I have also finished the research and planning for my poster and magazine front cover - which I am going to edit over the next few weeks. Below, I have included some possible photos that I may use for my magazine cover.
Thursday 19 December 2013
Research and Planning - Nearly Finished!
I have finished all of the research and planning ahead of filming - which I will be doing over the Christmas holidays.
I have also finished the research and planning for my poster and magazine front cover - which I am going to edit over the next few weeks. Below, I have included some possible photos that I may use for my magazine cover.
I have also finished the research and planning for my poster and magazine front cover - which I am going to edit over the next few weeks. Below, I have included some possible photos that I may use for my magazine cover.
Monday 16 December 2013
Storyboard
Now I have finished my final shot list and running order, I have created a storyboard to help me ahead of filming.
Sunday 15 December 2013
Potential Music to Use in My Teaser Trailer
After listening to various tracks on spotify, found from soundtracks of other films from the horror genre, I have compiled a list of four pieces of music I will possibly use in my teaser trailer.
"Brahms's Lullaby" - I chose this piece because it was a classic children's lullaby and I thought it sounded slightly sinister. I could use this piece at the beginning of my teaser trailer to warn the audience that something frightening is about to happen.
"Grandmother's Piano" - Again, I really liked the idea of soft piano music creating an eerie feel for the audience, especially as my teaser trailer is about children.
"Freddy's Coming for You" - I took this music from a horror classic. Despite thoughts that music from this soundtrack might not be appropriate, it began with an instrumental which I could use within my teaser trailer to indicate to the audience that things are not right.
"The Raceway" - I silenced the whole of this track, making a fade at the end to turn it into an impact sound that I can use in my trailer.
"Brahms's Lullaby" - I chose this piece because it was a classic children's lullaby and I thought it sounded slightly sinister. I could use this piece at the beginning of my teaser trailer to warn the audience that something frightening is about to happen.
"Grandmother's Piano" - Again, I really liked the idea of soft piano music creating an eerie feel for the audience, especially as my teaser trailer is about children.
"Freddy's Coming for You" - I took this music from a horror classic. Despite thoughts that music from this soundtrack might not be appropriate, it began with an instrumental which I could use within my teaser trailer to indicate to the audience that things are not right.
"The Raceway" - I silenced the whole of this track, making a fade at the end to turn it into an impact sound that I can use in my trailer.
Saturday 14 December 2013
Final Shot List and Running Order
Here is my final shot list and the running order I want my shots to appear in once I have filmed for my trailer.
1. Ghost House Pictures logo - Makes it obvious that this film is from the horror genre as the production company is known for making horror movies.
2. Screen Gems logo - Another company which makes horror films. I want the logos to appear at the beginning of the trailer as this seems to be the convention.
3. Establishing shot of house - Sets the scene for the trailer - implies that a lot of the film's narrative takes place here.
4. Long shot of mother and son unloading the car - implies that they are moving in and making a new start.
5. Long shot of mother and son walking to the house.
6. Long shot of mother and son walking towards camera into the house.
7. Tagline - A Missing Child - hints to the audience that the narrative will revolve around a child's disappearance. Children in danger often feature heavily in films from the horror genre.
8. Long shot of mother from behind, walking away from camera in the garden with bottles of wine - This is the first indication the audience will get that the mother is an alcoholic.
9. Long shot of mother with wine walking towards camera - This shot will show the distance the mother is walking with the wine. Possibly indicating her drinking is a secret and the lengths she is going to to cover it up.
10. Medium shot of mother putting bottles in the shed - Emphasises her alcoholism and confirming she is hiding it.
11. Medium close up of mother finishing a glass of wine - Again putting emphasis on the fact that she is an alcoholic.
12. Tagline - A New Beginning - implies that the family are escaping something from their past. I want to split the tagline from my poster into two - I have noticed in existing trailers that this helps with the pacing.
13. Medium long shot of the mother looking out of window from behind.
14. Medium long shot of man looking at plant - This shows the audience what the mother was looking at out of the window. The sinister tone of the music that I want to use at this point should indicate that this man is a threat.
15. Low angle, extreme long shot of the mother's face in the window.
16. Medium shot of local boys telling the mother about "Psycho Dave"- the crosscutting between these shots lets the audience know that "Psycho Dave" is the man the woman was looking at out of the window.
17. Medium shot of Dave looking up at the woman - I want the music to begin to build here, confirming that this character will pose a threat.
18. Insert - Based on the Best Selling Novel by Stephen King - One of the most recognised authors of horror novels. Often films with teaser trailers are based on existing source material.
19. Medium long shot of the child looking out of the window - As this will be the first shot of the montage, I want it to look sinister. This shot will be shot from behind the boy so that the audience will have no idea what he is looking at - helping create a sense of mystery.
20. Long shot of a car driving towards the camera.
21. Long shot of the mother snatching a toy from the child - The first sign the audience will get of a significant object that will be important later in the narrative.
