Evaluation: How did you attract/address your audience?

This question was also addressed in v-log form!

Evaluation: Who would be the target audience for your media product?

I decided to address this question in v-log form. Shock horror! Hopefully it makes it a little clearer for you though. 

Fragmentation makes my target audience much more easy to place. Convergence leads to the old fashioned mass audience falling apart into lifestyle segments and niche audiences. However, I wish for my film to, in typical Hollywood style, appeal to as large an audience as possible in order to draw in profit at the box office (six out of ten movies produced in a major Hollywood studio, such as Warner Brother's, actually make less money then they cost to produce, resulting in a loss).  In order to increase my chances of making a profit I have decided to target my film at the 16-24 year old age group, who make up the majority of the cinema going audience. Although my film is primarily targeted at a female audience, I feel that Talisman could also attract quite a large male audience. This is through Bonnie's attractive appearance, enhancing viewing pleasure, Nate's character creating connection and personal identification (uses and gratifications audience theory) for a male audience, the violence and gore e.g. in Bonnie's death scene and , most importantly, the horror in the jump scares and mysterious ghostly voice, creating the adrenaline rush that horror is so popular for.

However, in this v-log I discuss what I imagine when I think of an average member (16-24 year old female) of my target audience for Talisman.

Evaluation: What kind of media insititution might distrubute your media product and why?

Evaluating the final cut of Talisman, I feel that it would definitely fall into the category of a movie produced by a major Hollywood studio. This is because it reflects the  'conveyor belt', profit driven Hollywood horror movie conventions. For example, making Talisman into a feature film may require a large budget, perhaps for other death scenes that occur later within the film which require more blood, gore and special effects. The typical budget of a major Hollywood movie is around $100 million dollars, contrasting massively to the cost of a British movie (Averaging around £1-2 million). The Budget for the major 2004 USA Warner Brothers picture, Saw, was estimated at around $1,200,000. 

Furthermore, my movie contains a cast of attractive actors and actresses, another convention of the glamorous movies of Hollywood. Leah Williams, acting as Bonnie, is dressed elegantly in a black dress with heavy make up applied. 

However, unfortunately my actors are not famous (A-list actress Amanda Seyfried is used to sell the appeal of movie Red Riding Hood, for example) which would help the sale of my movie; there is little I can do about this, although, I tried to find the most experienced actors that I possibly could for my movie opening. Preferably, my actors would have been A-list Americans, without the Northern British accents, making it easier for the massive USA audience to understand the speech. Once again, there was little I could do about this. On the other hand, many British actors do become successful overseas e.g. Keira knightley, a British actress, has become highly successful in Hollywood, starring in block busters such as Pirates of the Carribbean.

  The themes in the plot of my movie opening e.g. the idea of demonic possession and the inclusion of romance, are often used in Hollywood horror movies. For example, The Possession, released in 2012, focuses on the story of a young girl who stumbles upon an antique box, not knowing that it contains a demonic presence that threatens to take control of her body. Since the release and success of movies such as The Exorcist and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, the theme of possession has been a highly popular choice for horror movie narratives. 

The theme of romance is used mainly to draw in a teenage audience who are able to connect with this as a sub-plot in the narrative, seeing it as a reflection of events within their own lives (uses and gratifications audience theory) e.g. the ups and downs of teen relationship  highlighted in Jennifer's Body. In Hollywood, in order to be sure that a movie will take a large profit, it is best not to take a risk with something more experimental and rather use a pattern that has been tried and tested time and time again.  This is the main reason why major studios, such as Universal and Warner Bros. often turn to remakes or chose to make stories that already have a fan base (e.g. popular novels like Twilight) into feature films and why similar storylines seem to reoccur.
 

Already I have made it clear that my movie opening sequence has many similarities to existing products. For example, the plot of my movie has many links to The Possession with the idea of finding a possessed object that attempts to take the life of the finder. The horror movie poster  above highights another similarity: the choice of distressed typography which is conventional of horror movies. Similarly, as mentioned previously, my use of gore was inspired by the psychological thriller, Black Swan and my unconventional style of cinematography was inspired by Let Me In. 

My film also includes that element of romance, reflecting so many existing Hollywood products e.g. The Roommate, Jennifer's Body and, again, Black Swan.  Talisman is a clear example of franchising, using a model that has been successful in Hollywood since the beginning of commercial cinema.

 Talisman is certainly not an arthouse, indie or small British film, despite the use of British actors and the unique style of digital (this new media technology allows independent and low budget filmmakers to create good quality pictures due to it's low cost) cinematography (this was inspired by Let Me In which is in fact a Hollywood movie). 

