Ancillary Feedback

1.      Poster:

·         I like the colour contrast (red/white fonts and red/blue in general. But I don’t like the font for 'a gamble between life and death' it’s quite hard to read-Emma Crossley

·         Like the text on the movie poster and the concept, but think the image could have been a bit clearer-Reagan Hollingshead

·         Dan Neary: antagonist at the forefront of the poster grabs attention and correlates with the genre conventions, the editing to a blue wash contrasts well with the red and black colours, I like how the identity of the antagonists face is partially hidden, creating enigmas and audience interaction from the direct eye-contact, appears typical. Weaknesses-top font could be changed to a more horror style, looks quite sci-fi to me and the slogan is quite difficult to read

·         Eva Dickinson: The poster is very enticing and prepares the audience for the dark mature themes they will witness within the movie. Although simplistic, it works in favour if the poster as the public will want to know more about the movie. Weakness: I’m not such a fan of the text used for the title- particularly the word 'Kiss'... I think the bloody text is too stereotypical and common within the horror genre and one thing I loved about the trailer is it revealed the film to be a unique brand of film within the horror genre. The text also brings immaturity to what I'd argue is otherwise a mature and powerful poster.

·         James Palmer-Smith: Pros: Use of colours make the poster eye-catching and focuses you on the most important information. E.G. the Title and Slogan through the use of red. Poster is not overcrowded and does not try to show too much information with a focus on the image and title. Whilst still providing all the information needed. Cons: Large gap between title and the top of the cape. Top red text could be larger to allow it to be read quickly

·         Tom Horeckyj-I like the dramatic font and close up of the vampire. The cloak makes him seem mysterious and makes me want to know more about him. For weaknesses you could maybe increase font size to bring more attention to the words? Add some blood/shadow effects round the edges? Great already though.

1.      Web page:

·         Could change the font for ‘Explore’ to something simple like Arial

·         I like the reviews on the website and that it’s easy to navigate, but the slogan font is unclear like the poster-Emma Crossley

·         Dan Neary: conventional in the way that it allows audience interaction, quotes and critics responses have animated effects so this enhances aesthetics of the webpage, gives overview of the plot and characters-good information shows images of the trailer-makes the audience want to know more. Weaknesses-slogan appears unnecessary, not appealing as it is too blurry, an addition of sound? And merchandise advertising perhaps

·         Tom Horeckyj: The website has some great imagery and use of quotes to draw appeal for the film. Some words overlap like the website title and the headings but maybe it's just on mobile.

·         James Palmer-Smith: Good use of reviews as part of the homepage, good use of columns in the explore section, good links around the site, effective navigation bar, specific info on characters helps to build a back story, and very detailed with useful information. However, there are some incorrect fonts in some places.

Audience Research Into Film Trailer

We have completed some audience research following our first draft and our final Official Trailer of 'The Bitter Kiss.'

We used social networking sites, in this case: Facebook, to conduct audience research into our Official trailer.



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Film Trailer Feedback

We have completed some audience research following our first draft and our final Official Trailer of 'The Bitter Kiss.'

We used social networking sites, in this case: Facebook, to conduct audience research into our Official trailer.

Audience Research Into Slogans

Create your own user feedback survey

Results collated together with feedback from a lesson: Don't fall into the Vampire's grasp!=8 A gamble between life and death=11 What MAN is capable of stopping such a MONSTER?=10 How many more will die before the beast meets its doom?=3 He's fast, he's furious, he's the Vampire!=1 These results show that 'A gamble between life and death' is the audience favourite for our slogan. However, due to the tight interest between the top three, we are planning to incorporate them within the trailer and possibly our ancillary web page. We think 'What MAN is capable of stopping such a MONSTER?' would be effective in creating a stylistic Film Noir, and it would connote the binary opposite between the protagonist in the form of the Detective and the antagonist Vampire monster. The use of the 'MAN' highlights the stereotypical representation of the hero within our film, creating a sexist presentation which is common in Film Noir. Additionally, the use of the question emphasises the power of the villain, perhaps creating doubt in the audience's mind. Whilst, 'Don't fall into the Vampire's grasp!' will be beneficial in use during the trailer, possibly by a First person narrator describing the vicious edge to the antagonist. Also, the negativity here again represents the antagonists ferocious havoc, as well as acting as a warning towards the audience. This could connote the terror, and attract the audience further, feeling immersed within the plot and the atmosphere.

Slogan Audience Research

Create your own user feedback survey

Focus Group

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2IWqLWVOG8&t=14s

Influential Film Posters

We like the use of the low-key lighting on the character, supposedly the 'Dracula' due to the stereotypical make-up and hair-style, in creating secrecy and representing a Propp villain. Also, we like the elaborate 3D typography, conventional for Film Noir.

