BY GREGORY SMITH

A2 Media CourseworkEvaluation

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

My media product was heavily inspired by different real life trailers, posters and magazine covers, and therefore the product uses many of the conventions found in these products.

The Magazine Cover

The magazine’s layout uses the conventions of a stereotypical magazine. For example, the masthead at the top, the barcode in the bottom corner and even the strap lines and sell lines. I also edited the masthead to be partially hidden by the mask, which is a common feature of many magazines as it makes the cover look more professional and artistic. That is the main reason I used that convention. This use of conventions can be seen in this comparison between my magazine and a real life magazine cover.

The Film Poster

My film poster uses the conventions of normal film posters, specifically those of the horror genre, mainly through the layout of the credits of the film which are at the bottom. Also, the image is creepy and dark, a stereotypical approach to horror films. My poster challenges conventions in that it does not have any actors names displayed, making the poster seem more sparse. A greater audience may be attracted if famous actors were in the film, but if they are unknown actors I believe it is more effective to leave their names off the poster to gain this more lonely and abandoned feeling to the poster. Also, many horror posters have the film title at the bottom of the page, whereas mine is at the top to avoid covering the image, thus allowing each feature of the magazine to work together effectively.

The Film Trailer

My trailer uses many conventions found in real life horror films. The use of a killer in a mask has been used many times in horrors, as it takes away the identity of the killer and means the audience can form no emotional connection with them. My trailer is set within an isolated forest, an ideal setting for a horror film that is often adopted in real life horror films. This allows for a sense of emptiness, loneliness and desolation in both the characters and the audience, adding to the helpless fear experienced which intensifies the experience of watching a horror.

My trailer challenges the conventions of real life horror film trailers, as it starts in a calming manner, with peaceful music, making it seem like a different genre to horror and thus luring the audience in to a false sense of security. However, this security is swiftly removed as the stereotypical heartbeat sound effect comes in to play, which immediately increases the tension of the trailer. This shows the trailer’s development as it goes from challenging conventions to using them. It also avoids the use of a voiceover, a feature found in many trailers. I believe that a voiceover, especially for horror film trailers, removes some of the tension and fear and can in fact make it seem comical for the wrong reasons.

http://youtu.be/X76LBtHzhm8

How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?

My main product and its ancillary texts are all interconnected through a variety of ways. First of all, the font of the film title is the same on each product. This allows there to be a sense of continuity between each product, and means the audience will begin to associate that font with the film, meaning whenever they see that font they will be reminded of the film. Also, the use of the killer and his mask in all three products makes a link between all three products as the audience become aware of the killer’s appearance. This could lead to it becoming a stereotypical face of horror, such as Freddy Kruger or Michael Myers which would make it appeal to a greater audience and perhaps become a box office success.

What have you learned from audience feedback?

Audience feedback was very important in this project, as the promotional package was created to entertain and appeal to an audience. Without an audience, films would not exist and therefore their feedback is vital. I mainly targeted an audience of young adults of both genders, the majority of who are fans of the horror genre.

Many of the responses I received were very positive and stated that they would be interested to see the full film of this product, if it were a real life film. I received praise for the continuity of the fonts across the whole product. The majority of the feedback I received stated that they found all three of the products to be creepy and scary, the desired effect that I had in mind whilst creating this package. The acting of the trailer was also praised as it instilled a sense of fear in to the audience.

The main criticism I received was that the overall film package gave away too much information about the killer. For example, the mask is clearly visible in the magazine and his figure, and the fact that it is a male, is clear from the poster. The audience felt that this removed much of the mystery regarding the killer, which could have intensified the confusion and fear of the film, emotions that an audience wants to feel when the watch a horror film. The trailer also removed this mystery as he was clearly visible throughout. Another criticism was that the trailer gave away a large amount about the story, as it shows many of the characters being attacked by the killer, suggesting that these characters will be killed in the film and so removing suspense if the audience were then to go and watch the entire film.

However, I also received praise on my clear genre choice and its accompanying appeal to the target audience. It was unanimously stated that it was clear that this package was advertising a horror film, and that it was expected that young adults of both genders would be the people most likely to enjoy this film. I therefore feel I was successful in that aspect of the package.

How did you use new media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

To create my promotional package I used some technologies that I had never before used, as well as some that I was acquainted with. I had never before used a video camera other than one on a mobile phone, so to use the professional camera for filming my trailer was an interesting experience. I had a tutorial lesson to learn how to use the different functions and now feel able to function that camera and those of a similar design adequately.

I also used some programmes that I had never used before or had little experience with using, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro. I experimented with these programmes whilst creating my various products and now feel able to perform at least basic functions on both of the programmes. I enjoyed using the programmes and feel that I now have a greater understanding of technology and the effort that goes in to creating these media products.

One example of my use of Photoshop

An example of my work on Premiere Pro

Conclusion

I am very pleased with the overall outcome of my promotional film package and believe it effectively appeals to the target audience, using and adapting conventions of real life media products to great effect. I also feel my developed understanding of technologies has allowed me to create this product to the best of my ability, and feel that if I were to undertake the project again with my current knowledge the outcome would be even better.