Product Research - '127 Hours'

    In order to get a clearer understanding of the way teaser trailers are created and why, I analysed '127 Hours,' an independent film directed by Danny Boyle. I found that, although in some respects it stayed true to the conventions of mainstream trailers, there were a few fundamental differences.

    As with teaser trailers based on mainstream films, the structure seems to be shaped according to the music played, whilst the plot is told succinctly and covertly.

    At the end of my product research for '127 Hours,' I found that there are a great many similarities to draw on between independent and mainstream teaser trailers (apart from the use of split screens and director promotions in the former), therefore they all seem to follow the same form. This was interesting with regards to my teaser trailer, in that, regardless of the film's budget, the trailers appear to use the same techniques. I will continue with my product research by exploring different teaser trailers, in order to see if they all use the same guideline.

Product Research - Poster Analysis

 

In my opinion, this poster works well, because it manages to communicate to the audience the basic ambiance of the film, yet not giving so much away that their interest dims. The colours of the poster are extremely effective in doing so - a cloud of mystery seems to surround the main character of 'Moon,' thus its engaging nature continues for the audience.

  

Personally, I believe that the poster focuses more on the coventional styles of its genre, the main part of the image being drenched in blood, as well as the use of symbology which further communicates to us the outline of what the film is about.

 

In some ways, I believe that this poster does not do the film justice, whilst not attempting to target a larger audience, because its references to the film content are quite vague and need foreknowledge before they can be understoon (i.e. pupils dilating signifies drug abuse). However, in some ways, this is a positive aspect of the poster, because it creates intrigue surrounding the movie.

Analysing Magazine Front Covers

Below are three analysed magazine front covers, which will help me further my understanding as to the typical techniques which are used by the editor, thus allow me to create a product which either subverts the stereotypical approach to magazine production, or follow it.

'Total Film' - a mainstream film magazine

(please click here to view a larger image)

'Little White Lies' - an independent film magazine

(here is a larger image of the magazine analysis)

'Vertigo' - an independent arts magazine (which pays special attention to movies)

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The Conventions of a Teaser Trailer

• Usually between 30-60 seconds long.
• Extremely fast-paced editing, especially in the middle of the teaser trailer, so as not to give too much of the narrative away.
• Generally released long before the film, so the audience are effectively 'teased.' This means that the release date is usually vague, e.g. 'coming soon' or 'this summer.' Date (if release date is shown as a season) is usually reflective of the film genre, e.g. 'This Winter' = horror movie, etc.
• Usually contain little footage from the film, if any. Some teaser trailers are created before any scenes have even been filmed (e.g. The Da Vinci Code).
• Since the proliferation of the Internet, teaser trailers are more often released online than before. although mainly appear in movie theatres.
• Most teaser trailers are created for mainstream, high budget films - not considered necessary for a film to release a teaser trailer beforehand.

The Conventions of a Poster

• Used to intrigue the audience, therefore has to captivate with an interesting/captivating image.
• Sartorial codes/symbols used in order to help the audience understand the film's genre more effectively. This allows the correct audience to be targeted.
• Film's title shown in large font so it's more memorable to the audience
• Includes the film's tagline which is usually a pun/play on words relating to the film's narrative.
• Date usually included, or else a vague idea of when the film will be released, e.g. 'This Fall.' This depends on when the poster is used to promote the film, i.e. close to release of film or sometime in the future respectively.
• Main information such as producers, production/distribution companies and cast are included in small font so as not to draw attention to them. Used so most of the attention is on the main image.

The Conventions of a Magazine Cover

Mainstream

• Magazine's name clearly displayed to promote their product.
• Main image used as the magazine's focal point.
• Includes price and barcode.
• Cover is usually busy so as to tease the audience.
• Generally promotes well known films.
• Seen as more profit-orientated, i.e. a business.

Independent

• Usually much simpler in its form, i.e. little (to no) writing - only outlines the top stories covered in the magazine. This could be because independent magazines sometimes have a cult following.
• Main image sometimes distorted/drawn, rather than having a photoshoot which can be costly.
• Includes price and barcode.
• Generally promotes lesser known films.
• Seen as more content orientated, i.e. creating something they enjoy whilst perhaps gaining a small amount of profit.

Magazine Research

Our double period on Friday 10th September commenced with comparing independent film magazines to their mainstream counterpart, the reason being that the budget for our teaser trailer will be on an even smaller scale than that of professionally made indie films. This therefore meant that by basing our own magazine front cover on independent periodicals, we'd gain a much more realistic approach to our course.

We were separated into groups and told to research a magazine using their website or any other resources available. I was given 'Vertigo,' what appeared to be an extremely niche market magazine for mainly students with higher disposable incomes than the average working class individual. Although I have not chosen the final idea for my teaser trailer, I do not believe this will be the audience I want my trailer to be projected to, thus I am researching other independent magazines so that I have a wider portfolio of examples. This will enable me to make informed decisions with regards to the content and style of my magazine. I will also organize market research so as to target my audience more efficiently.