1. Evaluation question 1
Conclusion
GeorgiHonnorThe Guardian, Friday 25th
April 2014
After analysing several aspects of my trailer and determining whether they conform to, develop or challenge
the forms and conventions of a trailer I have decided that my trailer conforms but also challenges
conventions of real media products.
In terms of cinematography I have a range of shot types and a great number of them to keep the piece moving and
visually engaging to the audience. This develops conventions as I discovered that the best but not all trailer had such a
good range of shots. I later decided that I would try and get a huge range of shots and try to keep them constantly
changing as to engage. This is evidenced in my piece.
The cinematography of my piece also conforms to conventions by using particular shots to convey a particular message or
for particular actions that would be recorded using the same shot type in a professional trailer. One such example is where
I use high and low angle shots to demonstrate character vulnerability or power. I also use long shots to record action such
as the kidnapping as well as close ups when attention must be drawn to character facial expression.
I have also used editing in similar ways to real media products, again conforming to conventions; using a fade to black to
show a passing of time. I have also cross faded titles over shots which is something that I discovered as effective in other
trailers I looked at due to its ability to link what was being said to the actual trailer. This then makes the editing of my
trailer conform to conventions. I noticed that sound bridges were effective in making a piece less disturbed and made it
flow better, I then developed this convention by extending the audio of a previous clip over the next to create a sound
bridge. This technique was not just employed where necessary to ensure continuity like in other films but elsewhere to
stop the piece feeling disjointed. The introduction of foley sound also helps to create the atmosphere desired by the
producer, this is highly conventional with the employment of sound effects common in trailers of all genres.
The mise en scene can be recognised as effective in adding deeper meaning to the piece with most props acting as
signifiers or giving a message to the audience. This is common to other trailers- again this could arguably make my trailer
conform to the conventions of professional media trailers.
The locations in my trailer are genre specific with locations such as woodland, this arguably makes my trailer
conventional in relation to its genre. It is however led by drama and the shots whereas conventional fantasies would be
led more by special effects meaning that my theatrical trailer also challenges the conventions in terms of genre.