A2 Media Research & Planning Workbook

1. A2 MEDIA
A2 UNIT G324
ADVANCED PORTFOLIO IN MEDIA
RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Centre Name
Centre Number
Leah Gray
Insert here
The Leigh Academy

2. Using Conventions in Film Posters
Rather classic film poster due to
the title at the bottom and the
featuring actors below in smaller
font.
Challenges the role of the
protagonist; audience would
start to believe that the female
is the main character due to her
height & placement within the
poster.
Dark shadows placed on actors
encourages that perhaps a dark &
tragic scene later on occurs.
Positioning of the male & female
characters suggest an intimate
scene is taking place.
Focus pull & shallow focus is used on
the two characters to emphasise the
intimacy and situation taking place.
Locked positioning of two
characters and position of his
hands suggests they are in a
relationship.
Two shot is used within
this poster to portray the
relationship.
Placement of characters follows
the classic layout of a film poster
as characters are centered.
Medium shot is used to show
upper body movements.
A dark faded colour theme is used
as well as a white light contrast;
this suggests there is a tragic scene
that takes place with a good
ending.
Exposure of the female’s skin as
well as her choice of clothing can
influence the idea of a sex object
towards male adults.
Framing is used to focus on the
two individuals sharing an intimate
moment within the poster.
The placement of the female
suggests she has more power within
the poster due to her being at a
higher level; this could mean more
authority & importance too.
The only bright use of colour are the bold
red boxing gloves which suggest the film is
about boxing sport; the red shows the
significance and importance of the gloves to
the film.
The colour scheme of the text (white
& orange) also fits well with the
colour scheme of the poster as dull
faded colours are used.

3. Developing/Challenging Conventions in Film Posters
This poster develops the use of conventions due to the
location & setting dominating the poster; usually the
protagonist is the one who dominates the poster.
A limited colour palette of red,
blue, black and white is used to
emphasise the type of genre of
thriller.
The powerful white lighting in the
background suggests the protagonist
began in a happier setting; then
contrasted once she ran into the
woods.
This poster challenges the use of
conventions due to the use of long
text at the top as stereotypical film
posters include summarised credits
at the bottom.
This poster challenges the use of
conventions by using narrative
element within the shot. The
poster makes it clear the shot
has been taken from a significant
scene in the film & purposefully
tells the audience already what
the film is roughly about.
The sharp long
thorns coming out
the trees suggests a
danger will occur
within the film; also
due to the thorns
overlapping over the
protagonist.
This also challenges
conventions because
even though the thorns
and trees dominate the
film poster; the thorns
are still blurred
suggesting the
protagonist is able to
defeat the dark forest
and escape the wood.
The poster suggests that the red
hood is a featured establishing
prop within the film due to the
hood being the most vibrant
colour used in the film poster.
This develops conventions as make-up
used on the protagonist is very pale
which is similar to the light in the
background; suggesting the
protagonist is a innocent character. A
deep dark red is also used on her lips
to contrast and make them stand out;
similar to her red hood.
Shallow focus is used on the
protagonist but the layered
overlapping of the trees
challenges this.
Long shot is used to ensure all of the protagonist’s features can be identified
and examined; it is also used to capture the whole of the setting as well to
give the audience a clue to the genre type. The use of colour contributes
towards this too.

4. Using Conventions in Film Trailers (South Paw)
This is using conventions as it follows the stereotypical layout
opening of a film trailer. This image is portraying the disclaimer title
of the movie about to be shown. This shows the film trailer is
appropriate for audiences to watch. This shot often appears at the
beginning of trailers and films to prove to viewers that it has been
approved by the Motion Picture Association. This is also to benefit
the audience of the film.
This is using conventions as it projects the film company at the
beginning to show recognition. This is the producer & distributor title
for the film Southpaw and the image shows the distribution
company’s title which is ‘The Weinstein Company’. Directors chose
this shot for legal rights purposes as well as to show the audience
what distribution company the film comes under. All films feature the
production company name before the film footage starts.
This is using conventions as the first shot is an intimate shot;
introducing characters. This image represents a very close up and
intimate moment between the female character and the male
protagonist. The director has chosen this shot to show emotion and
intimacy between the two characters; however the camera is only
focused on her. This suggests her thoughts and emotions are more
vitally important in comparison to the protagonist.

