Theatrical Trailers vs. Teaser Trailers

Trailers

The purpose of a film trailer is a marketing device to display the film to a potential audience in the most positive light. Scenes from the film are cut and edited into a short sequence, usually illustrating the most action-filled, exciting parts of the film.

What does the trailer need to portray?

• Key characters - a trailer usually introduces the protagonist and antagonist of the films, giving an overall reflection of the characters. The audience are also able to recognise any well-known actors/actresses, which further markets the film.
• Time period - the audience are informed when the film is set.
• Essential aspects of the plot - however the resolution of the story must not be given away.

The Motion Picture Association of America (The MPAA)

• The Motion Picture Association of America state that every trailer has to be less than 2 and a half minutes long.
• However, each film distributor or studio are allowed to exceed this limit once a year for films in which it is deemed necessary.
• Internet-only trailers do not have to stay within these time constraints are they are not to be shown in cinemas.

Theatrical Trailers vs. Teaser Trailers

The purpose of a teaser trailer is to simply 'tease' the audience by giving short snippets of the film. Very little plot is given away, whereas in a theatrical trailer the general storyline is hinted at.

Teaser trailers rely more heavily on editing processes, as in such a short space of time a lot of material has to be shown. More creative editing techniques are necessary to give a better 'feel' for the film.

Teaser trailers are much shorter - they tend to be between 1 and 1.5 minutes.

Cinematography Inspirations

Cinematography Inspirations

Below is a mind-map I created showing different cinematographic inspirations I took from various film and television pieces I have watched. I focused on camera angles, colour and general framing techniques.

The research that inspired me the most was the colours used by Jean-Pierre Juenet in Amelie. The emotions depicted in Machado's work are so beautifully replicated throughout the film. The warm colours, dark reds and browns have a very similar tone to the work of Machado.

We could try and replicate this if we opt for an arthouse style by researching artists we like and noting their colour schemes and visual styles.

Masculine vs Feminine Stereotypes

Masculine vs Feminine Stereotypes

We wanted our film to portray the realities of masculinity behind the facades of social constructs. Our film touches on the life of our protagonist – to the exterior world he is socially ‘normal’ (masculine, tough, aggressive) however alone he suffers with mental illness. With suicide being the biggest single killer of young men in the UK, we felt that this was an extremely prevalent issue in today’s society. We hope that our protagonist serves as a relatable character for male audiences, as well as highlighting social injustices. 

Our film needs to portray the protagonist as a three-dimensional character. His external ‘masculine’ self will be portrayed through the use of masculine imagery – for example shots of him boxing to depict the violent way in which men are ‘taught’ to express their emotions, rather than by talking about them. His internal self will be depicted with shots suggestive of mental health struggles.

Character Stereotypes (British Working Class Youth)

Common Stereotypes of British Working Class Youth

Social realism tends to focus on the hardships of the working class. Below is a mindmap I created showing the common stereotypes of the British working class youth.

How can we conform to these stereotypes?

• Our protagonist will wear sportswear as this commonly fashionable amongst young people.
• Our protagonist will perhaps come from a poor area.
• We could incorporate ideas about gang culture.
• Our protagonist may engage in mild anti-social behaviour, for example spitting.

How can we subvert these stereotypes?

• Our protagonist will not be aggressive or unpleasant.
• We will depict the inner struggle of our protagonist alongside the exterior depiction of his masculine self.
• Our protagonist will be portrayed as vulnerable rather than aggressive.
• Our protagonist will not be portrayed as uneducated.

Poster Deconstruction - A Way of Life

Poster Deconstruction - A Way of Life

• The poster is split into three sections - the ground, sky, and the protagonist's eyes.
• The poster contains the film certificate, which we could potentially include on our poster (especially if our film has a high age rating)
• The film's title is the biggest text on screen
• Amongst the clouds are film critic's reviews
• A naturalistic colour palette is used - blues and greens. 

Research on genre

Genre research

• We identified that it is essential that you establish your chosen genre before proceeding in any media production.

• The definition of genre is : ‘ a motion picture category based on similarities in either the narrative elements or the emotional response to the film.
• We decide to select the social realism genre to persue during the creation of our teaser trailer.
• The definition of social realism is: ‘the realistic depiction in art of contemporary life, as a means of social or political comment’
• After much deliberation, we decided to focus on the issue of masculine representation in society and the harsh expectations that are paired with being a male as we believe this is a topic that is not frequently addressed. 

