Potential Layout of Magazine poster

In order to begin to design my magazine cover, I need to come up with a range of different layouts. I looked at layouts from a range of different mainstream magazines, this helped me gain an understanding of all the possible layouts, and how they may alter depending on the audience or the genre of the film.

Potential Cover Lines & Banners

In the research I have carried out on 'Cover Lines' and 'Banner' have illustrated the importance of these two elements in a magazine front cover, as  I have yet to analyse one without both these features. This applies to both mainstream magazine, featuring Hollywood blockbusters and independent magazines, featuring low budge British films.

Mainstream Cover Lines

Independent Cover Lines

Due to the importance of Taglines and them being an essential feature of magazine covers, I will be including a number of taglines in my cover. Below, I have come up with a wide range of potential taglines which could be included on my magazine cover. 

My taglines will specif to my genre and target audience, therefore, related to the horror genre. However, my magazine publication is aimed to be a mainstream, and therefore, is not specific to one genre, unless it is a 'Special Edition', where it would focus on just one genre - For example on Hollowean. Therefore, it is for this reason, my taglines will contain a variety of genres. 

1.Ultimate Review of 2015 - Banner in a circle.

2.Exclusive Interview with the mast of Horror 'Sam Raimi' 

3.Names of separate horror films - "Next in Line", "You can't run" and "Ghost Hunter"

4. More Screams than ever, its a Sam Raimi production!

5. Top 10 Horror Films of 2014 - Banner 

6. Exclusive insite to New release 2015 - 'Flash'

7. James Renner is back with style! - Cover Line

8. This year's most essential exclusive - Cover Line

9. Unseen 'Flash' Poster (Banner)

Magazine Questionnaire - Audience Expectation

In this post, I will creating my own questionnaire based on 'Audience expectation', in relation to my magazine cover. 

After completing my questionnaire, I will distributed thew magazine to my target audience; people living in London over the age of 15. The questionnaire will ask them what aspect they like most in film magazines. Despite this questionnaire no having as much equations as my last two, it is essential to understand that it is not the number of questions I ask, but the quality. The responses to these questions should provide me with a more detailed understanding to the key elements of a magazine cover. 

Graphs:

Introduction to Target Audience.

Part of the 'Research and Planning to my Magazine front cover requires me to have a detailed understanding to who my target audience is and what their interests are.

The underlining factor that is crucial for the success of any Film is the understanding of the audience's needs. When creating a poster, magazine cover and trailer one must ensure that the audience are completely satisfied with the what it is providing.

Potential names for my Magazine Cover.

The name of my magazine cover (Also known as the 'Mashhead') is the biggest font on the page, it is therefore crucial that I pick a well thought out name. I am looking for something catchy and noticeable. Through the use of Two focus groups, I was able to reduce my possible name choices to 6. For each possible name I have written a short summery of they overall opinion.

Below, I have attached an overview of the results I collected from both focus groups:

• Big Screen

A large percentage of people from my focus group responded possibly to this title as they said it was catchy and memorable. One person suggested that word 'Big', suggests that only big budget movies will be featured in my magazine.

• Red Carpet

The focus group suggested that this title was quite arthouse and did not really reference the film industry at all (Especially not the mainstream industry).

• Cinema 

From the feedback I have given, this name appears to be too plain. As a result it does not stand out to my target audience or appear to be catchy.

• HollyWood

The results indicated this this title was the least favorite, as it got the most negative feedback. It appeared to not be catchy or standout to my target audience.

• Big Budget 

The majority of responses to this title suggest that it was not successful as anticipated. The title did not appear catchy or stand out to my audience.

• A-LIST

This title was quite popular as the majority of people voted in favour of 'A-List'. One mentioned that the name suggests the content is of high quality, as the letter 'A', implies it is at the top of the list.

Analysis of Empire magazine.

In this post I will be analysing a number of different 'Empire' magazine front covers. I will evaluate each front cover, in terms of their conventions. I will then compare the conventions I found and compile a list of similarities and differences, in terms of conventions. I will then incorporate these similarities into the planning of my magazine cover, making it look more authentic and realistic, as they will contain real conventions.

Similarities and Differences

• - Dominated by Star - 

The first similarity I found when anylsing Empires magazine covers was that they are all dominated by the central protagonist of the film.

