Analyzing Print Products
- 1. Analyzing Print Products Alex Challies
- 2. The first print product I will analyze is the poster for the film; The Cabin in the Woods. This fits into the genre category I have chosen which is horror. The form and genre are immediately noticed, this is because of the clear poster layout and the text/central image which inform about the horror contents of the film.
- 3. The purpose of the text is identical with every film poster, to promote the film depicted whilst not giving away any information about the film’s story and narrative. The unique selling point of this text is the primary image, coupled with the tagline. This makes the audience curious about the contents of the film and attracts them more towards the product as it essentially promises to be different. This means defying conventions and overall being worthwhile and memorable. The tagline acts as an effective vocal enigma, making you essentially question any questions you have about the film.
- 4. Marketing the release of the film ties into the horror genre as it was released on the superstitious date of Friday 13th. This is made the most obvious piece of text in the large amount at the bottom of the poster. There isn’t too much in the content (text itself) of the text product that serves much use to the audience. Most of the text is small and at the bottom of the poster and merely outlines some of the people involved with creation of the film. But not obvious enough that the product is attempting to gather publicity on stars. There is actually no majorly famous actors/actresses at all in this film.
- 5. Conventions of similar pieces of text within the horror genre appear to have been defied with this specific product. Usually there would be something attempting to sell the product placed boldly at the top or center of the poster, with this it is left blank. This text product inspires because it is set out to defy conventions and does it successfully. Marketing is based purely around awareness of the product and the mystery surrounding its unknown narrative. The technique used is effective because if audience members look closely, they can see …Such as the producer and writer, references that share small amounts of information who is credited with previous work but are not intended to be obvious… on ‘Cloverfield’ which was also unique in terms of conventions.
- 6. The target audience is aimed as horror fans and more vaguely anyone who wants a film product that is ‘different.’ There are certain uses of technical codes that work well to define this print product. All of which are extremely subtle so as to attract two target audiences simultaneously. One will be similar to the audience of Paranormal Activity where people want to know what the mysterious hype is all about. The other side of the audience picks up on the small details that give away (intentionally) how the product will develop. Here are the details within the poster that depict the genre and potential quality of this product. The main element that I personally picked up one was the Lionsgate company being behind this. They have a decent track record for the horror genre.