22. Close up of a local boy looking out of a car window at the house - He is in the same carthe audience saw in a previous shot, indicating that he watches the house regularly and could pose a threat.
23. Extreme close up of the mother picking a toy up from the ground - A shot of the significant object appearing in a random place indicates sinister activity.
24. High angle, extreme long shot of the child outside with the toy - The child is standing outside seemingly focused on something, but nothing is there. The angle of the shot makes him seem small and vulnerable and it is as if somebody is watching him out of a window.
25. Medium long shot of the woman walking down the street.
26. Medium shot of the Psycho closing the boot - The camera is placed inside the car, making the character seem dominant, but also indicating that he may be hiding something (maybe the body of a child).
27. Medium shot of the woman turning around in the mirror - The woman turns round with a frightened look on her face but the audience can see in the reflection that there is nothing behind her - creates a sense of mystery and leads the audience to believe that she may be paranoid.
28. Medium shot of the child looking out of the window - The main light source is coming from the window and the boy has a sinister expression on his face - again creating a sense of mystery.
29. Close up of boy looking out of the window - The sudden cut to a close up will unsettle the audience and allow them to see his facial expression more clearly.
30. Medium shot of the boy and girl standing by the door - The girl turns around suddenly shocking the audience at the same time as the impact sound that I want to use. The girl looks straight into the camera which is placed inside the window.
31. Title - The Mourning.
32. Billing - Appearing quickly.
33. Billing 2 - Appearing quickly.
34. Release Date - Fall 2013 - Release date is vague, something I picked up on during my research.
1. Ghost House Pictures logo - Makes it obvious that this film is from the horror genre as the production company is known for making horror movies.
2. Screen Gems logo - Another company which makes horror films. I want the logos to appear at the beginning of the trailer as this seems to be the convention.
3. Establishing shot of house - Sets the scene for the trailer - implies that a lot of the film's narrative takes place here.
4. Long shot of mother and son unloading the car - implies that they are moving in and making a new start.
5. Long shot of mother and son walking to the house.
6. Long shot of mother and son walking towards camera into the house.
7. Tagline - A Missing Child - hints to the audience that the narrative will revolve around a child's disappearance. Children in danger often feature heavily in films from the horror genre.
8. Long shot of mother from behind, walking away from camera in the garden with bottles of wine - This is the first indication the audience will get that the mother is an alcoholic.
9. Long shot of mother with wine walking towards camera - This shot will show the distance the mother is walking with the wine. Possibly indicating her drinking is a secret and the lengths she is going to to cover it up.
10. Medium shot of mother putting bottles in the shed - Emphasises her alcoholism and confirming she is hiding it.
11. Medium close up of mother finishing a glass of wine - Again putting emphasis on the fact that she is an alcoholic.
12. Tagline - A New Beginning - implies that the family are escaping something from their past. I want to split the tagline from my poster into two - I have noticed in existing trailers that this helps with the pacing.
13. Medium long shot of the mother looking out of window from behind.
14. Medium long shot of man looking at plant - This shows the audience what the mother was looking at out of the window. The sinister tone of the music that I want to use at this point should indicate that this man is a threat.
15. Low angle, extreme long shot of the mother's face in the window.
16. Medium shot of local boys telling the mother about "Psycho Dave"- the crosscutting between these shots lets the audience know that "Psycho Dave" is the man the woman was looking at out of the window.
17. Medium shot of Dave looking up at the woman - I want the music to begin to build here, confirming that this character will pose a threat.
18. Insert - Based on the Best Selling Novel by Stephen King - One of the most recognised authors of horror novels. Often films with teaser trailers are based on existing source material.
19. Medium long shot of the child looking out of the window - As this will be the first shot of the montage, I want it to look sinister. This shot will be shot from behind the boy so that the audience will have no idea what he is looking at - helping create a sense of mystery.
20. Long shot of a car driving towards the camera.
21. Long shot of the mother snatching a toy from the child - The first sign the audience will get of a significant object that will be important later in the narrative.
22. Close up of a local boy looking out of a car window at the house - He is in the same carthe audience saw in a previous shot, indicating that he watches the house regularly and could pose a threat.
23. Extreme close up of the mother picking a toy up from the ground - A shot of the significant object appearing in a random place indicates sinister activity.
24. High angle, extreme long shot of the child outside with the toy - The child is standing outside seemingly focused on something, but nothing is there. The angle of the shot makes him seem small and vulnerable and it is as if somebody is watching him out of a window.
25. Medium long shot of the woman walking down the street.
26. Medium shot of the Psycho closing the boot - The camera is placed inside the car, making the character seem dominant, but also indicating that he may be hiding something (maybe the body of a child).
27. Medium shot of the woman turning around in the mirror - The woman turns round with a frightened look on her face but the audience can see in the reflection that there is nothing behind her - creates a sense of mystery and leads the audience to believe that she may be paranoid.
