Media Evaluation A2 coursework Horror Trailer 'The Intruder'

My
Evaluation
By Katie Greaves

In what ways does your media product use, develop or
challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Trailers that have influenced my trailer are:
Paranormal Activity:
My trailer evokes a foreboding sense of doom from the outset.
The use of sound such as the footsteps and the build up of sound with a sudden bang, aim to
not only shock audiences but to generate a sense of absolute terror and horror.
Similarly, in the Paranormal Activity Trailer, sound also has a huge impact in portraying the
conventions of a horror film. The use of the heartbeat reflects that of the audiences’, how
their hearts may be racing as they watch the trailer. A beating heart has connotations of
fear, and terror and is a usual convention in a horror movie.
Again, like the Paranormal Activity trailer, the narrative is subtly introduced without revealing
too much, this effective in that, the audience are vaguely aware of the plot, and are left with a
feeling of intrigue as the storyline may still be ominous to them.
The ‘lost signal’ effect in the Paranormal Activity trailer I felt is extremely effective in
implying the genre as well as the critic reviews that reflect the conventions of a trailer such as
‘Terrifying’ etc. Often used by industries to promote their film. I have imitated
this in my trailer to give a more authentic appeal. I also thought the location of a house, usually
a safe haven was effective as in this case it was a dangerous place to be, the woman is totally
vulnerable in her bedroom, as the girl who wants to possess her is watching over her in a
sordid, creepy kind of way. The use of low key lighting also helps to create the night time
atmosphere, dark, eerie and fear of the unknown. I have stuck with the conventions mainly
used in trailers, especially that of the horror genre.

Trailers that have influenced my trailer are:
The Ring:
The Ring trailer, a lot similar to Paranormal Activity again mostly featured in a what is meant
to be a ‘safe’ location, the home, and the use of low key lighting again creates an eerie
atmosphere. However the main element of the horror genre and trailer convention I picked up
was the girl and the use of mise –en-scene. I based the girl in the attic in my trailer on the girl
featured in the ring and this impacted my trailer greatly through the use of horror conventions
allowing for the audience fearing what is in fact a young girl dressed in white, revealing little
narrative of who she is, again a regular convention of a trailer, concealing the storyline.

Magazines that have influenced my trailer are:
Little White Lies:
Little White Lies first published in 2005 is an independent film magazine company.
It appeals to a very niche market and has a specific simple style that remains
consistent throughout every issue, and the only major change is the cover star/theme
and cover line which is usually the film title. The reason I chose to base my magazine
on Little White Lies rather than Empire for example is because I thought the creativity
of their front covers are outstanding, and from what I had researched they had never
covered a horror film before so it is something I wanted to try. Annapurna productions
are also similar in that they appeal to a very niche market and are not considered
mainstream like universal for example.
This cover of Little White Lies I what I based my magazine on as it was my favourite
cover and I liked the abstract image created on the cover. I have kept within the
conventions of a Little White Lies magazine but in terms of general magazine
conventions because I chose to do this magazine I was limited as I wanted to keep the
simplicity of a Little White Lies Cover.

Posters that have influenced my trailer are:
Dead Silence:
Looking at this poster, I immediately was intrigued by the use of
Close up shot in the main image of the boy, this was because only
half his face was revealed, making him a mysterious, ominous
character. I wanted to portray this on my poster, so I took a similar
picture of ‘The Intruder’ so my audience would look at the poster and
have the same feeling I got when looking at Dead Silence.
The Eye:
I liked the use of a really light colour in this poster as usually like Dead
Silence, horror posters are dark colours with low key lighting, but
This poster was a contrast so I decided to also achieve this through use of
a light colour. I like the simplicity of both posters as the main focal point
Was the main image on both posters which is what I also wanted to achieve.
The Title Tease, however is usually always at the bottom of the poster, I
wanted to keep this usual convention as this ensured there was no
distraction from the main image and that I feel is most important on aposter.
I also added production credits at the bottom a conventional aspect of a
poster and it made my poster look more realistic.

