have seen making it hard to forget what they have just seen. It helps keep what they have seen in their minds.

Mise-en-scene (Visual Codes)

• Setting - Isolated country house, emphasised by long road and gates. Builds on the key concept of horror. Gives the suggestion of isolation, there is know one who can help him if problems occur. The prefect setting for horror to occur. Gates also suggests there is no escape building tension as the audience are anticipating what will happen next. It builds suspense as you start questioning what is hiding in the darkness, what is going to happen to the character? The use of the long shot emphasises the isolation of the character and how alone they are, building up suspense and tension as you as the audience know that something is going to go wrong.
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• Colour - Throughout the trailer there is a tint of red, emphasising blood will be shed, creating tension as you as the audience start to question who's it and it also gives hints to who will die and to has died. Running horror concept throughout the trailer building the tension and fear within as it could be you next. It is indirect, you do not notice it but it is still effective as indirectly it creates fear.
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• Lighting - Low key, creating enigma codes, what is hidden in the darkness, contrast with white suggest victim, easy target, suggests of things to come. The lighting fits with binary codes. Good vs. Bad fits with when it is light vs. dark. Only at night or in the darkness is when evil occurs. It plays on the fears of the audience, building tension and fear. Throughout the trailer, there is always darkness, who is there hidden, why is it so dark?
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• Props - Telephone emphasise the importance of it, repeated throughout the trailer, suggesting it plays a vital part of the film. Tension as you do not know who is calling,
  intrigued to whom it may be therefore it encourages you to go and see the film whilst making think and feel fear.
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Cinematography

• Tilted Angle - Tension is created as you know that something is about to go wrong, enigma codes are created "What is going to happen? Who has caused the change in shot?" Suggests that their world is about to change for the worse. You start questioning why it is about to change causing tension but excitement.
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• Point of view - You feel as if you are the victim, you are seeing what they can see, brings you into the film suggesting that you may be at risk to danger as they have included you within the trailer. Tension grows are you feel as if something is about to happen to you, you become engrossed with action, adrenaline is built. Enigma codes are created "What is going to happen to the character?". Entices you to go and see the film as you need answers.
• Close up - Emphasise the fear the victim has, you can't see what they can, tension grows as you know you are about to see the fate of the victim after they have. You feel that you are the event or person which will change of effect the victim/character as you are looking at them. You feel as you are the one who will cause the trouble. It emphases their thoughts and what has bothered them. it is also a tight frame, which builds up tension as you can't see what is behind or with them in shot. It also suggests being cramped, they are in a tight spot, suggesting the victim/character is in danger creating enigma codes such as why are they are in danger, what has caused them to get into this "tight spot".
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Narrative

• Equilibrium - Sets the story of the character, "What to get for the man that has everything". Creates enigma codes "what is the film about?". The trailer creates enigma codes which audiences want answering, builds up the suspense and draws the audience into the film, it entices them to go and see it and get their questions answered.
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• Disequilibrium - The game begins, characters life turned upside down, first death occurs. Builds the tension and excitement, as it raises enigma code such as "What is the game?, Why choose to enter the game? & Who is causing the event to happen?" Once again building up excitement, wetting the appetite, enticing the audience to go and see the outcome of the film. It keeps the audience thinking about what they have seen, it keeps them guessing the outcome of the film.
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URL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kqQNBR09Rc

11th October 2011 - Research into Horror

Sub-genres:

1. Slasher - Candyman (1992), Child's play 1&2 (1988 & 1990) , April Fool's day (1986) & Halloween (2007)
2. Comedy - Ghostbusters (1984), Evil dead (1981) & Gremlins (1984)
3. Extraterrestrial - The Blob (1958), Mars Attacks! (1996) & Martian ambassador (1996)
4. Supernatural - The Creeper (1948), Freddy Krueger (1984) & Army of Darkness (1993)
5. Teen - Clear Rivers (2000), Teeth (2007) & I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
6. Doomsday Thrillers - 28 Days Later (2002), 2012 (2009) & 28 Weeks Later (2007)
7. Road trips - Wrong Turn 1&2 (2003 & 2007), Wolf Creek (2006) & Duel (1971)
8. Psychological Thrillers - Fatal Attraction (1987), The Game (1997) & Cape Fear (1991)
9. Zombies - Braindead (1992), White Zombie (1932) & Return of the Living Dead (1985)
10. Werewolves - The Wolf Man (1941), Dog Soldiers (2002) & Wolfen (1981)

"What if......"

