Research - Masthead

Whilst looking at previous editions of Total Film magazine - one being the edition on 'Inception' I analysed earlier on my blog - I noticed that the editor often tries to create a synergy between the masthead and the film that is being advertised. Some ways in which the editor does this is by changing the usual red colour of the masthead and making it match the colours of the main image. Another way in which the editor creates a connection between the two is shown below. The editor often merges the masthead into the background but still makes it bold and outlined, making sure it stands out. I also noticed that the editor usually places text above the masthead which initiates the different issue of the magazine e.g. 'The Modern Guide To Movies' or 'Special X'tra Cover!' They can also relate to the film featured in the magazine such as 'The Mind-Blowing Issue' relates to the content of the film 'Inception.'

After this research, I started thinking how I could create a synergy between the masthead and the title of my film. As my film falls into the category of horror, and the usual colour for the Total Film masthead is red, I thought I could have blood dripping from the masthead.

I then found these two images and copied them into the programme Paint.Net.

I then merged the two images together to create a masthead which relates to the horror genre. The 'F' of film now looks like it is dripping blood which relates to the content of my film.

Research - Total Film

I have decided I want to use TOTAL FILM for my magazine as I feel it would advertise the film I am going to create. I then decided to do some further research into Total Film and came up with the following:

• Total Film is a UK-based film magazine published 13 times a year by Future Publishing. The magazine was launched in 1997 and offers cinema, DVD and Blu-ray news, reviews and features. Total Film is available both in print and interactive iPad editions.

• Each month, Total Film provides a range of features, from spotlight interviews with actors and directors, to making of and on-set pieces for new and future releases. Each issue always includes the Total Film Interview, which is a six-page in-depth chat with an actor or director, along with a critique of their body of work.
• Dialogue: In this section of the magazine, the readers are able to interact with the magazine as letters and emails written by the readers themselves are featured.
• Buzz: This section of the magazine is considered the news section in which the editor features information about upcoming films, includes first look photos or exclusive 'sneek peeks.' Some of the regular features include: Ever Met Tom Cruise? where a behind the scenes person is interviewed and You Talkin' To Me? where stars answer questions posed as famous film quotes and Red Light, Green Light for what is hot and what is not in movie-land.
• Agenda: This section often previews of less mainstream releases and players. 
• Screen: The main cinema reviews section, with every new movie for that month reviewed and rated. Major releases receive comprehensive coverage, with a star rating out of five, the magazine's own Predicted Interest Curve. 
• Lounge: TF's home entertainment guide, including reviews of the latest DVDs and Blu-rays, as well as some games, soundtracks and books.

This information will help me when designing my magazine as I can use it whilst creating my cover lines. I want my magazine to looks as realistic as possible, so I want it to convey the typical codes and conventions of Total Film Magazine. 

Research - Poster Analysis

Lighting:
- The dull/dark lighting relates to the dark content of the film.
- The film is an action/thriller so invoves intense scenes which involve guns/murder etc.

Costume:
- The main actor is in mainly dark, black clothing which has connotations to mystery and relates to him as a spy/secret agent.
- He is also wearing a suit which suggest he has an important/serious profession.
- However, that his tie and top button are undone could suggests a casual approach to his job but also a sense of rebellion.
- This could also relate to him being a 'heart-throb' to attract the female audience.

Props:
- The use of the gun relates to the genre and content of the film. It suggests a sense of action and danger which would thrill the audience.

Facial Expressions:
- The main actor's facial expression is serious and he isn't making direct eye contact with the audience which could reflect his profession as it is against society and secretive.
- The woman is looking towards the man suggesting an affection towards him. This could suggest a possible love interest in the film which would excite an audience.

Blocking:
- The woman is placed in the background of the image which represents her as inferior to him which is typical of gender representation.
- The woman is also dressed in dark clothing which likens her to the man and makes her mysterious.
- Her clothing is revealling which is also typical of female representation. It reflects the objectivcation of women and that she is used to attract a male audience.

Typography:
- 'Casino' suggests gambling, as the activity is risky it creates a feeling of danger and going against what is moral.
- 'Royale' links to royalty so suggests a sense of importance.
- The number '7' is also made to look like gun which relates to the genre of the film - action/thriller.

Drafting and Planning - Storyboard

I then devised a storyboard which I will follow when filming my trailer. I did this because it gives me some form of structure to follow when it comes to producing my trailer so I know exactly what needs to be done.
This will be effective when planning my time as I can only use the school camera's for a short period of time. Therefore, I will not be wasting any valuable time with the camera.

Drafting and Planning - Mise en scene

I then thought about the different body language, lighting and props I am going to use to increase fear and anticipation in the audience. I came up with the following:

• Naturalistic Lighting: I will use natural light at the beginning of my trailer to initiate normal, every day life. The first part of my trailer will be filmed on the train/ in the train station in the natural daylight.
• Body Language: I will concentrate on the girl's body language at the beginning of the trailer to show her vulnerability. She will be messing with her hair/hands showing her nervousness.
• Props:
  - Suitcase: I will use a suitcase at the beginning of the clip as the girl is walking around the train station and as she approaches the house. This shows that she is moving away from home.
  - Cups: I will use cups filled with alcohol (fake) when the girls are sitting around the table getting to know each other. That they are drinking reflects the situation they are in and that they are having fun, it could also present them as vulnerable.
  - Mobile Phone: I will use a mobile phone to show the strange happenings going on. The girl will answer the phone but there will be no one speaking, just heavy breathing. 
• Dark Lighting: I will use dark lightning as there is a change in the equilibrium and the strange happenings start to occur. I may use flickering lights to show a sense of the supernatural.  

Drafting and Planning - Editing

I then began to think of the different editing techniques I will use to create effect. The following are the ideas I came up with:

• Fade: I will fade from the shot of the newspaper clippings to the shot of the young girl travelling on the train. This initiates to the audience a change in atmosphere but in the back of their mind they will remember the murder and that a girl is missing. 
• Straight Cut: I will use a straight cut from the shot of the girls drinking/listening to music/getting to know each other to a knock at the door. This will be effective as it will show a change in atmosphere which is about to happen. 
• Quickened Pace: I will speed up the pace towards the end of the trailer to contrast with the beginning. The fast pace will initiate fear and nervousness as the girls are trying to escape from the house. 

Drafting and Planning - Shot List

I began to think of the various shots I will use throughout my trailer and why I will use them. I thought this important as when I begin filming I will therefore know what to do with the camera and not miss any important shots out. The following are the main shots I will use:

• Establishing Shot - I will use an establishing shot of the flat in which the majority of my trailer will be filmed.
• High Angle Shot - Shot of the house making it look superior and large. 
• Close Up - I will use a close up of my prop of newspaper headlines to inform the audience of the girl who was murdered in the flat. 
• Medium Close Up - I will use a medium close up of my main character travelling on the train to her new flat. 
• Close Up - I will use a close up of the girl's hands, she will be messing/ fiddling with her hands showing her nervousness. 
• Wide Shot - I will use a wide shot showing the girl in the train station looking around, showing her as vulnerable and lost. 
• High Angle Shot - I will use a high angle shot of the girl arriving at the house, showing her to be inferior towards the house. 
• Wide Shot - I will use a wide shot of all the girls together for the first time, showing them getting to know eacother 
• Shot Reverse Shot - Shots of the girls reactions as strange things start to happen (door knocking/ phone ringing.) 
• Canted Angle - Girl running down the stairs trying to escape. 
• Extreme Close Up - End with close up of 'baddy'/ her eye.