Storyboard (final draft)

 I have created a second storyboard draft by moving my shots around to make it less linear and to also include more information about my protagonist as I feel like my first draft lacked this and it is important for my audience to get to know and relate with my protagonist. 

Storyboard (draft 1)

I have created a storyboard for my trailer to ensure I have a plan for every shot as well as an idea of the order of shots within my trailer. The storyboard is helpful for the production of my trailer as it includes information of cast needed, the type of shot and the context of each shot. I am considering doing another draft of my storyboard as although I am happy with the majority of the shots, the storyboard is very linear which could make it look a bit like a film; therefore I may reorder these to make the trailer more conventional. 

Extra research

The following film trailers consist of examples of narrations and voice overs that are similar to what I would like in my trailer.



The Fault in our Stars trailer consists of a voice over at the beginning which conveys extra information about the protagonist and the film which is what I am planning to include at the beginning of my trailer. I have also decided my trailer will only consist of a voice over and non-diegetic music; there will be no diegetic dialogue.

Summary of magazine analysis

All three of the film magazines I have analysed consist of a feature article photo that includes the protagonist and are all central of the magazine. Due to this I will ensure my magazine consists of a photograph of my protagonist, looking directly into the camera and the shot will be taken just below eye level as this follows convention of other film magazines.

I will also ensure my feature article photograph is placed in front of the masthead as by analysing magazines I have found that this is conventional.

All of these magazines I have analysed also follow a certain house style; this has ensured I create a house style within my magazine by using a colour scheme and similar fonts. This will also link together my magazine, poster and trailer.

I have also noticed the masthead is always placed at the top of the magazine and plugs and puffs are aligned left and right. This research has impacted upon decisions made regarding my magazine as I will ensure my masthead is along the top of the magazine front cover and the plugs and puffs are placed at the side.

Other than the masthead, I have also noticed the cover lines are the biggest font on the page and therefore will apply this to my magazine my ensuring the masthead is the biggest font and the cover lines are put in large font too to make these parts the predominant text. I will also ensure on my magazine that the cover lines interlink with my feature article photograph as I have noticed this is included in the magazines I have analysed.

Second 'Total Film' magazine analysis

Feature article photo:

The feature article photo is a mid-long shot of the protagonist and is placed in the centre of the front cover, making it the main feature.

The protagonist is looking directly at the camera which draws attention and encourages the reader to look inside the magazine. 

The facial expression and body language of the protagonist in the feature article photo connotes seriousness and mystery which conveys some information about the film. The facial expression also connotes intelligence and wisdom.

The clothing of the protagonist is a coat and winter clothes which fits with the house style of the magazine as a cold, wintery theme is being used.

The colours used in the feature article photo are cold colours which also contributes to the house style of the front cover.

The misty/foggy background of the feature article photo connotes mystery as it is not clear.

Masthead:

Just like the other magazines I have analysed, the masthead follows convention as it is placed near the top of the magazine and goes across the entire width of the front cover.

The masthead also follows convention by being put behind the feature article photo. This shows the brand is very well-known as readers can recognise the masthead without being able to see it all.

The masthead is the biggest and most bold font on the front cover; the font also has an outline around it to make it stand out from the background.

Cover lines:

The cover lines over lap the feature article photo to make a clear link between the two aspects on the front cover.

Using white and blue font communicates the brand image and house style, but also stands out as it is put on top of the feature article photo which enables it to stand out.

Other than the masthead, the cover lines are put in the biggest font on the front cover to show their importance and allowing them to stand out. 

Puffs and plugs:

The puff ‘world exclusive’ is put in a blue box to make it eye catching and to catch the audiences attention. It also portrays how good the magazine is which persuades the audience to purchase the magazine.

The plugs on the front cover are aligned to the left and right of the which makes them easily visible and readable and also makes the front cover look more appealing. 

The font used in these plugs are simple making them easy to read for the audience but also is sophisticated which portrays the demographic audience it is trying to attract.

