This is slightly different than my 3rd quarter submission because I have cut some footage when Bibi is starting to move. This was a recommendation because it showed when she started from. This made it a smoother transition. Another edit was to have less wind so I recorded my voice again without the wind. I toned down the wind so it was not as distracting. I also added another credit because I forgot an actor's name so I added it to this submission. That's all I did because I was very limited because I recorded this video on school property so I made due with the footage I have.
Final Submission
This is slightly different than my 3rd quarter submission because I have cut some footage when Bibi is starting to move. This was a recommendation because it showed when she started from. This made it a smoother transition. Another edit was to have less wind so I recorded my voice again without the wind. I toned down the wind so it was not as distracting. I also added another credit because I forgot an actor's name so I added it to this submission. That's all I did because I was very limited because I recorded this video on school property so I made due with the footage I have.
Creative Critical Reflection - Question 4
I have incorporated technology in several different stages of production. I have used several programs to edit not only my film but also my poster. I have used Publisher, Word, Adobe Premiere Pro, Nikon D3500, iMovie, and my iPhone 6 camera.
I used Word to write the drafts of the scripts and ideas of what should be happening where. Once, I was satisfied with the draft on Word, I moved to Publisher with the final draft. I drew a text box and typed out the script. I then saved the file to a JPEG and uploaded it to Blogger.
I used a Nikon D3500 for the midterm submission. I had the settings on auto which allowed me not to have to fidget around with anything when I was trying to film. Although I tended to forget if I pushed the red record button. I did used the lens to zoom on certain scenes to capture the actresses expressions.
I used Adobe Premiere Pro to edit my midterm submission. The functions I used in that program would be the text function. This allowed me to put my title and the credits on, as well, as change the font color and style. I also used this to cut and piece together my film that was needed to be done and export it to be uploaded to YouTube.
I used Publisher and Word again. I used it to add two new scenes that I added for 3rd submission. I also used this for my poster. I used Word to see the format and what I would like to put on the poster before I transferred it over to Publisher. I used Publisher to put a black and red gradient for the background color. I then drew 3 boxes to make it look like a missing person poster. I then added a text box that said missing in smaller print, the info, just like an actual missing person poster. I then changed the font color and style for the rest of the photo. I then made it a JPEG and put it on Blogger.
The last pieces of technology used was for my 3rd quarter submission and my final submission. I used my iPhone 6. I used the normal settings for recording. I did turn my phone horizontally then vertically. I used the same functions for Adobe Premiere Pro that I did for iMovie. The only difference is that I added incidental music in the beginning.
Creative Critical Reflection - Question 3
My production skills developed by understanding how to make a film. From the initial submission to the final submission. I have learned how to handle the camera, how to understand the importance of sound, how to better communicate what needs to be done, and how to maneuver the camera to make a certain effect.
I've learned how to better talk to the actors and actresses. This because I gave more concise direction of what I wanted to be shot in a certain scene. I would tell them why I wanted to do a certain camera angle, so they knew what to expect. I didn't know how to communicate because I felt I was disturbing them about my project every week. I was able to effectively communicate what needs to be done and how it should be done.
The scheduling was a bit of a hassle for my midterm submission and my third quarter submission. The filming was usually done on Thursday and Fridays with having to remind them to wear the same clothes the day after. We did some filming on Monday once I looked over the shots done the previous days and decide what to keep and what to re-shoot. There were several mishaps when it comes to scheduling. Every month, they had fire drill alarm practice after school on Fridays which is when I had to film. Other times it was doctor appointments or was sick so the actress home early. Other times I forget to remind the kidnapper to be there because he was there for one minute.
Another was the location. The location where the actresses were playing cards in the courtyard had to be changed. This is because it was had to hear them. Another change of location was where the kidnapper was located because the kidnapper could be seen. The last location that was different was the new scene I added. This made more sense because it has more authentication that the actresses were looking for their friends instrument.
I added scenes because it was too short and vague. The audience did not know the circumstances before, for only stated the missing instrument. I added two different scenes and a scene that did not make it in the midterm submission which was the view of an over the shoulder shot of the kidnapper looking a Bibi running. The last scene was edited to be a shot-reverse-shot instead of a two shot because it fit convention and it was more dynamic to see each of their expressions.
I started to evolve after the midterm submission because that was my trial run. I had somewhat of a clue at what I was doing but not by much. The third quarter submission was a vast improvement because I knew what I had to add and to fix to make it better. The final submission is exactly the same as the 3rd quarter submission by one exception which was that some of the scenes were shorter.
I've learned how to better talk to the actors and actresses. This because I gave more concise direction of what I wanted to be shot in a certain scene. I would tell them why I wanted to do a certain camera angle, so they knew what to expect. I didn't know how to communicate because I felt I was disturbing them about my project every week. I was able to effectively communicate what needs to be done and how it should be done.
