Analysis of 'One Day' Theatrical Trailer

The scene opens in an establishing shot of the seaside which is supported by a soft non diegetic music to give the audience a light mood. This then leads the audience to see the main actress Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in a close up shot inside a bar confessing to each other that they have a crush on each other. Another establishing shot of the a university in Scotland which a typography is added (1988) where the two actors first met. This is emphasised in a long shot emphasising that the two have only just graduated wearing their toga and graduating caps. The trailer is supported by a voice over narrator to help the viewer understand the plot more clearer. A fade to black is used to the next scene as we see the two actors walking down the stairs happily dating in a low angle shot. This is emphasised with the use of shot reverse shot when they talked about seeing each other again,which gives the viewers hope that they will meet again because they are now just friends with no sense of bitterness. 

The next scene opens in a fade showing the establishing shot of London, to help the viewer know where the  scene is taking place. The later shots will just show quick shots of the two having fun with each other and enjoying the friendship together. Some voiceovers of some actors are used to support the quick straight cuts to help the audience understand the complication of the plot. This is accompanied by a soothing music to add a romantic touch to the trailer. 

A medium shot is used as Hathaway confessed to Sturgess that she loves him very much, however she doesn't like his new persona. This scene may attract the viewers to see this film because of the controversial event that Sturgess will actually marry a different woman, which is shown in an establishing shot of the church that symbolises eternity. Also, the trailer is supported by typography suggesting that the novel is based on the number 1 best selling novels. Also, the trailer is supported by other successful films such as "An Education" to make the viewers see the film. 

A fade to white is used as to suggest how the life of Sturgess changed from being popular to being a child caretaker and waiter, which has become a huge climax on him. This is emphasised on Sturgess holding a baby in a medium shot trying to put it to sleep. The following scenes are again quick and straight cuts of the film which is supported by important voiceovers to suggest what is actually happening in the story. A long wide shot is used as Hathaway runs to Sturgess about to hug and kiss him, which emphasises the theme of love and drama to the trailer. 

Editing

Editing acts as an important role in the film. Without the technology that we use for editing, it would have been hard for the producers to portray messages for the viewers.

Speed and Style should be considered when thinking about Editing.
The Speed of the editing means how long does each of the shot last.
The Style of the editing depends on how each shot is joined to the next.
These two types of editing could be associated with any particular genre because any kind of editing can be interpreted in a different way or views.

Editing is produced with many kind of software such as Adobe Photoshop CS. This software is a professional digital image editing package that enables users to imply videos and edit it the way you want it to be by using its special features. However, the down side for this software is because it's rather complicated to use. Nevertheless, this can be avoided by watching tutorials on how to use this software. In my opinion, I would rather not use this software because it can be time consuming, since I have no experience of using this software.

Another software that can be used for editing vides is the Microsoft Windows Movie Maker. This software is easy to use and user friendly. This will allow users to add eddfect in certain clips such as adding transitions, etc.

Here are some examples that editing consists of.

Straight Cut
A straight cut is the most commonly used cut in film productions. This cut is used to show from subject to subject.
For my project, I will use this editing for some of my edit.

Fade Out
A fade out is a shot that starts from full exposure that gradually fades to black. It's a way of showing to the audience that the day has changed to another day. In other sense, this editing is used to emphasise that it's the end of a scene, that starts to a different scene.

Dissolve
A dissolve edit is a way of showing that two clips are overlapping with one clip that is about to fade out and one clip that fades in. Editors often use this edit to emphasise to the audience a change of time and/or location. This edit should be able to link with the first scene to the second.

Jump Cut
A jump cut gives the audience an effect that as if the camera is jumping. The editors used this to indicate that they are cutting bits of frames because nothing exciting is happening. However, this cut may not be very smooth and  unclear.
For my theatrical trailer, I could probably use this edit to indicate to the audience how one character is willing to forget bits of memories that the two couple has spent with each other.

Continuity Editing
This edit helps the audience follow the action rather than taking a one long film. This helps the audience receive a continuity narrative.
For my theatrical trailer, I will use this editing as often as possible to keep the pace of excitment in the trailer rather than having to wait for an action to happen.