5. Using Conventions in Film Trailers (South Paw)
This image uses conventions as an intimate scene is occurring to
suggest something happens negatively within their relationship. This
image shows a close up shot between the male protagonist and his
wife. The director has chosen this shot to convey an intimate and
emotional scene between the two characters; the lighting is very dark
on the protagonist, suggesting that more light on the female means
that she is in the right in the situation they are both facing.
This image uses conventions as it has included the protagonist,
establishing prop and main location/setting to give the audience a clue
about what the film may be about. This is how a stereotypical trailer
usually opens to introduce the film. This shot is a medium shot and
uses deep focus to show that the character, boxing gloves and setting
are all equally and significantly important. His battered and severely
bruised eye suggests it will be violet and most appealing to men.
This image uses conventions as the camera is shallow focused on the
protagonist to show his significance and importance within the film.
The fact that the camera is away from his face suggests an event has
taken place which he could have been ashamed or disappointed with.
This also suggests he is weak and discouraged due to him turning his
back on the camera. The blurred lights in the background represents
his wealth and authority in the minimal clips shown.

6. Using Conventions in Film Trailers (South Paw)
This image uses conventions as it gives a large clue to the audience
about what the genre of the film could be. This could also be argued as
challenging or developing conventions as the genre is only revealed at
a very late moment within the film instead of stereotypically revealed
at the beginning to question the audience on whether they have an
interest in that genre. This is good that the genre is revealed later on as
it gives the audience more of a chance to opinionate the trailer.
This image uses conventions as it shows that an event has taken place
within the trailer. The director has portrayed this through the upsetting
emotion within her face and also the scene showed the female getting
shot. This can be argued as a negative moment as the potential
audience could argue that too much has been revealed so there is no
point in seeing the film as the trailer has almost acted as a mini film
production.
This image uses conventions. Due to the widening of technology and
social media, recently films have started to include hash tags for
instagram, twitter trends and also facebook pages to increase the
promotion and advertisement for the film trailer. This can also be
argued as challenging conventions due to older films not including the
promotion of technology; only mainly modern films do as the branch
of technology and social media was not as wide in the past.

7. Challenging Conventions in Film Trailers (Red Riding Hood)
This image challenges conventions due to the next scene already
continuing whilst the film production company is still displayed.
Usually, the film production company stays on screen for a few
seconds for the purpose of making the audience aware of what
company the film comes under. The company is always significant
and usually only appears by itself, however Red Riding Hood’s cape
overlaps the logo to suggest the cape is extremely significant.
The audience already has a rough idea about the thriller genre, but
then this image contrasts the views due to the soft bright lighting in
the background of the two characters. In a ‘thriller’ mind, the cape
would have represented danger and darkness; however the use of
the red cape on top of the bright background suggests it may be a
more optimistic and positive film, therefore the audience changes
their perception and are then in a large shock.
This blank black image challenges conventions as instead of the
trailer continuously flowing with short clips (stereotypically used in
trailers) it uses black screens to separate each section to break each
scene up to represent that they’re different. However, on the other
hand it is common to see these blank black screens in action films to
separate each energetic clip. It is not common to see this blank
black screens in thriller films.

8. Challenging Conventions in Film Trailers (Red Riding Hood)
In a stereotypical thriller film, it is common that wording appears in
a more ‘thriller’ text. This image challenges conventions as this font
looks rather cartoon-like and doesn't’t look like it should fit in well
with a thriller film. The red background creates the dark ‘blood’
effect of a thriller which portrays a ‘thriller’ effect’ – however the
white cartoon font does not convey the thriller genre which means
the thriller may not be taken seriously by the audience.
In a stereotypical thriller film trailer, it is common that the villain’s
face is somehow portrayed to show the audience who needs to be
defeated by the protagonist. This shot challenges conventions as the
villain’s face is not revealed; however an old medieval painting of
the wolf is shown instead. The method behind this is to perhaps
engage the audience to watch the film as it is the only way they will
be able to see what the wolf villain looks like.
This is an example of a two-shot as the female protagonist is on
screen as well as a male character. This shot shows that the location
and setting is important as it is acting as a disclosing door against
the male character. The fact that the door is hiding everything apart
from his face, suggests that he is hiding something from the female
protagonist which is why he is directly looking at her and she is
turning away due to fear within a thriller.

9. Challenging Conventions in Film Trailers (Red Riding Hood)
In a stereotypical thriller film, it is common that wording appears in a
more ‘thriller’ text. This image challenges conventions as this font
looks rather cartoon-like and doesn't’t look like it should fit in well
with a thriller film. The red background creates the dark ‘blood’ effect
of a thriller which portrays a ‘thriller’ effect’ – however the white
cartoon font does not convey the thriller genre, also the layout of actor
names does not usually appear like this; therefore challenges.

10. Using Conventions in Film Magazines
This using conventions as the
protagonist for Sherlock
Holmes is covering the
‘Empire’ magazine title to
represent and emphasise his
importance.