The scheduling was a bit of a hassle for my midterm submission and my third quarter submission. The filming was usually done on Thursday and Fridays with having to remind them to wear the same clothes the day after. We did some filming on Monday once I looked over the shots done the previous days and decide what to keep and what to re-shoot. There were several mishaps when it comes to scheduling. Every month, they had fire drill alarm practice after school on Fridays which is when I had to film. Other times it was doctor appointments or was sick so the actress home early. Other times I forget to remind the kidnapper to be there because he was there for one minute.
Another was the location. The location where the actresses were playing cards in the courtyard had to be changed. This is because it was had to hear them. Another change of location was where the kidnapper was located because the kidnapper could be seen. The last location that was different was the new scene I added. This made more sense because it has more authentication that the actresses were looking for their friends instrument.
I added scenes because it was too short and vague. The audience did not know the circumstances before, for only stated the missing instrument. I added two different scenes and a scene that did not make it in the midterm submission which was the view of an over the shoulder shot of the kidnapper looking a Bibi running. The last scene was edited to be a shot-reverse-shot instead of a two shot because it fit convention and it was more dynamic to see each of their expressions.
I started to evolve after the midterm submission because that was my trial run. I had somewhat of a clue at what I was doing but not by much. The third quarter submission was a vast improvement because I knew what I had to add and to fix to make it better. The final submission is exactly the same as the 3rd quarter submission by one exception which was that some of the scenes were shorter.
Creative Critical Reflection - Question 2
The second question is how the product will engage the audience. The social groups that are represented are high school students hanging out after school. The issues represented is that there is no place that is safe. There will always be danger lurking around the corner. This allows for the following to be suspicious of their peers as well as anyone of authority too. Those of middle to high school will relate to this. The college students will relate as well because they went through high school.
So, the films I researched have helped immensely in understanding and finding techniques that would best market and distribute my film. I have researched three different films and figured out what to take and what to not take if I was doing a real film.
The marketing techniques I have learned are from the films Captive State, Bird Box, and Searching. I learned that if want the film want to succeed I need to market accordingly. I have learned that trailers make a very big impact on whether the audience would want to see that film. This goes along with the trailers which are posters. These posters help also quickly convey what the film is about in few words and a overall picture that represents the film.. It must reflect what the basis of the film is about while also not giving away too much detail. I have learned that billboards can work in favor, for if put in a densely populated area where many people walk such as LA, or NY city then there is a chance to have them see it and spread the word to others. Netflix had an interesting marketing technique. There was a Bird Box Challenge swirling around the internet which Netflix did not condemn, but told audiences to be careful. Another is a website and a social media account. These both must reflect what the movie will be about as well. For instance, the website from Searching has text messages that pop up on the corner when someone first enters the website which resembles the trailer and the film because this film put a huge emphasis of technology. The last important marketing strategy would be having interviews. All of the films mentioned above have an interview with the director to get the thoughts and feelings which allows more engagement to the audience because now they feel connected to film, just as the director that filmed it.
My marketing plan is to have a creation of poster that gives a overview of what will be shown in the film. I would also have one or two different trailers to help get people talking about the film. I would also have posters in populated areas such as New York or Los Angeles. I would have the poster, trailers, and maybe a challenge set up to help engage the audience on both social media and own personal film website. Many of the target audience is younger, so would mainly focus on social media. I would also run a campaign to challenge that of target audience such as reenacting a scene from the trailer or asking how they would solve this if it was happening at their school. I would also have a director's interview posted on both website and social media page.
I have learned that there are two different distribution techniques. The different distribution techniques are traditional and digital. The traditional techniques are putting the film at film festivals hosted around the country. If the film was recognized there, then the film might be taken under the wing of a distribution agency. There are other traditional ways by having a sales agent distribute to various markets by selling them to brands such as hotels, airlines to show or advertise the film. Another way is to have a theatrical release where it will be distributed to different theaters. Another is go directly of video on demand. The digital techniques are quite different. For instance, Bird Box was only distributed and marketed by Netflix and no one else. Another example, is Captive State which was distributed on multiple platforms such as Amazon Prime, VUDU, iTunes, and YouTube.
My distribution plan would be a mix of both traditional and digital. I would have it go to a film festival and see if a distributor would be interested in distributing the film. If not, then I would hire a sales agent to have my film promoted on hotels and airplanes. I would have my film go through the theatrical release and then I would then pitch to different companies such Amazon, YouTube, Hulu, and VUDU to show it after the theatrical release as well as put it on VOD.
So, the films I researched have helped immensely in understanding and finding techniques that would best market and distribute my film. I have researched three different films and figured out what to take and what to not take if I was doing a real film.