Cross Cut
A cross cut is a way of expressing a narrative to the audience easily. This cut can be used from one place into another to indicate the characters emotion or reaction of an event.
For my theatrical trailer, I could probably use this cut to give the audience a sense of suspense within the action.

Graphic Match
This cut can be used to show the audience how one character is feeling or maybe what the character is thinking. An object must link into another object that matches in able to create a successful graphic match. This edit is somewhat an illusion that is made for the audience to imagine.

Shot-reverse-shot
A shot reverse shot is a technique to show the audience different characters speaking alternatively. This edit is commonly used on conversation scenes.
I may have to use this shot often when there are two chacters talking.

For my own project, I will try and utilise all of these type of editing since my project is to create a theatrical trailer. Since I am lucky to own a MacBook Pro, I am able to edit my videos at the software called iMovie. iMovie is a video editing software application that allows users to edit their own home movie. This will allow me to import video footage to my Mac that lets me edit the video clips, add titles, and import sound on top of the clip. There are also special features stored in the software that will allow me to add effects within each clips. the Effects includes basic colour correction to many sorts of transitions.

Trailer Analysis of 'Charlie St. CLoud'

The trailer opens with a quick establishing shot to excite the viewers with the nice scenario that leads to a straight cut of Zac Efron and his little brother, Charlie Tahan in a dynamic boat race. This scene is accompanied with a thrilling non diegetic music that combines with the quick straight cuts to emphasise the actions taking place, which offers the audience that this will be an awesome film to watch.  A low angle shot is used on Efron as the crowd shouts his name continuously with joy. A wide angle shot is used on the location to suggest to the viewers where the location is taking place, which is by the seaside. Fade out is used next as the two brothers celebrate their victory.

Fade to black is used to the next scene to suggest that it's a different scene. This leads to Efron's mother in a straight cut telling him that he have to take of his little brother. This leads to Efron in a high angle shot whilst he talks to his brother that he will practise baseball with him, which is ironic to the upcoming event later on in the story.

Another fade to black is used to the next scene suggesting that they are in a car leaving the little brother feeling lonely and sad because Efron will be moving out. The lighting is fairly to suggest mystery on what will happen in the upcoming car accident. This is emphasised by the use of diegetic sound effect of the car screeching and making a loud beeping sound. A one second black out is used as Efron shouts "that's my brother! Sam!", seeing him laying down in an ambulance who is being held with a nurse. The sound echoes tot he next scene to suggest a sense of memory is still taking place, which leads us to another fade to black to a long shot in a cemetery. The voice of Sam echoes as if he still exist in Efron's head. A few quick straight cuts is used as the priest ask Efron to drop the glove in his grave, however Efron runs away in a long shot. A birds eye shot is used on Efron to suggest that he is vulnerable as he feels emotional about his death of his brother, leading him to trip on the ground. A close up shot is used on Efron's face in shock, but at the same time happy as the ball runs back to him seeing his brother alive and in good condition, although us viewers know that he is just a ghost.

Fade to white is used to the next scene to suggest that Efron is again happy as if nothing bad has happened. This opening scene was accompanied by a happy non diegetic music. There are a few quick shots of Efron on his own, which links to a man in a shot reverse shot with a woman saying that he Efron is going crazy because of the lost of his brother. A long shot is used on Efron as he climbs up to a boat suggesting that he misses riding on them, which we can his joyful reaction in a medium close up shot. Another long shot is used on Efron as he falls off the boat being shocked by the woman who scared him. Again, quick straight cuts are used to show different scenes as if Efron is stuck between what real and what's not. This is emphasised with pan shot of Efron and his brother practicing their throwing skills and also the a close up shot of Efron looking at the boats as if he misses those experience he has with his brother. A long shot is used for the next scene as Efron runs for the woman that he met (Kim Basinger) as he asks her to have dinner at his place. in Contrast to this, a two shot is used on the brothers which Efron's little brother doesn't seem to like her because Efron seems to be spending less time with him.