We like the use of red and white fonts, common in Horror posters, as well as the use of the one main image surrounded by darkness.

This poster is very colourful and unique, whilst obeying conventions such as: the main cast names at the top of the poster and 'a film by...'

Again we like the use of the main image. This poster effectively represents the possible Propp hero of the Detective, and the green, yellow and red colours all blend together nicely to create a hot atmosphere. This may connote the pressure within his profession.

Film Title Feedback

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/R3C66KX
Above is a link to our survey regarding possible Film Titles for our Film Noir/horror.

Top Opening Shots Of All Time

What have I learnt?

• Symmetry between the opening and the closing shot makes the shot notable, perfectly sandwiching the film and underlying the extent of its journey
•  Slow motion works well
• Spoilers that we do not pick on until the end because it begins with a flash forward
• Opening long takes are always more impressive, but not always effective
• Shot reverse shot/cross cutting between an object creating tension and another scene (perhaps completely different) 

Affect on our production:

This research has been quite interesting and influential upon any styles we should consider when deciding carefully upon the shots we should include in the trailer. Symmetry between the opening and the closing shot will work well in our Film Noir/horror to link to the themes of menace and stylistic conventions include flashbacks or forwards, since they will provide audience engagement through the tension and information. However, because we are creating a trailer instead of a short or feature film, we will have to consider this with detail as it may be quite confusing. Instead, our trailer needs to be easy and quite episodic. Furthermore, we are planning to use cross cutting to cut between the tension of the Detective's telephone with the killings to connote that he will shortly be needed. This will represent his importance and his character type in terms of Propp's theory.

                                            

History of 1950's Film Noir and Horror

Film Noir:

The 50s decade was known for many things: post-war affluence and increased choice of leisure time activities, conformity, the Korean War, middle-class values, the rise of modern jazz, the rise of 'fast food' restaurants and drive-ins.

In the period following World War 2, most films were ideolised with conventional portrayals of men and women, but young people wanted to see new representations.

Film Noir (literally 'black film or cinema') was invented by French film critics (first by Nino Frank in 1946), after noticing the trend between 'dark', downbeat and the colour black to the looks and themes of many American crime and detective films released in France to theatres following the war.

A wide range of films reflected the resultant tensions and insecurities of the time period, and counter-balanced the optimism of Hollywood's musicals and comedies. Fear, mistrust, bleakness, loss of innocence, despair and paranoia are readily evident in noir.

The criminal, violent, misogynistic, hard-boiled, or greedy perspectives of anti-heroes in film noir were a metaphoric symptom of society's evils, with a strong undercurrent of moral conflict, purposelessness and sense of injustice. There were rarely happy or optimistic endings in noirs.

Primary characteristics and conventions of Film Noir: Themes and style

The primary moods of classic Film Noir were melancholy, alienation, bleakness, disillusionment, disenchantment, pessimism, ambiguity, moral corruption, evil, guilt, desperation and paranoia.

Heroes or anti-heroes, corrupt characters and villains included down-and-out, conflicted hard-boiled detectives or private eyes, cops, gangsters, government agents, a lone wolf, socio-paths, killers, crooks, war-veterans, politicians, petty criminals or murderers. The protagonists were often morally ambiguous and low-lifes from a dark and gloomy background. They had distinct character traits: cynical, hard-boiled, disillusioned, insecure and struggling to survive.

Storylines were often elliptical, non-linear and twisting. Narratives were frequently complex, maze-like and convoluted, and typically communicated through foreboding background music, flashbacks, witty language and first-person voice-over narration.

Horror:
Between 1940 and 50 the concept of a horrific monster barely changed. Although, there were more recognisably human faces attached to evil, for example WW2 traitors or Mad Scientists. Society was deprived from the joys of family and earth because of the numerous loss of loved ones during World War 2. Homecoming soldiers and bereaved widows had too many horror stories of their own to appreciate fantasies on the big screen, meaning that they gained no entertainment or escapism from these films, instead they may have only had the pleasure of information. The world could never be the same again, and the dawning of post-war posterity in America created a new breed of monsters, adapted specifically for survival in the second half of the twentieth century.

In the 1950's, Films were related to the B-movie category. Thus, the primary audience for horror movies were teenagers, who ensured that the genre remained very profitable. This demographic never truly cared about the plot or character development and the production values, instead they simply cared about the reactions and emotions they were experiencing whilst watching a particular horror film.

