The Simpsons

The Simpsons Movie Booklet

Within this booklet we were asked to create a promotional package for 'The Simpsons Movie'. This needed to include a poster and trailer. We saw this task, as good practice as these were also promotional methods we need to created for our project. The booklet had different modules inside testing out knowledge of Photoshop and iMovie.

 Our lecturer gave us some feed back about the work we produced.

'The Simpsons Movie' trailer

The task set was to create a trailer for The Simpsons Movie. Our project for the year is to create a trailer, so we felt this task was good practiceand appropiate to develop our editing skills on the promgramme iMovie.
We feel we have improved our knowlegde of the promgramme. In refrence to the promgramme our knowlegde was quite basic and brief, but in creating this trailer we experimented with the different tabs to see what was available to us when creating this product. We are now aware of more elements which can use and apply to our end product of our horror trailer. The experience is definately helpful and will be anadvantage when it comes to editing together our horror trailer. Instead of giving more responsibilty to one of the groupmembers that the other we worked toegther 50/50, this ment we collaborated ideas and shared opinions as well compromising so the decisions were made together.

We chose to include the clips we did as The Simpsons, is genreally known as a cartoon comedy. These clips will give a new audience a sense of what to expect and will make the loyal audience aware that filmmakers have been faithful to longrunning series and have not distanced themselves from the well known series.

'The Simpsons Movie' Film Poster 

We have also created a promotional film poster for The Simpsons Movie.

We chose to use this specific image asincludes all the characters the audience will typically see and recognise from the cartoon series whom feature in the movie.

We chose the yellow for the 'coming soon...' as we thought yellow is an appropriate colour as it is the characters skin colour and would go with the poster more. However, seeing it now we think it could have been improved. We could have used a different colour instead of the yellow such as red. This might have been a better choice as it would have made it stand out more and would match the other texts on the poster. Therefore, practicing making a film poster has given us more of an idea of what to have in mind while making a film poster.

This has improved our photoshop skills which will be proven useful while doing our main tasks.  

Film Poster (Sherlock Holmes)

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Again we have participated in a task to develop our skills in creating and understanding the representation of characters portrayed in a film poster. By taking part our aim was to reflect our understanding of a actual successful poster, and to apply it to the poster we will make to promote our film and thus we have the ability to make a successful poster which will attract our target audience.

Creating Characters (Sherlock Holmes)

 

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We  took part in this activity as we felt it would be useful in developing our skills so when it came to creating our film poster which include still images, we could do so in a successful way which tells the audience about the characters in subtle yet effective ways.

We analysed the various posters used to promote the recent Sherlock Holmes movie and noted any meanings we interpreted about the representation of characters from the way they were presented in the posters.Our course supervisor Helen, has now given us a little feedback she shows she sees we have understood and grasped the concept of this task well.

Inspirational Movie Posters

Our task is to create a promotional package for a new film. This includes a trailer, magazine cover and poster for the film. We have collected, analysed and annotated various film posters for the elements we particularly like and have taken as inspiration.

The film title is Hanna, which has a target over it. The image of the girl using a gun and with cuts on her face suggests she is Hanna whom is being targeted. The canted angle of the image may reflect the characters state of mind as to being target to be killed or hurt. With these elements featured on the poster it is fair to assume the film is in the genre of action. We want to use elements on our poster well enough to make it obvious what the genre of the product is.

On our poster we plan to use high contrast of lighting. This should create the effect of shadows, which will display to the audience mystery and hopefully intrigue them to our film. We think we may use the high key lighting on the poster as a device to portray clearly to the audience who the main characters are and who the victims are. The main image will be the largest element of the poster, however our title is also going to be of a decent size. This is because the title of the film will be how the audience identify our product thus is has to be eye catching and easy to read, so if the poster was at a bus stop and as the bus drove past the potential audience member could read the title and remember it.

The main image will not include a lot of colour, it will me more of a black and white. We will however use one specific colour for each character to connote and  reveal something about their personality and then this will help the audience connect and identify with them.

Our overall aim for the poster is that it will be striking enough to catch someones attention and as a stand alone promotional element would entice them to want to see the film. The elements on our poster will make it clear what the genre of the film is. 

Inspirational Magazine Covers

Our task is to create a promotional package for a new film. This includes a trailer, poster and magazine cover for the film. We collected various magazine covers to analyse and pick out elements we particularly liked and annotated it. 'Empire' is one of the most popular and well known film magazines in the UK, which is why we took samples from this magazine but different issues. 

