Assignment 3 - Shot list

Assignment 3 - Costume prop planning

Assignment 3 - Conventions of film trailers

The genre i will be making a trailer for is Horror/Thriller. Popular movies of the same genre include Insidious, Paranormal activity and The Conjuring.  I will be analysing conventions that are shared between them.

Insidious

Trailer

• Shows the "well known" actors

• Dim lighting or extremes contrasts of lighting to indicate change of atmosphere

• Shot at a low angle

• Title at the end of the trailer

• Pale, greenish tint to the screen

Paranormal Activity

Trailer

• Dark scary atmosphere - Pathetic fallacy e.g. stormy clouds.

• Disruptions of normality

• Sudden signs of ghosts/spirits

• Music or low grumbling that indicates a frightful moment coming up

• Battle of good vs Evil

• Death, blood and randomly moving things

• High pitched screaming included

• Captions every few seconds

• Usually starts off with long camera shots with little use of cuts.

The Conjuring

• Fast-paced shots are used during violence / chase scenes so that the audience cannot get a clear idea about what is happening, increasing tension. The speed increases throughout the trailer until reaching the peak.
• Similar to Paranormal Activity and insidious, there is a Dark scary atmosphere and dim lighting or extremes contrasts of lighting to indicate change of atmosphere.
• However, this movie is set quite a while back in the late 1900s so the atmosphere is slightly different- less modern and technological. 

Assignment 3 - Location planning

For our location, we have decided to use the Abandoned beach club situated next to the Marriott.  It has a beach access so we can use this for aspects of the movie and also has a lot of indoor space that looks wrecked and deserted. A further location we will use is JBK compound scrap yard and abandoned apartments beside it. Pictured below are the locations of both.

Assignment 3 - Horror film inspiration

Horror movie inspiration

 http://filmmakermagazine.com/76622-so-you-want-to-make-a-horror-film-on-jump-      scares-and-other-basics-of-fright/#.WNjbOjuLT9k

Cast:

-       Main Female character

-       Main Male character

-       Ghosts/physcopaths

                          

Beginning of trailer: 

• Extremely dramatic action shots and 
• Scenarios that draw attention immediately (e.g. drowning, car crash, murder, exorcism, ghost visible)

• 1-second shots split up by black screens for effect.
• Everything is silent or eerie monotone sound
• Slow motion

 End of trailer:

• Heavy breathing
• Unexpected sounds

Assignment 3 - Questionnaire results

Assignment 3 - Trailer analysis

The movie trailer I will be analysing is 'Goodnight, mommy',  a 2014 Austrian horror film, written and directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala. It a visual thriller; the cinematography combined with the psychological gouging of child/mother relationship leaves the audience squirming. Every aspect of the trailer is minimalistic; the speech is limited and the shots are mainly wide even though every few seconds an extreme close up shot is used to create an effect of terror and suspense. During the beginning of the trailer, long shots/cuts are used, which creates a slow pace and tense atmosphere. As the trailer advances and the horror unfolds, quicker cuts are used and at the end there are extremely rapid cuts which immensely impact the pace of the trailer. I think this is a very easy yet effective way to create unease in the audience.

Also, the colour scheme is kept very earthy and there are many shots in nature/greenery that contrast well with the costume and setting which are often muted shades of grey and brown. The fact that so many of the scenes are outside shows that the movie is set somewhere away from much civilisation or any cities and appears to be somewhere in the countryside. The camerawork is very conventional for movies of the genre(horror); many pan shots are included and often the camera follows the main character which, again, adds to the eerie effect. 

Many different sources and intensities of lighting are explored. As you can see by the screenshots, there are a variety of shots sizes and angles, however often the angles are kept at eye level in order to maintain an address to the audience and make it seem like they is really there. This helps to create a scarier impact on the audience. The narration, as mentioned, is hardly present and every 4-5 seconds captions are used. The same font is used for these as the movie title at the end of the trailer.

Assignment 2 - Interview

Today we met up with the famous Gaea (pronounced j-ah), who greeted us with a warm welcome and made us feel like we were long time best friends. Read on to find out about her personal life, the story behind her name and tips for budding musicians and signers.

