Magazine Draft

Poster Photographs

Masthead ideas for Magazine & film title

Here are a few masthead ideas, created with Dafont and Photoshop.

Magazine photographs

Magazine Sketch and Poster Sketch

Magazine front cover ideas

Main image: What is the main image going to be? what type of shot composition/angle etc?
The main image of Seb Stewart plays Koncheski the ultimate gangster

Name of the magazine: What are the connotations of the title?
Focus- has connotations of the sharpness of an image, which could suggest the metaphorical sharpness of the magazine and the audience focusing on the magazine.
Filmic-
film-strip-
time-lapse-

Headline: What is the headline and how does it match the film/actor etc?
Name of the movie- EXPIRED
Sub-headline- Seb Stewart as Koncheski

Sell Lines: reference to other films/actors/directors/film festivals

Banners/splash: other features, competitions etc
The Ultimate Issue
The New Age of Gangster
The New Age of Film

Magazine tagline:  
Black Mass- Johnny Depp talks playing James 'Whitey' Bulger
Exclusive Interview with Martin Scorsese

Other info: (price, date of issue etc)
price-£2.99/£3.99
date-December 2016

Questionnaire Analysis

I thought that it was necessary to analyse the results of my questionnaire, in order to identify my target audience and portray an ideal outcome to them.

I decided to gather information requiring the age of my target audience, to be able to know the age range that my product will be aimed at. Through this I have come to the conclusion that my main focus is on those, aged 18-24. 

I surprising gained equal feedback from both males and females, which gives me the impression that both might give me different views throughout my questionnaire, especially because men are stereo-typically more likely to be interested in gangster films than women.

When asking whether or not my target audience had heard of any real gangsters, five out of eight of them responded with a yes. As well as displaying the names of them, with the most popular one being Al Capone. This allows me to know that my audience is aware of not just the genre but the reality behind it.

From looking at the results, most individuals would prefer to see guns and a revenge scene appear in a gangster film, which seems necessary if conforming to the stereotypical conventions of the genre.

Most individuals appear to be interested in seeing a film about eastern European gangsters, which is a factor being incorporated in our production.

I received mixed feedback regarding the preferred style of music, however "fast" "upbeat" music seems to be the type that will attract the target audience. 

Most individuals would like to see black and red featured on a gangster film poster, with the third colour varying from white to grey.

The feedback from this question confirms that the type of clothing expected in a gangster film is "smart casual" and overall "formal clothing". Elements of this would therefore need to be considered when discussing the mise-en-scene. 

75% of my target audience claimed to be interested in seeing a gangster film set in London, which is excellent due to the location of the trailer being set in London. Allowing us to know that it would be a pleasing and successful location for the audience.

Magazine Draft

Empire-Film Magazine Analysis

What is the name of the magazine? Why do you think its called that? 

The masthead presents the name 'Empire', which could have possible conventions of power and high authority. It being bold and the largest text, as well as being red could intrigue readers to purchase the magazine being that red is seen as a stimulant colour enabling you to make quick decisions.

What can you say about the sell lines

Being a 'crime issue' the sell lines feature information on features connected to gangster, crime thrillers, such as 'The Real Scarface' presenting small information of a 'blood-soaked story of Miami's cocaine kings', encouraging those who are interested in the genre to purchase the magazine, as well as watching the film.

What can you say about the layout design (fonts, colour scheme)?
'Empire' is known for unconventional layouts as they change the layout design regularly depending on the genre of the film. Here the sell lines are placed in the centre at the bottom of the magazine instead of the sides, allowing the focus to be on the main image and the setting. The colour scheme consists of white, black and red, along with the sell lines being in goldish tan colour, the same as 'Russell Crowe'.

What genre of film does it cover? 
The magazine covers a 'crime issue' along with sub-genres related to it.

Who is the target audience?
Normally 'Empire' features films of a sci-fi, dystopian and comic genre, therefore the target audience would happily receive the 'free' Blade Runner poster inside. However this issue, is dedicated to gangster, crime thrillers therefore, the target audience of this would be intrigued to purchase the magazine, varying the overall target audience of the magazine.

Who are the major competitors of the magazine?
It's competitors could include other film magazines, such as 'Take One' and 'Total Film', which are other top British film magazines.

What is the magazine's mission statement or slogan?
The slogan is 'The World's Biggest Movie Magazine', this fits the masthead, 'Emipre' showing the greatness and power within the magazine company as a whole. Believing that within the entire world they are the best.

Black Mass-Film Website Analysis

Film Magazine Front Cover Analysis

Film magazine front cover analysis from theresahackman

The Departed Based on Infernal Affairs

Infernal Affairs VS The Departed

(Original Title: Mou gaan dou)     

                 This considered as a gangster, crime thriller genre based on a story between a mole in the the police department, who has been sent by the mafia and an undercover cop. Who find themselves having the same objectives and targets to find who is the mole and who is the undercover cop.