28. Medium shot of the child looking out of the window - The main light source is coming from the window and the boy has a sinister expression on his face - again creating a sense of mystery.
29. Close up of boy looking out of the window - The sudden cut to a close up will unsettle the audience and allow them to see his facial expression more clearly.
30. Medium shot of the boy and girl standing by the door - The girl turns around suddenly shocking the audience at the same time as the impact sound that I want to use. The girl looks straight into the camera which is placed inside the window.
31. Title - The Mourning.
32. Billing - Appearing quickly.
33. Billing 2 - Appearing quickly.
34. Release Date - Fall 2013 - Release date is vague, something I picked up on during my research.
Friday 13 December 2013
Possible Sound Effects to use in My Teaser Trailer
Having worked with sound extensively while creating my radio show for my AS Foundation Production, I know just how important it can be in helping create meaning for the audience - especially in the horror genre, where it is often the use of sound effects and music that really unsettle the audience.
Due to the serious tone of my trailer I don't think I will use many sound effects. I will, however, be using a series of impact sounds which fit on with the genre of my teaser trailer. All of my sound effects were sourced from the BBC Sound Effects Library with the exception of "The Raceway" by Brian Taylor which I found on the soundtrack for "Final Destination 4". I silenced the rest of the track and put a fade on the end to make it into a moat sound. Here are some of the impact sounds I am considering using:
Due to the serious tone of my trailer I don't think I will use many sound effects. I will, however, be using a series of impact sounds which fit on with the genre of my teaser trailer. All of my sound effects were sourced from the BBC Sound Effects Library with the exception of "The Raceway" by Brian Taylor which I found on the soundtrack for "Final Destination 4". I silenced the rest of the track and put a fade on the end to make it into a moat sound. Here are some of the impact sounds I am considering using:
Thursday 12 December 2013
Potential Shot List for My Teaser Trailer
As part of the planning of my film, I have created a rough shot list that I can follow during filming (which I am planning to do next weekend). I have created this shot list, which is in chronological order of how I would like the shots to appear in my trailer (though I will put them into a shooting schedule to help me when filming), though I plan to re-draft the shot list over the coming week so that by the time I come to film I am certain about exactly what I want.
I will follow this as closely as I can when filming my teaser trailer - although a script is not included in my teaser trailer I have added brief references of dialogue to help me get an idea of what is happening in each shot.
*dialogue* with neighbour about the bullying in shot reverse shot (twice)
*safe neighbourhood* two locations
Establishing shot of house (sold sign?)
Establishing shot of people walking into house
MCU of the mum (doors slightly open)
MCU kids responding to rooms
ECU of hand putting things up (3)
MCU and CU of children playing
*must meet other neighbour - wife and child died*
LS from window of neighbour gardening
MCU of neighbour digging - look and smile
MCU of mum from window looking curious
MS of mum opening door from shed
Pan in - CU of bottles in shed
CU of alcohol being poured into glass
MCU of mum drinking
*dialogue to therapist*
Child playing - MLS
MCU of mum doing something
Another shot of other child - MCU
Mum turning- CU
Tracking shot as other child runs back *dialogue*
MCU mum having a look
Cut back to same location - child isn't there
POV where child isn't there
(try zoom)
Short reverse shot of policeman (MS) and mum (MCU)
*just vanished*
*does your son/daughter have any history of psychiatric problems?*
*why?*
Man and original neighbour talking about mum
*sure I'll talk to her*
Glimpse of romance with wine SRS
*so kind*
4 people dialogue: tells audience things are getting bad. Unreliable narrator. Get out of there (from doorway). Everything changes now.
*montage*
LS - back of guy opening boot
MS - guy looking in boot
HA MS shot of mum running
LS of stopping - bends down
ECU of doll
ECU hand grabbing doll (darker)
LS child looking through window
MS mum looking out seeing daughter behind in reflection
CU mum turns around
Est shot of empty room
ECU - pulling back sheet
CU - reaction of mum
LS - Policeman running along wall with gun
MS - mum by door with knife
Shot of smashed bottles by mum
Shot of shed with all smashed bottles
MCU behind lit of guy
Shot of mum and man running (try distances)
LS - mum and man hugging
LS - woman drives past and looks out window
ECU - teddy bear in mums hands
MCU - mum embracing teddy crying
CU of hand coming up
*montage ends*
MCU of mum
*what have you done with my child*
CUT TO BLACK
fade in
MS with mum sitting down with glass.
Music comes on
CU of mum looking up
Jagged different angles CUs of mum looking around
FINISH
I will follow this as closely as I can when filming my teaser trailer - although a script is not included in my teaser trailer I have added brief references of dialogue to help me get an idea of what is happening in each shot.
*dialogue* with neighbour about the bullying in shot reverse shot (twice)
*safe neighbourhood* two locations
Establishing shot of house (sold sign?)