First of all, your beautiful name is becoming increasingly popular and everyone is asking the same question ñ Is there a story behind why you chose that name? Does it mean something?

- Well, thank you, and yes there is an interesting story behind it actually. Gaea was a primal Greek goddess, one of the deities that governed the universe before the Titans. She symbolized the Earth, and was the mother of everything. My Mother is a passionate lover of nature and when she was pregnant with me, she said that she went outside a lot and butterflies would always land on her stomach, thatís when she thought of the name Gaea. Laughs

Thatís a very interesting story. How do you feel after your latest Grammy award for album of the year?

- I never thought it would happen! I am astounded to even have the opportunity to receive such a thing -  It makes me very emotional. My Family Is very proud and I would like to thank them and my friends because it wouldnít be possible without them. Also of course my many lovely fans whom I owe everything to. 

Thatís very sweet; you are always so loving towards your fans and greet them in the street. Who are your heroes or who do you look up to?

My mother and my grandmother, as well as BeyoncÈ ñ in fact she is my idol and I strive to be like her in every way. 

How did you start getting into music?

- When I was younger, my parents took music and performances very seriously and they put me into lessons at a very young age so I was involved with musical things from the start. I guess Iíve never really had a choice but to pursue music as a career. I think if I hadnít become a singer I would be a marine biologist.

Do you have beef with other artists?

Yes, a few weeks ago Kanye and I had a fall out due to unspeakable circumstances. All I can say is that we wont be on good terms any time soon. I really do try my best to maintain a good relationship with my fellow musicians, but if they attack I must respond otherwise I will lose my respect. 

Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?- I used to get extremely nervous and would think about cancelling shows. I'm getting used to it now but obviously I am still paranoid to go on stage and face the millions of fans that I am very grateful for. I am probably just worried something embarrassing will happen like I trip over my heels. Laughs

What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

- Well, what helps for me is to breathe do yoga regularly. Also, donít stress and be aware that all your fans are here to see you. 

How often and for how long do you practice?

- I practice almost every day with my amazing team who help me while I write my songs and make all this   possible.

Whats your biggest strength?

My voice and the fact that I don't let hate get to me. I'm naturally a very positive and optimistic person and everyone always tells me that is my best quality so I think that is a strength too. 

What is your classic style/makeup?

On stage, I go for a classy look and usually accompany my outfit with a red lipstick. When Iím out, I usually go makeup-free. Sometimes I will wear some mascara or lip-gloss and a bit of blush. My go-to thing to wear is some yoga leggings and a light top because of the extreme heat in Doha!

Well, Thank you so much Gaea for letting us interview you. You are such a kind and heartfelt person and we wish you the best of luck in the future. Well done again on your Grammy award!

- Antonia Heidel

Assignment 2 - Album cover and interview

-       My target demographic is an older teenage male or female (mainly female though due to the gender of the artist) that is interested in hip, fresh pop music and is not afraid to explore new talented artists. I am featured in Billboard, the pop magazine that aims to address young teens, from the age of 16, to young adults, at the age of 26. This is because the magazine provides its readers with the latest updates from the charts, but of mainly pop music. I chose them, as the way I would be portrayed is perfect in maintaining my image and expressing my true personality. My general aesthetic is clean, modern covers and my NVC is indirect, as I am usually not facing the camera. This gives me a mysterious touch, which I think is very important in making me stand out from other artists of the same genre. My interview also is something that would attract my target demographic as its gives them an insight of my personal life and breaks the barrier between artist and audience. Because this theme is outlined in all my promotional, I think it creates synergy, which, for me, is vital. I followed many conventions in both the album cover and double page spread, for example I included a quote from the interview in the text (to break it up) and a drop cap at the beginning of the paragraph. Another common convention is that the image used is usually direct address, which entices the reader to buy the magazine because the celebrity in the magazine is looking directly at the audience therefore it encourages them to buy the magazine, however I challenged this convention and decided to steer the eye contact away because I feel like the reader already recognizes the artist by the distinct design and colors (synergy). Regarding the album cover I included a simplistic colour scheme, few or no characters and bold & simple fonts for the band name - all conventions of album covers.