1. 100 Tears - "What if a lonely circus act who has been accused of crimes he didn't do, takes revenge on those who condemned him"
2. The Bleeding - "What if there was only one who could save the world from pure evil"
3. Bless the child - "What if one girl has superpowers which the forces of evil have been waiting centuries for"
4. The Calling - "What if your son is the Antichrist", "What if you are the only sane person around"
5. Scream - "What if know one is safe and the killer begins to pick everyone one by one"

Taglines

1. Devil - "Bad Things Happen For A Reason" It is effective as it raises enigma codes, such as what bag things occur, why do bad things happen for a reason? It wets the appetite of the audience as they want answers, they are intrigued as to what the film is about. Links to the narrative as the plot is about five people stuck in a lift, suggesting that happened for a reason, but why? It is an indirect mode of address as it creates questions within the mind of the person reading it, it invites the audience to find out why bad things happen for a reason.
2. The Ring - "Before You Die, You See The Ring" It is an effective tagline as it includes the audiences, it is a direct mode of address. This is done by repeating and therefore reiterating the word "You". It is direct, and you as the audience feel part of the film, and start questioning what the ring is, and if you can really be affected by it. Links to the narrative as the film is about watching a tape which then kills you. By having the direct mode of address and repetition it creates the excitement and fear for the film, you really believe that you may be affected by what happens in the film.
3. 28 Days later - "Your Days Are Numbered" It is effective as it directly connects the audience, by using the word 'Your'. Creates enigma codes, such as Why are my days numbered?, What happens in 28 days?. Characters being killed off one by one, their days are numbered, counting down they days until they die. Direct mode of address connect to the audience and creates the fear with in as well as them creating enigma codes which need to be answered, such as why are the days numbered? The use of a declarative, directs it to the audience. It provides strength to the film as it is a direct message to the audience, wetting their appetite to go and see it.

Settings Available to me:

1. Home
2. Friends/ Family
3. Oxford (University halls & city)
4. St James Park
5. Southampton Common - "What if children's games turn sour" Hide and seek, wink murder etc.
6. College - "What if you are the only person alive in college" Zombies & Vampires
7. Southampton University (Grounds)
8. Friends Houses (Large Houses) - "What if only you could see what is lurking in the shadows" Ghost etc.
9. New Forest & Grave yard
10. Cars

Possible Ideas:

1. The internal monster - within a friendship group, set in the common, forest area. Isolated and know one to help you.
2. External monster - Zombie, coming from grave yard. Rising from the dead.
3. Children's games - Playing on the ideas of innocent games, such as wink murder.

6th Oct.- One Missed Call trailer analysis

One Missed Call Trailer analysis

Conventions

• Green screen - All are able to see the trailer, but the film has been rated PG-13 meaning those who are under the age of 13 will need the consent of parents. Done for safety and well fare of the child, to ensure children are not affected by it.
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• Production company & studios- Alcon Entertainment and Kadokawa Pictures, well know companies for horror, know that the film will be good, intrigues you to see it and see if they have created a good film, compare to there other works.
• Release date- Done as a text message, linking in with the film and creating fear and wonder into what may happen during the film.
• Name of film- One Missed Call shown at the end of the trailer, sticks in your mind as it is one of the last things you see. Displayed as a text message, creating the dear that it could be you next as we all have phones, it makes it real to the viewer.
  