Establishing shot of people walking into house
MCU of the mum (doors slightly open)
MCU kids responding to rooms
ECU of hand putting things up (3)
MCU and CU of children playing
*must meet other neighbour - wife and child died*
LS from window of neighbour gardening
MCU of neighbour digging - look and smile
MCU of mum from window looking curious
MS of mum opening door from shed
Pan in - CU of bottles in shed
CU of alcohol being poured into glass
MCU of mum drinking
*dialogue to therapist*
Child playing - MLS
MCU of mum doing something
Another shot of other child - MCU
Mum turning- CU
Tracking shot as other child runs back *dialogue*
MCU mum having a look
Cut back to same location - child isn't there
POV where child isn't there
(try zoom)
Short reverse shot of policeman (MS) and mum (MCU)
*just vanished*
*does your son/daughter have any history of psychiatric problems?*
*why?*
Man and original neighbour talking about mum
*sure I'll talk to her*
Glimpse of romance with wine SRS
*so kind*
4 people dialogue: tells audience things are getting bad. Unreliable narrator. Get out of there (from doorway). Everything changes now.
*montage*
LS - back of guy opening boot
MS - guy looking in boot
HA MS shot of mum running
LS of stopping - bends down
ECU of doll
ECU hand grabbing doll (darker)
LS child looking through window
MS mum looking out seeing daughter behind in reflection
CU mum turns around
Est shot of empty room
ECU - pulling back sheet
CU - reaction of mum
LS - Policeman running along wall with gun
MS - mum by door with knife
Shot of smashed bottles by mum
Shot of shed with all smashed bottles
MCU behind lit of guy
Shot of mum and man running (try distances)
LS - mum and man hugging
LS - woman drives past and looks out window
ECU - teddy bear in mums hands
MCU - mum embracing teddy crying
CU of hand coming up
*montage ends*
MCU of mum
*what have you done with my child*
CUT TO BLACK
fade in
MS with mum sitting down with glass.
Music comes on
CU of mum looking up
Jagged different angles CUs of mum looking around
FINISH
Wednesday 11 December 2013
Potential Taglines
Having conducted research into existing taglines for horror movies, and made a note of the elements that crop up time and again, I have put together some potential taglines for my film. I have followed the conventions I found and I would like to use my chosen tagline on both my poster and in my teaser trailer, to help unify my marketing campaign.
Below are a list of possible taglines, with reasons for and aginst their inclusion:
The Weak and Feeble Hide Away
Because at Night the Dead will Play
Originally I felt that rhyming would be quite appropriate considering that in my research many taglines played on tradilitonal childlike things. However, I found that the tone of this tagline wasn't right due to the rhyming, but also the exact wording of the tagline didn't fit in with the narrative of my film.
A Missing Child
A New Beginning
This is the tagline I will be using in my teaser trailer because it plays on the tone of a false sense of security, without sounding slightly silly (or childlike).
Some Things are Better Left Forgotten
I thought of this tagline because it was short and directly to the point - for this reason I felt that it would be memorable. However, it didn't seem that effective as although it referenced a "thing" like in my research, it didn't clearly define the genre or give any hint to the plot.
You Haven't Seen the Worst of It
Despite the fact this directly references the audience and is brief, considering the subject matter it seemed insensitive (considering the story is about a potentially dead child) and not completely relevant.
Lady Bug, Lady Bug
Fly Away Home
I really wanted to use a nursery rhyme for my tagline, however, I wanted one with a sinister undertone. After looking at many popularly misunderstood nursery rhymes like "Mary Mary" and "Rock-a-bye Baby" I felt like the message of this nursery rhyme was very unsettling. However, if I was to use this as a tagline it wouldn't make much sense or define the genre. I am planning on finding another way of incorporating this into my teaser trailer.
Below are a list of possible taglines, with reasons for and aginst their inclusion:
The Weak and Feeble Hide Away
Because at Night the Dead will Play
Originally I felt that rhyming would be quite appropriate considering that in my research many taglines played on tradilitonal childlike things. However, I found that the tone of this tagline wasn't right due to the rhyming, but also the exact wording of the tagline didn't fit in with the narrative of my film.
A Missing Child
A New Beginning
This is the tagline I will be using in my teaser trailer because it plays on the tone of a false sense of security, without sounding slightly silly (or childlike).
Some Things are Better Left Forgotten
I thought of this tagline because it was short and directly to the point - for this reason I felt that it would be memorable. However, it didn't seem that effective as although it referenced a "thing" like in my research, it didn't clearly define the genre or give any hint to the plot.
You Haven't Seen the Worst of It
Despite the fact this directly references the audience and is brief, considering the subject matter it seemed insensitive (considering the story is about a potentially dead child) and not completely relevant.
