The beginning

Creating A Concept:

My group of three in which I would be completely all my production tasks with were me, Justine Crossan, Isobel Foster and Darren Souster. Once put into our group of three, we began to brainstorm our ideas. We thought about typical Horror conventions we had previously researched and what kind of sub genre of horror we would be fulfilling in this project.

So far we have learned about typical Slasher Horror film conventions which include:

The Protagonists: Mostly a psychopathic killer with one young (usually female) survivor.

Stock Characters: Mostly a group of teenagers

Plot and stock situations: Usually somewhere lonely, out of contact.

We learn a good trailer aims to fulfil the following:

· Entice the audience

· Highlight the best parts

· Give a basic plotline

· Show main characters

· Unique selling point

· Appropriate use of music/sound effects

Analysis of Horror Trailers

In preparation for my future production it is essential to analyse similar trailers to notice forms and conventions which arise. This will be very helpful in the making of my own trailer as I will realise what attracts certain audiences, what horror conventions are effective and how to use such devices as sound, visual effects and typography. One trailer I will be analysing is a famous horror remake, Nightmare on Elm Street.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tSvrkKx2Y

·

-This is clearly a trailer for a horror film. Straight away the dark lighting and violent crashing sound effects convey this genre.

· Such destructive images as a burning building illustrate instantly to the audience something terrible has happened.

· Quick, sudden cuts are used throughout this trailer moving from each image within seconds. This reflects the slashing or knife movement from the killer in this film.

· Sound effects are used to create suspense and tension. A disturbing child’s singing is played throughout to create a weird contrast, as children are used to represent innocence and vulnerability this makes it seem even scarier.

· Narrative of the film is clearly shown as a chase scene and results in Freddy Krouger being burnt or tortured in some way. Thus leading him to become a psychopath haunting people’s dreams, especially a young boy. Such a narrative and the protagonists are very typical of this Horror genre.

· References are mostly to young children or teenagers which Freddy is haunting, fulfilling the typical stereotypes of victims.

- I think the target audience for this movie are young adults/teens, as most teenagers enjoy the thrills slasher movies offer, whilst enjoying the fact that they are watching people fairly similar to them in a dangerous situation. We can also expect a lot of gore from this movie, although we don’t see much in the trailer

To gather a full analysis of horror trailer conventions I analysed a further trailer, The Last Airbender teaser trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W1dhqc-JBs

· We are told the name of the trailer at the end as to be prominent in the viewers mind and leave us thinking throughout the trailer what it is called.

· Shown one main character that appears to be unknown and only looks at the camera once as to create tension and mystery to the audience. Who is he? What is so special about him?

· The music to this trailer starts off almost oriental as if made by windpipes, creating an eerie atmosphere. This then suddenly a change to heavy drum beats as if the beating of a heart or tribal chant which gets faster and more violent.

· The voiceover is a very deep, manly voice who sounds wise, creating the impression he knows about this character and what he is capable of. His slow speech makes the audience pay careful attention to his words and he emphasises the dangerous atmosphere.

· The speed of the trailer makes it very exciting as it starts slow but quickly increases is pace suggesting a climax at the end.

Examples of Production company logos

This Production logo of LIONSGATE had bold grey lettering surrounded by fluffy clouds and what looks like the sunlight breaking through. Where the sunlight is breaking through the letters LIONSGATE is present, almost suggesting a God like aspect. Around the bottom edges of the logo there is dark grey clouds as if there was rain/bad weather before but now the sunlight has fought its way through, suggesting a high power. Use of the word ‘GATE’ within the logo name connotes the idea of heaven, as if at heavens gates. This logo connotes optimism, hope and success. The logo illustrates that this production is out of this world and intense.

This production logo of ‘UNIVERSAL’ is again in capital letters. The writing is 3D with white inside and orange surrounding it. The orange links in to the land on the globe which is in the centre of the universe. A luminous glow surrounds the Earth with many stars and pitch black in the four corners of the logo. This logo connotes its diversity and versatility as if their films will capture the minds of everybody on the planet. This indicates their products are suitable for any age, race or gender. The glow around the earth connotes a magical aspect to their logo as if their films are creative and inspiring.