Effectiveness of ancillary tasks and trailer

1. How effective is the combination of
your main product and ancillary tasks
Frankie Roncoli

2. The Intended Outcome of Production
• The intended outcome of our production was to make a horror trailer for
‘Somnium’ that will engage out target audience (15-25) in the hope that they
would recognise the conventions within the trailer, for example the good vs evil,
and be entertained by the themes throughout and then want to go on to see the
full film.
• The purpose of our ancillary tasks was more a way of not only attracting but
persuading our audience through informative methods. Looking at similar posters
within the horror genre we were able to denote the genre through both the
ancillary tasks through means of colour, lighting etc. Overall our aim was to
persuade our target audience to see our film and by following
posters/trailers/magazines conventions I believe we achieved this.

3. Ancillary Tasks
• For our ancillary tasks we had to make a poster and a magazine cover. We
wanted continuity with both of them not only in terms of brand but in terms
of genre. We ensured we had continuity through the design of our products,
for example the colours used in both ancillary tasks adhered strongly to the
horror genre with dark and mysterious colours denoting the genre. We also
ensured continuity by maintaining the titles used in the trailer this helps
audiences link the poster and magazine covers to the trailer and thus
making our brand image stronger.
• In order to prepare for these tasks we did a photo shoot with our actress
Rosie, ensuring we had a suitable location (black background makes it easier
when editing) and the appropriate make up.

4. Research into Posters
• We found that in general posters tend to have a focal point typically
of the main character so that audiences can relate the two pieces, a
title again in the font used in the film to create continuity, a tagline,
a release date, ratings and the directors name often if they have
produced other successful films.
• We incorporated the majority of these conventions, I felt that the
ratings at the top worked particularly well as they give the film a
certain credibility especially if the ratings are from well established
companies like ‘EMPIRE’ with an excellent reputation.
tagline

5. Plans for the Poster
• With the poster we followed our plans to the letter We wanted a clean
looking and professional looking poster where the genre was evident. We
kept to the plans with all aspects of the poster however we moved the
star ratings to the top as we felt having them below the credits may
distract from the excellent reviews

6. The Poster
• The poster was made using two images; one taken from the photo-shoot and
one taken when filming on set. I believe the two images are extremely powerful
and really denote the genre. The image of Evelyn staring directly into the camera
gives audiences a huge insight into the plot, it is evident Evelyn is watching Rosie,
she appears threatening and terrifying.
• However she appears to also be looking at the audience which allows the
audience to become engrossed in the product they feel a sense of identification
with Evelyn which will persuade them to watch the movie. When taking the
photo of Layla she was on set and therefore had all her makeup and costume on
and advantage of taking the photo on set is that she is already in character and
then able to pose in a more menacing way.
• When taking the photo of Rosie we wanted her to appear frightened and
distressed. To do so we had to experiment with her makeup and hair to make it
appear as if she had been crying and running away from this nightmarish women
that taunts her life. We took a variety of photos but I personally felt the final
image was the most appropriate as she appeared petrified and numb.

7. The Poster
• We used dark colours to convey the
darkness and mystery within the
film which is replicated within the
magazine cover to display continuity.
The overall image linked perfectly
with the themes within the film for
example the scratch across Rosie’s
face connotes the taunting in her life
as if she is worn and dishevelled
from the trauma of it. We used
ratings from film magazines and
production company logos to
persuade audiences as they identify
with the production companies films
and therefore are encouraged to see
ours.

8. Research into Magazines
• When looking at magazines we found many were rather informative as
well as persuasive. We adhered strongly to the conventions of a poster as
we wanted it to look professional but also inform audiences. When
designing we aimed for two main focal points; the image and the
masthead to do so we used a bold red font which instantly grabs readers’
attention, The cover line talks of an interview with our main character
which promotes our film as it gives the readers a further insight to the plot
and cast. Again we wanted to create continuity so we used the titles from
our trailer in order for audiences to link these pieces and create a strong
brand image for ourselves.

9. Plans for the Magazine
• We liked the overall layout of the
magazine however when it came
to actually making it some
aspects of it were just
impractical for example we
wanted the image to cover parts
of the title however when it
came to doing so the image
became rather pixelated. We
also moved the button as it
looked more appropriate near
the bottom.

10. The Magazine
• I was extremely pleased with
the overall look of our
magazine, I believe it not only
looked individual in it's own
right but also massively
adhered to the horror genre.
The fonts looked professional
and the fact they differed
made it more visually
interesting for audiences. The
image was an excellent focal
point and the conventions of a
poster were extremely
evident.

11. In Conclusion
• Overall I believe the combination of our ancillary tasks and
production were extremely effective in persuading and
enticing audiences to see our film. I believe the genre is
clearly portrayed in the poster, magazine and trailer and
therefore there is continuity, not only through genre, but
through other conventions such as titles. I believe that
creating a poster and magazine was the best method to
attract our audience as it will be displayed for everyone to
see. I believe through these three media products we have
created a strong brand image and through making them we
have not only informed but persuaded audiences to see the
full film.