Narrative Theory- Vladimir Propp's Theory of Narrative

This theory was brought about from the work of Russian Formalists from the 1920s.  Vladimir Propp came up with the thought that characters were able to adopt the role of "spheres of action". After an intenese nalysation of folk-tales Propp came up with seven different character types:

• The Hero, often male, restores the narrative equilateral often by embarking upon an quest.  
• The Villain, usually creates the narrative disruption.
• The Donor, is able to provide the hero with something that resolves the narrative
• The Helper, aids the hero in the task of restoring equilibrium. 
• The Princess, usually character most threatened by the villain and has to be saved.
• The Dispatcher, sends the hero on their required tasks
• The False Hero, is made to seem good but is revealed at the narratives end to be bad.

In class we worked in groups and had to come up with a film and put characters into each type. In my group we discussed Rush Hour and below is all characters in each type.

Rush Hour (1998)

• The Hero- Detective Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan)
• The Villain- Sang (Ken Leung)
• The Donor- Johnson (Elizabeth Pena)
• The Helper- Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker) 
• The Princess- Soo Yung (Julia Hsu)
• The Dispatcher- Consol Han (Tzi Ma)
• The False Hero- Juntao (Tom Wilkinson) 

Features of Multimodal Texts

Multi-modal texts are important in the running of the media. A film trailer is an example of a multi-modal text as they are able to make an meaning through a combination of different modes of communication. During a film trailer there are many different things happening at the same time.

Features of Multi-modal text are;

• Written text in screen
• spoken language
• Moving images
• Sound effects
• Music

Below is an example of the features of a multi-modal texts in The silent house





The start of the trailer begin with the distriutor and production company present on the screen. This is able to give information of the involvements with the film. There are also various typography which is present throughout the film which is able to make the audience aware of the genre and the base of the film. "Laura and her father", "have to fix up their old house" "But before the night is over". There is not much spoken language in the trailer as a lot of typography is used to make the audience aware and draw them in. However, the basic is used to allow the audience to be aware of the characters involved, such as "Papa". The trailer begins with a peaceful non-digetic sound which soon alters as the action begins. As every piece of typography appears on the screen we hear a new piece of Non-digetic sound.

Horror Film Distributors

Below are list of distributors that cater in the niche market:

Arrow Films



Brain Damage Films

The film websites specialises in horror and its sub genre. These type of websites is targeted at passionate film lovers in these genres as they also distribute classics as well as re releases. Also available on this website is special edition cuts. These websites are a key influence in the film value chain and home cinema market, where in the UK majority of their money from. Small budgeted films are mainly best to be released directly to DVD, however  they also have the opportunity to re-release in the cinema. 

The Form and Functions of Voice-overs in Trailers

The purpose of a voice-over in film trailers is create and stress  certain and valuable information of the film. A voice-over is able to set the tone of the film, by the use of narrating. The voice-over is able to paint a clearer picture of the film as it is able to reinforce; title, actors, production crew and so on. A voice- over is also able to emphasis the release date of the film.


The Conventions Of a Voice- Over is;

• Male Voice
• Deep
• Exaggerated/ Stressed Words
• American Accent 
• Authoritative
• Tone of voice will very dependent on genre

Below are examples of voice- overs we studied in class along with the work sheet:

Honey 2

Honey 2 uses  a voice-over as a parallel link with the typography displayed on the screen. This allows audience to hear as well as see what is being said. This is also able to provide the audience with a slight insight of what is likely to occur within the film.

Smurfs

During a trailer a voice- over may be used as well as credits. The use of this type typography is able to grab the viewers attention even more as they will hear the same thing they see. The dialogue in a trailer is mainly used during the voice- over speaking. The use of dialogue is also able to complement the film as an image may appear which is relevant or parallel to what has been said or written. 


One of the most well known voice- over artist is Don LaFontaine. During his Career Don LaFontaine recorded more than 5,000 movie trailers as well as over 10,000 video game trailers, television advertisements and network promotions.  

Media Quiz- Film Reasearch

Source www.launchingfilms.tv 
Define:

• Acquisition- Purchasing goods/Services at the best total cost
• Major Distributors- A large company which is able to release a a large number of films each year
• Independent Distributors- Are subsidiaries, handle films made outside the studios
• Marketability-how it can be promoted to its particular performance
• Playability-how it actually performs in the distributors

When is the ideal time for a film's marketability to be assessed by a distributor?

The ideal time to asses is during the release of the film.

