1a) Explain how far
your understanding of the conventions of existing media influenced the way you
created your own media products. Refer to a range of examples in your answer to
show how this understanding developed over time.
Through the conduction of thorough analysis into other media
products, I was able to identify key conventions and apply and incorporate such
conventions into my own work. As a result of this analysis I was able to
identify how media products stick to genre, target specific audiences, apply
narrative and follow other conventions. For the foundation portfolio I created
a magazine front cover, a double page spread and a contents page of a music
magazine within the r&b genre. For my advanced portfolio I created a 2 and
a half minute trailer for a film within the Horror genre that followed the plot
of 2 young boys being targeted by a masked killer in their own home.
For my foundation portfolio, I completed thorough, detailed
research into multiple music videos. Songs within the r&b genre have an
instant appeal to me, therefore, I watched various music videos including
artists such as; Rihanna, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, John Legend etc. Such
established artists gave me some indication of conventions such as; clothing,
hair and makeup etc. I also researched multiple magazines featuring r&b
singers, particularly focusing on the VIBE magazine, which features mostly in
r&b and rap genres. When analysing
these magazines, it became apparent that most music magazines feature a large
masthead. For example, the VIBE magazine contained a large masthead in an
appropriate colour for the colour scheme of that cover page, therefore I was
careful when applying this in my own magazine. What also became increasingly
clear is the use of a main image in the centre of the page with direct eye
contact from the people featured. For my
main image I used two teenage males looking directly to the audience, which as
aforementioned, is a common convention in music magazines. There is evidence of
typical conventions seen in my cover, this includes the date of issue, bar
code, teasing contents, price etc., all that are typically expected however are
still necessary for any music magazine. What become perceptible was the use of
advertising competitions and prizes, therefore I decided to include this is my
own product. I offered the chance to win a watch the throne IPad case,
therefore, enticing the audience to purchase my magazine.
My advanced portfolio required much more analytic detail and
consideration when creating the product. I considered theorists such as Propp
and Todorov when creating my group and I’s trailer. Todorov said there are 3
stages to a movie. The equilibrium, the disruption and finally the resolution.
When creating the plot for our trailer, our group decided on a mutual agreement
to incorporate this theory into our trailer. Therefore, we would begin with the
equilibrium introducing the 2 main characters, and offering more relaxed and
tranquil scenes to offer a sensation of comfort. Then we would have the
disruption where the antagonist would attack the protagonists and reveal
himself to the audience. As it is a trailer however we were careful not to
reveal the ending or propose any spoilers for the audience. The resolution
however would be apparent in the film. This theory is apparent in many horror
trailers such as Prom night (2008) and Mama (2013).
To film our trailer we have multiple use of new
technological equipment. We used a camera that developed high quality footage.
We also had access to a tripod which allowed for more focused, professional
footage. To edit and construct the movie, we used the app IMovie on the Apple
Mac. This was my first experience using a Mac or IMovie therefore we all
participated equally in the editing of our final product. I also used platforms
such as YouTube for research purposes, this allowed me to view multiple
trailers, film clips etc. When conducting my evaluation I used the software
Prezi to construct a more visually appealing evaluation of my progress I have
made. I used the website blogger to store all of my planning and research, and
to upload my final products, including my trailer and two ancillary products. I
used labels to organise my work. When
analysing trailers I used the Microsoft publisher document to create
PowerPoints analysing the trailers, I would then upload them onto slide share
where I could embed them into blogger. I found PowerPoints offered a more
visually aiding analytic construction then if I was to write a written report on
the trailer.
A key convention of media trailers is the music. Music can
create the mood of any scene and is one of the most important considerations
when creating a trailer. Our chosen music was identified more around the
antagonist, He was created to represent eeriness and creepiness, which is the
reason for him wearing a mask. He is not just a typical intruder, he is there
for a higher purpose. Therefore, we chose the song Maybe by the Ink Spots. The
tone of this soundtrack gave off an eerie vibe and we thought it would be
compatible with our trailer. We gained most of our inspiration from the
trailer- The strangers (2008)), whom again had a similar soundtrack and
featured 3 antagonists invading someone’s home in masks. Our antagonist wore an
all-black suit and a homemade mask, which I believe portrayed an eerie vibe. The
use of the black are typical colours of a burglar, therefore, we felt this was
important to include when designing the costume for our antagonist.
Overall, I believe both products have been drastically
influenced by existing media and their conventions. I gained a significant
amount of inspiration from existing music magazine trailers when creating my
product and this helped me greatly create an image I was satisfied with. For my
advanced portfolio, the use of subtle conventions in trailers allowed my group
and I to construct a successful trailer that offered existing theories and
conventions from start to finish. I now have a developed understanding not only
of conventions of music magazine, but also of movie trailers.