A two shot is used on Efron and his girlfriend to emphasise their romantic moment, which then fades to white proving a typography saying "this summer" on a establishing shot of the forest to emphasise where the couples spends time with each other. A few different shots of Efron and his girlfriend is shown to contrast the scenes with his brother, which is tinted in black and white to suggest how Efron has forgotten about his little brother, Sam. A shoulder shot is use as Efron runs to his brother feeling worried, which he dissapears out of the blue as he pointed to Efron's girlfriend, which then leads to a fade. A high angle shot is used on Efron to show how vulnerable he is again as he is stuck between reality and imaganation (his brother or his girlfriend). The camera gradually zooms to Efron as he closes the gates as if Efron is closing his heart for his girlfriend as he prefers to be with his little brother. This is again emphasised when the camera zooms away from him as if Efron is backing away from the reality. The ending ends with the girlfriend blowing the candle which leads the audience to the title of the film "Charlie St. Cloud".

Sounds

Sound is very important in the film ever since the cinema has started. This can be presented by the dialogue of the characters, sounds that has been made by objects, and even music that is played to add an extra dimension. A sound plays a very important role in a film as this help us synchronise both visual and aural senses together. Today, sound films are even more sophisticated because of how the world is becoming more advance.

Diegetic Sound

A Diegesis is an actual sound that characters in the film can hear as well as the audience. It's any sound in the film that can be justified by anyone within the scene. If the characters can hear the sound within the film, it's diegetic.

For example:
Foot steps
Typing of the keyboards
Dialogue
Dropping of a coin

Non-Diegetic Sound

A Non-Diegesis sound is a non-literal sound that is not visible on the screen as it's coming from a source outside the film world. This sound plays a significant role as this creates an extra feel to the film that adds a sense of mood and atmosphere for the audience.

For example:
Orchestra music
Voice of God
Voice over narration

In suspense films like 'Jaws', the use of crescendo music is played well as this makes the audience engage with the film by feeling the tension between the character and the shark. The effect of this powerful music creates a more dramatic scene by warning the audience when the attack will take part in later event.
However,  in opposed to a romantic film, the use of soft, dreamy music is usually played to express the audience how the two lovers are feeling.

When creating my romance/drama theatrical trailer, I would like to use both diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound to make the trailer more effective by reflecting it with the mood and atmosphere within the film world. I believe that by doing this, this will involve the audience that adds a sense of soft touch to it.

Posters as a Marketing Tool

The word 'Marketing' involves money as the media pays the marketer for the poster that they have advertised. Displaying posters for everyone to see is a popular way that many businesses use to advertise their products. Posters can be a valuable marketing tool for many organisations as this have many advantages that can be shown in many ways.

The size of the poster can vary in many different sizes although they are still successful in terms of what the poster contains i.e. pictures, text and the use of colour that can catch everyone's attention.

Posters saves a lot of money as many businesses doesnt waste their money on posting mails through their target audience. Instead, they can place their poster to strategic places where they think their target audience regularly visit so they are able to reach out with them as soon as possible.

Film posters can become iconic images within pop culture and define the identity of a film. Film posters have developed over time and been influenced by many classic examples such as the work of the artist who designed poster for "Gone With The Wind"(1939). Gone with the wind set the standard for film posters as a visual indication to the style of a film. The poster displays romance as the most dominant theme but shows that there is a also a thrilling, western setting to the film.

    

Over time film posters have become more dependent on digital technology and photo editing software such as photoshop (apple). Posters are rarely painted by hand and are created by taking digital photos and imposing them over other images. This is a cheaper way of creating posters which does not require the technical skill of an artist. 

In my opinion, posters are a great way to persuade and inform people by non-personal communication, which I think is good for those people who are always on-the-go or maybe for those who just doesn't like communicating. Posters can be exciting because it is made for people who are out go-ers. It is usually placed where people congregate and meet that could be entertaining for many of us.