The main aim of the 1950's horror films were to thrill the audience the monsters, whilst perhaps more terrifying in conception than execution, never failed to deliver action and intensity.

How do we want our film to be regulated?

The Bitter Kiss age rating & censorship from Hubert Osinski

Codes And Conventions of Film Webpages

Target Audience Research

Demographics: This is an audience theory that ranks audience based on their occupation and thus income, as well as age.

As our Film Noir/Horror will be conventional, the aimed demographic would be B, but it would also attract audiences down to E. This is because the film will require a reasonable level of intelligence in order to feel involved by solving the crimes, in which the Detectives main objective lies in. Moreover, the horror aspect will attract middle to lower class audiences as they are more likely to want the thrill and suspense. The lower class audiences will be offered a sense of escapism and diversion from their physical occupations, whilst the middle class will gain information and escapism. For example, teachers may learn information about the history of the set country, allowing them to pass this information onto students.

Psychographics: This segmentation divides the audience into groups based on social class, lifestyles and personality characteristics. It is based upon the assumption that the brands and genre likability will reflect the audiences lifestyle and character. Here is a table that refers to psychographics:

My target audience would be the 'resigned,' who seek survival, rigid values and are interested in the past and tradition. These are typically older audiences, thus relating to the fact that Film Noir was a 1950's-ish film hit. Therefore, they will gain audience recognition from this genre, in the way that it provides reminiscence and relates to their past life, which they are interested with. Furthermore, the audience 'thrill' from the horror conventions and elements will enable the audience to rediscover the iconic and quite pleasurable creations during old-fashioned techniques and designs. For example, Film Noir/Horror werewolf's had a certain style that provide audience gratification and entertainment. As a result, our film will be based and stylised from old fashioned Film Noirs and Horrors, whilst reaching the requirements of these different audiences in order to widen the audience reach.

Poster Conventions from Hubert Osinski

Exploration of individual responses from final survey

  

·         Male

·         16-20

·         Prefer Neo-Noir because it seems to be able to mix the good of the old with the good of the new.

·         Would not gain gratification from old fashioned film techniques because they Just makes a film seem cringe

·         Not essential to have a Femme Fatale because even though it may intrigue, be a sexual interest, may be a good sales point,  may interest a lot of audience members it doesn't seem to be essential

·         Character traits most important=Committed and Critical

·         Antagonist: Mad Scientist-Seems to have the creepiest feel to it when not presented with the modern special effects or the art of colour to make the antagonist seem convincing enough to be scary

·         Most important horror conventions to include: low-key lighting, climatic music, silence and distorted camera angles

·       We should not show so many different locations because showing exciting moments in a trailer in one location means that when the film gets to that location you know something will happen; ruining any suspense or surprise 

·         Hook: Actors I know I like, an intriguing but vague storyline, good aesthetics/cinematography and good music

·          Male

·         16-20

·         Neo Noir

·         Would gain gratification

·         It is essential for Femme Fatale

·         Most important character traits for Detective: Hard-boiled, committed

·         Antagonist: Zombie

·         Should show many different locations

·         Hook=looks good

·         Female

·         16-20

·         Neo Noir-updated versions can be better

·         Would not gain gratification

·         Not essential for Femme Fatale

·         Most important character traits: Funny and committed

·         Zombie

·         Murder is most important for horror genre

·         Should use different locations

·         Hooks: music tension

·         Female

·         16-20

·         Film Noir

·         Needs to be modern, with old-fashioned techniques and sense of effortless

·         No Femme Fatale

·         Most important character traits: Hard-boiled and committed

·         Vampire

·         Very important horror conventions: climatic music

·         Should show different locations

·         Hook=it gives enough of the plot to interest you but leaves out elements which shock the viewer so they can find this out later.

·         Male

·         26-30

·         Neo-Noir because he dislikes old films

·         Would gain gratification as it would relate to the Neo Noir film, and create a sense of understanding

·         Femme Fatale would be good Neo Noir as it would reflect modern society

·         Personality traits most important for Detective: Committed and hard-boiled

·         Mad Scientist-always more to do with sense of ‘hopelessness’

·         Very important horror conventions: silhouettes and silence

·         No different locations because trailers that give too much away ruin the film

·         Hook=either action for a good watch or a suspenseful one that sparks my curiosity, a film that will have me guessing and thinking.