•  - Big Budged Movies - 

The second similarity I found in all five Empire magazine covers was that they only feature big budget holly-wood films. In  my research and planning of magazine covers, I noticed that I had not come across an empire magazine cover which featured an independent British movie. This is because Empire only focuses on big budget movies and films with recognisable actors.

• Bold Font/Colours 

In all the five Empire Magazine front covers I looked,  had bold fonts and colours which stood out.
I believe these bold fonts and colours are used in order to stand out. the use of these fonts and colours could be to represent the magazine as something  I believe that these fonts and colours are used in order to portray the image of the magazine, which something 'Big' and 'Out-there', as they only feature big budget movies.

• - Cover lines - 

Another similarity I noticed in almost all Empire magazine covers was that they included 'Cover Lines' which usually references a list character/ Actors and Big budget movies.

Poster Questionnaire - Expectations of Genre.

I have attached a blank and filled in copy of my Questionnaire below. 

I have also produced graphs of some results from my questionnaire:

Blank Questionnaire         

                                                           Filled in Questionnaire

Graphs 

Below, I have created graphs on the results key questions of my questionnaire.I am going to break down each graph and evaluate the result. This will allow me to gain a better understanding on my target audience, in the sense of their expectation and interests of posters in general. I will then collect these result and incorporate the key points in the making of my poster, to ensure they are appealing and relevant to my target audience.

The theme of this question is based in the use of taglines. After carrying our research on what taglines are and looking at existing horror taglines, it has now provied me with a clear understanding of its importance. Taglines acts as an tool which provides information regarding the narrative of the film. In addition, they also indicate the genre of the film to the audience. It is for this reason why my result seem to be both logical and understandable,
as 'Genre' was the most popular result.

The theme of this question based on the marketing of my poster. As a result of advancements in technology and the increase of people using computers, it is therefore
understandable that 'Viral Marketing' and 'Trailers' are two most popular results. 

This question is based on the importance of movie posters in general. It is essentially asking the audience whether or not they find posters an effective source of marketing. The result clearly show the significance of posters, as the majority thought it was 'Crucial'.

This question gives me a more detailed understanding to where the majority of my target audience see posters in general. The results suggest the majority see posters on Billboards. This result is understandable, as a big budget film would invest a lot of money in promoting their film to the public.

Introduction to Questionnaires

As part of my primary research I set out by creating a questionnaire regarding relevant information of my audience. In my questionnaire I've included specific questions that are directed to my target audience, in terms of their expectations to the genre and conventions on existing media texts. This will enable me to source the specific conventions of the horror genre, and incorporate them into my film.

This will be followed by an additional questionnaire on responses to my poster layouts and conventions in my evaluation. This will enable me to gauge from the audience response, whether or not it was successful or not. This will be based on a range of factors, such as; Genre, Narrative and the comparison to existing media texts. 

My Chosen Certificate.

I have chosen the age certificate of my film to be 15. I have come to this decision for a number of different factors. Firstly, in terms of the horror genre, the age group is adolescent, meaning that they are in the process of developing form a child into an adult. Therefore, due to a large percentage of my target audience, still being in their late teens, if rated an 18, they would be prohibited form watching my film.

This correlates to my second point, having given my film a certificate of a 15, I am effectively targeting a more broader audience, as I have not restricted myself from ages 15+. This is beneficial as it would result to me having a larger target audience, meaning more to promote my film too.

15 Certificate BBFC

Analysis of 18 Certificate

Below, I have selected the following guidelines for a 18 that could be related to the Horror genre:

The Human Rights Act 1998, states that once over the age of 18 one is considered an adult and is therefore, free in choosing their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas;

• Explicit Images 

If majority of material contains explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by the content. These scenes would have to be removed or additional scenes will be required to justify the scene.

• Material harms audience. 

If material appears by the BBFC to either risk harm to individuals through their behavior, to society. For example, Detail portrayed of violence or dangerous acts or the use of illegal drug use (Which could cause harm to public health or morals).

• Breach of criminal law - 

According to the BBFC if there is any breach of criminal law or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence, then it is more than likely that it would not be accepted.

Analysis of 15 Certificate

I believe that a 15 certificate is most suitable for my film, as it will enable me to reach a much more broader audience than compared to an 18 certificate. This would be is beneficial to both the production companies and distribution companies of my film as they would be target a larger audience.

Below, I have selected the following guidelines for a 15 that could be related to the Horror genre:

• Strong and Sexualised violence -

Strong and sexulaised violence is permitted, however, scenes cannot be in too much detail. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence, but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and provide strong contextual justification.

• Violence Scenes - 

Strong violence scenes are permitted, however, should not dwell on the infliction of pain and injury.

• Sexual activity - 

Scenes of sexual activity is permitted providing it is not in strong detail. There may be strong verbal reference to sexual behavior, however, it is unlikely it would be acceptable if not justified by the context. 

• Scenes of Nudity - 

Scenes of nudity is permitted providing there is sexual context. According to the BBFC there is no constraints on nudity, in non sexual or educational context. 

• Moderate Language -

According to the 'BBFC' there may be frequent strong language (For example; 'Fuck'). However, the strongest terms (For example; 'Cunt') may be acceptable if justified by the context.  

• Weapons - 

The use of weapons are acceptable, providing easily accessible weapons are not glorified (For example; 'A Kitchen Knike'. 

Analysis of 12A Certificate

Below, I have selected the following guidelines for a 12A that could be related to the Horror genre:

                                                                                                                                                                                          

• Mature themes - 

Mature themes are acceptable, however the treatment must be suitable for teenagers.

• Moderate Violence -

Moderate violence is allowed, however can not dwell on detail. For example, no emphasis on injuries or blood. Nevertheless, the occasional gory scene may be permitted, if justified by the context of the film.

• Sexual Violence -  

Sexual Violence can be implied or briefly indicated, regarding a strong contextual justification is provided.

• Nudity - 

Nudity is allowed, however, only in sexual context and must be brief and discreet.

• Moderate Language -

Moderate Language is permitted. However, the frequent use of profane language (Such as "Fuck") is not acceptable.

• Use of Weapons -

The use of weapons is acceptable, however, weapons must be glorified.

• Physical and Psychological behavior - 

Physical and Psychological behavior is permitted is acceptable. However, these scenes can not be frequent.

Introduction To Research On Possible Certificates

As part of the research and planning of film, I have to come to a suitable certificate for my film. The chosen certificate will appear on both my Teaser Trailer and Poster. As I have very little knowledge on which certificate is most suitable for my Film, in the next couple of posts, I will anaylsye each possible certificate. This will provide me with a better understand of which certificate is best suited for my film. Most of my research will 'Secondary research, as it will involve me gather existing research from the 'British Board of Film Class' website.

Below, I have attached a link to BBFC website:

BBFC Webiste 

I will only be looking at 3 possible certificates, as I believe these would be most suitable to my specific movie, in terms of my target audience and genre. These possible certificates include;

• 12A
• 15 
• 18 

My finished Billing

Now that I have come to a final decision of my cast and crew of my film, I have now created my own credits which will appear at the bottom of my poster. As I had very little knowledge on what to include in my billing and the layout, I conducted research on existing horror billings. This was beneficial, as it gave me a lot of audience on how to create my own billing, in terms of the order of the cast and crew appear. 

In order to construct my billing, I had to download the font 'Steel Tongs'. I used 'Photoshop Elements' to use the downloaded font and create my billing. This allowed my font to look authentic and realistic, as it contains existing conventions of horror billing. 

The Cast Of My Film.

Having conducted research on existing professionals, in order to come up with a list of crew members for my billing, I am now able to make up fictional biographies for my cast. When selecting member's of my Crew, I wanted to use people who really worked in the industry, to give a more realistic feel to my film. However,when I had to select my cast, I did not choose well known 'Stars', as it would be impossible to use real actors.

Below, I have created a fictional biographies for the characters I have created.

- Jack Caine - 

Staring along side awarding winning, Johnny Depp in "Silence", Caine is set to be staring in another outstanding horror this summer. It is safe to say that Caine is specialized within the Horror genre, as 'Silence' would be his 12th performance in a Horror production. Some of these include "Don't look back", "Sister" and "The Elevator"

- Elizabeth Gold - 

Sophisticated actress, Elizabeth Gold is most known for appearing is "The Kings Speech" in 2010. Elizabth has appeared in movies ranged from diverse genres, such as Romantic Comedy, Thrillers and Horror. Gold has the ability to adapt herself into any role given to her. Elizabeth has appeared in films such as, "The capture", "Pitch Perfect" and "Revenge" 

- James Renner -

Up and coming actor 'James Renner' is most known for his appearance in the horror TV Series "Cluedo". Whilst the majority of Renner's fame derives from his acting skills, he is also a sensation to the ladies. Renner has been nominated for 'Coolest Actor' of the year, this will be his second nomination in a row.

- Jessica Johnson - 

Johnson is most known for her performances within the horror genre.Johnson won the 2013 award for most Sinister actress. She has the unique ability to create an unsettling atmosphere for the audience, which is ideal for the horror Genre. Jessica has performed in big blockbuster releases, such as 'Sinister', 'The Shinning' and the 'Evil Dead'. 

Creating My Own Billing.

In order to create my own 'Billing/Credits' poster I am will need to compile a list of the crew who would work on the production of my film. As I have very little knowledge of the movie production industry, I used IMDB (Profile site of Editors, Producers and Actors, in the movie sector) to research various people, for example, Editors, Producers and Casting Directors. I will be looking for candidates who have previously worked in the 'Horror' genre. I will be using names of real people form my crew, in order to make both, my poster and teaser trailer feel more authentic.

Below, I have written a list of profiles that I believe would be suitable for my cast. 

- Novel - 

Stephen King 

Stephen Kind IDMB Profile 

Stephen King is one of the most well established writers in the Horror genre of all time. King has written many novels, that have later go on to become critically acclaimed featured films. 

These include; "The Shining", "It", "Misery" and "Carrie".

- Script Writer - 

Scott Derrickson 
Scott Derrickson IMDB Profile

Scott Derrickson is know for his specialized skills in the industry of 'Script Writing', especially within the horror genre. It is for this reason, I believe that he would be best candidate to select be the script writer of my film. Recent works include; 'Sinister', 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' and 'Deliver us from evil'.

- Director - 

Wes Craven 

Wes Craven IDMB Profile

Wes Craven has a number of specialized skills withing the Horror genre. Whilst Craven is primarily a writer, 'Wes Craven' has go on to become one of the most renowned creators of Horror films of all time. Some of his more recent work include; "My Soul To Take" and "Scream 4". However, most of Craven's lies with his skills of directing. He directed the original "Nightmare of Elm Street"(which he also wrote), The entire 'Scream' serious and 'The house on the left.

- Exclusive Producer -

Sam Raimi 

Sam Raimi IMDB Profile 

Sam Raimi is most known in the Horror industry for being the co-founder of 'Ghost House Pictures'. At the prime of Raimi's career he released so of the most well established horror films, including "Drag Me To Hell", "Boogeyman" and "The Grudge". The most recent work of 'Sam Raimi' include the remake of his original rework of "The Evil Dead"and "The Possession".In addition, it has recently been announced that 'Sam Raimi' will be the producer of the remake of 1982 horror classic "Poltergeist". 

- Executive Producer -

Trevor Macy 

Trevor Macy IMDB Profile

Trevor Macy is known for producing horror films, such as 'Oculus', 'The Raven' and 'The Stranger's'.

- Producer - 

Paul Harris Boardman 

Paul Boardman IMDB Profile

Boardman's is well know for his work in the horror genre, manly related to the producing side to the film. After graduating from 'The University of the South', Boardman went on to producing film such as; 'The Exorcism', Deliver us from Evil' and 'Hellraiser'.

- Producer - 

Marc D. Evans 

Mark D. Evans IDMB Profile

Films Marc D, Evans has produce include; 'The Strangers, 'Oculus' and 'Raven'. 

- Editor -

James Wan

James Wan IDMB Profile

James Wan is a well established editor within the Horror Genre. He has edited releases such as; 'Insidious', 'The Conjuring', 'Dead Silence and 'Saw'. 