These are some examplar of a romantic movie posters that has become successful in the past. It is obvious that these movie posters are about romance because it consist of two nostalgic lovers. The camera shot are mostly mid-close up showing the emotional reaction between the two actors. The use of colours on the poster would depend on the plot, whether it would be a mysterious love story or an exciting love story. As you can see above, the 'Twilight' poster and the 'Beastly' poster has a black background because the plot of the film consist of a fantasy romance. Some of these photographs like 'Dear John' is actually taken during the filming when the man (Channing Tatum) is about to say goodbye to the woman (Amanda Seyfried) which they have decided to exchange letters after he is sent to the war. This part may have been one of the main event of the film.
For my movie poster, I might decide to choose a perfect photograph during the filming so that it would be easier for me rather than having to set up a place for a photoshoot.

Use of Camera Work

In the film industry, camera work must be carefully chosen when making a theatrical trailer as this should have a meaning that links in with the actions and/or emotions of the character.
I will show some possible shots that I may be useful for my romantic theatrical trailer.

Framing


Establishing shot
This shot suggest to the audience where the action will be held at.
For my chosen topic, I could use this shot to show the viewer where the main character lives or where the action is taking place.

Very Wide Shot
This shot is similar with the establishing shot but this shot show a subject or a person with their surroundings.
For my theatrical trailer, I may use this shot to show how the main character enters their house.

Mid Shot
Mid shot is used to deliver information by using movement through their hand. This is mostly seen in the news when the newscaster delivers their message with hand gestures. They do this often during the documentary just so to add action and so it doesnt look too boring.
For my trailer, I can use this shot to show what the character is trying to imply by using his/her hand; even without hearing any lines but just actions.

Medium Close-Up
A medium close-up is somewhat near a mid shot and a close up shot. This shot can be used for showing facial expression of a particular character to provide emphasis.
For my theatrical trailer, I can use this shot on one of the main character to show emotions on the character.

Close-Up
This shot usually provides emphasis on a particular object or face of a character. This is sometimes useful for for showing a person's emotional state.
For my trailer, I may use this shot when the scene has reached its climax.

Extreme Close-Up
ECU shot is used to reveal a certain intentions or emotional state of a person. This shot can also be used on objects for foreshadowing an incoming event.
For my theatrical trailer, I can use this shot to show what a certain character is feeling or at least provide the audience a clue of their intentions.

Cut In shot
A Cut-In shot is usually use purely as an edit point or sometimes used for expressing emotions. This shot may be used to understand narrative.
For my trailer, I can use this to show hand movement of the two main characters to show how enthusiastic and happy the two couple is.

Point of View shot
A Point of View shot is used to show the viewer what the actual actor/actress is looking at. In other words, showing someone's perspective.

Long shot
A Long shot is used to show the entire human figure that also shows it's surroundings to let the audience know where the character is.
For my trailer, I can use this shot to show evidence on what the person is doing.

Two Shot
A Two shot involves a frame that is closed by just two people. The shot is used to show emotions between the two character.
For my theatrical trailer, I can use this shot to show the emotional reactions between a certain subject.

Focus Pull shot
A Focus Pull shot is used to show how each character shows their relationship between people.
For my theatrical trailer, I can use this shot and adjust the focus of the camera showing that one character is unclear than the other.

Over the Shoulder shot
Over the Shoulder shot is used to make the viewers feel that we are following the character.
For my trailer, I can use this to force the viewer support the character that they are following.

Crane shot
This shot is used to show the isolation of a character as the audience seems to be far away from him/her. This shot can also display the area or place of a character.
For my trailer, I could use this shot as an ending.
Because I do not have the right equiptment to be able to take an actual crane shot, I could probably achieve this by going on top of a high building and do the filming there.

Low Angle shot
A Low Angle shot is a technique used to illustrate that a character holds a higher position of power.
For my theatrical trailer, this shot could be useful to portray that one of my character has more authority than the other.

High Angle shot
A High Angle shot is used to portray how a person has less power and authority than the other character. This shot can also be used to give the viewer a chance to 'survey' the scene.
For my theatrical trailer, I can use this shot to illustrate that one of my character has less authority than the other.