·         Female

·         31-35

·         Neo Noir-more modern

·         Would gain gratification because it is retro

·         Femme Fatales are essential because this character is a vital feature of noir cinema, although a more feminist twist would be appropriate for a modern audience

·         Characteristics: Hard-boiled and committed

·         Mad Scientist because he seems more realistic

·         Very important horror conventions: low-key lighting, climatic music, enigmas and silence

·         Should maybe show many different locations because it can make it a little confusing, but a trailer does not have to necessarily be obvious and clear

·         Hook=Clear plot outline and genre clearly defined

·         Male

·         31-35

·         Neo Noir because it is a higher production quality, less jazz

·         Not aware of old fashioned film techniques so this would be quite odd

·         It is essential for Femme Fatale because this character is a convention and expectation

·         Important character traits: Committed and hard-boiled

·         Mad Scientist because this character does not seem as saturated

·         Very important horror conventions: low-key lighting, murder and silence

·         Maybe show many different locations, but Depends on which scenes entice you to see the film, without spoilers

·         Hooks=Too dependent on the style of film I might want to watch

·         Male

·         36-40

·         Neo Noir because it is more relevant

·         Not essential for Neo

·         No Femme Fatale because they think that it is outdated for Film Noir

·         Most important character traits: critical and funny

·         Mad Scientist as his madness would allow room for interpretation and more complex themes and narrative

·         Very important horror conventions: enigmas and silence

·         Maybe show many different locations

·         Hook=intriguing story

·         Female

·         41-45

·         Neo noir because it would Probably have stronger female characters in modern films, less stereotypical

·         They would gain gratification from old fashioned techniques because they are A bit different, reminds us of the long history of cinema

·         It is essential to have a Femme Fatale, but they should not be complex and not too stereotypical

·         Detective personality traits: Committed and critical

·         Vampire because it would suit darker elements and be easily seduced

·         All very important conventions

·         Locations are important because they add variety

·         Hook=Suspense, intriguing characters, good set and costumes

·         Male

·         46-50

·         Film Noir-original interpretation of the genre and therefore of its time

·         No gratification from old fashioned technique because they think it would seem out of place and cheesy

·         Femme Fatale is essential part of genre

·         Characteristics most important: funny and committed

·         Mad Scientist because he could act as a foil to the protagonist and would seem plausible as a character

·         Very important horror conventions: low-key lighting, climatic music, enigmas, silence and distorted shot angles

·         Maybe show different locations, but only if they give the viewer an overview of the plot

·         Hook: title and the names of the actors featuring in the film

·         Male

·         46-50

·         Film Noir-like to watch black and white films

·         Would gain gratification from old fashioned techniques

·         Not essential to use a Femme Fatale

·         Most important character: funny and hard-boiled

·         Vampire

·         Important conventions to include: silhouettes, climatic music,

·         Maybe use different locations

·         Hook=if the trailer has lots of action i am most likely to want to watch the film

·         Male

·         50-60

·         Prefer Film Noir because they think that it is more atmospheric

·         Would not gain gratification

·         Most important character traits: Critical, funny

·         Mad Scientist because he the character would be interesting to explore

·         Important horror conventions: Climatic music

·         Different locations are important to keep you guessing

Results comparison and findings:

·         Younger demographics prefer Neo, whilst older demographics prefer Film Noir, likely because of recognition and more pleasures for both ages

·         Many more 16-20 year olds completed our response, thus, there is no surprise that the results show that Neo Noir is preferred overall

·         Would gain gratification, this response was quite mixed, so I can see no real similarity between genders and age

·         More think that it is essential that we use a Femme Fatale, this is seen clearly through middle-aged men and women, specifically men (gaze gratification), whilst the older respondents did not view this as essential

·         Many view committed as the most important character trait. Whilst, the older demographic are keen on having a funny protagonist Detective. Committed and hard-boiled were the most likable

·         Mad Scientist is a particular attraction through the ages, however, it is more varied for the younger audience (so we will aim to vary this because we are targeting the elders through the genre)

·         Very important horror conventions: climatic music, low-key lighting, murder and silence

·         Yes and maybe are even in the responses for using different locations, so we certainly will. This response is common from the 16-20 year olds, whilst the 30 year olds are unsure, perhaps because they have less views upon Film trailers because of busy lifestyles and lack of nurturing in either of these genres.

·         Hooks: ‘intrigue’, ‘action’, ‘title and the names of actors’, ‘suspense, intriguing characters, good set of costumes and designs,’ ‘intriguing story,’ ‘clear plotline and genre clearly defined,’ ‘either action for a good watch or a suspenseful one that sparks my curiosity, a film that will have me guessing and thinking,’ ‘it gives enough of the plot to interest you but leaves out elements which shock the viewer so they can find this out later,’ ‘tense music,’ and ‘actors I know I like, an intriguing but vague storyline, good aesthetics/cinematography and good music.’