Qualitive Audience Research

In order to collect qualitative data we decided the best way to do this is by showing the audience a film trailer and to ask a sample of people a set of questions based on a film trailer of our choice, allowing our sample to express their opinions instead of choosing from a closed set of answers. We have decided to ask the questions personally from which we will produce a transcript to make the analysis easier.

We have decided to use the trailer from the film 'human centipede' as it fits in with the genre horror/ sociological thriller. We felt that because this film trailer (Human Centipede) has a genre that closely links to ours, the qualitative data that we retrieve from this section of our audience research could be closely linked to the film trailer we are going to produce, hence developing our understanding of the types of conventions used for film trailers with these types of genre.

Below is the film trailer for 'Human Centipede' which i have embedded onto my blog from you tube. If you encounter any problems trying to load or watch this film trailer, i have sited a link below which will take you to the original source of the trailer where you may also watch it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX8fKLjC__c

Due to the time constraints and nature of qualitative research, we have decided to limit the number of questions for this section of our audience research.

As individuals in the group we will approach one male and one female and ask the same five questions to both people, we will copy down and make notes on what is being said in reply to each question.

The questions we will be asking are:

1. After watching this trailer what genre would you say it comes under,explain why?

2. Do the sound effects in the trailer help to create tension and atmosphere, if yes? explain how.

3. How do you feel the colour, font, size and the movement of the text contributes to the overall feel of the trailer?

4. Does the way the footage is shown give a clear message of the plot and genre of the film, explain how?

5. Do you think the film trailer is successful, explain your answer?

Results:

Question and answer interviews after watching the trailer :

Boy aged 18:

1. After watching this trailer what genre would you say it comes under,explain why?

Answer: "I would say that this film is a horror film, because it has gory parts, with blood."

2. Do the sound effects in the trailer help to create tension and atmosphere, if yes? explain how.

Answer: " yeah i think it does built tension but it would be good if it was silent because then it would make me like really concentrate on what was happening."

3. How do you feel the colour, font, size and the movement of the text contributes to the overall feel of the trailer?

Answer:" the way that the text slowly appears with blood stains makes the trailer feel scary."

4. Does the way the footage is shown give a clear message of the plot and genre of the film, explain how?

Answer: " its good how parts of the film flash up from the beginning of the plot and the end of the plot, i got a clear massage from about the plot from the picture show and the text explaining what was happening".

5. Do you think the film trailer is successful, explain your answer?

Answer:"yeah i think it is a good trailer, i mean i would go and watch the movie after seeing the trailer, it makes the film look interesting".

Girl aged 19:

1. After watching this trailer what genre would you say it comes under,explain why?

Answer:" i cant decide if its a horror or a thriller, i think maybe its a bit of both, its sociological as well as gory".

2. Do the sound effects in the trailer help to create tension and atmosphere, if yes? explain how.

Answer: "I think the dialogue at the beginning is a good way of building tension and the sound effects, whilst the action is being shown builds a shocking atmosphere".

3. How do you feel the colour, font, size and the movement of the text contributes to the overall feel of the trailer?

Answer:"i think the way the text appears is great because it gives you time to read and take in what it says, I also think that the text being in large font and covered in blood splatters is a good way of telling the audience the feelings behind the film."

4. Does the way the footage is shown give a clear message of the plot and genre of the film, explain how?

Answer: " I think that this trailer gives a clear massage as to what the plot is because it shows the plot of the film in short steps that the audience can follow."

5. Do you think the film trailer is successful, explain your answer?

Answer:"This trailer is successful because it shows the audience what the film is about with a clear message and the genre of the film is obvious that's its a shocking one".

Women aged 27:

1. After watching this trailer what genre would you say it comes under,explain why?

Answer:" I feel this is a horror film, because of the nature of the plot."

2. Do the sound effects in the trailer help to create tension and atmosphere, if yes? explain how.

Answer: "Yes, the trailer works well with the added sound effects it creates a tense atmosphere and a good build up."

3. How do you feel the colour, font, size and the movement of the text contributes to the overall feel of the trailer?

4. Does the way the footage is shown give a clear message of the plot and genre of the film, explain how?

Answer:"the footage gives a clear message of the plot as it shows lots of action footage that contains the main features of the film".

5. Do you think the film trailer is successful, explain your answer?

Answer: " I think this film trailer is successful in the way it shows the genre and the plot very clearly, it also build tension so that the audience will want to go watch the film."

Man aged 32 :

1. After watching this trailer what genre would you say it comes under,explain why?

Answer: "I think that this is a horror film, because of the footage it shows of gore and it is scary."

2. Do the sound effects in the trailer help to create tension and atmosphere, if yes? explain how.

Answer:" yeah the sound effects do create tension that makes it fell scary."