The first word in each plug is put in blue font with an exclamation mark which allows for it to catch the audiences attention. This then makes them more likely to read the rest of the plug. 

House style:

The brand image and house style of the magazine is communicated through the use of a colour scheme. The colours blue and white are used and are presented in a way that connotes mystery and cold. 

This colour scheme also allows for the feature article photo to stand out as the protagonist is wearing dark colours and therefore there is a contrast between the house style colours and the picture.

'Empire' magazine analysis

Feature article photo:

The feature article photo follows convention as it is central and the most largest, dominant aspect of the page. It consists of a mid-shot of the protagonist from the film.

The protagonist is looking directly into the camera which is also conventional for a feature article photo; it draws in the attention of the magazines demographic audience. 

The iron man head is below and acts as another person as it is also looking directly at the camera which further persuades the audience to read the magazine.

The camera being just below eye level portrays the protagonist as important and powerful.

The colours of iron man fit in with the house style of the magazine as the colours red, blue and white are included in the feature article photo and the fonts on the front cover.

Masthead:

The masthead follows convention as it is the biggest and most bold font used on the front cover.

The magazine also follows convention by having the feature article photo in front of the masthead. This suggests that ‘Empire’ is a recognisable magazine and logo as its audience can make out the masthead without being able to see it all. 

The masthead follows convention as it runs along the top of the magazine and takes up the entire width of the front cover.

White font has been used as this fits in with the house style of the magazine. It also stands out from the coloured background.

Cover lines:

The cover lines are the biggest font on the front cover other than the masthead which makes it obvious that it is related to the feature article photo.

‘Iron man 3’ is put in big, red writing which connotes power, suggesting this is a key theme within the film. The picture of iron man also uses the colour red; this communicates the house style and also links the picture with the cover lines.

The cover lines fit in well with the feature article photo as the protagonist is not looking straight on in the picture. This allows for the cover lines to overlap the feature article photo but enables them to stand out more.

Puffs and plugs:

The puff ‘the worlds biggest movie magazine’ is placed just underneath the masthead to give the magazine name a high status which persuades its audience to buy the magazine.

The world ‘plus’ is used as a puff as it gives extra information to give an insight into the magazine which persuades the reader to buy the magazine. The font is also put in the gold metallic colour which coneys the articles being advertised as important which contributes to persuading its audience. 

The plug going along the top of the magazine also consists of the metallic gold colour and is informing the reader of the episode ‘when star wars met J.J.’ The colour of the font conveys this as a special and exciting episode which persuades the readers.

House style:

The house style is created for this magazine by the use of the colours red, blue, white and gold. These colours have been used as they are colours of iron man and therefore is communicating the brand image. Also, this immediately attracts attention an audience that are into iron man as they are likely to recognise the colours used. 

Blue is used in the background on the front cover and is quite dark which allows the other colours to stand out. 

The metallic gold colour used in the feature article photo and fonts connotes heroic, importance and power; these colours give an insight to the themes of the film and characteristics of the protagonist. 

'Total film' magazine analysis

Feature article photo:

The feature article photo is a mid-shot of the protagonist; the fact the picture is central makes it obvious to the audience that this is the protagonist of the film. He is also looking directly into the camera which draws in the readers attention. 

The picture was taken just below eye level which makes the protagonist seem important and powerful which gives an insight into the character.

The clothing of the protagonist is a black leather jacket, a top with the superman logo on, and a watch.The black leather jacket has connotations of wealth and power. The fact he has his arms crossed covers up the superman logo, however as it is a recognisable symbol, people can recognise i by the little part showing.

The colours of the protagonists cloths; black jacket and red part of his top, fit in with the house style colours of red, white and black.

Masthead:

The masthead follow convention as it is the biggest font on the front cover and runs along the top of the magazine. This makes it stand out and catches the readers attention.

The fact the feature article photo is in front of the masthead suggests that the magazine is a well-known magazine as people can recognise the title when the picture is in front of it. 

The same font and colour is used for this masthead on every magazine to create a house style and make the name of it memorable and recognisable. 