The marketing techniques I have learned are from the films Captive State, Bird Box, and Searching. I learned that if want the film want to succeed I need to market accordingly. I have learned that trailers make a very big impact on whether the audience would want to see that film. This goes along with the trailers which are posters. These posters help also quickly convey what the film is about in few words and a overall picture that represents the film.. It must reflect what the basis of the film is about while also not giving away too much detail. I have learned that billboards can work in favor, for if put in a densely populated area where many people walk such as LA, or NY city then there is a chance to have them see it and spread the word to others. Netflix had an interesting marketing technique. There was a Bird Box Challenge swirling around the internet which Netflix did not condemn, but told audiences to be careful. Another is a website and a social media account. These both must reflect what the movie will be about as well. For instance, the website from Searching has text messages that pop up on the corner when someone first enters the website which resembles the trailer and the film because this film put a huge emphasis of technology. The last important marketing strategy would be having interviews. All of the films mentioned above have an interview with the director to get the thoughts and feelings which allows more engagement to the audience because now they feel connected to film, just as the director that filmed it.
My marketing plan is to have a creation of poster that gives a overview of what will be shown in the film. I would also have one or two different trailers to help get people talking about the film. I would also have posters in populated areas such as New York or Los Angeles. I would have the poster, trailers, and maybe a challenge set up to help engage the audience on both social media and own personal film website. Many of the target audience is younger, so would mainly focus on social media. I would also run a campaign to challenge that of target audience such as reenacting a scene from the trailer or asking how they would solve this if it was happening at their school. I would also have a director's interview posted on both website and social media page.
I have learned that there are two different distribution techniques. The different distribution techniques are traditional and digital. The traditional techniques are putting the film at film festivals hosted around the country. If the film was recognized there, then the film might be taken under the wing of a distribution agency. There are other traditional ways by having a sales agent distribute to various markets by selling them to brands such as hotels, airlines to show or advertise the film. Another way is to have a theatrical release where it will be distributed to different theaters. Another is go directly of video on demand. The digital techniques are quite different. For instance, Bird Box was only distributed and marketed by Netflix and no one else. Another example, is Captive State which was distributed on multiple platforms such as Amazon Prime, VUDU, iTunes, and YouTube.
My distribution plan would be a mix of both traditional and digital. I would have it go to a film festival and see if a distributor would be interested in distributing the film. If not, then I would hire a sales agent to have my film promoted on hotels and airplanes. I would have my film go through the theatrical release and then I would then pitch to different companies such Amazon, YouTube, Hulu, and VUDU to show it after the theatrical release as well as put it on VOD.
Creative Critical Reflection - Question 1
For question 1, the meaning I was trying to create is that people should keep their guard up no matter where they are. The school is supposedly a safe place, so getting kidnapped is against what is to be expected. It was made to have suspense because this safe place is now not a safe place.
The conventions used to create this was to have an actor run across the camera at a low angle. This was inspired by the film I researched which was called The Silence of the Lambs. Though the Silence of the Lambs was more of a casual run in the woods. The run I used to create a feeling of panic because the actress is running across school campus which is very unusual because since the time children were in elementary school, they are told not to run.
Another convention is the shot-reverse-shot. There are many films that I have researched that have shot-reverse-shot. This allows to see the reactions on the actors faces. This is emphasized on the last seconds of the opening in which both actors are confused on what to do which is plausible because this would confuse a lot of people.
The incidental music in the beginning where Bibi is running has more of a faster pace which allows for the audience to know that this actress is running for a reason. It allows for more suspense too because the audience know something bad is happening. The Shining is a prime example of having incidental music in the opening. Although it was slower, it still had the same purpose of creating suspense.
Another is the high and low angles that are used for conventions. This is previously done by Panic Room, which has several shots at many angles to emphasize different meanings. I used low and high angles to emphasize my meaning. The low angle allows for suspense and to see from the perspective of the actress. The high angles allow for the actresses facial expressions at that time.
The conventions used to create this was to have an actor run across the camera at a low angle. This was inspired by the film I researched which was called The Silence of the Lambs. Though the Silence of the Lambs was more of a casual run in the woods. The run I used to create a feeling of panic because the actress is running across school campus which is very unusual because since the time children were in elementary school, they are told not to run.
Another convention is the shot-reverse-shot. There are many films that I have researched that have shot-reverse-shot. This allows to see the reactions on the actors faces. This is emphasized on the last seconds of the opening in which both actors are confused on what to do which is plausible because this would confuse a lot of people.
The incidental music in the beginning where Bibi is running has more of a faster pace which allows for the audience to know that this actress is running for a reason. It allows for more suspense too because the audience know something bad is happening. The Shining is a prime example of having incidental music in the opening. Although it was slower, it still had the same purpose of creating suspense.
Another is the high and low angles that are used for conventions. This is previously done by Panic Room, which has several shots at many angles to emphasize different meanings. I used low and high angles to emphasize my meaning. The low angle allows for suspense and to see from the perspective of the actress. The high angles allow for the actresses facial expressions at that time.
3rd Quarter Submission
My 3rd quarter submission has been revised to have music in the beginning to make it have more of an impact. This is to show that Bibi is in the rush and that she is currently panicking that she is running all the way across campus to seek help in finding her instrument. These scenes are long takes to emphasis how big and how long she is running across the campus.
I also cropped and cut out people that were in the shot that would distract from the main event of what is currently happening. I also got rid of the card game because it was only a second long which did not make an impact on the film. I also added myself into these shots because either one or both the actresses could not make it or they were on a time constraint.