The price of this magazine is written in English and American currency, suggesting the magazine attracts an audience world wide. Therefore the target audience is the magazine is mass rather than niche. The main headline 'Cowboys & Aliens' has a blue glow to it, linking to the use of aliens in the title and suggests the film is science fiction, identifying its target audience of this particular film immediately. The main image of the cover is of a cowboy, also indicating the film has a western element to it, which identifies another side it the films target audience. 

The badge of the bottom left of the page uses direct mode of address, speaking to the reader of the magazine directly saying 'YOU!' 

The magazine also appears to use the power of persuasion, by including a tagline stating 'MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR' which may easily convince a new reader to buy the magazine.

On this magazine, it uses textual methods to lure the reader into buying. If the potential audience is a fan of the actor Tom Cruise, the magazine has added a badge stating 'CRUISE EXCLUSIVE!', the capitals make it seems as though the magazine has got this just for you. Another badge, mentions a 'FREE!' audio book for every reader, it convinces the reader that because they are getting more than they are paying for they have to buy it. Also, a minor tagline mentions it is the Lord of the Rings '10th BIRTHDAY'. Then elements at the bottom of the page state the party is amazing. Therefore, the reader cannot miss the 'party' and again are convinced to purchase the product.

The name of the magazine is almost always the largest sized font of the page, closely followed by the name of the film being featured and promoted on the cover. We plan to follow this trend, as we feel it sets the standard of the film. We are also applying the feature of the image being almost the whole  size of the page, as by dedicating the whole of the front page to one film image it sends the message to the audience that it is a worthy film to watch. Along with this, we will include a main sell line and a sub headline to explain what the audience can expect of our film. The colours we use in relation to promoting our product will be dark colours, thus they should connote to the audience our genre without  us having to blatantly explain it to them. However we will include some red, as this is often associated with some sort of danger to a character but it can also be  eye catching to the audience amongst all the darker colours will stand out bright. The colours will become a scheme we use for the image and titles on the magazine cover specifically for the main trailer we are promoting, our poster will also follow this colour scheme in some way. It would be worrying, if with all these elements composed on one page the audience did not grasp what genre our product is. 

Empire is a very successful film magazine, thus we will promote other films and their events on our front cover like Empire does with some more minor sell lines. We plan to use some persuasive devices such as direct mode of address, speaking directly to the reader though uses such as 'you'. Also, we want to turn our magazine into a product the reader can't refuse through elements on the cover. We want to make them feel that what they are buying is a 100% exclusive created just for them. It needs to appear to be a bargain to them, so we may advertise a free item to them on our front cover.

Creating a Storyboard

After watching a clip from the film Signs, we attempted to create a story board for the scene for extra practice. We considered all aspects which we thought would give the story board an appropriate layout and content such as:

• Visual elements
• Camera angles
• Camera distances
• Camera movements
• Sounds
• Edits
• The duration of shots
• Special effects
• The set, props, gestures and lighting.

We felt we created the storyboard successfully for the scene we viewed, as we showed the sequence correctly in a way which flowed on the page the same as the audience would see it in film. We added instructions which would be useful and used by the crew in terms of camera shots and angles. Also we indicated where the character would carry out dialogue or actions.

This helped up to develop the skill of creating storyboards as by practicing, it helped us understand the elements it includes and why. Now we both feel more confident that we can produce a decent one including all the necessary elements that will be included in our trailer.

Scenario

We were set a scenario which we thought by completing would be beneficial to our final product as it would give us some practice. This scenario was: 

• Two friends, A and B, are waiting for an important message.
• The text is received. A opens the text message.
• A shows B the text message.

The aim was to build drama through the use of camera work, language, framing, mise en scene, sound and editing.

To begin, we made a mind map of suggestions of what to do for the various aspects. This was basically just to get all of our ideas onto paper, so we could then move of to recognising which ideas were better suited to the task at hand.

We then moved on to creating a storyboard. This plan helped to arrange the idea into a sequence so we could easily follow in chronological order what we were doing. It played as instructions to what we were doing with the camera. It also indicated any actions to be made by the characters. As we created the storyboard for the scenario, we included all elements of the story board frame to keep the layout appropiate.

