Super 8 - 3 media platforms research

Super 8 is a Sci-Fi film which is based on a normal day to day story of a young boy coming to terms of the death of his mother and then being affected by strange aliens who want to take over his area where he lives.The narrative according to Levi Strauss, would be binary opposition when two opposites have conflict which in this case is the humans and the aliens. This narrative structure would lead to many enigma codes which Barthes would agree strongly on as many audiences would question who will win? which therefore creates a sense of suspense and mystery. 


Super 8 creates paranoia in many audiences as the aliens in this film symbolize the cold war which happen in the late 1940's which was against England and Russia. The aliens would be referred to as 'The Other' and in today's society many people would see that they are different and unfamiliar with them. 


Moving image- Super 8 use many views of moving image to try and promote the film some in which include:
1) Theatrical trailer which usually lasts 2-3 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_GA2tiG1TU
2) TV spot trailer which lasts around 30 seconds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeXGlVk1HdM

3) Film 2011 which appears on BBC 1 where they review films and talk about them in much detail. Also, on sky a programme called 35mm which also does the same.
4) MTV movie awards where maybe some of the cast from super 8 come to present an award
5) Entertainment/ chat shows such as 'The One Show' or 'The Johnathan Ross Show'
6) Premiers or special red carpet events.


E-media- Super 8 has created a viral marketing campaign to promote the film. The producer had created a website which gave ambiguous clues into what the movie might be about. This was followed by a number of mysterious letters which when put together spelt 'Scariest Thing I Have Ever Seen'. The website opened up to reveal a number of clues with a secret message that read " no certainty if a live may be after us we go underground".
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/05/super_8_viral_marketing_campai.html

Also, many Facebook groups and fan sites were created to increase the audiences of Super8. Many reviews on internet sites and from newspapers has increased the talk about Super 8 as more audiences will be interested to watch it and join the social interaction that is taking place about the Super 8 film.


Print media- The movie poster was put up on billboards around the area and on many buses to try and promote the film. Also, magazine editors could release the edition of their magazine which may include a free poster of one the cast members. This will widen the talk about Super 8 and so therefore, teenagers mostly would go watch it to be part of social interaction (Uses and Gratifications)
http://crowdfusion.myspacecdn.com/media/371530-super8-poster2-hr-621x322.jpg



All three platforms were used successfully in order to maintain and keep the previous audiences from other Spielberg films. This is why it is evident why Super 8 was so popular with a variety of audiences both young and old.

Analysis of lighting on a still image and extract of a film

This image uses very dark lighting mostly under lighting and some back lighting which helps to make the picture seem scary and frightening. This also creates a sort of shadowy, silhouette effect which creates a sense of fear for audiences. It also makes the girl in the picture look evil which is what they want people to think as soon as they look at it. Dark lighting is also used under her eyes again, to show she is evil but also to show what the film might be about and too suggest her character ; as this picture creates many enigma codes - what the girls role is in the film? And why is there only back lighting used ? On the whole, this film image uses low key lighting to show a dull and unrealistic mood, but also quite eerie and mysterious. As soon as we see this image we will instantly recognise that it is for a horror film by the way the girl has been captured.

The film 'Dark Light' uses low key lighting also, which sets the mood and scene of the movie. It creates and suspenseful and frightened mood for audiences. Both, back and filler lights are used to depict the main evil character or 'thing'. Dark lighting is used to show or suggest what the film is going to be about and also creates a negative or positive label on the characters being shown based on the lighting that is used when they are shown. From this I mean that audiences will see which characters are the baddies and which are the good just based on the lighting. This is why in all trailers and films, lighting is very important as it is the main thing which sets the mood or atmosphere of the scene. E.g. bright lighting may suggest a happy mood and dark a dull or suspenseful mood.

Super 8 Review

This adaptation of the many films of Spielberg, captures a gripping storyline with the familiar use of young actors. This youthfulness  appeals to young audiences immediately, as well as their parents, some more than others as the storyline not only focuses on the science fiction element, but portrays alot of contemporary issues facing young society today. In comparison to other Spielberg movies, it is evident that this film is no different as the heroic, fantastical themes are portrayed throughout capturing it's audiences a little more. Let's not forget the many uses of music, sound and all other conventions helping to create what Barthes introduced as an enigma. We are left to question ourselves, and those in the film about what is actually happening to which our questions are answered towards the end of the film.

Also, as the film was produced by Spielberg it also follows Todorov's theory by narrative structure. It shows the new equilibrium, disequilibrium, and resolution. This film shows that all Spielberg films are similar and so therefore will be recognisable with audiences who have watched his previous films. Audiences may watch this film to 'escape' from their own worries in there life and feel that Super 8 takes them to another world. There is also a sweet youthful love story which encapsulates audiences and some may be able to relate to it. 

On the whole , Super 8 is an intense and gripping film which is enjoyed by many audiences including me :)
8/10 

Review of film trailers - year 12 & 13

Year 12 - Checkmate 
This trailer starts off by three friends walking in the woods for an adventure. The lighting which is used is quite natural to show the natural lighting of the woods and to get a gloomy, mysterious sort of feeling. Music such as loud bangs and screams etc are used to set the narrative and also create suspense and a sense of fear in the audiences. The trailer is based on a game of checkers and it shows one of the main characters playing it before it kills or captures one of the three friends. The mise en scene which is used is dark lighting, scary and suspenseful music, typical horror or thriller characters and a narrative which is familiar with audiences.

WWW- used good use of camera movements,and shot types e.g when showing someones emotions as close up would be used. Also used a variety of camera angles to show important things happening throughout the trailer. 

• Narrative was thought about very carefully and used other previous , successful films for inspiration or ideas.

EBI - Maybe used different locations or a variety of different sound effects. 

Year 13 - The Boy Is Mine 

This trailer is targeted at teenagers mostly girls and is classed as a 'chick flick' . The use of a main 'popular and pretty' female character is also once again a convention of a chick flick. Audiences will also instantly know that there will be a love interest and some sort of rivalry or dilemma which this film trailer offers. The Boy Is Mine uses many different shot types e.g a long shot to show one of the main characters physique and a close up to show her emotions. However, unlike the year 12 trailer this uses bright lighting to show it is not a serious film and is happy and free , which some girls might relate too. Narrative of the film trailer was also thought about very precisely and again idea from other films were taken. 

WWW - Good use of camera angles and movements such as pan, fade, zoom etc.

EBI- If more dialogue was used instead of background music to make the trailer more realistic.