Another revision I did was to have the dissolve transition from the title to the actual scene because it was to abrupt otherwise. This transition made it smoother which is more appealing to the eye then having it cut right then and there.
Revision 3
This revision although small compared to the others makes it smoother for both parties involved. It allows for Bibi to walk a shorter distance in the angle which would be uncomfortable for her. It also shorter distance for Ethan to drag Bibi. It allows for the certain destination to be known instead of hiding behind another cement pillar.
Revision 2
The second revision will be at the end. The ending will be altered to give more context of what the two friends are going to do when they see the note. This would be a more realistic approach of what would happen when someone is missing. They would want to know if they should go to the authorities or if they should do an investigation on their own.
This ending will be the conflict of the film later on because they both are dealing on internal struggles of how to find their friend and who should be trusted or not. They must rely on each other to find their friend before the 48 hours are up and they will not be able to find their friend.
Another revision would be the over-the-shoulder shot of both Abby and Rebecca looking at the note. This will allow more of a dynamic because the audience will get to see what is written on the note to have the two actresses be baffled.
Revision 1
There were some complications on filming. Bibi cut her hair so I would not be able to use previous shots done. The scheduling was difficult because the actors had other prior engagements such as making up test, practices after school, or being sick. These filming re-shots took about 30 minutes. The filming had to be redone for several scenes because of the shakiness of hand or the blurriness of the picture taken.
The old version does not have the newly added scene before it. This revised version shows the new scenes of the film which helps improve the film due to being able to give more background knowledge of what is currently going on. It also gives more suspense to know that there is something dangerous lurking out there and that it needs to be found before it is too late.
Another revision is that of the location in which it will be taken in discussing the topic about recent unfortunate events of the missing instruments. Keara who is mentioned by Rebecca allows for more description of the recent happenings and how once the instruments are stolen then themselves. This allows for suspense because the audience knows what has happened but the actresses do not know. I will dismiss the claims because I would be the sensible one of the group and thinking innocently that nothing nefarious has happened to my friend when that certainly is not the case.
Distribution Plan
My distribution plan would be to put it into a film festival based on my genre which is horror/suspense. I would see how the reception of the film would go and if I was a winning a title. If I did not win that film festival then I would go to another. If the film wins there then I would be more likely to have a distributor see my film and invest in my film. I would hire a sales agent to help with finding deals. I would get a contract with the film distributor to do the marketing campaigns. Depending on the distributor, I would either exclusively be on their streaming service such as Netflix or Disney+ but if not then I would have my film be streamed with multiple streaming services if my contract allows that. If I have a theatrical release of the film then contract allows to aim that way then I would put it on VOD, DVD/Blu-Ray for more revenue.Digital Distribution - Searching
Apparently the film Searching is only distributed on Amazon. Just like Netflix, the film is only on one distribution streaming site. This movie can be rented or bought on Amazon and the only other option is to buy on DVD/Blu-ray. Amazon is a big distribution site, so the film Searching will be able to viewed by those that have STARZ subscription or Amazon account. This film will be able to be known because have a broad range of audience that would be intrigued with this film.
I will take away from this distributor is need a big company that is well known to be able have consumers be able to rent or buy it. This helps me understand the economics that a film will not be able to hold up if there is no digital distributor willing to distribute my film. The revenue after the run in of the theater, the revenue would decrease.
Digital Distribution - Captive State
Captive State has digital distribution on many platforms except Netflix. It is on Amazon which is a big distributor too. They have a world wide market with 95 million subscribers to Amazon Prime. Amazon is a global company so it would be able to have people access anywhere in the world. It also on Vudu which is a big streaming site that people are able to rent the film or by the film instead of getting it on DVD. YouTube also is a big streaming site, although it is relative new, it is projected to have 2 million subscribers in 2019. These stream sites allow many consumers to go onto different platforms to buy the film which is extra revenue coming in after the initial theater cost.
I will take from this by understanding that digital distribution is not going away anytime soon, so must embrace the services provided to get my film out further. This presents an opportunity to get more money from the movie if they are streamed on multiple sites than just one. I will get my film out there more and is not limited to one audience which is good because more publicity which means more people will know about the film.
Digital Distribution - Bird Box
This is digitally distributed to those with Netflix only. So, Bird Box can only be seen by those that have Netflix. Though it is not a cut off to having more of a market if they were with other digital distributors because Netflix is one of the top distributors that majority of people know by name. They will also have a reliable viewing because Netflix has it featured when it came out. So, when the subscribers enter into Netflix, that is the first item shown. There are 151 million subscribers world wide which is a wide target audience to be interested in this film. Also, once it is watched by those that have subscribed, it can be spread by word of mouth throughout various countries to go and recommend watching the film. This will then encourage more people to subscribe to Netflix which is good for Netflix as well as the producers of the film because that would mean that there is potential that Netflix will sponsor or help produce another film which is what is wanted. It shows that they are able to create a top rated film and secured a spot for future investments from one of the top distributors.