  

Visual Codes

• Props - Mobile phones- First thing you see, suggesting this is what the film is based around and the phone plays a vital part in making the story, red marbles signifying when someone dies and body bags- creating the idea of death being a strong theme in the film.
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• Setting- Dark unused areas, train station, places behind locked gates. Giving the idea that you shouldn't be there, questing why you shouldn't (enigma codes)
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• Colours- Dark, shady blues creating the idea of death, cold, sadness. Pale blue's relate to death as it is often the colour you turn when you die. Gives the audience the genre of the film, that death and mystery is involved in it. Appeals the fans of horror. Deep red- leads to danger, blood and death, emphisising the genre of the film.
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Technical Codes

• Framing - Loose framing, what is hiding in the darkness, who is there, creates fear and excitment in the audience, want to see more of what is in the background.
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• Editing- Montage of clips with intermittent black screens, creating fear, pace, adrenaline. Wets the appetite of the audience building excitement for the film. Also fear of the black screen, what is it hiding?
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• Lighting- Low key lighting creating shadows, what is there to hide,creating tension as to what is being hidden in the darkness, in the background what lies a head for the characters?
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• Camera shots/ angles - Begins with a low angled close up shot of a mobile phone. Setting the idea in the audience that this prop has a key role in this film. Low angle close up shows that something so small is going to cause problems, also it connects with the audience as the majority have phones. Blurred out characters suggests they are not as important as the phone, gets the audience asking why?
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• Close up's- Showing the fear and emotion going through the character, creating a direct mode of address, including the audience within the film, wetting the appetite of the audience, wanting to see more.
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Narrative

• Final Girl theory- Main leading character is an intelligent female who is solving the mystery's of the deaths and why they are happening. Whilst all of the other female character's are dying she is the only one to survive. Question why?
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• Binary codes- Light Vs. Dark- Death only occurs during night time, brings mystery and darkenss to the film, what is hiding in the shadows? Light (daytime) no deaths but the discovery of who will die next occurs. Builds tension as audience could be targeted, all have phones.

Audio

• Non diegetic sound- Phone ringing, classic ring eerie, creating the tension all through the trailer. A sound that we all know creating fear that we may be affected by this film, it could be us.
• Eerie strings- Creating the tension and enigma codes, what will happen in the film, what does the music suggest about the theme/ genre of the film. Sets the tone of the film. Build tension as gradually gaining in speed, creating sudden fear when it stops. Why does it stop, what is about to happen?
• Drums- Fixed with the fast editing, creating adrenaline, fear and excitement of what may happen next, what the film has to offer. Fits in creating a fast pace, with sudden stops creating fear. Feel of horror and fear. Music creates the mood of the film, enticing those who enjoy the horror genre.

URL of film trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1F7hJNsi5M

Media text analysis

Heat Magazine cover

The Demographics:

• Gender- Teenage girls - Informal language, not aimed at the older generation
• Age- 15-25 - Bright, eye catching, direct mode of address
• Grouping - D - E- Cheap to buy meaning it is aimed to those may not have the biggest wage to spend it on. Students can afford this.
• Region- Lower working class, informal use of language.

Technical Codes:

• Direct mode of address - Engages the audience catches their eyes, suggest the model or celebrity is looking at you, makes you feel part of the magazine, want to read more.
• Lighting - Very light (high key), whites, yellows and blues - It is eye catching toward the teenage audience. Bounces out at them, stand out from the crowd.
• Camera angles - Tilted angles, paparazzi style, suggest gossip also what mysterious are the magazine hiding.

Visual and written codes:

• Colours- Very bold, vibrant colours, e.g. yellows, blue, white and reds. Eye catching, stands out from the crowd, makes it different to any other magazine. Red logo- sticks in your mind, suggests passion within the magazine and the detail it takes into creating it. Stays in your mind meaning it is unforgettable, and recognisable so that teens will remember what to buy without having to search for it.
• Typography - Uppercase typography links in with exclamatory statements, exciting, bold and noticable, appealing to the audicnes as they do not need to look for what is in the magazine, it it right in their faces.
  
• Language - Very exclamatory "I'M PROUD OF MY BODY!", makes it exciting,remember able and it sticks in the mind of the audience. Whole cover it over the top, making is stand out. Name "heat" is declarative, you know what the magazine is about, heat of the celebrity world. Informal so that the audience know it is fun and something to fill the time with.
• Background - White background to make the stories and bold colours stand out making it easy to distinguish and recognise, also evey image and clour fit with the theme of white.

Representation and ideologies:

• Suggests that the celebrity stories are all you need, positive represenations to entice the reader into finding out more into what the magazine has to offer.
• Appeals to the stereotypical ideologies- Women are inferior to men, less intellegent. Magazine is simple and easy to read something that women can read and enjoy.