3. How do you feel the colour, font, size and the movement of the text contributes to the overall feel of the trailer?

Answer: " yeah the movement of the text is good because it like swoops in, its quite creepy."

4. Does the way the footage is shown give a clear message of the plot and genre of the film, explain how?

Answer: Yeah the plot is really clear, the trailer shows allot of the plot and leave unanswered questions."

5. Do you think the film trailer is successful, explain your answer?

Answer:"The film trailer does work really well, it draws the audience in and leaves them wanting to watch the film."

Potential target audience:

After collecting a range of results from the qualitative and quantitative data we found that most of the people asked agreed on certain aspects of a film trailer.
They like that the text being revealed on a black background made the text stand out more so the audience had time to read and take in what the text said.
they agreed that sound effects are a good way to build tension. The majority liked to see the title and release date at the end of a trailer. They also enjoyed dispersed action and text being within the trailer. The people we asked like the plot to be revealed but not to much as they like to be left wondering what is happening, so that they feel they will go and see the film to answer those unanswered questions.

After these findings we feel that the rage of data has helped us decide on what aspects to add into our trailer and we are grateful for finding out what our audience will like to see. I feel that we have all the knowledge needed to create a successfully film trailer.

Quantitive Audience Research

This type of questionnaire contains only closed questions.This generates numerical data - following the guidelines of what quantitative research involves. Due to the limitations of carrying out quantitative research we decided to base our questionnaire on film trailer conventions, as conventions have a large,widespread view.

Below is the quantitative questionnaire that i have created on film trailer conventions, just click to preview:







Results:

Click on graphs below to enlarge image:



Audience research/ film trailer

Research

Now that we as individuals have researched about the conventions of a typical film trailer in our genre and deconstructed 2 film trailers with the same genre and also one with a different genre, we feel that we each have an understanding of what needs to be done to create a successful film trailer. I have also decided that i would like to look at the methods used to connect with an audience and what an audience likes to see in a successful film trailer.

I have researched 'Qualitative' and ' Quantitative' methods. What are these methods of research?

Qualitative:
Qualitative research explores the 'why' in its analysis of unstructured information. it is used to investigate peoples attitudes, behaviours, value systems, concerns, motivations, aspirations, opinions, culture or lifestyles and it is used to inform business decisions, policy formation, communication and research. Interviews are usually used, incorporating open end questions without set responses, usually generating non- numerical data.


Quantitative:
Quantitative research is used to measure how a sample of people feel, think or act in a particular way based upon a specific topic. Quantitative research tends to include large samples. Structured questionnaires are usually used, incorporating mainly closed questions - questions with set responses, usually generating numerical data or data that can be converted into numbers.

After researching these methods i feel it is key that we use both of these methods whilst researching into our target audience. Having a wider understanding of what the audience wants. having this level of understanding will really help us as a group to complete a successful film  trailer.

Film trailer conventions

Film trailers tend to have recognisable conventions in which the audience would be able to recognise what genre of film is being advertised. Some of the more commonly used conventions are:

Conventions

• Voice overs  are used to tell the story, describe the plot and give credit information,
• The main characters and stars of the film are showcased,
• key pints in the plot are shown through text or titles,
• Conventions between characters are mainly one liners,
• Dramatic camera angles are used to show main events or characters,
• Action is interlinked with actor or director credits on screen,
• Music and sound effects create an important atmosphere,
• The title of the film may not been shown until the end of the trailer,
• The often builds to a climax before ending,
• Montage (a series of shorts from different points in the film , edited together) is often used to highlight the most dramatic, humorous or fast paced aspects of the film.

Structure

• Conventions are structured around the most appealing aspects of the film without taking narrative order into consideration,
• A selection of shots are shown to show a significant amount of the plot and to connect with a wider audience,
• They aim to provide a basic narrative to guide the audience through the plot of the film.

Opening : Establishes settings and introduced characters.
Build up : Relationships are established, development of characters personalities and lifestyles are showcased.
Problem: A dilemma or series of problems unfold upon the character that he or she will have to overcome.
Events: A series of events where by the character is overcoming problems, this usually leads to further complications. A lot of emotion is involved.

Film trailer deconstructions

Below I have chosen to deconstruct two film trailers. I have chosen to deconstruct 'Insidious' and 'The last exorsism' due to the fact that  the genre of  these films are horror/ thriller. Deconstructing these existing trailers will allow us to outline what techniques have been used in order to successfully portray this genre to the audience through the film trailer.

Insidious film trailer

Below is the the insidious film trailer that i have copied onto my blog from YouTube, if you have any problems when playing this trailer i have inserted a link below from the original site that can also be watched.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1YbOMDI59k

The trailer begins with displaying a logo of whom distributed the move. In this case Film District has distributed Insidious and the logo appears for approximately 2 seconds. 

