Summer project coursework planning
1) Research: Film trailer analysis
Film trailer 1: Narrative and genre
How is narrative and genre communicated quickly and clearly to the audience?
The narrative is communicated through the music and the different types of editing used such as jumpcuts and tracking shots. The music and sound effects used heightens the tension as it is uncomfortable and commonly used in thrillers, so this is an example of repetition and difference. The audience recognises the conventions such as eye contact and facial expression of the characters which communicates their moods and personality in the situations.
Film trailer 2: Mise-en-scene
What do you notice about the use of mise-en-scene to create meanings for the audience? Think CLAMPS.
There are mainly establishing shots which communicate the genre of the film and where the film is going to take place. because there are a lot of overhead shots we can interpret that this is going to be an action film along with the dialogue which is a convention often used in bond films. The main character, played by tom cruise is shown in chase scenes and is recognisable because he often plays main roles in action films so the audience can understand immediately the nature of the film.
Film trailer 3: Camerawork
Here you are looking for particular camera shots and movement. E.g. Are close-ups used to introduce key characters to the audience? How are establishing shots used?
The different narratives in this trailer are shown slowly and clearly as the pace is slow therefore there is no action to be filmed. Key characters are introduced with clips from the film and this establishes their different relationships with eachother ( eg with Martine McCutcheon and Hugh Grant). This is done with close ups of the characters sothat we can see their emotions while with each other and reactions/ comments towards each other.
Film trailer 4: Editing
Analyse pace, transitions, number of shots and juxtaposition e.g. eyeline matches. Does the pace speed up towards the end of the trailer?
The beginning is very slow paced and then begin to pick up when the mood starts to transformation the main character begins to find friends after the scene of him having none. The slow transition between shots in the beginning to depict a sad and sombre atmosphere so that the audience can identify his personality and perhaps relate. Towards the end the pace gathers as does the music which highlights the change in the characters as by this point the are established to be the main roles.
Film trailer 5: Sound
Analyse both diegetic and non-diegetic sound - music, dialogue, voiceover, SFX, background or foley sound etc.
There is voiceover in this trailer which depicts who the main character is, and who will be telling the story. Special effects such as the phone or the car communicates that this is a coming of age, lighthearted chick-flick. We also get an idea of the narrative and the events that take place- this paired with the pop music and r&b shows the interests of each character. It shows the differing interests in characters and where the issues may arise.
Film trailer 6: Trailer conventions, intertextuality, graphics, text-on-screen etc.
Here you need to explore trailer conventions and intertextuality - what does this trailer have that you've spotted in all the trailers you have analysed so far? Are there any intertextual references? Look at conventions, text on screen, graphics, title, release date, social media links and more.
There is music and brands that the audience would recognise and be able to relate to, as the target audience is likely to enjoy those things and therefore find personal identity in the film. The audience would also be able to relate to being in school deciding what clothes to wear, learning how to drive,and having boyfriends. She mentions that she is wearing calvin klein which, following the nature of the film, fits with the beverly hills lifestyle she plays.
2) Planning: Film pitch
Here you need to plan your own film idea that will form the basis of your trailer and posters. This means developing a complete film pitch that outlines the narrative, characters and more.
Title: The lives we live
Tagline:
Genre (and sub-genre/hybrid genre if applicable): coming of age drama
Logline – one sentence that sums up the film and hooks people in (25 words or fewer): a gripping teen drama that agonises the audience with it unfortunate coincidences.
Other successful films that are similar to yours: 6th sense, Bridget Jones, Love actually, the Perks of Being A wallflower
Narrative structure – what happens in the film and in what order:
mc1: is gay but in a gang
mc2: has a life threatening illness
fc1: doesnt get into the uni she wanted
fc2: boyfriend cheats on her
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Hero/heroine, their desires, the conflicts they encounter etc:
Hero: the main characters
Each character faces their own unfortunate narrative and are their own protagonist
Other characters, their narrative role and their audience appeal:
The parents of fc1, the boyfriend of fc2 (who is also mc2) mc1's gang
Target audience for your film (age, gender, social class, interests etc.):
14-30 years old
female-male 70%-30%
ABC1 audience, educated with university or in school
Interests in shows like 13 reasons why, Riverdale, Bates Motel, The good girls
3) Statement of Intent
Write your genuine 500-word Statement of Intent. This will be submitted to the exam board alongside your media products and is worth 10 marks of the overall 60 marks available.
My trailer will be of a dramatic coming of age film with narrative that the audience can relate to or has related to. The aim is for it to grip people with the same effect that 13 reasons why did to the teenage audience. The intertwining story lines are there to intensify the tragic coincidences that occur and highlight how hard it is for young people to go from children to adults. Each crossover of narratives has a certain irony that will be designed to make the audience invest their highest of emotions.
The brief will be met as there will be more than 3 locations used for each character. each scene will be short however it will establish when are where things happen and end for each line of narrative. The name of the film won't be revealed until the last 5 seconds of the trailer. The text will be on screen alongside hashtags and twitter pages for the film and production credits will follow shortly after. There will be no sound at this point to not disturb the effect the final scene in the trailer will have on the audience; the continuance of the song will take away from the effect it might have.
The mise-en-scene will be similar to that of The perks of being a wallflower in terms of their costume and props/setting. It will be designed to appeal to an audience that enjoys the emotional connection and in infatuation with a character that they can obtain by the uses and gratifications theory- some of the teenage audience may enjoy the personal identity with the characters as they are around the same age and face issues that are specifically difficult for young adults to overcome. The other side of the audience might enjoy the diversion or engulfing fantasy that the events would offer.
My characters will challenge typical stereotypes as the gang member will be gay- usually something near unacceptable within young demographics in London who are involved in gangs. The matter is rarely addressed in popular productions which is why mine will. The norm will be challenged not only by this character but the way the surrounding characters (the gang members) react and treat him, which will lead to the boys reaction and fate to be the mouthpiece for people who can relate.
Guidance is provided by AQA in their NEA Student Booklet but we strongly recommend you also look at our Statement of Intent suggested questions document too.
4) Ignite presentation
Prepare a 5-minute, 20-slide presentation using the Ignite format in which you present your coursework project. In effect, this is your statement of intent in presentation format. You must cover:
- Your film idea: title, tagline, genre, narrative etc.
- Media language: how you will use conventions, camerawork, editing, mise-en-scene and sound to create an effective trailer and film posters.
- Media representations: how you will use or subvert stereotypes; representation theory.
- Media audiences: your target audience demographics and psychographics; audience pleasures; audience theory.
- Media industries and digital convergence: the potential companies or organisations that could fund or distribute your film; how your trailer and posters will use new and digital media and digital convergence to create an effective campaign.
You can find more information about Ignite presentations - including examples - in this Ignite presentation blogpost here.
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