I would incorporate this strategy because would need a big distributor that is known worldwide. It needs to be secured that they have a big audience that is worldwide. Need to secure a spot to be featured by the distributor to get my film out. Make a deal to have a chance that if the film is successful and once it is successful then be able to work with Netflix on another film.
Traditional Distribution
Traditional Distribution would use sales agents to get the films out there. This consists of distribution of cinema chains, TV networks, and video on demand (VOD). Also, distribute to hotels and airlines to show the trailers or advertise the film. The film festival is another way to distribute film. These festivals have distributors that can go and preview the film before they decide to take the film on and market it. Theatrical release is another traditional method. The film if having enough funds will go to theaters all over to have the audience be able to view the show. VOD is another option which allows the film to skip theatrical release and give it directly to the audience.
Marketing Plan
Based on my research I did my own poster. Although is not look as professionally done as the ones I researched, I took elements from the films. For instance, the dark/black colored poster was inspired by the film Searching. The red was inspired by the red in the poster Captive State. The idea of the missing poster was inspired by the film Searching, this is due to having missing posters in the trailer about the protagonists missing daughter. It would also make sense in my film because Bibi goes missing and Rebecca and Abby must find her before its too late. The font of the screen was supposed to resemble music note or letters.
The type of ads I would use to advertise would be that of television, social media to get the word out and spread promotional ads, another would be having movie posters. I would also have trailers to show some hidden details of the film but not giving away the whole plot. I would create a social media interaction or challenge like Netflix did. For publicity, I would do interviews with the director and the actors that played in the film like some of the previous research films have done. I would also have unique looking billboards such as what Bird Box did to integrate the ad to a building like it belonged there.
Audience Engagement Research - Captive State (2019)
The target audience for Captive State are similar to my target audience because of the younger main character in the film. This is based on his perspective and how this young man is in about his early 20s. This is close to my target audience which was late teens to early 20s. This character would be relatable to my audience because they would similar mindsets.
The first poster shows a hula dancer on top of the dash of a car. Beyond the car is jagged, colorful, and unclear. This makes it futuristic looking. A bigger hint is the ship in the top left corner flying in the sky. The front of the car seems to have wire, maybe to protect it from harm. The second poster looks to be of the main character standing in a plume of red smoke set off by the flare in his hand. This gives the audience a sense of standing against something or someone and is willing to pray the price. So based on the two posters, the audience gets a feeling of futuristic world or invasion that is very bleak and the man in the hoodie is going to rise against something or someone.
These three trailers show that the world was not how it used to be. There is a voice over on one the of the trailers, telling lies to the people and pledging for an space craft with aliens onboard. There are aliens because in one of the trailers it had the silhouette of an alien. It is set in America because of a long-shot of the White House, and the main character saying "I want a lawyer" which does not exist apparently in the future. There are many short takes to show actions such as the main character punching someone and also to show how chaotic the future is. There are long shots to establish the story and what is happening to the futuristic America.
The first screenshot above is the website for the film. There are transitioning pictures from the film. This is one of the pictures. All the colors for the website are very dark which show contrast between light and dark. This could mean that the man is praying for light when the futuristic blanket darkness is shrouding the light or beacon of hope. There is another website called the legislature that is linked to the main website which gives more insight of the film.
These are the social media pages for Captive State. This shows that this is not the only movie that is being spread throughout the pages. Unlike the other blog post, there is more than one film being advertised which gives interest of what other films that are made from that company. It has the same color scheme like the website. There are darker images used for profile. It coincides with each other which makes the audience connect the dots that it is same company which could be a future clientele.
The director in this film tells about the motives and characterization of the main character. Also, the struggle between the human race against themselves as well as those ruling the skies called Legislators. These creatures has control of everything and is feeding lies to the people but one brave soul will rise up and be the phoenix for this impossible but rightful cause.
The persuasive techniques used is having different approaches of trailers. Each one giving hints and small details in the film for the audience to understand what is going on. Another is the texture or design of the poster to have hints of what is going on. The color scheme for each poster is different which creates a different mood to the film.
Aspects I would used is consider how the color scheme of the poster will affect the overall mood of what the audience is going to expect. Also, to figure out which method of telling would be suitable for the genre and how to formulate it into a trailer that would befit the mood, tone, setting, and characterization of actors acting in the film.
Audience Engagement Research - Bird Box (2018)
The target audience of Bird Box is largely female audience which coincides with my target audience which is also female. Though the film Bird Box and I have those under the age of adulthood, there is a parental figure which is not shown in my film. Though parents in the audience taking the 15 years olds would be able to sympathize both films. The concept would be acknowledged that parents want to protect their children at all cost which Sandra Bullock is trying to do. She does not want her children to be taken away which would be the same for Bibi's parents when she gets kidnapped.
Both trailers have long and short takes. The longer takes show more of the storyline and how they ended up there while the shorter takes have actions such as them going down the river and that of the reactions toward the creatures coming to get them. These elements show who the main characters' are and the objective of trying to find a safe place while running from their greatest fear. This creates suspense on what is going to happen next and will they ever find peace or will it always be a struggle to survive.