This is then followed by the title of the film Insidious appearing in a thin white jagged type on a black background the type appears slowly from the corners of the text to an high pitched sound, the letters then then mix around and disappear with the sound of scrolling just leaving IS in its place it mixes around twice saying: INSIDIOUS.. IS.. INSIDIOUS .....IS .... this last approximately 5 seconds.

After this process a dull thud, quickly changes the camera shot to the close up shot of a man sitting in a chair directly in front of the camera, he then becomes the main  focus. Another characters voice out of shot then says ' Are you ready?'  the character in the chair then reply by saying 'Yeah'. This then makes the audience question what is about to happen.

Metronome

 The shot then moves down and focuses on a metronome which is a musical time keeper that has a loud tick like a clock. A mans arm then comes into shot and flicks the time keeper on. When the time keeper is on the ticking sound stays on for the duration of the trailer to add suspense, this is up until we see some clips of the film, where sound effects are used. After the metronome is on, the screen then goes black, this is when the producers announce other successful films of the same genre they have created. In this case  ' from the makers of Paranormal Activity and Saw' the text appears to the rhythm of the ticking each work appearing with a tick. 

After this is shown a series of 7 shots of the family involved are shown quickly with not much continuity, these first seven shots show the family acting like a typical happy family. The last shot then shows one of the children fallen off of a ladder, when he falls to the floor a large thud then flips the shot into the text 'Insidious....Is' the same as the beginning sequence. After this a further 2 shots are are shown from the film and the plot begins to be reveled by the mother of the boy. She says two sentences that explain the situation in an emotional state. The text then appears for a third time: 'Insidious.....is'. The audience is then shown a longer section of the film lasting around 8 seconds. The shot is of the mum discovering paranormal activity , a rocking horse moving by itself. The text 'Insidious...is' is then shown for a fourth time. Still with the scrolling, spooky sound effects.

 The short clips of film then speed up, changing quickly creating a build up in emotions e.g. anticipation, fear and excitement. More of the plot is revealed from another characters voice, the audience does not see her, but her calm, elderly voice gives the impression that she is knowledgeable and in control of the situation. The text then appears another several times and the shadows of inhuman figures are seen in the short clips. As the clips become faster more sound effects from the movie are heard by the audience, this is trying to make them jump and be frightened, giving the impression that the film is going to be very scary.

Towards the end of the trailer the sound effects and short, sharp, shots come to an abrupt end leaving total silence until the elderly woman speaks calmly revealing more about the situation in the film. Whilst the woman is speaking a the camera moves slowly down a dark corridor. Then suddenly a high pitched rewinding sound effect id heard and a number of very fast moving shots from the film are shown, until finally the text Insidious..is appears for a final time with a thud. The shot then faids to a black background revealing the date of the movies realise in small white writing that appears for around 4 seconds. The writing is small so that the audience has to really focus on the text to read it, this then sets the audience up for a scare when a loud screaming, woman's face jumps out at the screen. The ticking sound then re-appears whilst the credits are shown for around 2 seconds.

The last Exorcism

Below is the The last Exorcism film trailer that i have copied onto my blog from YouTube, if you have any problems when playing this trailer i have inserted a link below from the original site that can also be watched.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NcYXzZCQsE

The trailer begins with the name of

 several of its the distributers that are commonly known, they appearing conjunction with a scratching, high pitched sound effect. One of the well know distributers is below.

text then appears with the same sound effect as the beginning, the text is on black background in small white text. This text reveals more about the character the audience presume was the man speaking. We learn the reason why he is so calm and what profession he is in.  The noise then becomes louder as the text disappears and a short clip of a young girl closing a door is shown, this is then cut off by another piece of text this time with finger prints on the screen. it is a short clarifying sentence that says ' This will be the last'. A series of short clips from the film are shown quickly building up the plot as the characters speak. this is then interrupted by  the name of the producer in large, gold text. 

 this in then followed by another short clip of a later point in the film. The  character that isn't in the shot is asking a question the his big bold voice. The audience is then presented with the name of another well known, successfully film that these producers have also produced.    

Other clips from the film accompanied by sound effects appear consecutively to text. The text asks the audience questions making them relate to the situation in some way. The questions are about god and the belief in the devil.
We discover the relationship between the characters at this point.

this is then followed by several fast pace action shots of the film. this in the stopped sharply by silence and then the main character saying shockingly, 'oh my god. That is not human'. This is then followed by a final shot of the girl in a frightening Poisson. the screen then flickers into darkens and the title of the film, the producers and the realise date are then announced by the narrator. 

I have also selected a film trailer from a different genre that I'm going to deconstruct: The title of the film is Paul, this film is in the cross genre of science fiction comedy. This film did well at the box office and had a great reception from the viewers, it was very successful. Because of this i feel that by deconstructing this film trailer, it will give added inspiration on how to make our trailer a success. 