Coverlines: 

‘Superman speaks!’ Has been put in a larger font than the rest of the text to ensure it stands out from the plugs on the front cover.

This is the closest text to the picture on the front cover which shows the connection between the cover line and feature article photo. 

The use of explanation mark in these also helps to convey that it is a key part of the magazine which persuades the magazines demographic audience to read the magazine.

Plugs and puffs:

The puff ‘our biggest preview ever!’ has been made to stand out by being along the very top of the front cover, above thee masthead. It has also been put in capitals and big, bold font. It has an explanation mark at the end to further highlight the fact it is exciting news and persuade its audience. The text ‘biggest preview’ is put in red to highlight it from the black and white. This is also in the centre which makes it appealing to the eye and catches attention.

Another perf, ‘a ton of exclusives’ is in white font however is highlighted by a red box to ensure it stands out from the rest of the text to highlight its importance. The red box goes all the way to the left of the front cover where as the text doesn't which further catches the readers attention.

The plugs are all in white font and the text is aligned either to the left or right so it is all in line with each other. This makes the font and front cover in general look neat, and also works well with the picture being central as the feature article photo is still very visible.

House Style:

The house style of this magazine is communicated through the use of colours; red, white and black. These colours work well together as the black and white contrast each other and also allow for the red to stand out. These colours are conventional for magazines. 

Summary of poster analysis

From these posters I can conclude that the photograph is always the main aspect that stands out the most and consists of the protagonist and other main characters. Due to this I will ensure that my photograph is predominant and make sure it is clear who the protagonist is. Also, the film titles are always placed on the photograph however still are very clear and stand out from it. To follow convention with film posters I will integrate my title with the photograph but making sure both are still visible and clear. In 2 out of 3 of the posters the titles are placed nearer the bottom of the posters; therefore to follow convention I will make sure my film title is placed in a similar place on my poster.

The posters I have analysed also all have a tagline beneath their film title's. To ensure I follow convention I will consider including a tagline and locating in underneath my film title on my poster.

The posters I have analysed also portray a certain house style by using similar colours and fonts; I have noticed how this house styled in followed through in the trailers as the text captions in the trailers also consist of the same colours and fonts. This research has ensured me to follow a house style by using the same colours and fonts throughout my poster and trailers to give my trailer a brand identity.

With the posters to do with the gymnastics themed films; both posters make it clear what the theme of the films are. For example one poster includes a picture of the gym in the background and the other includes gymnasts in a it making it clear they are dressed for sport. This research shows I should show my audience the theme of my trailer within my poster.

All of these posters also include credits or actors names which shows this is necessary information to have on a film poster therefore I should include my actors name on my poster.

'McKenna shoots for the stars' poster

The protagonist in the picture of this poster is central and larger than the other characters. This is to make her stand out so that it is obvious to the audience who the main protagonist is. All the characters are looking directly at the camera, however as the protagonist is further ‘in front’ of the other characters it seems as if the characters in the background are looking at her; they are also all smiling which suggests they are all proud of her and supportive of her throughout her struggle within the film.

Having multiple characters on the poster gives a lot of information about the film; the way the characters on the left are holding each other and looking at the protagonist suggests to the audience that these are the parents of the protagonist, making it clear the film is based on a family which makes it easy for the viewers to relate to. 

The background of the poster is a gym consisting of people doing gymnastics. This conveys to the audience that the main theme of the film is gymnastics, and the protagonists hobby is gymnastics. This could also suggest that the struggle in the drama will be something to do with this sport. The positioning of the protagonist with her arms up ensures she covers the entire picture suggesting that everything in the picture is a part of her life. Furthermore it would seem that the other characters help the protagonist through the challenge she faces with gymnastics.

The word ‘McKenna’ is the largest font on the poster and is a pink colour with a white outline to make it stand out. It is central of the poster which also highlights it. This part of the title works well with the picture to inform the audience that the the protagonist is called McKenna, and the film is based on McKenna’s life. The font of the word communicates the brand image of the film as the same font is used in the trailer and film so people are likely to make a connection with the font to this film.

