Research & Planning
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Horror Trailers In General [PART 1] --
"Drag Me To Hell" Trailer Analysis [PART 2] --
The results to my questionnaire can be seen below in these pie charts.
What is your gender?
What scares you the most in horror films?
What is your favourite aspect of a horror film?
PRIEST TRAILER ANALYSIS
Why are we told who is starring in the film?
The trailer does not tell us who is in the film, probably because the main character, and none of the costars are massive Hollywood names that would have a big following. Paul Bettnay plays the main character.
How is this information given to us? Why?
No information is given to us about the characters in the film or who plays them, and only states the rough time that the film will be released, so in this case the “summer”. They don’t give the names as they are not using the big names to sell the film ,but rather the story line.
What type of action from the film do we see?
What clues does the music give us as to what type of film the trailer is advertising?
The music reflects the good vs evil theme, with a fast paced choir like singing the background in a tone to refelct an epic battle between the bad and the good, which in this case is a priest against evil vampires.
Does the trailer come with a voice over and if so, what can you tell about the voice being used?
There are no voice overs, but some dialogue from various parts of the film are used in the montage of clips it shows just to give a rough narration or feeling of what is happening. This adds to the drama as well as giving the audience some knowledge as to what is happening and which characters are the protagonists and which are the antagonists.
Why do you think this voice was chosen? What effect does it have?
How does the speed of what we see compare to watching a clip from a film? Why is this?
The clip in which the woman priest, a protagonist, fights and kills three attacking antagonists is representative of the pace and action of the trailer, as well as the fantasy of it. The antagonists are riding on motorcycles which highlights the speed and pace factor of the trailer, while the woman priests weapons are similar to that of what the male priest in the trailer used to attack his enemies. The fast, action music with a heavy base is similar to the trailer, while the fantasy is ever present, with the woman priest managing to flip a motorcycle driving at high speed towards her with a fully grown man riding it, using a flimsy rope, to make it fly over her head and onto another bike rider attacking her, killing them both. Similar far fetched themes run through the trailer, with two men jumping epic heights to fly kick each other as well as monster type vampires wreaking havoc.
Does the speed alter through the trailer or does it stay the same?
The trailer begins slow, with little actions but more conversation, allowing room for build up to a climax in the trailer rather than it being a one dimensional all action no story line plot. The action and speed speeds up dramatically towards the end of the trailer, with fights scenes, death, monsters, fire, races, and so on to emphasize the drama and action of the film. With 10 seconds to go, the name of the film is shown, and the music fades away, lulling the audience into a false sense of security for the final shock at the end in which a monster-vampire jumps out in front of the camera.
What information are we given about the film?
We are told in the trailer what company produced the film at the start, as well as the fact that the film is based on a graphic novel. This information comes up on the screen in text form rather than a voice over so as to not interrupt the internal action and drama of the trailer. The name of the film, “priest” is given at the end of the trailer, with around ten second to go, and at the very end, it tells the audience that the film is coming soon, giving the official website too.
At what point in the trailer is this information given?
This information is given to us throughout the trailer, but most of the actual information about the film, when it is released, what formats there are to watch it in such as 3-D and the official website are given at the end, so the trailer itself is not interrupted until the end by the required information.
What type of audience is the trailer aimed at? How can you tell?
The trailer is aimed at graphic, violent, fantasy loving movie goers, who like to see a story with plenty of action and unexpected shocks. With the monster vampires, full-on action fighting, kung fu priests, moves which defy the laws of physics and a revenge fueled battle between good and evil, it seems like the film has everything for the specific
audience to enjoy.
audience to enjoy.
KICK-ASS MAGAZINE COVER ANALYSIS
Here is my magazine cover analysis. It is an Empire magazine featuring the Action film Kick-Ass.
SCREAM 4 POSTER ANALYSIS
SCREAM 4 TRAILER ANALYSIS
At what point in the trailer are we told the name of the film? Why is this?
We are told right at the end of the trailer what the name of the film is, which suggests the end of the trailer, but immediately after the title appears, there is a final snippet from the film.
Why are we told who is starring in the film?
We are not told who is starring in the film, probably because the names of the actors and actresses are not the important, main selling point of the film. The movie comes from a franchise of other Scream films, which have proved popular, meaning the main attraction is being the next in a line of similar suspense filled, scary movies.
How is this information given to us? Why?
It tells us the director, describing him as the “Master of suspense”, as well as the name of the film and the date it comes out in cinema’s. There are no names of the stars in it, but the previous information given is just enough to give the audience the information that they may not already know, mainly the release date. The information is conveyed to the audience quickly though fast paced editing, but the text parts which give us the information are long enough for the audience to read the short piece of information.
What type of action from the film do we see?
We are shown various clips from the film, with a lot of screams, and the antagonist attacking his victims quite a lot, although no deaths are shown to keep the element of unknowing, mystery and suspense in the actual film.
We are also shown some special effects, which the audience may not even notice. The knife blade used to kill the protagonists is actually created and superimposed on the handle after filming, rather than having the collapsing blade used in the previous Scream films. We are left with the enigma of the antagonist, of whom we know little, except he/she seeks to kill a many of the protagonist friends as possible, as well as her.
What clues does the music give us as to what type of film the trailer is advertising?
The music begins with a light piano playing, and this adds to the mystery and suspense of the trailer, as the killer is an unknown masked person. There is also a of silent parts when only the characters are talking which allow the emphasis to be on the words, this is mainly on a piece of dialogue intended to be very ironic or funny.
There may not be any star vehicles in the film acting, but Wes Craven, who is labelled “the master of suspense” is a selling point which people would get excited about as suspense is one of the main selling points in a horror movie. The narrative of the ghost face - the antagonist speaking eerily on the phone throughout the clips and trailer tell people more about what the film is about, allowing the audience to clearly see the genre and basic narrative without giving too much of the plot away - such as who the killer is and the motives behind the killings.
The voice works with the non diagetic sounds used such as the tense and edgy music which begins in the first few seconds and continues throughout. The sound, especially music, manipulates the emotions and creates the specific and desire atmosphere that the director wants to convey in the short trailer.
Does the trailer come with a voice over and if so, what can you tell about the voice being used?
There are no voice overs, but the closest thing to it is some dialogue from various parts of the film used in the montage of clips it shows just to give a rough narration or feeling of what is happening. This adds to the drama as well as giving the audience some knowledge as to what is happening. Ghost Face, the antagonist, has his voice heard by the audience, as the various clips play as he speaks on the phone to the main protagonist.This helps to both give a basic plot presentation as well as showcasing some of the best bits of the film - parts which show the film to its best advantage.
Why do you think this voice was chosen? What effect does it have?
The voice of the antagonist is the main one used, with his disguised, dark, grumbling voice being the main focus from the characters who talk to him/her on the phone. The screams from the characters are also a main feature of the film, especially considering the name of the actual film, so these are used throughout, mainly when the characters are about to be killed or are attacked. The voice works with the non diagetic sounds used such as the tense and edgy music which begins in the first few seconds and continues throughout. The sound, especially music, manipulates the emotions and creates the specific and desire atmosphere that the director wants to convey in the short trailer.
How does the speed of what we see compare to watching a clip from a film? Why is this?
A clip from the film in which three girls are running away from the killer is very fast paced throughout, as opposed to the varying paces used in the trailer. The girls run up the stairs, with one of them having to kick at the antagonist to release her from his grasp. They get into the bedroom, lock the door, and look for an escape out of the balcony. After deciding it was too dark, they ring for help as the antagonist tries to bang down the door. One of the girls hides under the bed. All that is in 33 seconds, so it is fast paced and action packed. Fast editing helps the pace a lot which also creates tension and emphasizes the parts when the action slows down, for example when the protagonist is hiding from the antagonist, who will inevitably find her.
Does the speed alter through the trailer or does it stay the same?
The trailer begins with suspense, with a sense of foreboding, but it is not fast paced. It sets the scene, and explains what is happening and gives the audience a sense of what to expect. The action begins to role out in around the first minute, when the antagonist first appears, banging down a door to a bedroom holding a knife. From then on, there is a lot more action at a lot faster pace than the start. Various shpts of the different characters are used, when the antagonist talks to the protagonist about her friends and death. They are quick,sharp shots of their faces, and mostly close-ups which allows the audience to completly focus on what is in front of them, as the trailer builds momentum and suspense.
At what point in the trailer is this information given?
The name of the film and the date of release are given within seconds of each other at the end of the trailer.
What type of audience is the trailer aimed at? How can you tell?
The audience is aimed at fans of the Scream franchise, as it keeps the main protagonist in the plot as well as the antagonist. It has all the conventions of a suspense - horror film, with the killings and unknowingness of who is the killer, and who could be killed next. It is an action packed trailer with a little bit of humor and is aimed at the not so serious and not too graphic lovers of horror, which doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a lot of darkness throughout the trailer, which corresponds with the convention of evil happening in the dark. People in general are usually more scared of the dark than clear vision, so this once again engages the audience and uses it to capture the audiences imagination.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEASER TRAILER AND THEATRICAL TRAILER
DRAG ME TO HELL TRAILER ANALYSIS
At what point in the trailer are we told the name of the film? Why is this?
We are told the name of the film right at the end of the trailer just before it shows the release date in theaters. The name of the film may be given at the end so that it stays in the audiences mind and so they will remember to go and see it when it is released. After watching the suspense and horror throughout the trailer, they will want to know what the name of it is, so they can match the trailer to the name, and this technique from the advertisers is used to draw the audience in.
Why are we told who is starring in the film?
We are not told at any point who is starring in the film, but instead we are told who directed it. The director is well known from directing Spiderman and the Evil Dead Trilogy, so the director, who is Sam Raimi, already has quite a large following due to the popularity of his last two productions. This will add to the appeal for some of the audience who wish to follow the directors film, and therefore the buzz around the film and how it compares to his previous works will interest the audience, drawing them in to want to go and see it.
How is this information given to us? Why?
This information is given to us in between the action as it comes up in text version as black on a white background, giving emphasis to the small amount of information given.
What type of action from the film do we see?
The action begins when the protagonist gets in her car after work the day when she rejected the old lady from getting an extension on her house loan. The old lady is shown to suddenly appear outside of the window of the car and throw a brick through the window, breaking it and putting the protagonist in shock. The protagonist is then dragged out of the car by the foot, and falls on her back on the glass. She is weak and in shock, and the low angle of her looking up to the old lady highlights the old lady’s power over her. The antagonist then takes a button off of her jacket, breathes on it, and gives it back,. The close ups highlight the antagonists horrific looking face, as she has golden, old, broken teeth, as well as a fake eye, and a staple in her head from the scuffle with the protagonist. We are immediately told after that that she has been cursed, and the process of firstly putting up with the curse and then getting rid of it begins. The curse torments her by scaring her in her house, by unnaturally being able to shut gates and move curtains. In a particularly shocking piece of the trailer, the protagonist wakes up to find the old lady, with an even worse looking face screaming at her.
What clues does the music give us as to what type of film the trailer is advertising?
As the trailer progresses, the music becomes bolder, louder and faster in pace. Drum beats begins and becomes grander as if building up to something big. References to hell make the music like a religious choral, very dark and horrific, which goes well with the trailer as it is a horror trailer which shows death, curses and hell.
Does the trailer come with a voice over and if so, what can you tell about the voice being used?
The trailer does not come with a voice over, but instead used dialogue from the characters in the film over certain clips in the trailer. This is done to create a brief narrative about the film, telling the audience what is actually going on, an what the significance of certain shown films on.
Why do you think this voice was chosen? What effect does it have?
Although their is no voice over the inform the audience of what is going on in the trailer, the information is given through dialogue and clips from the film, put together to create the basic form of the plot. This gives the audience an insight into what the film is about, and allows them to decide if the film is form them. The trailer is made to make the film look as exciting and interesting, and in this case, scary as possible, to persuade the audience to go and see it, with some of the best clips in the trailer to make it look as good as possible.
How does the speed of what we see compare to watching a clip from a film? Why is this?
