Film Magazine Cover - Analysis

Film Poster Analysis

Codes and Conventions of Film Trailers

From researching into existing horror film trailers I have learnt that the codes and conventions of a typical horror trailer are:
-> The name of the film is feautured at the end of the trailer, this will entice the viewer to watch until the end of the trailer to find out what the film is called.
-> The institutional logo is also featured at the end
-> Editing plays a huge role in establishing the genre of the film for example by using eerie sound effects and dark lighting to convey horror.
-> Don't give away the entire story, leave the viewer wanting more.
-> Villains and Victims will always be feautured
-> Isolated settings are often featured in horror movies.

The aim of a film trailer is to tell the story of a film in a minimum time but have maximum effect on the viewer enticing them to go and see the film. Trailers are used to advertise every genre of film. Even though films having different genres and plots and target audiences they all follow a similar strucure of:
1) they start with a beginning that illustrates the basic plot
2) the middle part extend the plot of the film further and usually ends with a dramatic climax, however this still doesn't give away too much about the film
3) this part usually consists of a montage of shots and music and also will feauture the names of famous actors that are featured in the film, they are feauted in this part of the trailer to help sell the movie.

Trailers are a highly condensed version of the film so sometimes voiceovers are used to ensure the spectator understands the plot exactly.
Music is used to set the tone of the film. The music is not always featured in the actual film. Music that could be used could be a famous song at the time the trailer is being shown as this will catch peoples attention or sometimes specially composed music specifically for the film itself.

Editing

I have encountered a problem whilst editing my footage. Whilst i am resolving this i am working on the poster for the film trailer.

Editing

I am currently in the process of editing my footage.

The Ring - Trailer Analysis

if you go down to the woods today you better not go alone.

Photoshoot

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Paranormal Activity Movie Poster

This is the movie poster for the film 'Paranormal Activity'. The image that is used is a screenshot of the film. It is the main setting used in the film. The image is in black and white with a lined effect across it and a blue effect so it looks like its a still from a video camera at night. A time is shown in the bottom right hand corner of the image, this portrays that it is a still of a video camera and therefore conveys how the whole film is shot. 'What happens when you sleep?' is written underneath the image, this questions the consumer. underneath the main title which is written in red; 'Paranormal Activity' it reads 'Don't see is alone' this adds to the scariness of the film and again talks directly to the consumer. 'Experience it for yourself!' is written along the bottom of the poster above the date of the cinema release and the website address. Along the top of the poster there are quotes of peoples opinions of the film such as from the 'Hollywood Independent'. These are written in blue.

Paranormal Activity Movie Trailer

Paranormal Activity Film Trailer

The trailer begins with footage of people queueing up to watch the film at a cinema. Throughout the entire trailer the viewer is watching the film with the cinema audience. The trailer is filmed through the eyes of the cinema audience. Titles come up on the screen with facts about the viewing of the film. The trailer makes the audience experience the film from the audiences point of view. This adds to the scariness of the film as it seems realistic. 'Paramount' is shown as though its on a cinema screen. The film is filmed with a handheld camera from the people in the film. This again makes it seem more realistic. There is minimal characters in the film. There is quotes that come up in the trailer of peoples opinions of the film. Diegetic sounds of the cinema audience screaming are used to add to the tension. Creepy sound effects are used as the trailer heightens to the scary parts. The pace quickens towards the end. 'Experience it for yourself' comes up as titles near the end of the trailer. 'Paranormal Activity'' comes up at the end of the trailer in white and is flickering like a camera. The dates that the film is being shown is then shown right at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_UxLEqd074