Lady Bug, Lady Bug
Fly Away Home
I really wanted to use a nursery rhyme for my tagline, however, I wanted one with a sinister undertone. After looking at many popularly misunderstood nursery rhymes like "Mary Mary" and "Rock-a-bye Baby" I felt like the message of this nursery rhyme was very unsettling. However, if I was to use this as a tagline it wouldn't make much sense or define the genre. I am planning on finding another way of incorporating this into my teaser trailer.
Monday 25 November 2013
Cast for My Film
After researching existing professionals to use as crew members on my billing, I am now able to make up fictional biographies for my cast members. I wanted to use real crew to give my film authenticity but I feel that I should make up my cast as it will be impossible for me to use real actors (such as Ryan Gosling or Scarlett Johannsen) in my film. These actors would inevitably feature in any marketing campaign (on the poster, magazine cover and in the trailer) and I don't want to use found images. I have, therefore, created fictional biographies for made-up actors.
Kate Miller - Similar to A-list actress Eva Green, Miller jumped in at the deep end starring in horror blockbuster "Mirrors 3", before earning the lead role in all five of the "Truth or Dare" horror films. Along with being one of the most recogniseable scream queens of the 21st century, Miller has also played the central protagonist in "Criss Cross", "Brick Squad", "Captain Fantastic" and "It's All About Love".
Scott Wilde - Wilde has been named the 5th sexiest man in the UK according to Glamour magazine. Starting his career in the theatre, Wilde starred in a 2008 production of "The Woman in Black" and then went on to win the lead role in John Carpenter's "Death Row". Wilde has also starred in "Masks", "Fear Journey" and "Mystery Island".
Elizabeth Jenkins - Up and coming actress Jenkins is most well known for starring in the Horror TV series "Death Tower". Craven stated that Jenkins' "ability to adapt herself into any role given to her" is the reason why she has been given a lead role in "The Mourning" over any other actress.
Jack Gold - Starring alongside Brad Pitt in "Vanished", Gold has been churning out new movies for years. Placing "The Mourning" under his belt will mean he has acted in 15 horror movies, these include "Absent", "Birds That Never Sleep" and "Creeper".
Kate Miller - Similar to A-list actress Eva Green, Miller jumped in at the deep end starring in horror blockbuster "Mirrors 3", before earning the lead role in all five of the "Truth or Dare" horror films. Along with being one of the most recogniseable scream queens of the 21st century, Miller has also played the central protagonist in "Criss Cross", "Brick Squad", "Captain Fantastic" and "It's All About Love".
Scott Wilde - Wilde has been named the 5th sexiest man in the UK according to Glamour magazine. Starting his career in the theatre, Wilde starred in a 2008 production of "The Woman in Black" and then went on to win the lead role in John Carpenter's "Death Row". Wilde has also starred in "Masks", "Fear Journey" and "Mystery Island".
Elizabeth Jenkins - Up and coming actress Jenkins is most well known for starring in the Horror TV series "Death Tower". Craven stated that Jenkins' "ability to adapt herself into any role given to her" is the reason why she has been given a lead role in "The Mourning" over any other actress.
Jack Gold - Starring alongside Brad Pitt in "Vanished", Gold has been churning out new movies for years. Placing "The Mourning" under his belt will mean he has acted in 15 horror movies, these include "Absent", "Birds That Never Sleep" and "Creeper".
Sunday 24 November 2013
My Billing
Now that I have decided on the cast and crew for my film I have created my own credits which I will include at the bottom of my poster (and, in a slightly different format, towards the end of my teaser trailer).
My previous research on existing billings from posters of horror movies helped me with the layout and order that people appear in the credits, and also in choosing appropriate people for the billing who had worked within the genre before.
To construct the billing I downloaded the font "SteelTongs" from www.dafont.com and put it together on Photoshop Elements.
The font is organised so that it replicates the font used on the billing of most movie posters.
My previous research on existing billings from posters of horror movies helped me with the layout and order that people appear in the credits, and also in choosing appropriate people for the billing who had worked within the genre before.
To construct the billing I downloaded the font "SteelTongs" from www.dafont.com and put it together on Photoshop Elements.
Saturday 23 November 2013
Film Title
After deciding the premise of my film, I now need to think of a name.
My film is about a single mother who moves into a new house with her two children after something stressful happened in their last house. While her children are playing one of them mysteriously disappears or has died. Supernatural things begin to happen in the house which seems to connect to the missing child.
Once I had come up with a list of possible names that would be suitable for a film from the horror genre, and would also reflect the narrative of my film, I held a focus group to see which film title was most popular - the results are below:
Gone - 2/10
Trauma - 5/10
Abduction - 4.5/10
Absent - 6/10
Forgotten - 1/10
Lost - 2/10
Vanished - 7/10
Snatched - 5/10
Erasure - 8/10
Birds that Never Sleep - 8.5/10
The Mourning - 10/10
The Tenant - 7/10
The Devil's Breath - 9/10
The Shadowing - 9/10
As "The Mourning" is most popular (and was in my top five), I have decided it should be the title of my film.
