Assignment 3 pro forma film studies
- 1. Harry Potter Relationship between Producers & Audiences Assessment and the Deathly Hallows part 2
- 2. Poster • Content of images In this image we see the three protagonist characters standing in the grounds of the iconic location “Hogwarts” in what appears to be some kind of battle/ war. When looking in the background we see rubble and ruins which is a common convention of a dramatic battle. This is included in the poster as it is representing what happens in the film (the battle of Hogwarts). Including this within the poster doesn’t give any of the synopsis away yet draws in the audience as they expect to see • Colour The colour palette used in this poster consists of a lot of blue and green undertones. This could suggest the where the film takes place, a very lone, isolated area in a very rural setting. Also the surroundings of the poster have dark shadows of black creeping towards the inside. This is a reference to the darkness of the very last film of the franchise. In contrast to this film, the first few films in the franchise are marketed using much more warm colours. I think the use of the darker colours in this film shows a change from the once child friendly films and is putting forth a production that shows the growth of the characters and story line.
- 3. Poster • Text/fonts The Harry Potter logo on this poster is created in the iconic font we see in every Potter poster, film and merchandise. A large amount of the font used on advertisement for Harry Potter is all done in the same font. It is one of the brands iconic features. It is something all fans can identify immediately. • Layout In this poster, the blocking of the characters shows importance. For example the character of Harry is placed at the front of the scene, and in the middle of the three characters. Also he is predominantly larger than the other two characters. The other two protagonists, Hermione and Ron, are behind Harry. However these three characters are the only characters we can are properly see, this suggests that the story line is based on these characters without having to actually view the film.
- 4. Poster • Listing of stars/previous films/directors On this poster there are not large headings identifying the lead roles. Despite there being other posters and forms of marketing recognizing the actors and actresses, on posters for such a large franchise like Harry Potter there doesn’t need to be a lot of cast identification as fans and other audience members are aware of these well respected actors and actresses already. • Tone created The tone of this poster is very serious. All characters have a very intense expression on their faces. The use of a blood splatter within the frame suggests a serious and perhaps violent plot.
- 6. Trailer • Content of the video clips In this trailer we see a lot of the action shots and shots from the scenes located in the battle of Hogwarts. These scenes have been used as this is not only where a majority of the film is set but it is where the most important events take place. In these clips there is a lot of action and emotionally dramatic moments. These have been used to make the audience empathise with the fact this is the last film in the franchise. • Music The music in this trailer is a very theatrical and strong orchestral piece of music. This type of music is very fitting to this film in particular for many reasons. For example, this is the final film of the franchise, therefore all storylines are coming to an end and all mysteries are going to be revealed. This results in a dramatic piece of music needed to fit the intense events being shown on screen. This soundtrack does not include lyrics, however when there are small moments of dialogue in the trailer, the soundtrack changes tempo and pitch to allow the audience to hear the dialogue clearly. https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=mObK5XD8udk
- 7. Trailer • Listing of stars/previous films/directors In this trailer the only thing we see listed is the production companies and the distribution platforms shown at the end. For example, in large text we see that the film is going to be screens in IMAX theatres, in real D 3D and 2D theatres. Also we see the franchise’s website and the production companies, Warner Bros and Heyday Films in smaller text. • Genre codes and conventions This film is predominantly part of the fantasy genre. In this trailer we can identify this as an audience because of the several shots of witches and wizards using magic, shots of magical/ mythical creatures and other elements of non realism. Creating a clear genre in the trailer is very important as it ensures the film will reach specific people that relate and are attracted to the fantasy genre. Not being clear about the genre could attract the wrong fans and result in having many disappointed viewers once the film is released. https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=mObK5XD8udk
- 8. Trailer • Relevance of release date At the end of the trailer we see that the film will be released on July 15. It is important to show the release date in the trailer as fans and other audience members need to know when they can go and see the film. • Tone created The tone of this film/ trailer is very serious. When a franchise such as this is coming to an end the impact of the trailer need to be strong on the audience and make them feel emotional towards the last film and make them feel on edge when relating to the intense moments. This serious tone is created through slow motions shot, dramatic shots of explosions and destruction and shots of major characters showing emotion towards unknown events. https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=mObK5XD8udk
- 10. Interview • Relevance of who its with The lead of the film, Daniel Radcliffe, is being interviewed here, he is speaking very formally and very innocently. This relating to him now using any offensive language. This is because the target audience for this franchise ranges from children to young adults. Because these films are targeted at such a young audience, the cast use language that is not a bad example for youth fans. The reason Radcliffe is being interviewed alone over other actors is because he is the protagonist. He has the largest part in the film which results in him being on screen the most and also knowing the most about his own and other characters. https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=hqkXKPgzTnA
- 11. Interview • What time of day was it broadcast? This interview was broadcast in the daytime. This is because of the franchise’s target audience. Due to there being so many younger audience members, this interview would not benefit from being broadcast later at night due to a smaller number of people being able to watch. • Discussion points Major topics such as the development of Harry’s character is discussed, along side of big and important scenes in the film which are going to have both positive and negative impacts on the film. The topic of the actors work ethic is also spoken about, along side what advice he as for his fans. These topics may be chosen because it makes the actor more likeable and relatable as a person and the viewers don’t just see him as his character. https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=hqkXKPgzTnA
- 13. Marketing Strategy • Discuss relevant notable information you have noticed regarding the marketing strategy of the film, e.g.; – When the trailer was released (along with other trailers) – When the interview was broadcast – Any viral marketing – Merchandise/Franchising/Partnerships (McDonalds toys, product placement, etc.) – Placement of adverts