Below is the trailer i have downloaded fom youtube if you have any problems trying to view the trailer, i have also added the link from the page that can be followed.

Paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29d7r6u03tU

This film trailer begin with showing to short clips of the producers and distributers company names, the first one being the recognisable 'Universal', this is follwed by 'working title'.   

 

Whilst these titles are being shown the music from a popular song is played, it begins with a banjo, when the artist starts to sing the titles flip straight into the action. The music reflects what is happening. The 'hillbilly' western type music id matched with the scene of a large camper van speeding down a highway. The shot then moves to a close up of a road sign 'extorestrial highway', as the camper van zooms past. As the audience is shown the sign the music simmers out and the voice of a character begin to reveal the plot. This voice of  the character is still saying this when the shot changes. The audience finds out who is staying this, she is asking the main characters a question that if answered will reveal what is happening. the characters have a conversation and the audience finds out where, what and why. Whilst the conversation is happening short clips of the film are shown that are relevant to what they are talking about.

The shot then flips with the click of the characters camera, the same music starts to play and text appears in bright yellow capital letters that contrast with the blue background. The texts says;' THERE WHERE MANY SIGHTS THEY PLANNED TO SEE. This then jumps right into the action of a car crashing, still with the music playing accompanied by the screams of the characters in a humerus way. when the car stops flipping over another set of text appears in the same style; ' THIS WAS NOT FOR THEM' this answers the question raised from the first text. 

After the text is removed, the sound of slight drums keep a stead up beat rhythm, so that the audience stays interested 'its a feel good' its a feel good action trailer. The drumming is consistent whist the the audience is shown the most important clips of the film, containing major plot points an comedy banter. amongst the clips some slides of text are slotted in revealing for example other successful comedy films the producer has made. Another classic, upbeat song is played towards the end of the trailer as several fast shots are shown of the film, where the characters are having a good time. The title of the trailer than appears followed by another short clip of the action that contains comedy. the song then plays for a second time and the date of the film release is shown. This is the end of the trailer and the audience has been through several emotions including allot of laughter, the trailer ended on a feel good high. This trailer i think is very successful in intising the audience to watch the film, it made me feel good and i felt the need to go see the film.

Genre choice

After much discussion we as a group have decided that the trailer would be most effective as a horror movie. This way the outcome of our trailer will have the most effect on the audience. Competition is fierce when creating a horror movie so we aim to create a different trailer that hasn't been done before. We created the introduction to a horror movie in our AS project and as a group we were keen to have the challenge of creating a different plot ,movie trailer and poster in the same genre. We found that props and make-up had a large effect on the overall outcome of our piece.Giving the audience an emotional experience knowing you had created it had great rewards.

Initial film trailer ideas

Before we decide on a final type of genre for our film trailer, we thought it would be best to explore our initial ideas within the group. After making a note of these ideas we are able to dissccus the advatages and disadvantages for each idea/genre. We can then choose suitable genres and dissccus locations, budget and any further ideas each member of the group have. We are aming to explore any ideas that effect the outcome of our product.

How effective is a film trailer?

The effect of a movie trailer has a greater impact over an audience compared to a poster.The combination of sound and moving image is memorising. this then causes the audience to react stiring up emotions, leaving them to have there own opinion of the movie being advertised, unlike a poster. Also a movie trailer must show an audience how this new film is different to others with similar or the same genre: This is known as the USP - the unique selling point of a film. The USP is an important part of marketing, singling out movies from there rivals making the USP become enthesized.

A successful, effective film trailer will raise unanswered questions about the film:

• what is the storyline/plot of the film?
• who is staring in the film, famose faces?
• what genre/type of film will it be?

Film trailers are important because they are a powerful sorce of advertisement.
90% of homes in the uk own a tv licence, this statisic shows that a film trailer can be seen in almost every home across the country. Trailers are mainly screened over seas with most A listing movies being made in the USA and screening not only in the UK but worldwide.

Time Plan

My main priority before I started was to create a time plan which over looked the whole process of producing a new promotional package for my coursework. Creating a schedule will be an advantage, this will set deadlines in order to get the work done efficiently and on time. It will also balance out the work load, giving me a set amout of time to work each week.

Media A2 Advanced Portfolio

I feel i worked well with the students in my A's level media project, we as individuals have made the decisions to work together again for our A2 advanced portfolio. I hope to achieve a similar or a higher level of success in this portfolio.


The HTML of the members of this group are:
leoni Whitwell
Emma Thurston
Amy Demmen

Below is the coursework brief for our Media A2 Advanced Portfolio:Coursework Brief:

To produce a promotional package for a new film, to include a teaser trailer, together with:

-A film magazine front cover, featuring the film;
-And a poster for the film.