My film is about a single mother who moves into a new house with her two children after something stressful happened in their last house. While her children are playing one of them mysteriously disappears or has died. Supernatural things begin to happen in the house which seems to connect to the missing child.
Once I had come up with a list of possible names that would be suitable for a film from the horror genre, and would also reflect the narrative of my film, I held a focus group to see which film title was most popular - the results are below:
Gone - 2/10
Trauma - 5/10
Abduction - 4.5/10
Absent - 6/10
Forgotten - 1/10
Lost - 2/10
Vanished - 7/10
Snatched - 5/10
Erasure - 8/10
Birds that Never Sleep - 8.5/10
The Mourning - 10/10
The Tenant - 7/10
The Devil's Breath - 9/10
The Shadowing - 9/10
As "The Mourning" is most popular (and was in my top five), I have decided it should be the title of my film.
Friday 22 November 2013
Potential Cover Lines and Banners for my Magazine
Every single magazine cover I have looked at features appropriate cover lines for the magazine's target audience - regardless of whether it is a mainstream magazine featuring Hollywood blockbusters or an independent magazine featuring low budget British films.
Cover lines are something audiences expect to find on a magazine cover so I will include them on mine. I ideally want to do a Horror movie special edition of a mainstream magazine, so I have thought of potential cover lines that reference horror.
I would like to include two cover lines which reference old horror films (as this is a horror special) with one of them in a circular banner. I would also like to include a banner at the top, near the masthead with Ultimate Horror Special inside it (in contrasting colours). I want everything else referenced to be horror films that are coming out around the same time, autumn 2013.
1. Exclusive Interview with the Master of Horror - John Carpenter (possibly in a circular banner) - included as this is a horror special and he may have a new film to promote
2. Behind the Scenes - On Set with the Cast of "The Evil Dead" - included as "The Evil Dead" is a recent horror film
3. Jamie Lee Curtis VS Sissy Spacek - Battle of the Scream Queens! - included as it is a horror special and it will help promote the remake of "Carrie"
4. The Top 10 Gothic Horror Films
5. Michael Myers Unmasked! - a special feature on the "Friday the 13th" franchise
6. "Carrie" - Chloe Grace Moretz - Reinventing "Carrie" for a New Generation - included as "Carrie" is a new horror release
7. "The Conjuring" - James Wan - Horror Maestro Returns with "Insidious: Chapter 2" and "The Conjuring" - included as the director has two new films from the genre coming out
8. Names of horror films to appear as separate cover lines - "You're Next", "Random", "Haunt", "Paranormal Activity 5", "The Amityville Horror: The Lost Tapes", "Ghosts" - included as magazine cover lines are often simply the names of forthcoming films. All of these films are from the horror genre
9. Battle of the Horror Film Franchises - "Saw" vs "Scream"
Cover lines are something audiences expect to find on a magazine cover so I will include them on mine. I ideally want to do a Horror movie special edition of a mainstream magazine, so I have thought of potential cover lines that reference horror.
I would like to include two cover lines which reference old horror films (as this is a horror special) with one of them in a circular banner. I would also like to include a banner at the top, near the masthead with Ultimate Horror Special inside it (in contrasting colours). I want everything else referenced to be horror films that are coming out around the same time, autumn 2013.
1. Exclusive Interview with the Master of Horror - John Carpenter (possibly in a circular banner) - included as this is a horror special and he may have a new film to promote
2. Behind the Scenes - On Set with the Cast of "The Evil Dead" - included as "The Evil Dead" is a recent horror film
3. Jamie Lee Curtis VS Sissy Spacek - Battle of the Scream Queens! - included as it is a horror special and it will help promote the remake of "Carrie"
4. The Top 10 Gothic Horror Films
5. Michael Myers Unmasked! - a special feature on the "Friday the 13th" franchise
6. "Carrie" - Chloe Grace Moretz - Reinventing "Carrie" for a New Generation - included as "Carrie" is a new horror release
7. "The Conjuring" - James Wan - Horror Maestro Returns with "Insidious: Chapter 2" and "The Conjuring" - included as the director has two new films from the genre coming out
8. Names of horror films to appear as separate cover lines - "You're Next", "Random", "Haunt", "Paranormal Activity 5", "The Amityville Horror: The Lost Tapes", "Ghosts" - included as magazine cover lines are often simply the names of forthcoming films. All of these films are from the horror genre
9. Battle of the Horror Film Franchises - "Saw" vs "Scream"
Monday 18 November 2013
Primary Research - Magazine Questionnaire
As part of my primary research into audience expectations I created a questionnaire regarding film magazines.