Assignment 2 - Analysis

I am analysing the Band ‘Lukas Graham’ and some work they have produced – specifically a music video for their worldwide hit “7 years” and the corresponding CD cover. Lukas Graham is a Danish pop and soul band signed with Warner Bros. Records Inc. The music company uses a variety of media platforms to promote the band including things like Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, the Radio and TV; With the help of these the band rose to fame and their song became No. 2 hit on Billboard‘s Hot 100. Taking the genre of the track, which is pop, and the conventions followed in the music video and album cover into consideration, it is clear that target demographic for the promotional products is an older, rather mature teenager/young adult - possibly 15 to 24 years.  This is because the themes in the song are quite deep and emotive; the singer recalls his childhood, his hopes, and his dreams, however they are topics that affect male and female though, so the target demographic can be both genders.

The single cover for 7 years heavily reflects the main themes of the music video and song, which are growing up as well as relationships with family members. The image depicts a young boy (presumably the lead singer Lukas Graham at 7 years old according to the song) with what appears to be his father. The way the man is protectively holding his son connotes love, warmth etc. which attracts the desired target audience. The high angle and indirect address makes it seem like the two were caught in a genuine moment and this appealing authenticity is continued in the outfits; they are very basic and practical, do not really match and seem like they are solely used for comfort and warmth. This has a heavy influence on the overall impression the audience may have of the artist – it allows the audience to understand that they do not want to be judged by what they are wearing or what they look like, but by the quality if the music they produce. The fact that the colour palette of the image is very earthy and natural also shows there is nothing staged or fake about the band and the music they produce is quite minimalistic but powerful, just like nature. The colour scheme also includes calming shades that create a happy atmosphere and make the whole image more peaceful even though they are on a cliff. This pleasant atmosphere is emphasized by the presence of the sea in the picture, as the sea connotes tranquillity and happiness. The distinct link of peace and candidness between the music video and the single cover creates synergy and aids in promoting the product and causing it to be more recognizable. Basic conventions are followed such as featuring the artist’s name and song title. The font used for this appears very handwritten, possibly by Lukas graham himself. This makes the cover more personal and could help the audience view the band on a more intimate level. The use of a different color for the band name compared to the rest of the cover is also a convention of album covers and helps the name to stand out/ be more recognizable.

In general, ‘7 years’ stands out from other music videos of the same genre; it is exceptionally compelling and the visual representation is equally as deep as the content of the song. There are varieties of long shots and mid shots that are cut quickly between scenes. Many of the shots are still or panning, which works with the emotional theme of the song and the rather sedate pace/ rhythm of the piano (especially at the beginning of the song). It represents the artist as very composed and genuine about what he is singing. However, this is quite unconventional for the genre of the song as usually artists are very lively and bubbly in pop music videos. Furthermore, the fact that the whole video is in black and white hues instead of the usual vivid and bright colours is very unconventional. I think Lukas Graham has done this to steer away from all deceitful, exaggerated happy, staged videos and created something with the aim to attract and audience that values pure, unfiltered creativity. The majority of the video is blurred, with only one small thing being in focus in most scenes. I think this was done to reflect the message of the song, which is to “focus on the small things in life that make you happy”. It gives the atmosphere an inspirational feel and represents the band as optimistic and influencing. The nature and outdoor based setting also adds to the realistic tone of the video and is contrasted by some clips of fire, explosions or bright bursts of light. These two completely different ideas make the video stand out and I think it is that which makes Lukas Grahams products so distinguishable. Some of the music video is also shot at a graveyard, which I feel is an unusual and unconventional place but again makes the video more mysterious. Furthermore, just like the album cover, costume is used to show the unadorned and frank life he is living. This again is unconventional as usually artists are portrayed as happy, enjoying and content with life as seen by their bright costume however graham makes use of his simplistic outfit to show his real life. The band, as a whole, is not visible in the scenes however Lukas graham is present in most of the music video. Usually, his NVC is very direct as he is usually making eye contact and his posture is very strong and not at all slouched which connotes self-assurance.

In conclusion, I feel that the band Lukas Graham has convincingly created synergy throughout their promotional products and caused the audience to recognize and appeal to them and their important message.  

Terminology

Media production

Representation