This is our final product:

Through the sound of the ticking clock, we tried to create some sort of suspense, and to highlight the fact the characters where waiting for something of importance. The characters movement shows nerves, that they cant keep still. We kept the camera stationary at this point, so the character walked in and out of frame therefore the audience would not be fully focused on this character but would be aware of other features of the room such as the other character fidgeting with the phone, which has significance to the the scenario. The character then approaches the window and the camera positioned behind them as a mid shot, showing the character looking out, waiting. As a beep occurs to let the audience know the text message has been received, the characters suddenly turn to look at each others and the sound used give the action a dramatic effect. 

Whilst in editing we realised that the lighting of the room slighting changed throughout, this was an uncontrollable factor as the lighting used was natural and they sun ever so slightly changed it position outside as we filmed which altered the lighting of the whole room. 

Overall, we found this task beneficial as it was a great basic way of how to plan out the idea for the product. It shows the audience our train of thought whilst we were creating the clip, and the plans were easy for us as producers to refer back to as we were in the process of filming. 

Studying the screenplay and the screenplay for our product

The script of a film, is also known as the screenplay and is presented is a particular format.

• The abbreviation for 'exterior location' is EXT. The abbreviation for 'interior location' is INT.
• Capital letters are used to indicate which character is about to speak whilst lower case letters indicate what that character says and also any actions.
• Bold font is used to indicate a location.
• The type of cut which is occuring indicates a move between scenes followed by a colon. For example the move between a scene will appear as so ' CUT TO: '
• Each new scene is marked by a number. ( Scene 1 will be marked as '1.')

We viewed the trailer for Sherlock Holmes and studied the screenplay. We concentrated on the characters dialogue and what it suggests about the character by the way they speak it. We considered the tone of voice, social class and attitude towards others because this is something we need to consider for the characters within our trailer. As its a horror, they are more likely to be serious, loud and the fear should be hear in their voices.

Before we have create our own screenplay for our own trailer, we decided it may would be beneficial to practice creating a script:

We received feedback from our lecturer. We each created our own script for this task, and both of us only received a D grade. This highlights that creating a script is a weakness for both of us, so we  have now took into account and plan to apply this criticism to the script we create for our trailer to make it professional and in the correct format.

The following screenplay is what we have created for our product. Whilst creating this, we struggled to decide what the characters should say and when as it is a trailer and not a short film which should flow better, although we still wanted the audience to somewhat understand what was occurring in the trailer otherwise they would not find it appealing and want to view the film if the teaser trailer only confused them. We feel this screenplay particularly the characters speech, is more of a guideline than something which is set to be followed to a tee.

Film Language

Whilst creating a film there are various elements to be considered.

Before the film actually goes into production:

• The casting of the characters should be completed , otherwise without any actors hired the filming of scenes involving characters cannot begin.
• Directors will have to have an idea of the cost of production, this is so they can approach the production company to gain a budget.
• The scheudle of filming will need to be predetermind, so any props, costumes etc will be ready and available for the day they need it.
• Health and saftey is a factor which raises concern and will definatley need to be carefully considered before the producion of a film. For example, if the film will involves some stunts, depending on the risk they involve, will they need to get a stunt double for the actor. If there is plans for the character to run down the street, perhaps the actor can perform this  themself, but if the character rides a motorbike and the actor is unexperienced at riding a motorbike for health and safety reasons it may be best to bring in someone who is. Or if explosions and fire are to be involved in the film, the health and safety surround this will have to be assessed in good time.
• The use of certain locations will need to be be granted permission in advance so director will need to seek approval for this

Before we begin to film our project, we understand we need to develop a general concept for our horror  film which will be presented in the trailer. Thus doing so, we will know how many characters need to cast. We are relying on friends to act in the trailer, and are willing to appear in it ourselves. This will also help keep the cost of our production to a minimum as we have a very low budget. By casting friends to play characters, no actors will have to be paid as they understand the project is for a college course. We plan to use locations already available to us and nearby to where we live, so we do not need to hire out facilities or pay huge expenses for travel. Also the locations we use are not sites we would have to gain permission to be on. 

Once the creation of our storyboard is complete, it will set out a rough schedule for filming process of our trailer. The storyboard will turn our idea into a plan and by viewing it, it will become obvious to us any props or specific costumes needed and therefore we can prepare early so we have everything ready for when we start to film.

