Research into crime thriller genre ancillary products.
In order to produce a conventional and effective ancillary products, I conducted research into similar products to identify key conventions and techniques.
Identifying the brand identity of Spring Breakers.
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View the Spring Breakers trailer here.
Research into the history of crime thriller genre.
Please click the link below to view my research into the history of crime thriller
Ancillary Task 1+2
Please click the link below to view the ancillary product analysis
Screen shot analysis of 21 Jump street
Please click the link below to view the screen shot analysis of 21 Jump Street
Creative analysis
21 and Over Trailer
For my detailed analysis I chose to analyse Spring Breakers, in order to identify the conventions for my chosen genre of crime thriller by focusing on key technical areas.
Detailed analysis of Spring Breakers movie trailer
Camera Work
Extreme close up and close up
Throughout the trailer of Spring Breakers, both close up and extreme close up are used frequently to emphasise the expression on each characters face. Close up and extreme close up are most frequently used at the beginning of the trailer, creating the effect of disorientation within multiple scenes and confusion of the characters. This reflects the ambiguity of the trailer as the story line of the film is not made evident in order to encourage the prospective audience to view the film. The second image example of an extreme close up is also out of focus, creating the suggestion that the characters are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as conventionally skewed camera angles, focusing on eyes and changing focus suggests and recreates the effect of drugs.
Wide Shot
The wide shots used within in the film trailer allows the audience to view the scene as a whole and also to establish the intended atmosphere. The use of a wide shot to show large groups of teenagers on the beach, conveys the convention of a 'spring break' party through the use of excessive consumption of alcohol and loud music. As the target audience for the film is most prominently teenagers and young adults, the frequent use of wide shots to establish a 'drunken party atmosphere' will appeal successfully to this audience. This also depicts an atmosphere of promiscuity and excitement, suggesting that the characters will be involved in some form of trouble. As the trailer progresses it is followed by a wide shot of the 4 protagonist's in front of a judge in a courtroom, thus encouraging the prospective audience to view the film. A wide shot can also be used to contrast characters with the setting they are shown in. The scene in which the 4 protagonists are shown in a courtroom in bikini's is unconventional as typically courtroom's are associated with formalwear. By highlighting and contrasting the characters with their setting, they are conveyed as being 'outsiders' creating a impression that this is also the theme throughout the film.
Aerial Shot
Aerial shot's create a 'god like' perspective for the audience whilst giving a full view of the scene. By using an aerial shot to show the party scene, it creates an atmosphere conventional of spring break such as busy, energetic and lively. The use of an aerial shot to show Brit and Candy laying on a bed covered of money, shows the disequilibrium of the scene through the use of portraying the effects of drugs. As the shot gives an unusual perspective of both Candy and Brit by showing them aiming the gun at the camera, this creates a threatening atmosphere and suggests that the characters will be involved in illegal or dangerous action. The use of showing a female with a gun also is unconventional as they are typically associated with male masculine characters, in-keeping with the disequilibrium of the scene. In both examples the use of an aerial shot creates an unnatural view that is not often used within a film trailer.
Mise En Scene
Costume
The costumes used within this trailer are conventional for a film set within a 'Spring break' situation as they are shown in bikini's which are typically associated with the beach party setting. Although the use of bikini's within a film aimed at a teenage/young adult audience, also signifies promiscuity as the characters are good looking young females shown at spring break. Which is portrayed through other films such as American Pie as adventurous and highly centred around alcohol consumption and sex. The use of bikini's as costumes in the scene in which they are shown in a courtroom also is unconventional as courtrooms are typically associated with formal dress, which highlights and contrasts the characters with their surroundings.
Props
The props used within the trailer items typically associated with male roles, for example guns and excess amounts of money are a common prop. This suggests that illegal activity will be conducted which may be seen as unconventional as the 4 protagonists are female, however also is conventional of a film in within spring break, as this carries connotations of illegal behaviour and partying. The use of motorcycles also signifies adventure and danger as it is not made clear whether they are stolen because of the atmosphere of rebellion created through the use of props such as guns, drugs and alcohol.
Lighting
A majority of the trailer is shown in low key lighting creating a dramatic effect of uncertainty for both the viewer and the characters within the narrative. The use of a back light combined with low key lighting within the second example, creates a silhouette effect that is typically associate with danger and fear of the unknown as their identity is not clear. Many scenes are also shown with the use of a colour tint from the lighting, most commonly slightly blue to manipulate the colour of the shot. The blue tint carries connotations of medical buildings such as hospitals but also may be a visual representation of the effect of drugs. By skewing the view of the audience, it represents the view of the character within the film.
Setting
The setting of a beach within the time of spring break connotes a audacious and party atmosphere that is in keeping with the tone of the film. As spring break is seen as a time to 'go wild' the setting of a beach carries wider connotations of promiscuity and a greater alcohol fuelled party atmosphere that would not normally be associated with beach in a different film genre. The heated climate suggests that is may be a holiday destination for other teenagers/young adults of the same age, creating a highly populated destination.
Editing
Cross Cutting and Fast Paced Editing
Shot Reverse Shot
Cross Cutting and Fast Paced Editing
The use of cross cutting editing within the film trailer gives the impression of many events happening simultaneously, creating the impression of an action packed and fast paced film whilst also showing the narrative of the film within a short time. Fast paced editing also creates the effect of events happening quickly and gives a small preview of the film - ideal for use within trailers.
Shot Reverse Shot
Shot reverse shot use within the trailer emphasises the conversation between both characters and also highlights the reaction/emotion from each character. As there is only 4 protagonists within the trailer, the use of shot reverse shot allows the audience to establish relationships between the characters through their reactions to each other during conversations.
Sound
The use of non diegetic music during the trailer creates a party atmosphere because of its garage/dubstep genre but also reflects the energy of the film, characters and of the spring break setting. During the shots of large groups dancing on the beach it also creates a stereotypical holiday setting that due to the age of the perspective audience, means they will be able to relate to.
Conventions of the genre - Crime thriller
Camera work - Often skewed or tilted camera angles during scenes of distress or illegal activities such as drug use to represent the disequilibrium of the scene. Wide shots are often used to give the audience a full view of the scene and to emphasise any one event.
Costume - The costumes used within a crime thriller film can vary, for example a crime thriller such as Layer Cake costumes were typically more formal, such as shirts and suit trousers. However a crime thriller set within a lower class such as Kidulthood the costumes consist of tracksuits and clothing considered 'chavy'.
Props - Typically props used within crime thriller films consist of weapons, drugs, alcohol and illegal elements
Lighting - Low key lighting is most commonly used within this genre as this signifies danger and uncertainty, it also shows the characters intent to 'hide' or 'shadow' what they are doing as it is typically illegal
Setting - The setting may vary widely just as the narrative of the film itself, crime thrillers often can take place within lower class areas however contrastingly also large higher class cities.
Setting - The setting may vary widely just as the narrative of the film itself, crime thrillers often can take place within lower class areas however contrastingly also large higher class cities.
Conventions of form - Trailer
The aim of a trailer is to promote a film soon to be released and encourage the target audience to view it, in order to do this short clips of the narrative are combined to form 2 - 3 minute trailer. The name of the film, famous staring actors and the date of the release of the film are including in the trailer and also occasionally reviews from newspapers or a test audience. Non diegetic music is also often played over the scenes from the film, however this may be substituted by lines of script from the characters to build up suspense.
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