When is the ideal time for a distribution deal to be in place?

The earlier a distributor is involved the better, as they are able to help with funding for the film allowing it to acquire better advertising or even filming locations. 

What Government organisation co-ordinates the public funds available in the UK for film production?

The UK film Council

How many Films per a week are released on average in the UK?

What generates more money in the UK for films? Ticket sales or Home Entertainment Market (Film Rentals)?

Ticket sales generate more money

When is a Good time in the year to release a film aimed at young people in the UK?

It is a good time to release a film for young people in the UK, during the summer Holidays. As the school children will not be at school therefore they will have more free time and are more likely to attend the cinema.  

What is a Distributors plan?

What is meant by audience positioning?

Who awards film classification certificates in the UK?

Horror Posters

Horror posters

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Distributors

Below is a presentation on distributors

Distributors

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Trailers Structures

A trailer has an common narrative structure as it portrays events which occur to provide basic information about the narrative. The main function of a trailer is to lure the audience in, encouraging them to watch the film. Therefore, a trailer has to demonstrates the events which occur in the film without revealing the endings and resolutions. A trailer will display the most interesting aspects of a film creating a stimulating experience for the audience. This links in with Todorov's Theory of Narrative because a trailer demonstrates

1. A state of equilibrium at the outset. - showing  the viewers the setting and main characters involved with the film
2. A disruption of equilibrium by some action- shows the problem which has occurred within the film
3. A recognition that there has been a disruption- show that the characters have released that the problem has occurred
4. An attempt to repair the disruption- shows the events which the characters undergo to repair the problem
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium- a trailer does not display this as it will revel the ending to the film and not leave the viewers with the sense of anticipation 

The structure of a trailer and the lack of resolution creates intrigue for the audience. A trailer does not present an ending to lure the audience in and wonder the outcome, this also makes the audience want to watch the film. The audience will want to know the resolution and how the characters tackle the problem and if the survive. A trailer is also able to provide a clear indication of the genre of the film and the story line.

At  the start of the film we are presented with a female teacher who has a very negative attitude to school and teacher, this is the equilibrium. A disruption occurs when she realises that she is lacking in the male company and she is interested in a man who is able to take care of her this male sub recently got out of an relationship with a female with large attributes. A recognition of the problem is she believes he will notice her more with bigger breast she is also unable to afford to pay for a boob job due to it being expensive. An attempt to repair the solution is when she realises that the teacher who receives the highest scoring class receives a bonus.

Before

After

Above is an image which I have worked on in class. I took the image from google and edited on photoshop. I attempted to relate the image to an horror poster with and various textures.

Functions and Conventions of a Film Poster

Codes and Conventions of a film trailer

There are numerous things which you are likely to find on film trailer. These points are significant as the trailer is hugely influential in the success of a film. Things which are likely to appear on a trailer is:

• Production Companies
• Credits
• Soundtrack
• Release Date
• Certification
• Title of Film
• Voice over

You are likely to find trailers:

• Youtube 
• Cinema
• iTunes
• TV Ads
• Social Networking Sites

Uses and Gratification Theory

This theory brings up the possibility that the media audience often make active use of what the media offer. Every audience has their own needs and wants, which the media is able to meet one way or another.

There are four main reason audience watch:

1. Diversion- a form of escape from everyday life and problems
My form of diversion is pursuit of Happiness, this film is able to be a form of diversion due to the events which occur and the resolutions and outcome, this can be a form of escapism and provide viewers with positive thoughts.


2. Personal Relationships- which is companionship through identification with characters used and being able to have a discussion about it.
My form of Personal Relationship is Friday, this film is able to provide a topic of discussion due to the events covered and the affects which it has on the people involved. Due to the film being a comedy it is also seen very humorous and represents youths.



3.Personal Identity- the ability to compare ones life with the characters and situations portrayed and explore individual problems and perspectives.
my form of personal identity is Cass, this film is based on a true story and covers events which the character has experienced. This allows the audience to feel emotion for the character and see the struggle and hardship they have experienced. This film also allows you to compare your life to the character.


4. Surveillance- Information of the happenings in the world
e.g The day after tomorrow, this film is a form of surveillance as it covers topics which are likely to occur and have occurred in the world. This film is able to educate the viewers on the happenings of the world.

Functions Of A Film Trailer

Film trailers have various functions, below is a list of them below

• Make the audience aware of the release date
• State the plot and genre of the film clearly
• Film trailers are often used before a film at the cinema to appeal to the correct audience
• State the actors and directors involved 
• Advertise as well as promote the film

Below is a work sheet which was worked on in class:

Year 13 Brief

The task set for year  13 is to produce our own film trailer, as well as an magazine trailer to promote the film. We have been assigned a specific genre of Horror however, with the possibility of making it an hybrid. Our assigned target audience for this film is 15-25, we are also appealing towards independent, creative and aspiring adults.

Evaluation of film process- "The Meeting"

The group i was in consisted of Jennifer, Matt, Catherine and Dylan. As you can see the size of our group problems were bound to occur as there was too many people in our group so disagreements and personality clashes were bound to occur and they did. We decided todo one meeting but soon relised that not everyone was able to put an equal input and contribute to there best ability.

Therefore we created another meeting allowing people the chance of try something different. The film was a short 5 minuet clip. In the first clip we had Jennifer, Dylan and Catherine as actors. Matt was producing and i was filming. The focus of the meeting was an investment scam, with the series of Hustle in mind. entrapping the main protaganist Dylan and Catherine, Jennifer the scammers. The script was made in collaboration by Catherine and Matt with creative input from the whole group. 

In the filming we used a tripod to ensure continuity in the cinematography. In evaluation this extract was pulled off successfully, however the group as a whole could have done more planning in the beginining and tried to co ordinate cohesively as a unit. In my responsibilities as producer i should have taken a greater control of procedings and a script on time.

                 

The secound extract consit of me matt be actors while Jennifer, Catherine and Dylan have an input behind the scenes. Due to the lack of time and overall lack of imangination and creativity this was less successfull in its purpose. In evaulation this taught me a lesson in time management and producing a quality product consistently. As a group this was less successfull because not everybody had a say in procedings or input. 

I feel i could have worked harder and put in more effort in this task however it was difficult to get you point of view across due to the size of my group. 

In terms of the technology aspect, i felt i learnt new skills and was able to develop some skills i did not have before. I felt i learnt more about shooting a film i was able to develop my skills on framing and length of shoots, etc. I also learnt how to edit movies on iMovies, where you are able to link clips and shorten them. However I feel I still am not able to operate and function iMovies correctly.

double page spread

Finished Product

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

If i look bat at the preliminary task i was set, of designing a school magazine front cover and contents page compared to my music magazinge, i feel i have developed various techniques in the different softwares used; photoshop and pages. I learnt how valid it is to have enough research on what you are hoping to produce and do planning. This technique will allow you to produce an effective product which detail added is there for a reason.

I feel after completing my prelimanary task i was not fully confident on the codes and conventions, however I learnt what sort of things went on a magazine and the reason behind it. I focused on my wewakness and try to develop my knowledge on codes and conventions and i researched several different types of magazines and what sort of marketing they where targeting. From looking at several different genres and the codes and conventions they used, I fully developed a solid understanding and was able to produce my own.

In the production process I faced a few problems such as positioning. I wanted my product to look professional and be able to chalange the magazine I was researching codes and conventions. I tried out various positons for my conventions, but after looking at the source's front page I fealt I had chose the right position for it. The magazine I researched only had one image on the contents, therefore this part of production was not too difficult, however i needed to make sure there was enough text on the page.

If I was able to redo anything about my music magazine I would crop around the images i produced. I did attempt doing this however I found it too difficult to produce this. I saw this technique on the magazine i reasearched The Source.

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Original Photos

Original photos

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How did I attract/ address the audience for my music publication?

Question 3

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What have I learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Question 6

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Who I am basing my artist on

De La Soul



Run Dmc

How does my media product represent particular social groups?

In the main image of my music magazine there are three photos which are merged together. The three male models are wearing a mixture of clothing, as two of them are dressed in hoodies whilst one is wearing a jumper. One of my male models has his hood up which may be seen as stereotypical for teens our age. My three male models are representing the social group linked with hip hop.

The clothing worn by my male models is a combination of intimidating and smart. One of my male models is portraying both whilst the other two have one or the other. In comparison to the magazine i researched, The Source my magazine does not use the stereotypical American Hip Hop look.

This appeals to the market i will be targeting because it portrays youth culture, which they can have a direct link with. The male models are of a mixture of origins such as; African British, Caribbean British and Asian.

Who would be the audience for my media product?

The music magazine i will be creating will contain a mixture of present Hip Hop and 80s Hip Hop. I have chose to combine the two as the 80s was a crucial period for Hip Hop and can be seen as the making of Hip Hop. In my music magazine there will be articles which cover a wide verity of topics other than music, just like the music magazine i researched, The Source.  Topics will include; fashion, music, business, health, politics, etc.

My target market is aged between 16-19. My target market does not have a specific full time job as this age period is when the move onto higher education. At this age they are mainly on a part time job, therefore they may be earning a basic salary.

My audience would listen to fair bit of music as they will need to have a solid enough knowledge about the various artists. They may be listening to music from a download illegally (e.g Limewire) or legally (e.g iTunes). They also  may attend live performance of the various artists which produce music in the same genre. Also they will be able to access music on various radio stations and music channels.

If the stereotypical point of view is taken on people will often say that my target market spends their money on alcohol, cigerettes and drugs. This view is true in some cases however, my target market often spend money on tickets to music events and attend the cinema. Therefore there spair time is mainly occupied. the other hobbies which they may take up is sport, such as; Basketball, footballl and boxing.

The type of products I will advertise in my magazine, will be items of clothing, trainers, hats, bags and technology which will have a link with the artists i am promoting and will be items desired by my target market. 

What kinds of media institution might distribute your magazine and why?

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In what ways does your music magazine use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real music magazines?

The genre of music I have chosen for my music magazine is 80s hip hop. I have chosen to research two different recent hip hop magazines: Vibe and The Source. I previously have done research on the music magazine mixmag, therefore I had knowledge about the conventions which consist on the front cover: date, issue, barcode, price, masthead, lures, main image, mode of address, cover lines and strap lines.  I used the information knew to analysis The Source and follow the conventions and codes which it consisted as it was the same genre.

The Source used a masthead which was big and bold and in red colored font to show the significance of it. After trying out various colors for my mastheads I chose to use the colour red and blue with intervals of black to represent how the magazine is ancient. The colour red and white is used throughout the page and the font is very consistent. I also used consistent and clear font however I had to vary the colour as due to the image background I was unable to use white font. There is a lack of text on the front page as each strap line is followed by a few words to lure the audience in. I also adopted this technique and on my music magazine and limited the amount of text.

The Source also uses a consistent font throughout the contents page and colour. The background is also white. Each page tile is written in red with grey writing for the description. Also the section description is in black font which fades into grey. There is only one image on the contents page which is anchored. I also chose to use one image on my contents page however I enlarged it to the background. 

Research into straplines

I have done some research into straplines, as they will be useful to the production of my music magazine. I collected research to give me information I need to add on my music magazine. I looked at different music genre's to see the sort of information they include. Below are the straplines I looked at:
Hip Hop Weekly:

 Kerrang

 Mixmag:

 NME

 VIBE:

Research into the music press

What is the music press?
The music press is an very important factor in promoting new up coming artists as well as keep raising the profiles of old artists in terms of popularity. The music press is also very useful in keeping the audience upto date with happenings in the music industry.

The music press is able to cover alot of ground as it can come in forms as a:
Music show:
MTV's TRL

BET's 106 & PARK

Also magazines or online websites such as:

The Source

The Source Official Website

Vibe

VIBE official Website

The use of the music press leaves the audience up to date with artists . This also allows money to be made by artists and record labels.

Different font styles/ colours/ size for my masthead

During my research and planning i focused on various masthead used by magazines from different genres.

Below is the masthead from vibe magazine. Vibe is a hip hop magazine, who targets a wide range of age groups. The font of this masthead is in bold a black. The letters "V,I and B" are in capital letters, whereas the letter "e" is in lower case. Below the masthead is a the slogan of the magazine. "redefining hip-hop". The words "hip-hop" are in blue to allow it to stand out and show the significance of the genre.

 

Below is the masthead from the magazine mixmag. Mixmag is a magazine which is aimed towards DJ's as it contains a wide range of music which are often used for mixing. The font of the masthead is curved and white. The "i" has a dot which resembles a disk often used by DJ's.

 

Below is the masthead from the magazine The Source. The Source is a music magazine which specialties in the Hip Hop genre. The magazine is aimed mainly at the age group 16- 30. I get this impression from the artists used and the content. The masthead demonstrates the power of the magazine as it has a hand with a firm grip on the "o".The colour of the masthead is red which resembles a colour of passion.

Below is the masthead from the magazine Kerrang! Kerrang! is a music magazine which promotes the rock genre. The magazine targets the age group of elderly teens. The font and colour of the masthead is in white with a black background. The masthead is an onomatopoeia as it looks as it sounds. The font is shattered and in capital letters.