I distributed the questionnaire to people living in London over the age of 15 (my film's target audience), asking them what they expect to find in a film magazine, and the ways in which layout, design and content would persuade them to buy the magazine. Here are the results:
1. What do you expect to see on the cover of a film magazine ?
I distributed the questionnaire to people living in London over the age of 15 (my film's target audience), asking them what they expect to find in a film magazine, and the ways in which layout, design and content would persuade them to buy the magazine. Here are the results:
1. What do you expect to see on the cover of a film magazine ?
- A recognisable star/character
- Barcode
- Price
- Issue number
- Indication of the content
- Masthead
- Banners
2. What is it about the layout and design that encourages you to buy film magazines?
- Bright colour scheme
- One dominant central image
- No clutter on the cover
- Clear, easy to read, cover lines
3. What content to you expect to find in a film magazine?
- Reviews
- Features
- Interviews
- Posters
Sunday 17 November 2013
Potential Film Magazine Names
The masthead (the name of the magazine) is the biggest font on the cover, so it is important to make sure that the same is catchy and noticeable.
I reduced my name choices down to 5 and did a focus group of 30 people over the age of 15 (my demographic). Here are their results:
1. Picture This - The majority of people in the focus group really liked this title, with most saying it was catchy. However some suggested that the title does not directly sound like a film magazine.
2. Reflection - People in the focus group thought this title was quite arthouse and didn't really reference film at all (certainly not mainstream movies).
3. Take 1 - The focus group responded positively to this title as they said it was catchy and memorable. Some members said that the number 1 implies that it is the best.
4. Zoom - This title was quite popular with the focus group, however when hearing the other titles most changed their mind, with one suggesting that this title was "nothing special".
5. Have You Scene It? - People in the focus group thought the pun was quite humorous but they also commented that the title was far too long and not catchy enough, with some also saying they though this was far too cheesy.
6. Reel Film - This magazine name proved to be the most popular in the focus group as they liked the play on words and thought it was a catchy and memorable name. Most said they would notice it on a magazine rack.
As a result of the response from the focus group, I have decided to choose Reel Film as my title. I will begin looking for suitable fonts and think about the colour and layout of the masthead.
I reduced my name choices down to 5 and did a focus group of 30 people over the age of 15 (my demographic). Here are their results:
1. Picture This - The majority of people in the focus group really liked this title, with most saying it was catchy. However some suggested that the title does not directly sound like a film magazine.
2. Reflection - People in the focus group thought this title was quite arthouse and didn't really reference film at all (certainly not mainstream movies).
3. Take 1 - The focus group responded positively to this title as they said it was catchy and memorable. Some members said that the number 1 implies that it is the best.
4. Zoom - This title was quite popular with the focus group, however when hearing the other titles most changed their mind, with one suggesting that this title was "nothing special".
5. Have You Scene It? - People in the focus group thought the pun was quite humorous but they also commented that the title was far too long and not catchy enough, with some also saying they though this was far too cheesy.
6. Reel Film - This magazine name proved to be the most popular in the focus group as they liked the play on words and thought it was a catchy and memorable name. Most said they would notice it on a magazine rack.
As a result of the response from the focus group, I have decided to choose Reel Film as my title. I will begin looking for suitable fonts and think about the colour and layout of the masthead.
Saturday 16 November 2013
My Chosen Certificate
I have decided to give my film a 15 certificate, partly because the demographic who make up the main body of the audience for horror movies are adolescent males.
If I made my film an 18 of course I would have much more freedom to go in any direction I wanted and would have fewer limitations on things like language, violence and pure horror. I would, however, then be eliminating a large proportion of the audience and would make my film less successful.
If I were to give my film a 12A certificate I would be able to have a wider audience but I do not think I would be able to fulfill typical audience expectations of a horror film. In relation to a 12A certificate the BBFC states “There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context”, however with a 15 certificate they state “The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable”. Whilst that puts a barrier up on the violence content it still means I would be able to include more violence than a 12A, and sometimes violence is the core of a horror movie.
If I made my film an 18 of course I would have much more freedom to go in any direction I wanted and would have fewer limitations on things like language, violence and pure horror. I would, however, then be eliminating a large proportion of the audience and would make my film less successful.
If I were to give my film a 12A certificate I would be able to have a wider audience but I do not think I would be able to fulfill typical audience expectations of a horror film. In relation to a 12A certificate the BBFC states “There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context”, however with a 15 certificate they state “The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable”. Whilst that puts a barrier up on the violence content it still means I would be able to include more violence than a 12A, and sometimes violence is the core of a horror movie.
If you would like to read more about exactly what is acceptable at 15 - please click on the link below.
Friday 15 November 2013
BBFC Research - Certificate for my Film
I have researched three certificates from the BBFC website - 12A, 15 and 18. I have only chosen to look at these three because they are the most realistic certificates for horror movies (though very few films from this genre receive a 12A as it means the film will contain less blood, gore and sustained frightening moments).
From my research I will select a certificate for my film, this will give me the guidelines I need when deciding on suitable content at that level.
The following guidelines for 12A that may be related to the horror genre include:
The following guidelines for 18 that may be related to the horror genre include:
The following guidelines for 12A that may be related to the horror genre include:
- Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.
- Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.
- Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
- Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.
- Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.
- Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
- Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
- Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context.
- Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.
Considering that my film is likely to include weapons, sustained physical and psychological threat and emphasis on gore and blood, it is unlikely that the film would receive a 12A certificate.
The following guidelines for 15 that may be related to the horror genre include:
- Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
- Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied.
- Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
- There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
- Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
- Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context.
- No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
- Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
- Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
It is likely that my film will fall into this category - this will allow me to reach a wider audience than an 18 (which would please the production and distribution companies), whilst still maintaining the necessary threat that is so important in the genre.
The following guidelines for 18 that may be related to the horror genre include:
- In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
- where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
- where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
- where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ would normally be confined to that category.
Thursday 14 November 2013
Potential Magazine Cover Layouts
Before I can design my magazine cover I need to sketch some possible layouts. Looking at other magazine covers for both mainstream and independent audiences really helped me with this task as it allowed me to see the variety of different layouts used in magazine covers, and also how it changes depending on if it is a mainstream or independent magazine. Having looked at the design and layout of mainstream magazines, I have completed some basic layout sketches of my magazine cover.
Below are my layout sketches:
Below are my layout sketches:
Wednesday 13 November 2013
Potential Crew for My Billing
In order to create my billing/credits I needed to compile a list of the crew who would work on the production of my film. I used IMDB to research various people, for example, Editors, Producers and Casting Directors, to find some who had previously worked on many horror films - I want to use the names of real people for my crew to give the poster and teaser trailer an extra layer of verisimilitude.
Novel by - Stephen King - One
of the most well-known writers of horror novels of all time, King has written
many novels that have gone on to become critically acclaimed feature films. These
include: “Carrie”, “Salem’s Lot”, “The Shining”, “It”, “Misery” and “Christine”.
Director - Wes Craven -
Primarily a writer, Wes Craven has gone on to become one of the most renowned
creators of Horror films of all time. Some of his more recent work includes “My
Soul to Take” and “Scream 4”. However he is credited with directing the
original “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (which he also wrote), “The Last House on
the Left”, the original “The Hills Have Eyes” and the entire “Scream” series.
Executive Producer - Sam Raimi -
The co-founder of Ghost House Pictures was first noticed after producing the
original “The Evil Dead”. During the prime of his career he placed several
Horror films under his belt, including “Drag me to Hell”, “The Messengers”,
“Boogeyman” and “The Grudge”. His most
recent work includes the remake of his original production “The Evil Dead”, “The
Possession”, and he has now been announced as the producer of the remake of the
1982 Horror classic “Poltergeist”.
Co Producer - Joseph Drake -
The second half of the pair who founded Ghost House Pictures, Drake has been
involved in many of Raimi’s ventures, including “The Possession”, “Drag Me to
Hell” and “The Grudge”.
Produced by - Jason Blum - Blum
is credited with producing the terrifying “Paranormal Activity” films.
Produced by - Richard Saperstein - Produced one of King’s popular novels “The Mist”. Saperstein has produced many more Horror films, including “Se7en” and “Mother’s Day”.
Produced by - Richard Saperstein - Produced one of King’s popular novels “The Mist”. Saperstein has produced many more Horror films, including “Se7en” and “Mother’s Day”.
Cinematographer - Maxime Alexandre -
This director of photography has worked on many horror films previously, for
example “The Crazies” and “Mirrors”. More recently he has done the
cinematography for the sequel “Silent Hill: Revelation 3D”.
Casting - Lisa Fields - Its
lucky to find a casting director that works almost exclusively on Horror films,
and that is what Fields does. The Horror films that she has cast for includes
“The Innkeepers”, “The Amityville Horror”, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and
“Friday the 13th”
Costume Designer - Leslie Kavanagh -
Kavanagh worked in the costume department for all but one of the “Saw” series.
Music Composer - Christopher Young -
Young has written music for a total of 110 titles. Included in those titles are
many films belonging to the Horror genre. For example: “Drag Me to Hell”, “The
Uninvited”, “Sinister”, “Urban Legend” and “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”.
Production Designer - Anthony
Tremblay - As a production designer Anthony Tremblay has worked on many
horror films, for example “Halloween” and “The Devils Rejects”.
Editor - Michael N Knue - Knue
has edited many horror movies, in particular remakes of Japanese classics like
“Shutter” and “The Ring 2”.
Make up Department Head - Eleanor
Sabduquia - Make up is an extremely important element of any horror film.
Sabduquia has worked on the sets of “Saw” (the type of film where make up is
essential), “Insidious”, “Paranormal Activity 2” and “Boogeyman 2”.
Visual Effects Supervisor - Jason
Piccioni - “Sinister” is primarily the most recognizable horror film that
Piccioni has worked on. However he was also the visual effects supervisor for
several episodes of what has rapidly become one of the most critically
acclaimed horror series of all time - “American Horror Story”.
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