BBFC & Ratings

Editing In Trailers Research

Narrative Enigma In Trailers Research

Trailer Exhibition Research

Trailer Title & Credit Convention Research

5 Inspiring Film Trailers

1. Shaun Of The Dead

This trailer is particularly inspiring because it directly relates to the horror-comedy genre, which is what we are considering doing for our coursework, I love the idea of the news report and the TV show being tied in, and I would think about using something similar in my own trailer.

2. The Fault In Our Stars

I found this trailer inspiring because it really keeps your attention the whole way through. I like how the music used, depended on what was being shown in the scene, and the pace of both always matched. However, I do feel as through the trailer gave away too much of the storyline.

3. Shame

This trailer has really good titles, they were eye catching and relevant but still allowed for me to watch the trailer without being distracted. The placing and timings of the titles is really important and this is shown in this trailer.

4. 50/50

This trailer was really funny and captured some of the best moments from the film. The entire storyline or ending was not given away which is very important.

5. Zombieland

This trailer was inspiring because again, it is a horror comedy which is the same genre that we are thinking of choosing for our coursework. I've learnt that it is important to show both sides to the genre, i.e. both horror and comedy, and not just one.

Film Magazine Cover Research

Example 1 - Total Film Magazine

• This is a UK based magazine which began in 1997.
• This magazine offers cinema, DVD and Blu-ray news, as well as film reviews and interviews.
• It is available in print, digital and even an interactive iPad edition.

Example 2 - Sight & Sound Magazine

• Sight & Sound is an international magazine which started in 1932.
• It focuses largely on film culture.
• This magazine is available in print and digitally.

Example 3 - MovieMaker Magazine

• This is an American magazine and was founded in 1993.
• It focuses on the art and business of making movies, with a strong interest in Indie films.
• It includes a mix of interviews, DIY tutorials, film festival coverage and more.

Example 4 - Empire Magazine

• Empire is a British magazine and was created in 1989.
• It reviews both mainstream and independent films.
• It is available to read in print, digitally and even has it's own app.

Example 5 - BoxOffice Magazine

• This is an American magazine that began in the 1920s
• It's intended audience is film professionals and theatre owners.
• BoxOffice Magazine includes industry news, interviews, columns by NATO staff members and other respected industry professionals and more.

Film Poster Research

Example 1 - Les Miserables

The general colours of this poster are quite dull which is really effective as it allows the bright blue eyes to stand out. The colour blue also has connotations to sadness, which relates to the film title.

Example 2 - Avatar

The close up allows us to realise that this person on the poster is not an ordinary person as we can distinctly see the eyes and the way the facial features all come together. I think it's interesting and this works well.

Example 3 - Cinderella

The great detail on her dress makes this poster eye catching. The dark clouds give the clue that it isn't just going to be a happy story and that there will be some sort of 'storm' or villainous characters.

Example 4 - Poltergeist

The use of shadows and contrasts gives a scary and mysterious feel to this poster. It's very clear that this movie is going to be a horror, and it's important that the audience know what genre it is going to be.

Example 5 - Fast and Furious 7

This poster is eye-catching due to some of it being in black and white and some parts in full colour. It's different and there is quire a lot going on, as there's a car, a city landscape, a gun and more.

Independent Research: other pieces of A2 coursework (Documentary)

• Firstly, I thought this documentary was successful because it included all the conventions you need for a documentry such as voicovers, interviews, cutaways and lots more.

• The interviews in particular were effective as it gave an insight into the band member's own lifestyles and we got a glimpse into how they balance their musical interests with school work.

• Lastly, I personally really liked the cliffhanger at the end. It made me want to watch another episode to find out what their bad news was, and I liked how they followed the idea of having a several part documentary rather than just one long one.

Independent Research: other pieces of A2 coursework (Short Film)

• Firstly I thought it was an effective piece of coursework because there was a large variety of camera angles and camera shots used throughout. This made it interesting and different as it wasn't just the same height and angles all the time

• Secondly, the use of transitions were good because it helped make clear what were flashbacks and what were not.

• Lastly, the sound they used made this short films effective. The score music matched the genre at all times and the sound effects such as the wind were realistic and were used effectively. 

Independent Research: other pieces of A2 coursework (Trailer)

• Firstly, this is an effective trailer because it shows you everything you need to know about the film, without actually giving away the plot or using spoilers.

• Secondly, throughout the entire trailer it is clear that the genre is a horror/comedy. The make up that they used on the zombie is very effective as it is obvious that she is not like the rest of the characters in the trailer.

• Lastly, the changes in music and sound, depending on what is being shown has also been used really effectively. At some points the sound adds to the humour, and at other points (like at the beginning) it can make the audience feel uneasy and anxious.