Eye-Level shot
An Eye-Level shot lets the viewer see things from our own eye-level perspective as this shot is the most familiar shot for all of us.

Canted Angle shot

This shot is usually tilted slightly that produces a meaning of excitement or even suspense to the viewer.
For my trailer, I can use this shot to let the viewers experience the character's emotional response.

Inspiration

Wongfu Productions have inspired me to make a trailer, as their videos are so exclusive and interesting. Their stories are based upon true stories and somewhat evolves around everybody which makes their videos intriguing for the audience. 

Wongfu Productions has started filming and posting their videos online since 2003. Wesley Chan, Tedfu, and Phillip Wang, who started as friends and dormmates during their college years are now well known for being young directors, producers, and actors. These growing artists and filmmakers are able to write, direct, produce short films. WFP also directs music videos for mostly Asian American act like the Far*East Movement.  Their target audience are usually for young teenagers that is not always about kungfu but also about how they relate reality stories on everyday life.

This 16 minute short film ('Strangers Again') of the Wongfu Productions has been a huge hit in YouTube having 7,639,899 views (and still counting) that has inspired me greatly to create a romantic trailer. This example below is the type of story that I am aiming to do, which is romance. I feel that this romantic short film has become successful because of the storyline that most couple can relate within the relationship stages.
 

This short called 'Strangers Again' is the typical relationship that many people go through a lot of time through rise and fall. This storyline shares to us an experience on how the two strangers come together by sharing and learning facts about each others lives, which then leads them back to where they've started. 

Of course, this story is just an idea of a writer which means that not every relationship leads this way because relationships can be extremely complicated. The writer is trying to show to the audience that many relationship have a set of stages that they seem to land on to. But of course, this is ultimately up to each person if they want to do something about it or not. Even though that at least one person in the relationship tries and hopes for the best, the two will still fall back to many challenges and difficulties and can't avoid the inevitable. 

I chose to do a theatrical trailer about love and relationships because it seems to be a topic that everyone can relate to, which may also help people see that everyone goes through many kinds of stages of deep emotions and meaningful experiences knowing that in the end, you are not alone. 

Generic Conventions of a Romance Film

Narrative
Normally on a romance film, there would two complete strangers who meets and would include courtship which then causes the girl to fall inlove with him. But then later on the event, there would be some disagreement between the two which cause them to break up. However, the two are destined together so they end up together again.

Characters
In a romance film, it should have two main characters. A male and a female. the male is usually handsome and the female is usually beautiful. Usually, the male would be the problem during the story as he would be the 'playboy' type or at least not 'good enough' for the female.
Another idea of a romantic film would include parents who disagrees with the male because of the wealth gap between the two.

Themes
Love

Settings
The setting for a romantic film usually takes place in a well off areas. However, this doesnt always work because this would depend on the wealth or age of each person. In this case, if the main characters are a high school student, then most of the time the setting would be at school or colleges.

Iconography
Usually in  the filming world, a relaxing, romantic music is played on the background to add a touch of emotion and fantasy. The clothing of the female is usually colourful and bright suggesting that she is cheerful and jolly. Whereas the clothing of the male is usually dark and dull illustrating that he is mysterious and something sinister about him.

Filmic Techniques
Normally, when the two are inlove and full of happiness, a lot of high key lighting is used during the filming. However, a low key lighting is used when the two are having problems or about to break up with each other. 2 shots are mainly use when filming to capture both of the characters actions.

A2 outline

For my A2 media coursework, I have decided to create a theatrical trailer and produce a film poster and a magazine cover of the film for support, and the theme for my theatrical trailer will be romance/drama. I particularly chose to do romance because many people can relate to it, as it leads to many kinds of opinions whether the situation on the film is associated to their love story, or not. 

To make my theatrical trailer interesting, I will include the forms and conventions of a theatrical trailer with the use of digital camera and editing software like iMovie. I would also need to include the four technical codes, such as camerawork, sound, editing, and mise en scene to be able to combine and contribute the representation of love and relationship.