The story offers nothing thought provoking or mentally challenging as a typical arthouse movie would. Instead, Talisman is made to appeal to the mass audience attending their local cinema chains. The plot is easy to grasp, making the film nothing but a little light escapism. Furthermore, Talisman does not focus on any social/political issues but simply contains a fictional narrative for light hearted fun.

Made for a mass audience, with popular themes and a simple plotline, I would expect Talisman to reach a mass audience and therefore be exhibited in cinema chains e.g. Odeon and Empire, rather than receiving an only online/TV release.  

 

As part of my marketing for Talisman (the role of the distributor) I would create a movie trailer to play before movies  in cinema chains, directing potential audiences to the movie's official website prior to release (e.g. www.Talisman.com- vital for marketing because millions of homes now have access to the internet). 

Similarly, although it is possible to distinguish the 'film industry', media convergence means we no longer live in a world where films, games and music, for example, exist separately. This creates the perfect opportunity for marketing; if the distributor owns the record label creating a movies soundtrack they can advertise this, furthermore, they can use their ownership of the magazine and TV industries to advertise the movie i.e. convergence of industry. We could also expect to see adverts for Talisman on WebPages on the internet as well as pages created for the movie on social networking sites such as twitter and facebook.

Aside from the profit that exhibition would provide (The Possession, a film that is similar institutionally- distributed by Lions Gate, the seventh most profitable movie studio- took a profit of around $3,000,000 on it's opening weekend in the USA alone), Talisman would provide an excellent opportunity for merchandising. The 'talisman' necklace for example, a key and prop and iconography in this movie, could perhaps become a piece of merchandise. For example, with the release of the movie Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton) a new range of jewellery was released by Topshop, reflecting themes found within the movie. Furthermore, Urban Decay brought out an eye shadow palette in time for the release of the film. 

 
Perhaps this could be emulated with merchandise created for Talisman. For example, a replica of the locket from the movie could be sold in high street fashion stores, popular with my 16-24 target audience (Topshop, Bank and River Island, for example). Many members of my target audience who left feedback on my film did compliment the use of this prop.

As well as merchandising, Talisman would also draw revenue from ancillary products e.g. the DVD and Blu-ray release (this provides scope the marketing of other film products too). This could include a directors cut and added extras such as my behind the scenes video and directors commentary. An extended edition of my movie could perhaps be released after the initial DVD release in order to draw in extra profit (people may feel the need to repurchase the DVD for the extra features). Talisman would constantly be drawing in profit from a back log of DVD sales as copies continue to be sold, years after the initial release.

Also, games containing themes from the movie could be released on the official website (perhaps even a full video game for consoles such as Sony PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 could be released to draw in more profit and make the film interactive for the audience- they have the chance to play out the storyline themselves). 

Finally, my soundtrack would also draw in profit as an ancillary product (if the music was original, of course). The Red Riding Hood soundtrack, for example, has been highly successful on itunes. 

 
I feel that Talisman, if released by one of the Hollywood 'big six' studios (Columbia, Warner Bros., Universal, 20th Century Fox, Paramount and Walt Disney), would be largely successful and make a substantial profit in many different areas. In Hollywood, profit is the sole aim of creating a film.  

Directors Commentary!

Here is my attempt at evaluating my film through a directors commentary. My voice sounds so annoying! I felt very professional while recording it though!

Evaluating: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My film opening sequence includes only two key characters: Bonnie and Nate. I took some time to consider characters from existing movies with some similarity to them. 

Bonnie

The first character that came to mind as the most similar to Bonnie was Valerie from the movie Red Riding Hood. Both females are pretty, with long, blonde hair falling in natural ringlets and flawless fair skin. Furthermore, they are presented in dresses throughout their screen time, reflecting their feminine representations. The pair play stereotypically female roles and could perhaps fall into the category of damsels in distress'. Valerie fears being snatched away by a werewolf who claims he wishes to 'run away' with her. Similarly, Bonnie is under the spell of an evil necklace, secretly plotting to draw all life from her. Both appear to be quite passive characters, in need of protection from their love interests. Valerie is subservient to the rebellious wood cutter who steals her heart. He pushes her onto the leaves with much ease and constantly begs her to run away with him. On a number of occasions, he is required to save her from peril. Bonnie is also subservient to Nate. He is constantly in control, deciding where they must go for their first date. Physically, he often pulls Bonnie by the hand and, significantly, he is the one to place to talisman around Bonnie's neck. 