We feel the health and safety of the filming our our trailer will be reasonable. We don't have a big budget to carry out dangerous stunts such as explosions. Scenes which include the actor running will be filmed with the actual actors running as the action doesn't involve much risk and therefore there is no reason to bring is a more experienced or trained person.

As it is being filmed:

• Usually there are assistants who are responsible for making sure the correct actors involved in the scene they are filming that day, are on set and ready for the right time to shoot that day.
• Weather conditions are important to consider. For example, if a scene is the script is in a park on a hot summers days and there is heavy rainfall that day shooting the scene will need to be reschduled. Also, if a movie is to be filmed on location in a place such as Florida, the time of year would need to be considered as so filming did not occur the same time as hurricane season as this could cause majoy step backs to the schedule.
• Lighting will need to be considered as the natural lighting may create too many shadows so what is in the fame of the camera work may not be clearly seen by the audience.

The trailer is only a small project in comparison to a big budget film. Therefore a considerable less amount of people is involved in the production and i doubt we need any assistants to be responsible for the actors, we think there is the right amount of people for us to be able to control ourselves without the set becoming chaos.

As it is now becoming winter, we do need to consider the weather for the day out filming. We think that any weather condition we could adapt into the film to become an advantage. However our consideration towards the weather stems from for example if it snows heavily, it may have impacts on reaching the filming location or returning home. This is when rescheduling would occur. 

Winter is a generally dark (lighting wise) season. This means we need to plan ahead the time of day we will film. Natural lighting is uncontrollable any way and can often cause shadows in the wrong places, but by filming in winter there is a more specific time slot in the day which the lighting will be what we are aiming for. The mornings drag with darkness and then in the evening it gets dark again quickly. Lighting equipment is not available to us and therefore we need to reach the time slot for filming. If it gets dark too quickly whilst filming, on the trailer it will be obvious to the audience and appear jumpy and not smooth enough. 

After the filming has been completed:

• It is at this point editing will need to be considered. Such as the transition from one shot/scene to another so to the audience it is smooth. 
• As the film is shot, it is normal for sound to be recorded unclear, fuzzy or unaudiable. Therefore once filming is complete, actors will attend sessions at foley studios to rerecord and dub over the sound of the film.

The storyboard will include elements such as transitions. These are just suggestions and at the editing stage we can try different transitions to which we originally considered if we feel it doesn't work as well as we presumed in the beginning.

We think that if the sound we record whilst filming is slightly fuzzy, it will actually be n advantage to us as it will give a more spine chilling effect which is a pro in any horror film. However if the sound is completely unclear, we agree that the best response will to be dub over the sound of the film otherwise the audience may not understand what is happening in the trailer without sound and we will not have achieved the desired effect of our audiences. 

Film making conventions
The film maker may use close ups so the audience can see the character emotions and possibly make a connection between them.
An extreme close up of an item may be to show its significane and importance.
A canted angle show may be used to display a characters state of mind, for example they may be drunk or in the case of our trailer disorientated from fear.
Long shots may be used to shows the isolation of a character, alone in a large amount of space.
A 2 shot is often used to show a conversation between two characters as they are both in the frame at the same time.
High angle shots are often used to illustrate the vunrebility of a particular subject.

These are the main conventions we are going to adapt and use in out trailer as they help to express something. Without including some of these conventions an expression would not be readable such as a  mid shot  instead of long shot of a character to display their isolation, would not present to the audience quite how the character feels or the audience may not even be completely aware that the character has been left alone. By focusing solely on one character during a two way conversation, it remains a mystery to the audience of whom that character is even in a conversation with, which could later turn out to be an important conversation. Hence why it is a convention to use a 2 shot for such an action.

Cultural codes
Colours can connote different things, such as:

• RED may represent love and passion but in a different situation can mean danger
• BLUE often represents loyalty or can present a fresh atmosphere to the audience
• WHITE tends to represent a holiness, or some sort of innocence.
• BLACK connotes death or evil in most cases

Clothing is also a cultral code. If i man was go wear a suit it suggets he is a business man,the audience may even assume he is of an educated background, professional and has high standards. On the other hand if a character was to wear ripped clothing, this scruffed up look may suggest they are homeless and is quite the opposite to the business man, uneducated.

Within our project we are going to use a lot of black for shadows and background because this is the general colour associated with horror films due to what it connotes to the audience. As clothing is a cultural code and our target audience is generally teens, we are going to dress our characters in a relaxed clothing so the audience can connect with them.