These are the billboards used to advertise the film coming out on Netflix. These billboards such as the one in the middle creates or makes it streamline to the building which would catch someone's eye because most billboards are not like this. Usually are horizontal than vertical. Also, these billboards are large and prominent with no other advertisements are shown which makes the person commuting focus singularly on these posters around the city.
The first article is a marketing strategy by Netflix to create a wide and engaged crowd would be not discouraging those on the internet for spreading news through their followers by making a widespread challenge. Netflix only stated for everyone to be safe while doing the challenge. The challenge was to wear a blindfold while doing normal activities such as walking around the house and hopefully not falling down a flight of stairs. The second article was the director explaining what the target audience would be and how it would impact the audience. The director also states in the article on what the film is trying to achieve how it was done.
Some persuasive techniques would be having out of the thinking market campaign such as letting others advertise for you. The example being the Bird Box Challenge. Another is having large billboards around a populous area so it can be seen while people are commuting. Also, the way of revealing the characters in the trailers. It would start in the present or making their way toward the safe place but it also reverts back to how the family got into the situation and the purpose of the blindfold.
Aspects that I would use for my film would be considering the contrast of light and dark in my poster. Another to pick up on is what is my focal point of my film, how am I supposed to make suspense. How to give an understanding to the audience without revealing everything in one shot. Another is how to use social media to my advantages as well as how to figure the dynamics of the characters and how to portray in a poster.
This is the poster for Bird Box which shows that all the characters are blindfolded for a purpose. The colors that stand out the most are that of the blindfolds. This puts emphasize of the blindfolds which would leave the audience wondering. Every thing is dark except for the blindfolds and that of the faces being lit up in the direction their going. This could be interpreted that they are heading toward the light and away from the darkness.
Both trailers have long and short takes. The longer takes show more of the storyline and how they ended up there while the shorter takes have actions such as them going down the river and that of the reactions toward the creatures coming to get them. These elements show who the main characters' are and the objective of trying to find a safe place while running from their greatest fear. This creates suspense on what is going to happen next and will they ever find peace or will it always be a struggle to survive.
These are the billboards used to advertise the film coming out on Netflix. These billboards such as the one in the middle creates or makes it streamline to the building which would catch someone's eye because most billboards are not like this. Usually are horizontal than vertical. Also, these billboards are large and prominent with no other advertisements are shown which makes the person commuting focus singularly on these posters around the city.
The first article is a marketing strategy by Netflix to create a wide and engaged crowd would be not discouraging those on the internet for spreading news through their followers by making a widespread challenge. Netflix only stated for everyone to be safe while doing the challenge. The challenge was to wear a blindfold while doing normal activities such as walking around the house and hopefully not falling down a flight of stairs. The second article was the director explaining what the target audience would be and how it would impact the audience. The director also states in the article on what the film is trying to achieve how it was done.
Some persuasive techniques would be having out of the thinking market campaign such as letting others advertise for you. The example being the Bird Box Challenge. Another is having large billboards around a populous area so it can be seen while people are commuting. Also, the way of revealing the characters in the trailers. It would start in the present or making their way toward the safe place but it also reverts back to how the family got into the situation and the purpose of the blindfold.
Aspects that I would use for my film would be considering the contrast of light and dark in my poster. Another to pick up on is what is my focal point of my film, how am I supposed to make suspense. How to give an understanding to the audience without revealing everything in one shot. Another is how to use social media to my advantages as well as how to figure the dynamics of the characters and how to portray in a poster.
Audience Engagement Research - Searching (2018)
The target audience would be that of a younger generation. It would be those in there early 20s. This due to the social media and technology aspect. Those of a younger audience could relate to the technology aspect used in this film too because they know or have learned how to operate social media and info readily available to them. This target audience is similar to mine because both audiences can relate to certain aspects such as going to school and the technology aspect with communication.
The persuasive techniques used would be the color theme throughout all of the various media. All of them have a darker color scheme. Many of the pictures shown above have black which emphasizes something is lurking in the shadows or mystery shrouded by darkness. In many of the pictures, it shows technology which is an imperative part of the film. This helps the audience know some context of what is happening in the film without explicitly saying it outright.
Aspects that I would use to market my film would be having posters, trailers, and social media to get the word out of my film. I would have a certain theme to my posters, trailers, and social media to have the audience know what will be shown in the film. I will also now have a color scheme and what would help indicate what type of film it is based on the my genre.
The film Searching uses posters to convey the simplicity of what the story is as of now. It has darker elements to show that there is something sinister or something dangerous that is lurking in the dark. It also has technological aspects such as showing different phones and a keyboard. There may be emphasis on technology used and that is important to the plot.
The trailer shows a frantic dad trying to find his missing daughter through social media. The director uses short takes of the social media to show how fast and how much media the main character which is the dad goes through. Then there are long takes which shows the dad in frustration and him struggling to find his daughter. These long takes shows more of a deeper emotion and reaction toward the situation that that of a short take. Also, with the combination of both short and long tapes. It creates suspense that time is ticking before his daughter is gone forever.