The following words of the title, ‘shoots for the stars’ have a white glow around them to ensure the phrase stands out from the picture and is visible. This font is a green/blue colour, and alongside the pink font used for the word ‘McKenna’, increases the brand image of the film as these same colours are always used, creating a house style. The word ‘shoot’ is related to stars but could also be referring to gymnastics, which makes a connection to the theme of the film. This word also connotes determination which is a key characteristic for the protagonist to have. The word ‘stars’ suggests McKenna is wanting to win something and be seen as a ‘star.’ This also connotes heroic and inspirational characteristics.

The ‘American girl’ written at the top could catch attention of people who have already heard of  this as they will be interested and are likely to look at the poster. The colours of pink and white are used which matches the house style of the film and communicates the brand image. The stars used with this text connects it to the film as the title of the film has the word ‘stars’ in it.

'Stick it' poster

The main aspect of this poster is the image; the picture consists of a medium close up shot of the protagonist. The proxemics of her is central and also in front of the other characters. This makes her stand out, especially as the other characters are looking at her whilst she is looking directly at the camera. This could also give the audience a lot of information about the protagonist; everyone is looking at her as if they are jealous of her meaning she is an inspiring and confident character. Her body language, pose and positioning in the pictures also connotes these characteristics. The fact she is looking directly at the camera draws the reader in and encourages them to look at the poster and makes the audience want to know more about this character.

The title is aligned on the right side of the poster as this enables it to be placed on part of the picture where it will stand out most. The white font stands out against the picture making the title very visible. The font used is used in the trailer and other advertisements for this film, increasing the brand image identity. 

The clothing of the characters in the picture also give lots of information about them. The characters in the background are all wearing the same therefore showing they are a team of some sort of sport. The fact the main protagonist is dressed differently to the other characters shows how she is a unique character and also makes her stand out.

The poster is mostly orange; the background is orange and the lighting used in the picture is also an orangey colour. On top of the orange, yellow is used that looks like spray paint; these colours are used in this style in the ‘stick it’ trailer and in many other advertisements for this film therefore the use of it on this poster is increasing the brad image of the film. These colours could represent happiness, however the spray paint connotes recklessness which relates to the film.

The text ‘Jeff Bridges’ and ‘Defy and Conquer.’ are also put in orange font, further communicating the brand image to its audience. The text is put by the title of the film and the orange text helps highlight this title and have the two colours of orange and white work together to create a brand image and to make the all of font stand out.

The words ‘Defy and Conquer.’ are used right underneath the title as if it is a short description for the film. These 2 words are put alone to make them stand out and convey to the reader that the film is about challenging people or situations and overcoming problems.

Along the top of the poster it says ‘from the writer of “Bring it on”’ which immediately attracts to the specific audience of people who have watched the film ‘bring it on.’ This is suggesting that people who enjoyed that film, will enjoy the film ‘Stick it.’ The way the words ‘Bring it on’ are in speech marks and next to the protagonists hand of a ‘rock sign’ makes the phrase stand out and also connects the phrase with the protagonist. This portrays that the characters attitude is to ‘bring it on’ which gives extra information on her and the film.

'The Fault in our Stars' poster

The main aspect to this poster is the image. The image is a birds eve view, medium close up profile of the two main protagonists. The way the characters are close together, have their eyes closed and are smiling at each other would connote romance and love which gives an idea of what the film is about. This image appears on many different forms of advertisement of this film which creates synergy and increases the brand image of the film as people will automatically relate the picture to the film.

The poster has use of bright and warm colours suggesting it is a heart warming film. The smiles in the pictures and bright colours also connote happiness showing although the characters are ill, the film also consists of a lot of happiness. The colours are also natural; along with the environment as they are laying on grass. This connotes realism and shows that the audience will be able to relate to the film. 

The title is placed at the bottom of the poster but central so it is very visible. It is also placed well in cooperation with the faces in the picture which is appealing to the eye. The colours of bright blue and white help the title to stand out from the image as there is a big contrast with the colours. The title also communicates the films brand image as the same colours and font is used here and in the trailer which makes it recognisable to the audience.