How did you attract/address your audience?
My target audience would be males and females aged 15+:
I would not classify my film as an 18 as there is no gory, bloody elements, so the 15
certificate seems appropriate. I would not class it any lower as some of the content may be
too frightening for younger views: because of the haunting and possessing themes and the
plot although not very complex does need a level of understanding that 14 years olds and
under may not fully be able to comprehend.
After careful consideration and research of all classifications on the www.bbfc.co.uk the
adjective ‘strong’ was used on various occasions when describing language, violence and
‘threat and menace’
After research www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/15-2 this part of the website
concluded what was acceptable in a 15 rated film such as: language, horror, discrimination.
Overall, after researching all the terms and conditions of each classification I was able to
come to a decision and the 15 certificate seemed most appropriate, all of the other trailers I
looked at: Jennifer's Body, Paranormal Activity. The Ring, Sorority Row were also all rated 15
too.

Through the social groups:
The ‘Victim’:
I have very much played to the stereotype in my trailer, presenting the main female
protagonist as a vulnerable, passive victim. This representation is portrayed almost
immediately as the high angle shot, of her laying in bed whist she hears the footsteps above
her, give her this this immediate inferiority to whatever it is she is afraid of. I have used many
high angle shots as I believe that they work really effective, in cultivating a distressed woman
victim.
Paranormal activity was the inspiration for this character as the main female character is
similarly victimised and eventually becomes possessed by some superior force in which she
has no control. Through the use of Mise-en-scene it is evident that in both trailers,
the woman is not considered ‘special’ in anyway, she is an ordinary middle class woman who
appears to be randomly victimised by something of the supernatural. This trailer is very
popular with my target audience and would have a similar target audience to mine.
The ‘Girl’:
It could be argued that in my trailer the stereotype is almost reversed, as this young girl holds
all the power, she is to be feared, I tried to portray this through the use of low angle shots
especially the mirror the scene whereby the audience are looking up at her and it is evident
she is in control. Young girls in horror films are usually the ones who are victimised such as
Sorority Row etc. But by looking at trailers such as The Ring and Jennifer’s body, it is not
always the case.

I attracted my audience in a variety of ways:
Through my use of camera work I revealed specific things and concealed specific things.
I introduced my trailer with a POV shot
I feel this was effective as immediately
the audience, and the protagonist both
know as much as each other, there is a
ominous sense of foreboding and the
suspense is evident from the outset.
I also used lots of high and low angle shots.
The high angle shots portrayed the protagonist's
vulnerability as she enters the attic, both her
and the audience unaware of what is lurking in
the shadows. The low angle shots I used when the
girl in the attic was present, as it makes her seem
powerful and she holds all control.
Throughout my trailer I used a lot of long shots, and
by using these shots, I revealed things to the reader that
the protagonist was unaware of for example; the scene in
the mirror, this adds to audience anticipation and creates a
foreboding sense of doom.

I attracted my audience in a variety of ways:
Through my use of sound/editing/typography:
Sound effects: Editing:
I have used various non-digetic The fades to black in my trailer
sound effects in my trailer that are highly important in terms
are specifically relevant to the horror terms of audience suspense as
genre. The ominous background noise they help to add to the feeling
that is constantly present creates a creepy, of suspense through concealing
eerie atmosphere and adds to the sense specific areas of the trailer.
of foreboding doom. I have also included Similarly the fast pace editing
more obvious digetic sound conventions further on in the trailer again
such as the loud footsteps in the attic, that gets the audiences’ adrenaline
again create suspense as both protagonist pumping as they await a climax.
and audience realise they are not alone. I
have also included build up sounds for Typography:
example the mirror scene and the final The use of typography evident
bedroom scene to really create audience in my trailer gives the
anticipation. The digetic dialogue adds to the audience almost film reviews
eerie atmosphere especially when the girl almost again making the audience
casts a spell on the protagonist as she whispers want to go and watch it.
in her ear as if to possess her. Similarly when It also plays a vital part in
the main character asks ‘Mark is that you?’ and introducing the genre of the
there is no reply, the audience and protagonist film through adjectives such .
are left with a sense of the unknown. ‘Terrifying’ and ‘Scariest’

Here is my ‘Little White Lies’
magazine cover. As you can
see I have kept the usual
conventions of a magazine
such as the cover star with
direct address as the main part of the
magazine. I used a dominant midi shot
to reveal her scary features but
also wanted to conceal the rest
of her so the audience are intrigued.
The cover line ‘The Intruder’
gives an automatic indication of
the genre and compliments the
main cover photo and title of the
film. However Little White
Lies have a specific style
which I have kept within the
theme of my magazine. I
made the cover star look
almost abstract in a creative
style and based it very much
on this original cover of Little
White Lies ‘The Master’
I attracted my audience in a variety of ways (Magazine):

I attracted my audience in a variety of ways (Poster):
I attracted my audience by effectively
following the conventions of an existing film
poster. I used a dominant main image and
instead of using an extreme close up like
‘The Eye’ I used a close up to show her face
but only half the face is revealed again
intriguing the audience and fit with the
horror genre. It also portrays a complex
narrative as very little has been revealed. I
have used dark colours such as black but
then contrasted them with murky white
which is a colour related to the girl in the
poster and it looks effective on the film
poster ‘The Eye’.
The use of direct address intimidates the
audience but also entices them. It is evident
from the presentation of the picture and the
film title, that she is ‘The Intruder’
The star credits at the bottom are also a
regular convention on a film poster, and I
feel it attracts the audience as it makes the
poster appear authentic and look realistic.

How effective is the combination of your main products and
ancillary texts?
I tried to create a consistent theme throughout all ancillary products especially the film poster
and trailer. The magazine however I knew would be a complete contrast to the trailer and
poster. Because of the company ‘Little White Lies’ on each magazine they create an almost
abstract very creative quirky front cover and I felt that it would be a bit different to perhaps
have a contrast to film poster and trailer. However links with the ‘Annapurna’ film company as
it is a small, independent film company a lot like the company ‘Little White Lies’ who do not aim at the
masses but appeal to niche market.
My ancillary products are effective:

How effective is the combination of your main products and
ancillary texts?
I wanted to create a consistency /branding throughout all my products, by making the girl in
the attic the main feature on both my magazine and poster. I feel this type of branding is very
important to consider when approaching the target audience especially when it all specifically
related to one main product which in this case is the trailer.
The Direct Address from the Cover Star on the magazine and on the poster, are very effective
in portraying a strange, creepy character. Similarly in the trailer the narrative is kept
concealed which is highly effective arousing intrigue within the audience similar to both
magazine and poster which do not give away too much information and reveal a mysterious
Character whom the audience may be fascinated by.
My main product is effective (trailer):

What have you learnt from your audience feedback?
I composed a questionnaire for my first part of research, I then went and spoke to the
manager of HMV in Birmingham Bullring and asked if I could ask some of the customers
browsing the horror genre in the store a series of questions. I felt that by through doing this I
would get a more accurate answers by approaching the actual target audience rather than
asking just family and friends who may not be interested in the genre.
I came up with a series of questions that would enable me to construct a perfect trailer for the
horror genre for example: “What elements of a horror film bring about the most fear?” The
most common answer for this question was the supernatural and horror conventions such as
squeaking doors and footsteps which I then included in my trailer.
Target Audience feedback I feel was personally the most important as they are the people I
am aiming my trailer towards. I have learnt in order to make a successful trailer, their
opinions are the most relevant.
Similarly, when I had made my first attempt of a trailer and poster, and magazine the
opinions of my peers and their constructive criticism allowed me, to be able to
improve my work profoundly and taking all their advice on board also helped me
to realise what needed improvement and how I could approach it.
From my audience feedback I have learnt:

How did you use new media technologies in the research
and planning, construction and evaluation stage ?
www.kategreaves72.blogspot.co.uk
Through approaching my coursework in a blog fashion I was able to include YouTube videos,
existing trailers, photos, film posters and magazines and my questionnaire results. My blog
enabled me to include all these resources in a concise and easy accessible way.
Through constant use of the internet, and my blog, I was able to access different horror
trailers on YouTube as well as film posters through various websites but mainly through
Google images. Therefore the internet played a key role in my research through looking at
existing products as well as accessing information quickly and easily. I also downloaded the E
Blogger App on my Iphone and therefore was able to access it any time of the day and could
update it whenever.
I presented my research and planning on my blog:

Construction
I decided to use a digital camera in the filming process of my trailer. I liked the handheld
effect it created and was similar to that of paranormal activity a film that influenced my trailer
hugely. I also felt that using the digital camera provided better quality and I could do all kinds
of different shots with it at different angles. I had never used a digital camera before but found
it easy to work and get to grips with and I also enjoyed some of the features such as zoom for
the close up shots and zooming out for the long shots.
I originally used Moviemaker to edit my clips and put them all together, however although I
felt confident using this software I felt very limited in terms of editing and adding sound
effects etc. I then decided to use a programme called Movieplus, this had loads of different
editing features and tools I could play around with. Although I was not as confident using this
software as I was using Moviemaker, by the end of my trailer I was able to do all kinds of
Editing such as increase the brightness, change the colour and add texts and credits. It was
through my audience feedback that I decided to change software and it was the right choice as
my trailer would have been nowhere near as effective and look as good if I did not listen to
them and carried on using Moviemaker.
I used a digital camera to film my trailer:

Construction
For my Ancillary products I decided to use the software Paint.net. I had used this the previous
years for both my GCSE’s and AS coursework. I felt confident using it and liked all the tools
and effects that it had. Last year when I was having a play around with it I came across a tool
called colour aberration. I tried it out on a picture of Megan Fox. I really loved the effect it
created (a retro vibe) but it didn’t fit with my product last year so I could not use it.
This year however, Little White Lies Magazine has a retro/abstract appearance so I used the
colour aberration and it complimented the magazine cover perfectly.

Construction
My film poster I also created on Paint.net again I felt confident with the tools it provides and
had a play around and experimented with the contrast/brightness etc. I decided to use
Paint.net for both my film poster and magazine as I feel it is the most accessible to me, the
Easiest to use and it looks professional.
Evaluation
I used Microsoft PowerPoint to create my evaluation then uploaded it onto
www.slideshare.com I was able to include pictures, hyperlinks, posters etc.
And again I feel this software is the most accessible and easiest to use.

Looking back at AS what do you think you have learnt from
the progression of your construction in your A2
coursework?
Research and Planning
I have been a lot more efficient this year in terms of research and planning, I feel I haven’t
wasted any time on unnecessary information and have used my time management skills a lot
more efficiently. I have used titles on my Blog posts to keep all my research conceive and
haven’t just put lots of the same posts with the same things I have been able to combine
different areas of research together for example: Instead off posting lots of blogs of film
trailers I put them all in one blog and wrote about them.
I have received more accurate audience feedback by approaching my audience directly instead
of asking friends and family who may not be interested or may know nothing about the genre.
Overall I feel I have managed my time a lot better, found only essential/required information
and had a lot more audience feedback.
Construction
In AS I was told to do a music magazine, however in A2 I didn’t feel as limited I could choose
if I wanted to do a trailer, advert, radio production or music video, there wasn’t a specific
genre so I automatically felt more passionate about my coursework as I had the final decision
on what I wanted to do and the choices I made. As I made a magazine last year, this year it
almost came naturally to me, I wanted to do something a bit edgy and slightly unique and
that’s when I decided to do ‘Little White Lies’ it is not a very mainstream magazine, so it was
a risk trying to create the abstract, artistic design that is evident throughout all the copies. I
think the risk paid off as I am very pleased with my final product.
I have learnt from my progression from AS to A2:

Looking back at AS what do you think you have learnt from
the progression of your construction in your A2
coursework?
Construction
Similarly, with my film poster I felt confident using Paint.net I have used it various times in my
media lessons. However this year I experimented more with the different tools that perhaps at
AS I hadn’t used. I played around with the colour and changed the brightness/contrast.
My Trailer was something completely new that I had never done before. Using the digital
camera I could create loads of different shots such as POV and Close Ups and well as High
and Low Angle shots which all contributed to the climatic trailer I eventually created. Similarly
using the programme Movieplus instead of Moviemaker I could edit the footage I collected and
add in ‘Fade to black’ shots which played an intricate role in being effective editing.
POV Shot
High Angle/Close Up Shots
Low Angle Shots
Long ShotFade to black