In the clip of the film where the protagonist discovers the antagonist in the back seat of her car, it goes rather quickly, with a scrappy fight ensuing in which the antagonist is stapled in the head and thrown forward in a crash which sees her false teeth go flying out of her mouth. The scene is very intimate because of the close proximity of the two characters, and so the action is intense, and we see more close ups of the old woman, with all of her old wrinkles, bad teeth and stapled eyes. The clip starts off slow, like the trailer, as the old woman briefly introduces herself, and then suddenly, she grabs the protagonist and the pace picks up.
Does the speed alter through the trailer or does it stay the same?
The trailer begins calmly, with just a normal woman going to work in her bank, and there is friendly conversation which introduces the film to the audience carefully, allowing the suspense to be built up until one minute is over when the fight mentioned before is briefly shown. The scene when the curse is given is shown, and then the effects of it are shown too in a sequence of very quick, fast paced clips with the dialogue between the characters suitably imbedded in the trailer to give a basic narrative to it.
At what point in the trailer is this information given?
Information about the director is given in the middle of the clip when the suspense is being built, and then given at the end of the trailer when the name of the film and the release date is given.
What type of audience is the trailer aimed at? How can you tell?
This trailer is aimed at horror movie goers, who like to be scared in the horror genre. The name gives a lot of this away, with a reference to hell, and dragging hell, which suggests going against some ones will. These themes are enforced in the trailer in which a demon haunts a young woman, and threatens to drag her to hell.
At what point in the trailer are we told the name of the film? Why is this?
As is the convention of teaser trailers, the name of the film, "Paranormal Activity 2" appears at the very end of the 59 second trailer. There is special emphasis on the number 2, which is important so as to establish the difference between the first and second films under the same name.
The name is at the end of the trailer for the same reason that "Inbetweeners The Movie" is at the end; to allow the action shown previously to stick in the audiences minds only for the name of the film to flicker up dramatically to remind them to go and see it. It is a typical marketing ploy to help the audience remember the name in order to remember to go to see the film when it is released.
Why are we told who is starring in the film?
Again, similar to the previous trailers I have analysed, the names of those starring in the film are not given. In fact, those starring in the film seem rather insignificant, as we are given no indication at all as to who features, with a distinct lack of characters or their faces shown.
How is this information given to us? Why?
This information is not given to us, mainly because the main selling point, and the unique selling point of the film is that it is fuelled by mystery, the unknown and typical conventions of a horror. While many trailers try to give very few details away, this one gives none at all away, and instead relies on the popluarity of the previous "Paranormal Activity" film to generate interest in the trailer.
What type of action from the film do we see?
At the start of the trailer, there is around 5 or 6 tension fuelled seconds in which all is shown is a blank screen. The screen is completely black, adhering to this convention of horror films. Suddenly, a body is flown towards the camera and therefore the audience, knocking him/her unconscious on the floor. The camera then remains very still for another 5 or six seconds. People in the cinema are shown watching the film in anticipation, when again, using the same shock technique, a young woman appears suddenly in front of the camera.
Both of these clips purposely intrude on the audiences personal space, frightening the audience very easily. A number of shots of an empty, sleeping house, with the effect of CCTV cameras predominant are shown, ad a number of things start to move by their own accord. A dog barks, visibly disturbed, and a silhouette of a woman appears in a doorway, again using the sudden shock factor to scare the audience.
What clues does the music give us as to what type of film the trailer is advertising?
No music is used in the trailer, but simply brief sound affects. This adds to the mystery and unknown factor of what will happen next as well as the plot line in general. The lack of any sort of music gives that night-time affect on the audience, which goes well with the general darkness of the trailer, adding to typical horror conventions of scary things occurring and appearing at night.
Does the trailer come with a voice over and if so, what can you tell about the voice being used?
A voice over is often used to create a sense of narrative, outlining the basic storyline, and is used to inform the audience of these details to allow them to feel comfortable with what the film is potentially offering. However, in this trailer, the lack of any narrative, outline of storyline, or information makes the audience feel uncomfortable purposely, creating an original feel to the horror film.
What information are we given about the film?
As mentioned, the lack of information is used as a unique selling point, but the films name does importantly appear at the end, as well as the website for fans to visit to find out more - which they will inevitably need thanks to the lack of information given in the trailer.