11. Challenging Conventions in Film Magazines

12. Analysis of Trailer for Genre to be Used in my Practical Coursework
The film ‘Mad Max Fury Road’ both follows and challenges the use of science fiction genre conventions. The main location in which the
film is set is a desert. This challenges the conventions of the genre as the majority of sci-fi films are naturally set within a city where
technology is mostly found. The character roles in this film also challenge the conventions of the genre because narrative elements are
often based around villains in costume, alien style garments, extravagant props and make-up. Whereas in this film the characters are
human in appearance, have simplistic clothing and basic make up effects.
This film also challenges the role of a female character. In this trailer women are seen as impassive because they appear as aggressive,
dominant and powerful figures. This contrasts the typical characteristics of women in the genre as they are usually passive due to the
villains and male characters dominating these roles.
The colours in this trailer are atypical of the genre. In a conventional science fiction film we typically see masculine, cold colour schemes
such as blue, grey and black. Whereas in this film we see warmer colours such as brown and orange. This change in colour is both
surprising and unexpected for a science fiction. The narration of a daunting male character over the top of the other ambient sounds is
typical of the genre.
This film is a hybrid of genres with science fiction, action and adventure elements. This mixture of styles breaks stereotypes as a film of this
nature usually has a maximum of two genres within its design.

13. Film Magazine & Poster Technologies
Digital TechnologyPhysical Technology
Software Printing
Photographical Cameras
A camera’s function is to capture images in a high
definition format in an electronic way. The benefit of
using a camera is that it is easy for the designer to
work with due to the high quality and enables the
designer to store captured images electronically.
Studio
A studio is where a designer takes their photos of
their appropriate celebrities. Studios may include a
background, lighting and a screen. The benefit of
using a studio is that it captures images in a
professional way.
Computer Hardware
This is the collection of all the physical parts of a
computer e.g monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard disk
drive. The benefit of computer hardware is that it
provides a large amount of storage on the device
and also provides the high resolution photos on
screen for the designers to view.
Memory Cards
This is a small flash drive especially used in digital
cameras. The benefit of this is that they store photos &
videos and also act as a back up for designers. The more
memory the memory card has, the better quality the
image.
Photoshop
The function of Photoshop is to alter and edit images in
a digital way using digital software. The benefit of using
Photoshop is that the designer can edit the photos to
the way they want the images to specifically look like.
Promotion Software
This type of software can involve projecting
advertisements onto large billboards to increase the
chance of individuals to look at the billboard. The
benefit of distributors using this is so their films are
advertised in a bolder and more effective way.
Printing Processes
The main process for printing are: screen
printing, digital printing, offset lithography,
flexography & gravure. The benefit of this is that
posters & magazines will be printed in HD with
clear bold colour and enhanced effects.
Printing Hardware
The function of this is to take the file which is
awaiting to be printed and then communication
takes place between the computer hardware and
the printing hardware in order for the images to
successfully print.

14. Film Trailer Technologies
Digital TechnologyPhysical Technology
Software Distribution
Video Cameras
A video camera’s function is to record images on a
videotape and then transferring them on to a monitor
screen. They are easy for directors to work with due
to high quality & enables the director to store videos
electronically.
Computer Hardware
This is the collection of all the physical parts of a
computer e.g monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard disk
drive. The benefit of computer hardware is that it
provides a large amount of storage on the device and
also provides the high resolution videos on screen for
the designers to watch and then put together later on
with editing processes.
Inputs
Final Cut Pro DVD Burning
Microphones
This is a type of instrument used to convert sound waves
to electrical energy. Directors use these to pick up &
enhance the required sound needed.
Lighting
The function of this is to provide light within the set
of the trailer. Directors use this to enhance dramatic
effects and important scenes to be emphasised.
DCP Packages
Streaming

15. Film Promotion Questionnaire
1. In a Sci-Fi film, what do you think makes the film most
effective?
3. What costume do you think makes a character look like
they’re part of a Sci-Fi film?
4. Do you find male or female main characters more effective?
Why?
5. How much of the storyline do you think should be revealed
in a Sci-Fi film trailer?
7. What colour scheme do you associate most with a Sci-Fi genre?
Green Grey Blue Red White Purple Black
Orange Pink Brown Yellow Turquoise Other
9. What elements would encourage you to buy a film magazine? If
other, please state.
A line up Exposition Minimalist Other
6. What do you think the best location is for a Sci-Fi film? Why?
8. What is your favourite Sci-Fi film? Why? What would you rate it
out of 5 stars if 1 represents the lowest and 5 represents the
highest?
10. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 represents the lowest and 5
represents the highest, what would you rate the genre choice of Sci-
Fi?
2. What is your favourite theme narrated in a Sci-Fi film? If
other, please state.
Alien Invasion Technology Space Alternative World Other

