Q5 - How did you attract/address your audience?
The target audience was addressed through various forms of
research consisting of a questionnaire, research into the thriller genre and
age restriction, plus an analysis of various successful thriller films.
The main form of secondary research consisted of an analysis
of various micro elements within the thriller genre; this was very beneficial
and had a large influence on the production of the sequence. One example might
be the hidden identity seen in ‘scary movie’. This was demonstrated in ‘scary
movie’ through the use of a mask on the antagonist; similarly my sequence used
hooded clothing to hide the identity of the antagonist. This is used to great
effect in the shot at the end of our sequence when the girl is killed; as the killers face is hidden it
creates an enigma for the audience, building a sense of suspense as the audience build curiosity over his identity. Also there was an effective use of high/low camera angles in the opening sequence of ‘Halloween’. After seeing this used to great effect it was added to our opening sequence, used specifically to present the antagonist and the victim. The antagonist was filmed with a low angle to show his dominance and the victim was filmed with a high angle to show her innocence. This was shown specifically in the last shot as the dead victim is filmed with a low angle, showing her innocence and vulnerability. It had a great effect in creating sympathy for the innocent victim.
In addition to this the main antagonist within the film 'seven' is seen to be deranged and unstable. This is seen within many thriller films and has a lasting effect on the audience. We took inspiration from this and created our antagonist with a deranged mind as it helps build upon the thriller conventions within the sequence. Ways in which we portrayed his deranged mind was through a hidden identity and the iconography of the scarf stolen from the female victim. Through showing him as being unstable the audience become fearful of what he is capable of and his intentions. This builds upon the typical conventions of fear and tension as we see the danger that the likeable victim is in.
These inspirations, taken from the successful thriller films
analysed helped us create a successful production as they had a large influence
in the ways in which the thriller conventions are portrayed throughout the
sequence.
The main primary research we used was a questionnaire. This was targeted at teenagers of both genders. It helped reinforce the views on various micro elements with the sequence, the suggested plot and the ways in which we could potentially attract the teenage target audience. This resulted in it being a important component in the production of the openings sequence.
The vox pops provided evidence of the answers to various questions in relation to the sequence. One question was directed at the different types of setting preferred in a thriller film. An isolated setting was seen as most popular. Reasons for this could be because an isolated setting shows the victim as being more vulnerable, increasing the fear factor and the suspense as we want to see them survive. From this an isolated setting was decided upon to present the suicide victim as looking more vulnerable and innocent to the audience. This is shown midway through the sequence as the two girls are being followed by the antagonist. By doing this it increased the suspense and tension as the viewers see her in danger.
Another question asked if the teenagers preferred the use of a hidden identity within the thriller genre. The majority of people said that they appreciated the effects. This had a great influence on the use of it in the sequence. The audience did not see the identity of the antagonist throughout the sequence; being specifically evident as we do not see the hooded figure that killed Carol at the end of the sequence. This is one of the most effective ways of creating suspense and mystery, both key to a thriller, keeping the viewers engaged and entertained. It also builds up an enigma, this being a typical convention used in the thriller genre. Our sequence was based on this use of this enigma, meaning that hidden identity was a vital factor of the sequence.
In addition to this, more importantly, the questionnaire set out a clear pathway into the target audience for the sequence and the ways in which we would attract them. One question asked if the audience would enjoy a thriller film that they could relate to. The majority of people answered 'yes'. This means that we created the sequence based on the age group of the target audience. Meaning that our characters were created to be stereotypical teenagers, taking short cuts on a walk home from school, wearing stereotypical clothing and seen in outgoing, conceited 'selfies' seen taken my many girls of this age group. The effect this had is that it meant the audience could build a closer relationship with the characters, especially the victim, it therefore emphasises the effect of the typical conventions such as shock, surprise and suspense. The stereotypical teenage age group presented in the sequence also may help with the marketing of the film as it is evident from the questionnaire that the target audience would be likely to want to watch a thriller film they could relate to.
Finally one other form of research consisted of planning. This generally involved group discussions as we planned out the plot of the sequence and the various micro-elements.
Firstly we thought of the overall plot. We did this through a group discussion, making notes on any suitable ideas for the narrative, conventions and micro elements within the sequence. Together we came up with the basic themes of death, an enigma, a female/male antagonist and victim relationship; a plot based on modern society and for it to be highly conventional to the thriller genre. Also, within this group discussion we developed our target audience; this being teenagers aged 15-20.
In order to build upon our conventional thriller we had to discuss the micro elements within the sequence. We had separate meetings for each micro element.
With cinematography we decided upon high/ low camera angles to add to character representations, zooming-in shots to highlight the importance of certain moments and characters, plus a use of close ups to highlight the characters' facial expressions which is vital when building character/ audience relationships. These forms of cinematography were seen throughout the sequence. A close up used to show the boot in the scene set in a forest to highlight the antagonists presence, a zooming-in shot to show the danger that the victim may be in and high/ low angles used upon the antagonist and victim throughout the sequence.
With sound we decided to have no dialogue in order to accompany the use of an enigmatic plot. No dialogue adds to the hidden identity used upon the antagonist and means that the audience is left curious about the reasons behind the 'female obsession'. This engages the audience and builds upon the conventions suitable to the thriller genre.
Within the discussions for mise en scene we decided upon the representations of characters throughout the sequence and the use of setting. We decided upon making our thriller relatable to the audience through creating our characters to be stereotypical teenagers. This was done through iconography showing the female victims taking 'selfies', showing the victims as taking short cuts through isolated and potentially dangerous routes, plus using costume to show that they wear typical teenage clothing. In addition to this we also decided upon having an isolated setting, increasing the vulnerability for the victims and building upon the conventions of suspense and fear as we see them in danger.