The trailer also introduces the tagline: "Nothing can Prepare You For What's Next." It then jumps to the woman appearing in the doorway which does aim to highlight the fact that the film is scary and unpredictable, as well as challenging the audience to watch it to see if they will be scared.
What type of audience is the trailer aimed at? How can you tell?
The trailer is most certainly aimed at those who have seen the first "Paranormal Activity," with specific reference in one section of the trailer to that film, and using the personal pronoun "you" in: "In 2009, You Demanded It." This immediately draws in those who saw the first one, and then, as mentioned, goes on to challenge those people into watching the second one with its tagline.
It is also aimed at horror film goers, looking to be frightened, with the trailer consisting of a lot of intense stills and sudden shocks which these kinds of film goers would enjoy.
At what point in the trailer are we told the name of the film? Why is this?
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 TEASER TRAILER ANALYSIS
As is the convention of teaser trailers, the name of the film, "Paranormal Activity 2" appears at the very end of the 59 second trailer. There is special emphasis on the number 2, which is important so as to establish the difference between the first and second films under the same name.The name is at the end of the trailer for the same reason that "Inbetweeners The Movie" is at the end; to allow the action shown previously to stick in the audiences minds only for the name of the film to flicker up dramatically to remind them to go and see it. It is a typical marketing ploy to help the audience remember the name in order to remember to go to see the film when it is released.
Why are we told who is starring in the film?
Again, similar to the previous trailers I have analysed, the names of those starring in the film are not given. In fact, those starring in the film seem rather insignificant, as we are given no indication at all as to who features, with a distinct lack of characters or their faces shown.
How is this information given to us? Why?
This information is not given to us, mainly because the main selling point, and the unique selling point of the film is that it is fuelled by mystery, the unknown and typical conventions of a horror. While many trailers try to give very few details away, this one gives none at all away, and instead relies on the popluarity of the previous "Paranormal Activity" film to generate interest in the trailer.
What type of action from the film do we see?
Both of these clips purposely intrude on the audiences personal space, frightening the audience very easily. A number of shots of an empty, sleeping house, with the effect of CCTV cameras predominant are shown, ad a number of things start to move by their own accord. A dog barks, visibly disturbed, and a silhouette of a woman appears in a doorway, again using the sudden shock factor to scare the audience.
What clues does the music give us as to what type of film the trailer is advertising?
No music is used in the trailer, but simply brief sound affects. This adds to the mystery and unknown factor of what will happen next as well as the plot line in general. The lack of any sort of music gives that night-time affect on the audience, which goes well with the general darkness of the trailer, adding to typical horror conventions of scary things occurring and appearing at night.
Does the trailer come with a voice over and if so, what can you tell about the voice being used?
A voice over is often used to create a sense of narrative, outlining the basic storyline, and is used to inform the audience of these details to allow them to feel comfortable with what the film is potentially offering. However, in this trailer, the lack of any narrative, outline of storyline, or information makes the audience feel uncomfortable purposely, creating an original feel to the horror film.What information are we given about the film?
As mentioned, the lack of information is used as a unique selling point, but the films name does importantly appear at the end, as well as the website for fans to visit to find out more - which they will inevitably need thanks to the lack of information given in the trailer.
The trailer also introduces the tagline: "Nothing can Prepare You For What's Next." It then jumps to the woman appearing in the doorway which does aim to highlight the fact that the film is scary and unpredictable, as well as challenging the audience to watch it to see if they will be scared.
What type of audience is the trailer aimed at? How can you tell?
The trailer is most certainly aimed at those who have seen the first "Paranormal Activity," with specific reference in one section of the trailer to that film, and using the personal pronoun "you" in: "In 2009, You Demanded It." This immediately draws in those who saw the first one, and then, as mentioned, goes on to challenge those people into watching the second one with its tagline.
It is also aimed at horror film goers, looking to be frightened, with the trailer consisting of a lot of intense stills and sudden shocks which these kinds of film goers would enjoy.
INBETWEENERS TRAILR ANALYSIS
The characters outline transitions smoothly into the title of the film, as the name is in direct reference to the label the boys are given; "The Inbetweeners" - opening up the target audience to outside of the niche followers who are already fans of the series - to people who have never heard of the franchise before.