'Under the Skin' Trailer Deconstruction

Under the Skin - Teaser Trailer 

I decided to deconstruct the teaser trailer for 'Under the Skin', a 2014 film featuring Scarlett Johansson.

Structure

• The trailer opens with a black screen - this creates a sense of uncertainty within the audience whilst building tension.
• Next a close up circular figure consumes the screen, getting larger. This section is interesting as it is very long, lasting from 0:07 until 0:52. This slowly increases the tension and confusion within the audience.
• The black circle eventually consumes the whole screen before it changes into an eye. This acts as a release of tension for the audience as the mysterious shape becomes identifiable, which provides a sense of reassurance.
• The next section is a montage edit of scenes from the film. A long shot of a dimly lit road is followed by various eerie shots of the characters at different stages in the film. Each clip lasts no longer than a second.
• The final shot lasts for a few seconds, showing a floating skin from one of the victims - this lingers in the audience's minds and provokes questions as to how the body came to be in such a state etc. These questions leave the audience keen to watch the rest of the film.

Sound

• The first 'eye' shot contains an eerie, creaking sound that reappears throughout, as well as static sounding electric sounds and a wind effect. In unison, the music sounds discordant and out of time, creating a tense and eerie sound. This sound builds in thickness as the shot duration increases.
• When the shot of the eye is replaced by the shot of the road, the music stops completely and is replaced with the parallel rhythmic percussion sound. The images on screen change with each beat which adds a sense of unison between the visual and aural aspects of the trailer. 
• The last shot is coupled with a contrapuntal string instrument sound. The chord is played in a minor key with discordant notes added to contribute to the sense of uneasiness and foreboding.
• The final slow percussion compliments the credits on screen, essentially 'rounding off' the piece.

Typography

• Typography of critics' reviews is shown on screen in a very quick cut montage, making the text barely legible. However the key words are readable as they remain on screen just long enough to be read.
• The text is of a bold, clean, white font in an all-caps style lettering. This adds a certain professionalism as well as readability.

What can we take from this 

• I like the eerie long shot at the beginning to build tension.
• The extreme close up shot of the eye makes it appear unrecognisable and disorientating, which is effective in establishing the film as a science fiction.
• The quick montage of typography is something we could apply to our own piece to display critics' reviews.

Political Climate within Social Realist Films

Political Climate within Social Realist Films

As listed in the codes and conventions of social realism, I touched upon the fact that social realist films are typically set among a socio-political backdrop of political unrest. I decided to research existing texts where the respective political climate serves as a catalyst for narrative development.

This is England

One film that does this clearly is 'This is England'', directed by Shane Meadows. The character Shaun's father died in the Falkland's War, and the repercussions of this occur throughout the film. More generally, the misfortunes of the characters in the film are portrayed to be resultant of Thatcher's government of England. The North of England was most profoundly affected be Thatcher's closing of industrial work, leading to mass unemployment and a loss of national identity. 'This is England' highlights how many young people joined the skinhead movement as an act of defiance and as an attempt to reclaim their lost national identity.

How will we incorporate the current political climate in our final piece?

An issue with a dominant presence in current society is the issue of mental health and masculinity. Suicide is the biggest killer of young men and this is an issue that is partially resultant of societally inflicted gender stereotypes. Men feeling as though they are unable to speak out about their emotions and issues leads to an increase in mental health issues among males, and this is an issue we wanted to discuss in our piece.

Our film will contain a character-driven plot, focussing on the nuances and subtleties of the protagonist's character and struggle. We will use juxtaposing images of stereotypical masculinity contrasted with images suggestive of mental health issues, showing how the latter are often hidden behind a facade of 'toughness'.