Evaluate technical decisions of your teaser trailer
Camerawork
Through my use of camerawork I successfully revealed the narrative through moving image.
The different camera shots I used such as Close Ups revealed heightened emotion which is a
conventional aspect of the horror genre.
Similarly through the High and Low Angle shots I was able to establish characters and their
roles within my trailer.
The POV shots help the audience have more of a relationship with the protagonist as they are
in a sense seeing events unfold through her eyes and are therefore more in touch with the
character.
Editing
Through the use of the slow editing pace at the start I was able to build up a sense of
foreboding and create an ominous atmosphere.
As the editing pace increases and fast pace editing is evident within my trailer the cuts to
black conceal part of the narrative arousing intrigue within the audience something that a
trailer is supposed to achieve, my trailer ends with a climatic finish leaving the audience in
complete suspense so they feel they must watch this film.
The cuts to credits in between my trailer I feel are a very effective editing technique as
‘terrifying’ ‘scariest film of the year’ establish the genre if not already been done.
Technical decisions for my trailer:

Evaluate technical decisions of your teaser trailer
Sound
Using freesound.com I collected various sounds, to create suspense and a foreboding
atmosphere, I feel the sounds I have used have achieved this. The digetic footsteps are
commonly associated with the horror genre. I also used a background non digetic sound that is
quite ominous, making the audience feel on edge are they too are unaware of what is in store.
In Paranormal Activity, a non digetic heartbeat is used, I thought this was really effective in
terms of audience anticipation, as it is almost a reflection of their own heartbeats as they are
terrified of what is about to happen. The digetic sound is what is to be feared the most, when
the girl whispers in order to possess the woman there is a chilling feeling that follows.
Similarly, when the woman asks 'Mark is that you?' but because of the earlier footsteps it is
evident there is someone else intruding.
Mise-en-scene:
Lighting: I have mainly used Low key lighting to create an eerie, dark atmosphere and fear of the unknown, it is
again a common trend within all the trailers I have been looking at. Especially in The Ring. The use of natural
light in my trailer is used to create a natural environment like in Paranormal Activity, but it also creates
suspense as normally light is associated with being safe, but I have gone against this so the audience feel
perhaps relieved as they think bad things don't tend to happen in day light but the mirror scene in the attic is
perhaps a slight contrast to the usual conventions.
Location:
My trailer is set in a house, it is in a sense isolated as the woman thinks she is alone, but it is not a stereotypical
horror, haunted house, as it is fairly modern and not necessarily in a forest in the middle of nowhere. However,
the attic is perhaps quite a stereotypical convention as attics/basements are usually where murders etc hide
waiting for their victim. Normally a house is seen as a safe haven for people, where they are safe from
everything, but when the girl descends from the attic the woman's vulnerability is in full force as the girl is no
longer hiding but in the place where people feel most safe, this invasion is what creates such terror and
suspense within the audience. This is also where the name 'The Intruder' came from, as the girl is in fact
intruding as she is no longer stereo-typically hidden in a dark creepy attic but in the open space of a bedroom.
Costumes and props:
My main female protagonist is dressed fairly ordinary, to show she is not special, she is just an average middle
class woman, this evokes fear within the audience as they think that could be me? it also a lot more relate-able.
The girl in the attic, I dressed in white, to portray her youth, she is youthful, pure? I also based her on the girl
from the ring. I messed her hair up so she looked scary and dark eye makeup and a pale face so she look dead.

Discuss possible improvements that you could of made on
your promotion package?
Trailer
• I feel in my trailer it takes too long for the first credits to show.
• I also feel that the footsteps are too constant.
• I have also misspelled the word Terrifying in the credits
Poster
• I feel I could have made lots of improvements on my poster:
• I liked the photo I used in my poster however all through my
• Research and planning I expressed on my blog how I wanted to
use both the woman’s face and the scary girl’s face and combine
them together so it like a good vs. evil. However when I tried to
do this it didn’t look how I imagined so the poster I feel was
maybe rushed as I quickly had to come up with a new idea.
Magazine
• Although ‘Little White Lies’ is very minimalistic in terms of
taglines etc. I feel maybe instead of keeping to the exact theme maybe
just adding a little more text.
• I maybe could have also used the Colour Aberration slightly more effectively
so the picture is more clear.
Improvements I could have made:

Media Evaluation A2 coursework Horror Trailer 'The Intruder'

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