However, there are some differences between the two characters. For example, the contrast in costume. Red Riding Hood centres on a medieval village whereas Talisman is set in modern day. Therefore, both females are seen wearing clothing in keeping with the time period in which their character is living, in order to create verisimilitude. Valerie is perhaps a more active character than Bonnie. Ultimately it is Valerie who destroys the wolf. Bonnie, on the other hand, falls victim to her attacker, dying helplessly in the bathtub. 

Bonnie's role in the film is perhaps more similar to that of Marion Crane in psycho. As well as physical similarities (both are attractive blondes) the females have very similar roles. Both leading ladies are killed off very early in very similar ways- one is murdered in the shower and the other in the bathtub. 

Nate

Strangely, I also felt that the leading male from Red Riding Hood had many similarities to Nate. Both are attractive and flirtatious with dark hair, constantly wearing the colour black to match their mysterious personas. The audience are never quite sure whether to trust either character completely (at one point in Red Riding Hood, the audience are certain that Peter is the werewolf. Similarly, in Talisman, we perhaps suspect Nate has something to do with Bonnie finding the evil locket). The males are quite reckless and rebellious. Nate enjoys exploring abandoned buildings, for instance, and Peter plans to run away with Valerie in order to escape her impending marriage. Nate is clearly in love with Bonnie, taking her to a place that he holds as very special to him. Peter, the main character from Red Riding Hood, is willing to risk his life to save Valerie. Both males play quite active and heroic roles. Nate is sure to look after Bonnie, taking her hand and lovingly placing the necklace around her neck. Peter rescues Valerie from doom on a number of occasions. However, ultimately, Nate and Peter both fail to fulfil their tasks of saving the female. Valerie rids the town of the wolf herself, in order to save Peter, and therefore reverses stereotypical roles. Nate can do nothing to save Bonnie, who drowns in her own home after their date.

The main difference between Nate and Peter is costume. Nate is dressed in typical modern casual clothing whereas Peter's costumes are more fitting for the medieval setting of Red Riding Hood. Furthermore, Peter's imagine is a lot more pristine than Nate's. Nate presents himself as a modern day teenager and takes much less pride in his appearance.

Representation of Social Groups In Talisman

Males

In Talisman we are presented with quite a stereotypical representation of males. Nate, the only male character within the film opening, is always in control. Throughout the piece Nate remains the most powerful participant. He arrives at the door, in a gentlemanly fashion, to fetch Bonnie for their first date. 

Nate is the active character with the power to decide where they are going, in contrast, Bonnie remains passive and has no choice in the matter. Physically, Nate is dressed casually relating to the stereotype that males are lazy, with little time for appearance. 

Furthermore, his lack of preparation for the date reflects the stereotype that males are less emotional, Nate was clearly not as nervous beforehand as Bonnie was.  Nate is flirtatious in his speech and admires Bonnie's appearance, "I'm not complaining". This relates to the idea that females are only objects for male admiration; their only role is to look pretty.

The fact that Nate is more interested in old abandonedhouses than fancy restaurants reflects the idea that males are more active and interested in adventure and the outdoors.

 Furthermore, after taking Bonnie's hand and leading her forwards, again suggesting that the male is in control, Nate is the one to attempt to open the door of the old house while Bonnie stands watching, conforming to the stereotype of masculine strength.

The first thing that comes to mind for Nate when noticing the locket is how much money it way be worth. This relates to the theory of separate spheres. Nate is more practical as a member of the public sphere, thinking logically about survival. Similarly, it also suggests that Nate disregards sentimental value, again implying that males are less emotional than females. However, Nate's hug at the end of the second scene implies a softer side to his character and goes against stereotypes of masculinity.

Females

Bonnie, the sole female character in Talisman, is an example of a female stereotype. The audience are introduced to her as she is getting ready for the first date. Bonnie spends a long time on her appearance, choosing her outfit, fixing her hair, applying make up and putting on jewellery, conforming to the stereotype of women being most interested in looks. 

Furthermore, she applies red lipstick. Red connotes seduction, desire and passion relating to the idea that all females are sex objects for male enjoyment. 

 Bonnie cuts her finger on her earring, shaking with nerves. As mentioned early, this relates to the theory that women are much more emotional than men. 

Bonnie is represented as impractical as she stands in the doorway over dressed. For Bonnie, looks override logic. Furthermore, she conforms to the stereotype of the 'dumb blonde' first of all with her clumsiness, cutting her finger on the earring, and, secondly, her lack of knowledge about the nature of the date. 