Initial ideas - Questionnaire

Social Realism - Survey Monkey

When brainstorming our first ideas for the genre of our teaser trailer, we agreed on 'Social Realism'. Following this, the next discussion enfolded around what the theme was going to be and how we were going to portray this. It is important to do research to see what the our audience would prefer. Therefore, before creating the project, I formed a survey on Survey Monkey, targeted at potential members the audience, as this is an effective way to gain information to help target our initial ideas on what would be more effective and successful

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JBYXDCS 
Create your own user feedback survey

Masculinity symbolism survey

Masculinity - Survey Monkey

Once we had agreed on the theme of masculinity, we immediately began the process of research. We had to discover what the common aspects of a masculinity film were, as well as what possible symbols could represent masculinity as a theme. We decided we wanted to approach the theme of masculinity in various different angles, so, although we will be conforming to the stereotype of a male figure being empowered and strong, we will also explore subverting this stereotype and discussing how mental health in males can often be cloaked by the stereotypical idea they are expected to conform to.

We carried out a survey to see what symboled the audience would relate masculinity to: Create your own user feedback survey

Codes and Conventions of Social Realism

Codes and Conventions of Social Realism

The genre we have chosen for our film is social realism, as we felt this would be best for reflecting ideas of masculinity through a character-driven plot. Before starting the filming process I decided to make a list of conventions we wanted to adhere to.

• Social realist films reflecting the British working class are typically shot in dilapidated, gritty urban locations.
• Issues surrounding the lack of social mobility in working class areas are often highlighted through the characterisation and mise en scene.
• The style of camera work is often similar to that used in documentaries.
• Mise en scene is often very detailed and thoughtfully constructed, with plenty of symbolism, serving to further embed the representations presented in the minds of the audience.
• The youth of today's society are often portrayed negatively - we can choose to either conform or challenge these stereotypes.
• Social realist films often feature little action and complex narratives - they are driven mainly by character developments. 
• Actors are natural and realistic to portray a relatable narrative.
• The characters often face hardships due to socially reinforced circumstances.
• Social realist films are typically relevant to the political climate of the time, for example 'This is England' which is based at a Thatcher led government of political unrest.

Each of these conventions are important in distinguishing social realist films, and we will use them for inspiration when we begin to film. 

Review of Filming

Review of Filming Day 2

Day Two: Indoor Water Scenes

On the second day of filming we were limited by time, so we decided to film only a handful of shots. The shots we wanted to film were all to be filmed indoors, which was useful as we did not need to worry about inconsistent lighting due to the early winter sunset.

Objectives We Overcame

• The artificial lighting meant that the lighting varied depending on where the camera was placed. This meant that the same shot from a different angle has a different light and thus a different mood. To overcome this we used the live preview on our camera screen to only film shots we could see would produce similar results.

Location scouting 3

Erith park

As part of our theme of masculinity, we aimed to present the male character as isolated and alone. Therefore we seemed to find a large open area in which the character would feel small. We found this local park which generally always seems very empty and thought it was worth considering. The open green space is also surrounded by blocks of flats which is complimentary to the gritty urban feel we aim to produce in out trailer. Furthermore, next to the green field is a small park which also has potential to be a filming location as again, it  is usually empty creating an image of isolation. 

Positives of this location:

• Large open space
• Surrounding mise en scene works well
• In near to a leisure centre so access to toilets if needed during a long filming day
• Good mise en scene 
• Is a close location so is easily access able to re-film if needed
• No permission is needed to film there
• There is a park near the location which is another filming option

Negatives of this location:

• Natural light is being used which can vary a lot
• The wind/rain may be unpredictable 
• As it is a public place, passers by may effect the shots as they may not seem continuous if different people are in the backgrounds of each shot

Rocky Inspiration

Rocky 

Even though Rocky takes a different approach to masculinity, we still really liked some of the shots and landscapes used throughout the film, in the above clip especially. Similar to our trailer, social realism is used to enhance ideas about masculinity. As well as this, water is used as a motif throughout the film, however, in this approach to prove the naivety of the masculine symbol in society.

We are interested in using the boxing gloves as a symbol of masculinity much like in this film, however, in contrast to this film, we want one simple shot of them to make it as effective as possible. We also loved the shot of the camera following Rocky whilst he is doing sit ups which highlights the strength of his body, as well as the obvious sweat on his shirt. Although, it takes the complete opposite approach in this film, there are still many aspects we enjoyed and were inspired by.

-Caera Mendez

Filming ideas

Week begining 6th November - Filming ideas

Highstreet time lapse shot- Location Bexleyheath
Underwater shot in the bath - using a GoPro
Razor cut shot, placing razor on the side shot, blood droplet shot, oil and food colouring in water
Masculine symbolism- boxing gloves on bed, shots of army toys being knocked over
Working out shots
Cafe with friends, camera transition as someone passes the camera and his friends disappear 
Friends walking slow motion towards camera
Camera in car passing by capturing character alone
Main character walking past in Thamesmead estate 

Location Scouting 2

Location Scouting - Park

For our second location, we wanted to use a location reflected of the younger self, and show how boys are shaped from an extremely young age. We found a park quite isolated by houses, which we liked as it shows how you can be so surrounded, yet still feel so alone.

The park has an eerie and isolated atmosphere, with gates surrounding it, which will assists with our motif of entrapment using bars.

The park is full of empty space, reflected of the protagonist's mind, with the swings and other parts of the play park reflecting his thoughts, which could potentially become dangerous if used the wrong way.

The green open space, allows us to have a relatable and natural approach, creating realism.

It may be difficult, however, with this location as it is like our others, a public space, so setting and those in the shots, can change very easily, so this is something we would have to be very careful of and take steps to make sure out shots match perfectly. This also, similar to lighting and weather, as we are relying on outside space and light.

-Caera Mendez 

Masculinity In Film

Masculinity in Film

It is very important to highlight the issues of masculinity in society as a whole, which is reflected greatly in film. The repression against men having no emotion and always being the "hero" is beginning to be pushed, however, previously to this, it was shamed greatly for a male protagonist, not acting like a "man". 

In the majority of mainstream films, masculinity is always presented in the same way, similarly to the recurring theme of femininity. 

Fight Club was one of Hollywood's most prominent films investigating and exploring masculinity.
Quite apparently from the name, Fight Club was a way to reassert the violence, emotionless, ideal "man" of society. It was created to remove men from consumerisms of American society and take them back to their original "masculine" state. On the surface, the film suggests greatly that the only way a man can experience a true masculine self, is through violence and wounding. However, if you are to look further into it, it appears to actually critique violence and the concept of "survival of the fittest." It appears to stress that, being able to accept responsibility, attaching and understanding your emotions and recognising the limits of nihilism (Tyler's specifically), is what assists in being a "real man." It highlights the frustration from men in today's society, who appear to turn their suppressed emotions into anger, which is then transferred by society into their masculinity and strength, rather than processed as an "uncommon" emotion, much like the unnamed protagonist and narrator and the film.

-Caera Mendez

Review of Filming

Review Of Filming - Day 1 

After arriving at our location, we set our camera up with the tripod and firstly took some surrounding shots, so we can put some establishing shots into our trailer. We then began to take shots of our main protagonist individually, so we can incorporate shots of isolation and loneliness.

We experimented greatly with the gates around the pier, to incorporate the concept of our protagonist feeling entrapped and imprisoned by society. We did multiple shots from different angles including the bars, so we can use them to our advantage as much as possible.

We also incorporated the landscape greatly, which involves the River Thames, we utilised the river much so as it allowed us to enhance our water motif as much as possible. We believe if we use water in our trailer as a theme, it will prove the fluidity of masculinity, however, with the restrictions of the bars and the city around the river, masculinity is set with boundaries.

After using the tripod, we decided to change to the stabiliser, so we can vary the types of shots we include in our trailer, along with improve our media skills in general.

We were able to incorporate all shots and concepts we wanted to on this day of filming and were really able to play around with the use of the camera. As we noted prior to filming, lighting was a small issue as we were relying on natural light, so we could only film for a limited time before the setting began to change. Lighting is likely to be the greatest issue in our filming, however, we have taken many steps to overcome this, including, specifically choosing our filming time during the day as well as, the weather on the day.

-Caera Mendez

Directors & producers

Inspiration for our trailer was from the film 'The child in time". The director of this is Julian Farino
who is an English film and television producer and director, who was the sports editor of The Guinness Book of Records. He won the British Academy Television Award for Best Single Drama in 2003 and 2015, the British Academy Television Craft Award for Best Director - Fiction in 2015, British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Serial in 1999 and the Danny Thomas Producer of the Year Award in Episodic Television in 2006.

Another place we got inspiration from was from the film 'Manchester by the sea'. The director of this is Kenneth Lonergan, whom is an American screenwriter, playwright and film director. He was awarded 'Academy Award For Best Director' for his film Manchester by the sea. He also won the BAFTA award for best original screenplay for the film.