Finally we decided upon potential editing techniques within the sequence. This consisted of slow editing. Examples of this were specifically seen at the end of the sequence as the antagonist walks away from the victim. It prolongs the scene, building up suspense for the audience which is conventional to the thriller genre.
Overall the planning proved very beneficial to the production of the sequence, having a very large influence on the outcome of the plot, the micro elements and the presentation of characters.
The main primary research we used was a questionnaire. This was targeted at teenagers of both genders. It helped reinforce the views on various micro elements with the sequence, the suggested plot and the ways in which we could potentially attract the teenage target audience. This resulted in it being a important component in the production of the openings sequence.
The vox pops provided evidence of the answers to various questions in relation to the sequence. One question was directed at the different types of setting preferred in a thriller film. An isolated setting was seen as most popular. Reasons for this could be because an isolated setting shows the victim as being more vulnerable, increasing the fear factor and the suspense as we want to see them survive. From this an isolated setting was decided upon to present the suicide victim as looking more vulnerable and innocent to the audience. This is shown midway through the sequence as the two girls are being followed by the antagonist. By doing this it increased the suspense and tension as the viewers see her in danger.
Another question asked if the teenagers preferred the use of a hidden identity within the thriller genre. The majority of people said that they appreciated the effects. This had a great influence on the use of it in the sequence. The audience did not see the identity of the antagonist throughout the sequence; being specifically evident as we do not see the hooded figure that killed Carol at the end of the sequence. This is one of the most effective ways of creating suspense and mystery, both key to a thriller, keeping the viewers engaged and entertained. It also builds up an enigma, this being a typical convention used in the thriller genre. Our sequence was based on this use of this enigma, meaning that hidden identity was a vital factor of the sequence.
In addition to this, more importantly, the questionnaire set out a clear pathway into the target audience for the sequence and the ways in which we would attract them. One question asked if the audience would enjoy a thriller film that they could relate to. The majority of people answered 'yes'. This means that we created the sequence based on the age group of the target audience. Meaning that our characters were created to be stereotypical teenagers, taking short cuts on a walk home from school, wearing stereotypical clothing and seen in outgoing, conceited 'selfies' seen taken my many girls of this age group. The effect this had is that it meant the audience could build a closer relationship with the characters, especially the victim, it therefore emphasises the effect of the typical conventions such as shock, surprise and suspense. The stereotypical teenage age group presented in the sequence also may help with the marketing of the film as it is evident from the questionnaire that the target audience would be likely to want to watch a thriller film they could relate to.
Finally one other form of research consisted of planning. This generally involved group discussions as we planned out the plot of the sequence and the various micro-elements.
Firstly we thought of the overall plot. We did this through a group discussion, making notes on any suitable ideas for the narrative, conventions and micro elements within the sequence. Together we came up with the basic themes of death, an enigma, a female/male antagonist and victim relationship; a plot based on modern society and for it to be highly conventional to the thriller genre. Also, within this group discussion we developed our target audience; this being teenagers aged 15-20.
In order to build upon our conventional thriller we had to discuss the micro elements within the sequence. We had separate meetings for each micro element.
With cinematography we decided upon high/ low camera angles to add to character representations, zooming-in shots to highlight the importance of certain moments and characters, plus a use of close ups to highlight the characters' facial expressions which is vital when building character/ audience relationships. These forms of cinematography were seen throughout the sequence. A close up used to show the boot in the scene set in a forest to highlight the antagonists presence, a zooming-in shot to show the danger that the victim may be in and high/ low angles used upon the antagonist and victim throughout the sequence.
With sound we decided to have no dialogue in order to accompany the use of an enigmatic plot. No dialogue adds to the hidden identity used upon the antagonist and means that the audience is left curious about the reasons behind the 'female obsession'. This engages the audience and builds upon the conventions suitable to the thriller genre.
Within the discussions for mise en scene we decided upon the representations of characters throughout the sequence and the use of setting. We decided upon making our thriller relatable to the audience through creating our characters to be stereotypical teenagers. This was done through iconography showing the female victims taking 'selfies', showing the victims as taking short cuts through isolated and potentially dangerous routes, plus using costume to show that they wear typical teenage clothing. In addition to this we also decided upon having an isolated setting, increasing the vulnerability for the victims and building upon the conventions of suspense and fear as we see them in danger.
Finally we decided upon potential editing techniques within the sequence. This consisted of slow editing. Examples of this were specifically seen at the end of the sequence as the antagonist walks away from the victim. It prolongs the scene, building up suspense for the audience which is conventional to the thriller genre.
Overall the planning proved very beneficial to the production of the sequence, having a very large influence on the outcome of the plot, the micro elements and the presentation of characters.
You have provided a basic analysis of research carried, stating what type of research you carried out and explaining why briefly. You have given examples of sequences analysed and inspirations taken on board, as well as examples of questions from you questionnaire. You need to refer to specific points when these examples can be seen in your sequence
ReplyDelete1) Explain why primary and secondary research was important - relate to examples from your sequence - evidence of research
2) Explain how this helped you and your group decide on what to include and why - how did you go about it
3) What type of planning did you carry out and why - how did your research play into this?
You have provided a somewhat proficient analysis of your research, giving examples of things you learnt from both the primary and secondary aspects, as well as how this helped inform your group planning and where inspirations can be seen in your own sequence. You need to pay attention to your terminologies and elaborate on what the conventions/micro-elements create for the audience and why
ReplyDelete