The actual brand of “The Inbetweeners” is used as the biggest selling point for this film rather than the actors starring in the film. There is more emphasis on the characters who the audience are more familiar with, and the names of the actors starring are not featured. As this is as teaser trailer, which is signifcantly shorter than a theatrical one, there is less time to place the name of the actors, and focuses instead more on the characters, comedy and situation - the main selling points.
How is this information given to us? Why?
This information is not given to us, as I have already established, as the characters and brand from the Inbetweeners series is the main selling point of the film, having a niche audience and following already.
The teaser trailer is only around one minute long, so there is little action to be seen, however it does show a large amount of people out at night, dancing, some humorously dressed up as familiar characters from other films. The main characters who are already well known from the television series also appear, emphasizing in the short space of time their particular specific traits.
The four boys look bemused, awkward and subdues walking down a busy street filled with outgoing, drunk and experienced part goers, which establishes immediately the comedic side of the trailer thanks to the unfamiliar position they have put themselves in.
What clues does the music give us as to what type of film the trailer is advertising?
Does the trailer come with a voice over and if so, what can you tell about the voice being used?
There is a voice over used only at the end, which comes from one of the main characters, saying something typically crude. The niche audience will immediately be able to identify with this voice, as it is the main characteristic, along with the crudeness, of the character Jay, who is probably the most popular in the TV Series. This is therefore used as one of the main selling points.
Why do you think this voice was chosen? What effect does it have?
The voiceover will, or is intended to generate a laugh from the audience who will be able to understand the humour given the specific niche audience that the trailer is aimed at; teenagers and young people between the ages of 20-35.
How does the speed of what we see compare to watching a clip from a film? Why is this?
Compared to a scene from the film, the trailer is much faster in pace, which is typical of most trailers, especially teaser trailers in which the basic narrative and main points of the film are established in a short space of time. Teaser trailers serve the purpose of creating excitement and intensity around the film inside just one minute, whereas the actual film has well over an hour to develop the characters and the storyline.
Does the speed alter through the trailer or does it stay the same?
The speed is rather fast which reflects the music, however when the main characters are introduced around half way through, a slow motion effect begins as they walk through the busy street with expressions of apparent awe on their faces at the vents surrounding them. As certain scantily clad women come towards them the speed varies from fast to slow, perhaps to reflect how the teenage boys in the film are looking at.
What information are we given about the film?
What type of audience is the trailer aimed at? How can you tell?
From the non-diegetic music which contains a heavy drum beat and fast pace, as well as the general mise en scene which on a foreign street, away from work or responsibilities, filled with many young, outgoing people having a good time; dancing, drinking and socialising, it would be fair to conclude that the trailer is aimed at the younger generation.
PLANNING
Storyboard:
SHOT LIST
1 - Pan of girls bedroom
2 - Close up high angle from left of girl writing
3 - Close up - eye level of girl writing
4 - Long shot of girl getting up from desk
5 - Long shot of 'spirit' - point of view from window
6 - Long shot - zoom from point of view of 'spirit'
7 - Close up of ringing bell
8 - Close up of light switch being switched on
9 - Mid shot from back of girl running out of the room
10 - Close up of girl running towards camera
11 - Long shot of girl running down the stairs
12 - Close up of door being locked
13 - Extreme Close up of girls speaking to camera
14 - Close up of sheet of paper on desk
15 - Mid shot of door slamming
16 - Close up of girl drawing on sheet
17 - Extreme close up of candle being blown out
18 - Long shot of several sheets on desk
19 - Close up of another sheet
20 - Mid shot of wardrobe shaking
21 - Low angle shot of girl looking at wardrobe
22 - Close up side shot of girl looking at wardrobe
23 - Mid shot of girl walking towards wardrobe and opening it.
24 - High angle of girl opening wardrobe
25 - Mid shot of girl looking in wardrobe
26 - Sped up shot of girl sucked into the wardrobe by 'spirit'
27 - Mid shot of girl at desk - front on - looking around
28 - Sped up shot of bed sheet consuming her.
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