This is the website for the film. This links to the social media pages that are down below. The website also has the trailer for those that have not seen the trailer yet. There is a montage before this when initial clicked on the website. There was text messages and Facetime missed calls shown on the upper right of the screen with the name Margot which is name of the missing daughter. This creates an effect on the audience first entering the website to more intrigued on what is going on with Margot that they would investigate further to the website. Of course, this was on a phone which will have a smaller format but ideally having the same purpose.
These are the social media pages for the film Searching. These social media accounts are helpful so that those can get their word out more and is able to have many different forms of media such as short video clips, pictures of posters, and could have other media such as an interview with the director could be put on there to help publicize the film more.
Speaking of interview, this helped give insight to the audience about what the director's thoughts and feelings about the film. An example, what the director thinks the film will portray and what is the overall premise without giving away too much detail.
Aspects that I would use to market my film would be having posters, trailers, and social media to get the word out of my film. I would have a certain theme to my posters, trailers, and social media to have the audience know what will be shown in the film. I will also now have a color scheme and what would help indicate what type of film it is based on the my genre.
Art of the Title Class Activity
My Target Audience
My target audience would be 15 to 21 year olds. This is due to the younger generation wanting to find and get immediate reaction to what they are watching. Also, many that watch this is going to a school campus and would relate that this is a school. They would also relate to students hanging out at school with friends and having after school activities. It would also relate to those in band, orchestra, or those who play an instrument know how expensive an instrument is and that losing it would be a scary event.
It would relate to both genders. The female target audience would find this appealing because they would be curious of what would happen next. How the leads are going to find their missing friend. They would be curious and try to figure out how the leads are going to find the kidnapper and what they are going to do ahead of time. The male target audience would find this intriguing because it would get their attention that someone got kidnapped and would be excited to see the obstacles that the kidnapper would lie ahead for the friends that were trying to find their friend.
The geography that would mostly buy this genre is the Midwest and the Northeast. The Northeast because there are many books based in that area. Also, there is lot of people like going to the movie theaters to watch scary movies. The Midwest because there is a lot of the older generation like watching horror/suspense films and this passes to their children.
The income levels would be relatively low. This is due to 15 years olds not being able to drive and not have a job. The ones in this age category is just entering the workforce for the first time and would not have the experience needed for a high level paying job. They would be given minimum wage. The average income would be 23,322 for 16-19 year olds and 20-21 would be 29,770. This is on the low side, and would not be able to afford going to the movies and would be on special occasions.
The education level would be a high school diploma or a GED. The 19-21 year olds would be earning their degree in college or in the workforce. So, the level of education would not be high and some would not even have a high school diploma.
The personal interest that could help would be those that like Stephen King and James Patterson books. These books have both suspense and thriller and this film would catch their attention. Also, those who read Sherlock Holmes or mystery crime novels would be interested because this film would be how the two friends find their friend and capture the kidnapper. Another interest would be those who like horror films would be interested because thrillers are a subcategory of horrors.
My product would be appealing to my audience because it overlaps different genres that my audience could be interested in. There is suspense that leads up the to thrill of someone being kidnapped and those close to her have to find out where she is before she is gone forever. It will have the audience engaged because they would want to know what will happen and how will they find their missing friend. It is also relatable because it is in a school setting. A normal day becomes not so normal.
It would relate to both genders. The female target audience would find this appealing because they would be curious of what would happen next. How the leads are going to find their missing friend. They would be curious and try to figure out how the leads are going to find the kidnapper and what they are going to do ahead of time. The male target audience would find this intriguing because it would get their attention that someone got kidnapped and would be excited to see the obstacles that the kidnapper would lie ahead for the friends that were trying to find their friend.
The geography that would mostly buy this genre is the Midwest and the Northeast. The Northeast because there are many books based in that area. Also, there is lot of people like going to the movie theaters to watch scary movies. The Midwest because there is a lot of the older generation like watching horror/suspense films and this passes to their children.
The income levels would be relatively low. This is due to 15 years olds not being able to drive and not have a job. The ones in this age category is just entering the workforce for the first time and would not have the experience needed for a high level paying job. They would be given minimum wage. The average income would be 23,322 for 16-19 year olds and 20-21 would be 29,770. This is on the low side, and would not be able to afford going to the movies and would be on special occasions.
The education level would be a high school diploma or a GED. The 19-21 year olds would be earning their degree in college or in the workforce. So, the level of education would not be high and some would not even have a high school diploma.
The personal interest that could help would be those that like Stephen King and James Patterson books. These books have both suspense and thriller and this film would catch their attention. Also, those who read Sherlock Holmes or mystery crime novels would be interested because this film would be how the two friends find their friend and capture the kidnapper. Another interest would be those who like horror films would be interested because thrillers are a subcategory of horrors.