The font used looks like it has been hand written which can also connote realism; it is as if the characters have written it themselves which makes it easier for the viewer to relate with the characters as it makes them seem like real people. The font is also child like which relates to the venerability and innocence of the characters; this alongside the fact the font looks as if it is hand written allows the audience to empathise with the protagonists.

There is a pun used on the poster; ‘one sick love story.’ The word ‘sick’ gives the sentence two meanings, one stating that the love story of Hazel and Augustus is good and interesting, but also the fact that they are both ill. The sentence gives the audience the information of both themes: love and illness. 

Another piece of text is placed at the top of the poster and says ‘Based on the New York times #1 best seller.’ This informs the audience that the book was very popular and therefore persuades them to watch the film. It also attracts a specific audience of people who have already read the book; the fact it is ‘based on’ the book assures the readers that if they enjoyed the book they will enjoy the film.

Survey results

The answers to this question enables me to see how to make my trailer appeal to my demographic. Many of the respondents say how the trailer is appealing if the main protagonist is relatable; therefore I shall make sure my protagonist is a relatable character in order for the viewer to have a connection as this will appeal them to the trailer. Other respondents answered a 'gripping storyline' and 'interesting' and 'dramatic' parts of the film. Therefore I will ensure to include the main storyline with snippets of dramatic shots from the film.

As seen in the graph, the majority of respondents said that a character voice over with dialogue from the film is most appropriate from a drama trailer. To make my trailer appealing to my demographic audience I will include this type of sound in my trailer. The second most popular answer was 'music and captions' so to make the trailer more interesting I will include this too. The music will give an overall atmosphere to the trailer and captions will give extra information.

In relation to the last question, many people chose a character voice over with use of dialogue from the film as this would give an insight into the film. Having an insight into the film ensures the trailer and film are related to each other and also allows the viewers to decide from the trailer whether they would like the film or not.

The majority of answers to this question said that the balance between struggle and good outcome within a drama should be mainly struggle. The respondents explained the reasoning for this is to highlight the characters good outcome and show the resolution to the characters problems. The answers to this question has helped me decide that the majority of my trailer will show the struggle of the protagonist, and less of the good outcome so that this part stands out.

Some characteristics that the respondents chose in which they believe the main protagonist should have in a drama are brave, inspirational, unique, venerable but also strong and determined. Other answers said how the protagonist should be relatable for the viewer and develop throughout. These answers have helped me decide that my main protagonist is going to be venerable to make the character relatable to the viewer; but also strong and inspirational so the viewer looks up to them. The protagonist will develop and become more strong throughout the trailer. 

The majority of people answered 'dramatic' for this question, but also some calm music. I think this type of music will contribute to portraying the characters emotions therefore I will use this in my trailer. Also, a respondent suggested slow or serious music such as James Blunt, Ed Sheeran or some acoustic therefor I will try to include this too as I believe it is appropriate for the genre.

The most popular answer for this question was 'warm colours' therefore I will use this colour palette in shots within my trailer to attract my demographic audience. The second most popular answer was bright colours. As bright colours connote happiness, I will also include some bright coloured shots where appropriate to reflect on the characters feelings of happiness. 

In order for the audience to empathise with the protagonist, my demographic suggests the character should be portrayed as friendly, loving, caring, genuine and real in order to be relatable. As I want my audience to feel empathy towards my main protagonist, I will ensure that they are portrayed as a friendly and loving character.

The majority of answers to this question includes the idea of having an everyday setting in order for the audience to relate to the characters and situation. Due to this I will make sure the setting relatable; I am planning on the main protagonist having a hobby of gymnastics therefore the main settings will be the place they train for gymnastics but also a family house to relate to the viewers.

Most respondents agreed that 4 characters should be introduced in the trailer; therefore I will introduce the main protagonist and other characters that are significant to the protagonist. This will allow my audience to see the protagonists main relationships with characters and also gives context to the film.