Bonnie is passive throughout the opening. Things constantly happen to her. Nate controls the destination of the date and takes Bonnie up to the abandoned house, holding her hand and leading her like a child. Bonnie is also expected to listen to Nate's speech presenting him as the more logical and intelligent character as a male. 

 Bonnie is also passive and subservient to the demonic necklace. It summons her over and compels her wear it. She can make no objections and has to obey. Bonnie is not even the one to place to locket around her neck, Nate does it for her. Bonnie is represented as an object with no mind of her own, incapable of making her own decisions. 

 

However, under the influence of the talisman, we do see a different side to Bonnie. When Nate suggests that she sell the antique Bonnie become quite aggressive, not a stereotypically feminine emotion. 

Finally, in the rather transgressive bath scene, Bonnie is once again passive. She attempts to fight is not strong enough to overcome the force of the necklace. It is significant that the female character is the one that the necklace choices to devour. Bonnie is the weakest and most helpless. 

It is also perhaps significant that a piece of jewellery, in other words, her concern with appearance, leads to her injury and then ultimate downfall. This suggests that this vanity is something negative.

Age

 My piece also conforms to stereotypes associated with young people, particularly because this is my target audience. For example, the film begins with Bonnie getting ready; she spends a long time correcting her appearance, conforming to the stereotype of vanity in young people (especially young girls).

Furthermore, the film centres around the theme of first dates, something extremely relevant to the target audience. Teenagers are often stereotyped as sex mad with their interests in relationships at the centre of their lives. The date is clearly very important to Bonnie, causing her an immense amount of stress and worry.

Nate's casual appearance also relates to a stereotype of young people. Young males in particular are viewed as lazy, feeding off of their parents, playing video games and not caring about their appearance.

Teenagers are often viewed as reckless and rebelious. This idea is presented through the visit to the old abandonded house. Ignoring the bright red warning sign on the fence, the couple attempt to enter the building, with no regard or respect for authority. 

Other elements of social representation, such as race or class, are not given much emphsis throughout my film.

Evaluating: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Sadly, this project is coming to an end. It is already time for me to begin evaluating my work! First of all I have been asked to address ways in which my media product, uses, develops, or challenges forms and conventions of real media products. I have discussed this first question once again in v-log form, attempting to be as in depth as I possibly could.

I hope you found my v-log informative! I really do feel that my movie opening is very conventional of an actual horror movie opening in many ways. Let me know what you think in the comments!

YouTube Feedback!

Immediately after uploading my film to my channel I received a number of positive and encouraging comments. This is particularly reassuring to me as most of the commenters (I had a look at their YouTube channel 'about me' details) were young females within my target audience!

 

Although the comments are not extremely constructive they do suggest that this film would appeal to female 16-24 year olds. Furthermore, the fact that the film frightened many viewers confirms that is conventional of the horror genre. I appear to have been successful in completing my goal!

Final cut!

Here is a quick video of me explaining the changes that I have made to my roughcut after taking on board the comments made by my target audience. I hope that the improvements are noticeable. 

All is complete, I feel this film is as good as it's ever going to get! I can finally present to you...my final cut!

The film has now been published to my YouTube account. I am looking forward to the feedback that I receive from my viewers over the next few days. Feel free to leave a comment letting me know your opinion!

Comments on my roughcut!

Here is a montage video of my second target audience interviews. I asked both males and females aged 16-18 to watch my roughcut and then answer this series of questions immediately afterwards:

What are the strengths of the opening sequence?

Do you think this film would appeal to a target audience of 16-24 year olds?

What do you think of the chosen setting?

What do you think of the chosen costumes and props?

Do you feel that the actors are fitting for their roles? 

Do you feel that this Media Studies coursework reflects actual movie openings?

Which is your favourite scene?

Is there anything that should be improved or changed for the final cut? 

Overall, my target audience seemed to enjoy my opening sequence. Many felt that my roughcut needed very little improvement. However, after watching over the comments made I do feel that there are a couple of small changes I would like to make for my final cut; these are detailed in the short v-log I have uploaded below:

My roughcut!

Editing is complete! I am now ready to present my roughcut to a few members of my target audience. I will then be videoing their feedback before reopening my editing software to make a few changes for my final cut. 

Overall, I am relatively happy with my roughcut. As a perfectionist, I have attempted to make this look it's absolute best before presenting it to the target audience. I am still quite nervous about presenting it for the first time, however, I understand that criticism is necessary for improvement.

Here it is: