Film magazine cover - research

This magazine cover has a background picture showing a close-up shot of the main character from the "Harry Potter" sequals. The name of the magazine "Empire" is partly on the top of the character. The background consists of dark colours. The text contrasts with the background as it uses bright colours (white, yellow). Some of the titles are written in different font sizes such as "MASSIVE PREVIEW SPECIAL!" in order to draw attention to the potential reader. The titles "*BLOODY HELL!" and "Harry comes out fighting" work along with the background picture to show the main subject in this magazine. There is also a picture frame in the bottom-left corner of the page featuring images of actors from different films. There is  a bar at the bottom section of the page containing movie titles featured in this particular magazine issue. The bar is not a part of the background image yet the colours used blend in very well with the original picture. There is also a barcode in the bottom-right section of the page. The general layout of the magazine cover shows that seeing the character's face is prioritised as all of the media texts are laid out around the characters image.

The magazine cover for total film has more or less the same layout as Empire, however its clear they have a house style template magazine cover which already includes the title of the magazine and the barcode. In this particular magazine cover the main characters from the film 'King kong' are clearly placed over the title of magazine which clearly shows whats more important and that they are the main attraction of the magazine. Also the whole colour correction of the magazine is under one real colour scheme, which makes it easy on the eye. They have also included information of the other films that'll be released during that time period, to cater for all audiences as 'King Kong' may not be everyones 'cup of tea'. Also in the bottom left corner their is more features of other films, that show different promotion techniques. One of them is quoting, and another is comparing one movie to those that are already established. For example 'Lock, Stock Meets Goodfellas'. As most already know Goodfellas is a timeless classic.

Film Poster

Film Magazine Cover Research

Empire magazine is a popular British film magazine, that is published by Bauer Consumer Media.
As part of our research for the film magazine cover, we looked at empire magazine and closely engaged with the magazine's structural layout.
Below are some of the covers that we looked at :

The ' I AM LEGEND' magazine cover is something we hope to correlate with. We particulary like the simple backdrop with the main character at the centre of the page, which is effective in creating mystery, as no action is conveyed so the audience is left wondering what the film is about.
The consistent font style and lettering of the main bold title 'Empire', allows readers to easily identify with the magazine. Furthermore, at the bottom of this magazine, there are photo stills of other films of similar genres. So for readers who might not be particulary fond of the 'I AM LEGEND' film, may find the stills intriguing, which will ultimately attract viewers from all different areas of interest.













It seems like in most of the empire film magazines, the image takes up a vast amount of the magazine cover.The addition of stories being briefly described on the magazine cover exemplifies the interests of film fanatics. We hope to do the same for our film's magazine cover, to transfix a good solid fan base. The neo-colour highlighting is successful in drawing attention to particular film news that may affect future or present films and actors etc.

BLOG 3 - Generic conventions of Horror Thriller Films

The Codes and conventions used in order to demonstrate and specify the genre of the film are vital in our research and consist of features such as music script, costumes, camera angles and framing. Codes state what is used in the film (e.g. props) and conventions indicate how it was used (e.g. weapon). Those qualities are manipulated to create an appropriate theme and motive for a individual genre of the film. Our film is a hybrid of crime and horror genres therefore we are planning to combine the general conventions of both categories so that out production is successful and effectual.

In advance we plan to explore the generic conventions of horror crime teaser trailers allowing us to have a clear vision of our product and start filming as effective and efficient as possible. For instance we have noticed that the most frequent used camera shot is close ups and medium shots allowing the audience to see significant footage that builds up tension along side with the use of music, which is another element that contributes to the audiences attraction to the teaser trailer. for example slow pace sound tracks and when start off smooth then builds up into a routh and creepy rythem, getting louder and louder. moreover, the hero of the film tend to traditionally be 'macho men', who are involved in some sort of danger in the film and know previous knowledge of relative situations allowing him to take control over certain situations

The narrative usually consists of an extraordinary circumstance in an ordinary situation, which is what grips the attention of the targeted audience.

Within the genre of Crime Horror films, there are characteristics of other sub-genres such as action thriller. Action thriller films usually portray scenes of attacks, glorifying crime and violence. Usually the crime is murder, and some instances mass murders, especially in the instance of a Pyscological thriller. In a Psycological thriller, the plot is always surrounded around an individiual with some sort of mental illness.

This is a crime horror teaser trailer we carefully viewed, making note of the effect it leaves on us as an audience.  We was left in suspense and awe which is the desired effect we would like to input to our own production. Furthermore, there is usually the sub-genre of crime thriller. This usually involves a police chase and the authorities becoming the hereoes of the situation.

Blog 8 - Other inspirations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew5EYd5_i6M - Although this isn't a clip taken from a horror orientated movie, this scene was one of the main motivations for us doing a horror movie. After watching this clip, it helped us envision what we want our movie to look like and the style of our editing and pace of our movie. We also particularly like the tracking shot of one of the character's walking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHcsjO-lVbw - We also  like the whistle from kill bill as well. When first hearing it, it has a slow beautifully, haunting feel to it. Which is the exact style we are going for, a slow paced, built up tense scene, which at no point does it actually fully go into the full blown horror mode, but instead leaves you in suspense and worry the whole time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to2A1ycR40Q
 - This time an inspiration taken from another horror movie. In sinister we really liked the colour correction of the trailer, and certain aspects of the editing.

This is the background sound track we are aiming to use in our teaser trailer because we believe it has a powerful effect on viewers, which will keep them active and constantly be watching the trailer. we have noticed this sound being used by many horror movies, however we have used it in a very awkward and different way, as it will be the only sound that viewers will hear throughtout the trailer along with the dialogue "where is he, is he dead" to leave the viewers with many un answered and curious thoughts, which we believe will have a big impact on the audience. 

Blog 3 - Mood Board

Blog entry 6 - StoryBoard