The film was critically acclaimed for its swift story line and original plot, which lead to it being selected for the Hong Kong '76th Academy Awards' for 'best Foreign Language'

but it was not nominated. However Miramax Films acquired the United States distribution rights of the film and gave it a limited US theatrical release in 2004. It was then remade by Martin Scorsese in 2006 as 'The Departed', which went on to win the 'Academy Award for Best Picture.'

Audience Research-Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCZRY5M

Film Reviews

Gangster Genre Timeline

http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/534484/Gangster-Genre/

The Departed-Social Media marketing

In the 21st century, social media is the power to everything. Social media can make anything viral and it take can take even a small information to a majority of people around the world as nowadays most of us are always using social media. The Departed is one of the many movies that used social media to promote itself to the people around the world. This movie promoted itself by publicising its trailers on TV adverts and on YouTube channel. Publicising trailers on YouTube is a great way to promote a movie as YouTube is the second best-visited site on the internet with 790 million monthly visitors.

The departed also used the buses and train stations to promote its posters. The use of social media networking such as Facebook to create a page for fans of this film to like it and to follow updates about the movie, allowed a lot of people to know more about this film in depth such as the release date. On Facebook this movie page had just over 2 million likes, which shows us how popular this film was.

Goodfellas Trailer/Mise-en-Scene Analysis

The Goodfellas is a 1990 American gangster/crime thriller based in New York and directed by Martin Scorsese. The mise-en-scene is the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including actors, props, lighting, costumes and décor. Martin Scorsese is especially well known for his use of cinematography and mise-en-scene.

Goodfellas takes place in Queens, New York. Which possibly conforms to the conventions of mob settings as historically The New York Mafia was originally known for Italian mobs, especially the 'Five Families'. Who were organized crime families by the names: Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese. The crime families were publicly named in 1963 based on their bosses at the time: Tommy (Lucchese), Vito (Genovese), Carlo (Gambino), Joseph (Bonanno). This setting would've been convenient for the audience, being a mob location and making them actually believe that these activities took place.

It also conforms to typical conventions of gangster costumes as the mob seen above and throughout the trailer are seen in smart, well dressed attire possibly portraying them as business men, as well as being well off. Apart from that they dined in fancy restaurants, being served the finest food on the menu. The lighting in this restaurant is also very dark around them with spotlight placed above them, surrounding their table. Highlighting that they're the focus point, drawing the audiences attention. However it could also represent the dark, devious side to the members and possibly the conversation that they're having.

They continue to conform to conventions of gangster/crime thrillers by playing poker, dealing cards and money. Also representing stereotypical hobbies that are practiced by the alpha male. As well as drinking and smoking which could also highlight manliness.

This red hue stands out against all the other variations of lighting within the trailer, especially because its red and red could be connotations for blood, danger, passion or love which goes with the still image (setting the atmosphere) as the three men are seen digging up a hole in the ground, possibly for a dead body.

Goodfellas Poster Analysis

The Departed Poster Analysis

Gangster Squad Poster Analysis

Gangster Squad-Film trailer

The Departed-Film trailer analysis

Are the director/producter/stars names given to us? 
If so why or why not?

Yes, Martin Scorsese is given to us to allow fans and audiences know that he is the director of this film, although they would've been familiar with the genre as he's known for being the director of gangster hits like the 'Goodfellas'. Towards the end names of famous actors like 'Leonardo Di Caprio' and 'Matt Damon' are mentioned to tempt fans more into going to see the film, especially because they would've been aware of these well known actors. As well the director and actors, famous actor 'Brad Pitt is also noted as being a producer.

Who is the film's target audience? Explain why?

A possible demographic could be males aged 15+ who are interested in gangster crime thrillers, as well as the well known director, producer and stars. It could also allow them to feel a sense of escapism, to enable them to escape into these movies.

What does the mise-en-scene tell us about the film? 

The mise-en-scene tells us that the film follows typical conventions of gangster crime movies such as the use of props, consisting of violent weapons,cigarettes and alcohol. As well as advanced technology used by the police.

What can be said about the editing and therefore the narrative?

The shots are fast paced throughout, with quick snippets to give the audience an adrenaline and to see just enough information about the film without giving away too much information.

What can you say about the use of music?

The music within the trailer isn't the same throughout, it changes depending on the pace. Changing the mood and atmosphere of its audience. The music at the beginning also causes tension and then towards the end there is a change between music and dialogue, to give the audience a deeper understanding.

Director Analysis

Pitch – Expired Milk

Tagline of film:

The power of one

Basic plot synopsis:

Vladimir Koncheski runs one of London’s biggest drug operations. He is a ruthless, gritty and fearless businessman who is not afraid to get his hands dirty or discipline his gang members. He is very loyal but is always willing to take matters into his own hands when he feels he’s being double-crossed. He respects family values, but keeps everyone at an arms length, as he finds it hard to trust others this is due to his hard upcoming and how long it took him to get to the top of the drug game. He somehow finds himself trusting Leon Wilburn, a cop undercover trying to bust his newest operation. Koncheski takes Leon under his wing, after he encounters him on the rooftop of a block of flats, where Leon is on the lookout for him and his entourage. After a quick exchange regarding a lighter, they begin to realise their similarities, which leads to Koncheski teaching him how to work the drug trade. Konecheski is skeptical at first however because of Leon’s knowledge of drugs he believes him and thinks that he is on his side. Leon Wilburn is a hardworking police detective burying his grief in his work after the loss of his girlfriend. He goes undercover to expose London’s most dangerous drug enterprise, and becomes enthralled in the world of drug trafficking. However after he gains Vladimir’s trust he uncovers the truth, that his new confidant is responsible for the death of his girlfriend. At this point he is stuck between doing the right thing and exposing Koncheski, or joining forces with him.