16. Analysing my Film Promotion Questionnaire
Q1) My first question asked ‘In a Sci-Fi film, what do you think makes the film most effective?’.
The information I wanted to find out was what differentiates a Sci-Fi film from other film genres
and what makes Sci-Fi films easily recognised and unique. The most popular answer was ‘special
effects’. My target audience might have chosen this option due to younger people having a more
attraction to energy and excitement within films; and special effects automatically provides this
interest to the audience. This question has helped influence my product as I now know what is
vital to include in order for my target audience to portray an an interest.
Q2) My second question asked ‘What is your favourite theme narrated in a Sci-Fi film?’. The
information I wanted to find out was what narrative elements my target audience found
attractive in Sci-Fi films. The most popular answer was ‘technology’. My target audience might
have chosen this option due to them growing up in the most technological time period we have
ever lived in. Technology is constantly changing, widening and expanding and these are the
generation who are experiencing the rapid change in technology. This question has helped
influence my product as I now have an idea on what the narrative element in my story can be
based around.
Q3) My third question asked ‘What costume do you think makes a character look like they’re part
of a Sci-Fi film?’. The information I wanted to find out was what costumes my target audience
found more engaging and eye-catching so that I could meet this in my Sci-Fi based trailer. The
most popular answer was ‘out of the ordinary’ and ‘abstract’. My target audience might have
chosen this option as technology is constantly changing which means the ability to have skills and
design work is also expanding; so costumes must be realistically made and designed. This
question has helped influence my product as I now know what my target audience think is
aesthetically pleasing and essential for what a costume in a Sci-Fi film must look like.
Q4) My fourth question asked ‘Do you find male or female main characters more effective?
Why?’. The information I wanted to find out was what character elements they thought was
essential to feature within a Sci-Fi film. The most popular answer was ‘male as they are more
dominating and provide the action’. My target audience might have chosen this option because
all of the people who answered the questionnaires were men which means they can relate more
to the personality of the gender of the character and also because they could be slightly bias.
This question has helped influence my product as I know what gender my main character must
be.
Q5) My fifth question asked ‘How much of the storyline do you think should be revealed in a Sci-
Fi film trailer?’. The information I wanted to find out was what the audience prefer to be
revealed so it could meet their requirements within the trailer as it is one of the most important
forms of promotion. The most popular answer was ‘’10% - minimal but enough to gain interest’.
My target audience may have chosen this option because they like to be surprised and have
unexpected plots which they would rather see whilst watching the whole film rather than just
the trailer. This has helped influence my product as I know that younger people prefer to have
less revealed so that minimal is given away as they would have more time to watch a series of
films, however adults may prefer to have more revealed so they are not in rush of watching the
film as they have less time to prioritise.
Q6) My sixth question asked ‘What do you think the best location is for a Sci-Fi film? Why?’. The
information I wanted to find out was where people thought a Sci-Fi film can create the best
atmosphere and setting through the location. The most popular answer was ‘space & earth
(city)’. My target audience might have chosen this option because the majority of Sci-Fi films
were filmed in this location during the decade of them growing up , therefore they have been
used to this location. This question has helped influence my product as I know my location must
include a similar setting to the most popular answer. I will do this using Photoshop and special
effects editing.
Q7) My seventh question asked ‘What colour schemes do you associate most with a Sci-Fi
genre?. The information I wanted to find out was what colours are preferred so I can use them
in the film poster, trailer, and also effects of colour correcting. The most popular answer was
‘black, blue and green’. My target audience might have chosen this option because from
watching Sci-Fi films in the past, these are the most stereotypical colours used which is purely
what they are used to. This question has helped influence my product as I know what colours to
use for the font, background and information minimally revealed in the trailer, film poster and
official trailer.
Q8) My eighth question asked ‘What is your favourite Sci-Fi film? Why? What would you rate it
out of 5 stars if 1 represents the lowest and 5 represents the highest? The most popular answer
was ‘Star Wars because of the characters and clear Sci-Fi location and also 5 stars’. My target
audience might have chosen this option because during their life time, there has been a sequel
of Star Wars films including DVDs and merchandise to increase sales of the film and promotion.
This question has helped influence my product as I now know that younger people like he idea
of space and supernatural which is what I can consider to use in my film.
Q9) My ninth question asked ‘On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 represents the lowest and 5
represents the highest., what would you rate the genre choice of Sci-Fi overall?’. The
information I wanted to find out was whether Sci-Fi actually appealed to my target audience or
whether they just have just watched a few in their life. The most popular answer was ’4 stars’.
My target audience might of chosen this option because technology, skills are media are
expanding meaning effects are getting better so Sci-Fi films generally are more interesting to
watch compared to the past. This question has helped influence my product as I know that my
film trailer will appeal to my target audience; meaning it should be a success with views and
interest.