Evaluation question 1

With the use of my research and planning, I have been able to create my media products; not only do they follow the forms and conventions of other products, but also challenges them. I will explain some of the key aspects of my products and why I have taken the choice in presenting them this way…

Firstly, My narrative consists on being based on a true story, which I know from research that it is a common feature amongst the popular horror films such as The Conjuring. My narrative is based around the Moor Murders, and how the couple killed 5 children. However, I wanted to give a ghostly horror effect which then in consequence meant that I had to change my idea slightly. This is because, I can't change a iconic historical event of these murders, to then say that ‘it is a true story’ of Myra’s ghost returning, because that’s not the truth. Therefore, I used the Moor murders as an inspiration to my idea of ‘The Vaur woods’ where the same concept of a couple killing 5 children is used, but does not particularly name this couple as the iconic figures.

Title cardsI have noticed that many title cards have a black background within horror film trailers, however, through my research, I did come across a film called The Hallows, where the title cards related to the films narrative. I decided to follow this as it was different in comparison to the basic black background convention of horror title cards. Therefore, I created my title cards with a earthy feeling, as the colours used are brown and green which links to the theme of the Woods where the murders took place. This challenges the conventions as the appearance is not typical to most horror film title cards, and so it creates a unique feeling of being able to recognise that this theme associates with only this film. In addition, through my teachers feedback, she had told me that the colours do not relate to the horror genre, so I decided to make the appearance more darker and scarier.

TitleFrom my research, I noticed how existing titles in horror films

are simple but stand out in having a tense feeling, such as Sinister’s title. Therefore, I challenged the conventions

slightly, by creating the title to link to the film by using an effect of showing a branch (links to the woods) to underline

the title text by showing blood dripping off it. This is something completely different to existing horror titles, as

they are more simple and are white, but I feel that the way I have designed my title, is effective as it is something unique and will link to the film; this gives the audience a memorable

element of knowing that this title links to my horror film.

Shot typesIn comparison to shot types, I have decided to not challenged them as it may become confusing to the general audience and become less appealing to them. Therefore, I used a variety of pan shots, close ups (to highlight emphasis on fear) and tilt shots (to show something is not right), which has been inspired to me by existing horror films such as Insidious and The poltergeist. I have noticed through my research on other genre trailers, that the shots used are pretty much the same as what is used in the horror film. This is because the various shots are universal and can fit any genre, depending on what is being shown; for example, a close up in a comedy film will emphasise the comedic element, whereas a close up in a horror film will show the fear. I feel that my shots work well as it shows the horror element, however, I could have improved with using a more wider scale of the variety of shots.

CharactersThrough research I have noticed that each character has a different personality and role towards the film, such as the female victim, the hero and the nerd. It is stereotypical for a man to be the Hero and saviour in a Horror film, however, I have challenged this as I wanted to make a female character the saviour. The audience will not be able to see the ending of the film however they will be able to tell that the younger sister, Nora, is the more braver one as she actually watches the DVD’s and reads the diary as well as searches it online. The fact that the younger sister is more brave also goes against the conventions, as it is the older and ‘wiser’ characters who bring the equilibrium back. A convention that I did decided to follow, was the stereotypical representation of a smarter person to wear glasses.

Production IdentA simple convention in a horror trailer is showing the production and distribution ident briefly. It’s a convention that I feel, that cant be challenged, and so I didn't try in changing this aspect. Instead, I used After Effects to create a simple production ident, whilst using the Lionsgate ident to be my distribution company. I feel I could have improved by own personal Ident more, now that I am looking at it, as it should reflect the horror aspect.

MagazineFor my magazine I followed the usual conventions of using a Masthead, sell lines, direct address. I used an image that shows direct address with the help of my audience and class mates. I didn't want to challenge the conventions too much as it would mean that it may not look like a magazine and will not perform the function of selling. This effective form of marketing was fun to create, whilst I still showing that this copy of the magazine follows the same colour theme and conventions of my film. My film consists of whites, black, and reds to be used which is evident in the styling of the white costume of my character Lyra, and the back and red tones of the poster and magazine. This helps to show all these elements to be combined with the same product. I used my research of TotalFilms magazine layout, to inspire me through their creative choice, to construct mine; for example the tagline that appear at the top, as well as the tagline that appear in a circle. Although, I must criticise that even though I have tried my very best to follow the convention, I personally feel it does not look as authentic and could do with the fact that my IT skills could have been improved.

Film posterMy film poster doesn't challenge conventions of other film posters, as it would be too risky. The audience acknowledge film posters as they are an effective form of marketing; therefore, if I changed the conventions around, It would be unrecognisable to the audience. So I continued to follow the conventions of a film poster from my research, as my character gives direct address, shows a close up of the horror element, and has the basic information needed for the audience to know the release date, but to also see that it is ‘based on the vaur murders’ and so this will enable the Enigma codes, making them search further on what this is, leading them to the website I created.