Characterization:

Vladimir Koncheski  - A slick yet gritty drug trafficker whose only fear is losing the business he’s worked so hard to build. His years in the drug trade have taught him how to be relentless and resilient, which comes in handy when dealing with those who prove to be disloyal to him. He’s kind to those who stand by him; however one wrong move and he will show no remorse when eliminating the threat. Someone who’s filthy rich with everything to lose will stop at nothing to make sure their riches remain intact.

Leon Wilburn – Leon’s a broken hearted London police detective using his work to cope with the loss of his long term girlfriend. He is fearless and brave, however tends to shy away from dangerous confrontations using his intelligence and wit to divert the situation. When he is accepted into a new pack of criminals after trying to bust their operation, he find himself at home amongst them despite their criminal intent.

Lauren Watson – The innocent and supportive girlfriend of Leon Wilburn who is mysteriously killed on the streets of London after witnessing a drug exchange. It is later discovered that one of Koncheski’s employees was responsible for her death, after he identified her as a threat.

Mise-en-scene:

Leon Wilburn – Casually dressed black cop, with scruffy and worn out clothing.

Lauren Watson – Typical young woman wearing simple clothing,  jeans and a shirt.

Vladimir Koncheski – Smartly dressed and well spoken eastern European man.

London streets after dark, dirty and grimy apartment, rooftop space   (overlooking London skyline), Police headquarters.

Cinematography:

Dark lighting and chiaroscuro to provoke the idea of fear, danger and mystery on the streets. Use of close ups, long shots, and establishing shots to emphasize characters and scenery, as well as fast moving shots to set the fast pace of a crime thriller.

Conventions:

After watching and researching popular crime thrillers we have decided to incorporate guns, drugs and money into our trailer, as well as themes including murder, revenge and suspicion to build our plot. We have been inspired by the films American Gangster and The Departed, as well as the trailer for Narcos, as all of these film conform to these conventions set by crime thrillers. The Departed focused on themes such as betrayal and brutality which would be ideal for the genre we have chosen.

Resources:

In order to make our trailer look authentic of the crime thriller genre, we will need to use resources such as guns, fake blood, bullet proof vests, and bags for drugs and money.

Unique selling point:

The unique selling point of our trailer is the plot twist regarding Lauren’s murder, and the racial variety used in the cast to subvert stereotypes. 

Moodboard

My moodboard presents themes and possible conventions that could be associated with gangster movies. Some common stereotypes are included such as the notorious leader, large members of the mob, who are usually dressed in smart attire(suits). Sometimes followed by large amounts of money and weapons.

The Departed

Film synopsis:

An undercover good cop (Billy Costigan) attempts to seek trust as part of Frank Costello's gang in order to expose them. Although it soon becomes clear that there is an inside man within the police force working for Costello (Colin Sullivan). This alarms both organisations as they seek to identify the mole in both groups, encouraging Billy and Colin to find out about each other in order to save their own lives.

Analysis of the movie poster: 

Production Team For Trailer

Production Team-Name TBA

Sarah Shorter-Producer 

The producer's role is to oversee every aspect of the film's production and bring together key members of the creative team. This includes the director, production design & editor and the director of photography. 

Blair Gyabaah-Director

The director's role is to bring together the film's written script and turn it into visual images and sounds on the screen. As well as developing and achieving the ending to the film. It is also their job to make drastic decision such as, selecting the right cast, crew and locations for the film.

Theresa Hackman-Production Designer & Editor

The editor works closely with the Director ensuring that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to the end. As well as preparing the mise-en-scene for the shots needed. 

Subananth Jeyakanthan-Director Of Photography 

The role of the Director Of Photography is to create the desired look using lighting, camera movement, framing. 

Evaluating AS Coursework

Task:1 Marketing and trailers-your experience

Q: What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
 =Duff

Q:Did you watch the trailer and how effective was it?
=The trailer at first seemed like any other american teen movie but I was still intrigued in watching it.
Q:How did you hear about it?
=I heard about it from social media and saw billboards and posters on buses promoting the movie.













Conventions of film trailers:
1) They all feature a disclaimer of what age group is suitable to watch the movie, e.g. PG
2)Titles which display the directors name and the actors/actresses etc, which attracts the audience as some prefer certain actors and directors. It also lets you know when the film will be in cinemas.
3)Voiceovers is often common and helps to give the audience more information about characters, before even watching the film. Music also helps audiences enjoy watching the trailer more.
4)Ends with a cliffhanger so that it doesn't give away too much.
5)Montage editing towards the end
6)The introduction of main characters.