My product would be appealing to my audience because it overlaps different genres that my audience could be interested in. There is suspense that leads up the to thrill of someone being kidnapped and those close to her have to find out where she is before she is gone forever. It will have the audience engaged because they would want to know what will happen and how will they find their missing friend. It is also relatable because it is in a school setting. A normal day becomes not so normal.
Feedback and Revisions
The feedback received was that I need to space out the dialogue and not cut to the very second that the actors stops speaking. Another revision that needs to be made would be having the voice actors project more. Also, to add more to the opening because it was short and to drag it out a little more by adding more scenes.
The revisions I plan to make is to reshoot some of the scenes where the actors tended to fade or have low voices. Another revision is to add more dialogue and go to a different location in the beginning, to catch the dialogue better.
I am going to be adding scenes to the opening to expand and give more detail on what is going on. For instance, I will be shooting in the cafeteria where Abby and Rebecca will be discussing on crimes that are happening at school. This would be other instruments going missing and those who played the instruments have gone missing as well.
I am also going to expand on the ending. There will also be dialogue about who could of done this and how they are going to be able to find their friend that is now missing. This will create more suspense which will lead to the audience wanting to know how Rebecca and Abby will be able to find help.
These changes will improve my product because this will give more depth for my film. It will also transition more smoothly because the audience will not be distracted by some of the sentences being cut off too soon. This will also help with sound as well because the audience will not have to strain their ears to hear what is being played.
I will carry out theses changes by reshooting at different locations, telling the actors to project more, and to create additional lines to the script to make the audience know what is going on. I will also be adding the scenes that were cut such as the over-the-shoulder of the thief watching the three friends converse. This will create mores suspense and I had to sit it before because it was the wrong scene. I will also have the thief change into darker clothing before to make it even more scary.
The revisions I plan to make is to reshoot some of the scenes where the actors tended to fade or have low voices. Another revision is to add more dialogue and go to a different location in the beginning, to catch the dialogue better.
I am going to be adding scenes to the opening to expand and give more detail on what is going on. For instance, I will be shooting in the cafeteria where Abby and Rebecca will be discussing on crimes that are happening at school. This would be other instruments going missing and those who played the instruments have gone missing as well.
I am also going to expand on the ending. There will also be dialogue about who could of done this and how they are going to be able to find their friend that is now missing. This will create more suspense which will lead to the audience wanting to know how Rebecca and Abby will be able to find help.
These changes will improve my product because this will give more depth for my film. It will also transition more smoothly because the audience will not be distracted by some of the sentences being cut off too soon. This will also help with sound as well because the audience will not have to strain their ears to hear what is being played.
I will carry out theses changes by reshooting at different locations, telling the actors to project more, and to create additional lines to the script to make the audience know what is going on. I will also be adding the scenes that were cut such as the over-the-shoulder of the thief watching the three friends converse. This will create mores suspense and I had to sit it before because it was the wrong scene. I will also have the thief change into darker clothing before to make it even more scary.
Use of Conventions
My product uses convention such as my actress running across the screen which like the scene in the beginning of The Silence of the Lambs. Although, I did not write about in a blog post. It was one of the films that I researched. This was to create suspense of who the person is running and why they are running.
Another use of convention would be the silence in the beginning. This creates suspense and would help establish the mood. The films that I researched, there was no talking in the beginning. The films that had the actors and actresses on screen in the opening had them going about their day or perform mundane everyday activities. I used that when I had two of the actresses playing cards to show there was nothing to worry about.
The social groups that are presented in the film I created was that there are high school students minding their own business when one of them is in need of help. This student is a band student, so there instrument would be invaluable to them. This creates suspense because where could have the student lost it and will they be able to find it.
The last social group would be that of the thief and kidnapper. The thief is another student which shows the audience that there are dangerous people all around and would not be able to suspect it. It shows that people should not let their guard down even in a safe setting.
Also, the setting creates a feeling of suspense. This is due to schools supposedly being one of the safest places to be. This crime would cause unease to not only the two other actresses attending the school but to the setting in general. This would cause unrest and create a suspenseful atmosphere after the band student gets kidnapped.
Another use of convention would be the silence in the beginning. This creates suspense and would help establish the mood. The films that I researched, there was no talking in the beginning. The films that had the actors and actresses on screen in the opening had them going about their day or perform mundane everyday activities. I used that when I had two of the actresses playing cards to show there was nothing to worry about.
The social groups that are presented in the film I created was that there are high school students minding their own business when one of them is in need of help. This student is a band student, so there instrument would be invaluable to them. This creates suspense because where could have the student lost it and will they be able to find it.
The last social group would be that of the thief and kidnapper. The thief is another student which shows the audience that there are dangerous people all around and would not be able to suspect it. It shows that people should not let their guard down even in a safe setting.
Also, the setting creates a feeling of suspense. This is due to schools supposedly being one of the safest places to be. This crime would cause unease to not only the two other actresses attending the school but to the setting in general. This would cause unrest and create a suspenseful atmosphere after the band student gets kidnapped.
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