- Production Designer -

Alicia Keywan

Alica Keywan IDMB Profile

Alicia Keywan is a product designer who's focus is mainly on the Horror genre. Keywan has been involved in films such as; 'Chucky', 'The Hunting', 'Silent Hill' and 'Wrong Turn'. 

- Cinematographer - 

Peter Deming

Peter Deming IDMB Profile 

Peter Deming was born on December 13, 1957 in Beicut. Deming is known for works such as 'The Cabin in the woods', ' Drag me to hell' and 'Scream 2'.

- Casting - 
Lisa Fields 
 Lisa Fields IMDB Profile

Lisa Fields is a 'Casting Director', that works specifically on films in the Horror genre. Horror films that she has cast include; 'Friday the 13th', 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' and 'The Innkeepers'. 

- Constume Designer -
Kristin M. Burke  
Kristin M. Burke IMDB Profile

Kristin M. Burke has worked in the costume department for Horror films, such as; 'The Conjuring', 'Insidious' and 'Insidious chapter 2'. 

- Music Composer -
Christopher Young 
Christopher Young IMDB Profile 

Christopher Young, has written the music for a total of 110 titles. 

Many of which come from the Horror genre, these include; 'Drag me to hell', 'The Uninvited', 'Sinister', 'Urban Ledgend' and 'The exorcism of Emily Rose'. 

Billing of Horror Posters

Below are three examples, of annotated billings from the horror genre:

'Sinister'

'The Strangers' 

'Oculus'

As part of my final task, I will need to create my own Billing that will appear on both my teaser trailer and movie poster. When evaluating the 'Billing' of horror posters, in terms of their conventions, a common pattern was formed in terms of billings layout. Firstly, in almost every post that I looked at, I noticed that the billing appear at the bottom of the Poster. Similarly, when looking at teaser trailers I found that their version of the billing also appeared at the end of the trailer. In addition, when evaluating the billing of posters, I noticed that a common pattern was formed in terms of the layout of its conventions. For example, the name of the production company always appeared at the beginning of the Billing. This is a 'Universal Idea', the name of the production company appearing at the beginning of the billing, is the same for all genre's, not just one specific genre. A second example, is that the name of the director appearing twice in the Billing, once towards the beginning and then right at the end of the billing. 

By analysing these posters in terms of their billing it will help later on in my project, as will have to create my own Billing. As I have highlighted the main conventions and features of Billing in both Posters and Teaser Trailers, by incorporating these existing conventions into my Billing, it will result to the billing look more authentic and realistic. 

Introduction to Billing

To make my poster and teaser trailer authentic and realistic, I am going to include a version of the 'Billing' in each. During my analysis of poster have billing on the bottom of the poster. The only real exception to this are 'Teaser poster', which come a lot earlier than the films release. Due to the fact that I am making a poster that would be promoting a film close to its release, and not a teaser poster, in order to make it authentic, one of the conventions I will include is a 'billing .

In order to make my 'Billing' seem realistic, I am going to conduct research into the font used, the order of elements and create a biography for each member of the cast and crew. To expand my research, I am going to look at a number of existing credits/billings on Horror poster. Looking at horror poster in particular, will help me come up with my cast and crew.

Below, I have attchated an example of an existing movie poster, for the same film. One which is a 'Teaser movie poster' and a poster designed closer to the release date.

              Teaser Poster Trailer                                                 'Poster, closer to release date'

                                            

'Relativity Media' Analysis

'Relativity Media', is an American film company, which was founded in 2004 by Ryan Kavanaugh. The production company considered as quite a new production company to the industry. However, despsite the fact the company has only been around for 10 Years, it has produced some of the highest grossing films, such as; "The house at the end of the street" and Shark Night 3D". 

'Ghost House Pictures' Analysis.

'Ghost House Pictures' is Production company that specalises in the horror genre. Ghost House Pictures have produced films , such as; 'Drag me to hell' and 'The Evil Devil'.

'Screen Gems' Analysis.

'Screen Gems' is also an American film production company, which is a subsidiary company of     'Sony Pictures Entertainments', Colabian 'TriStar motion picture group'. Screen Gems have produced a number of well established horror films, such as 'Prom Night' and 'The Stepfather'.

'Summit Entertainment' Analysis.

Summit Entertainment, is an American film studio and is a subsidiary of 'Lion Gate Entertainment' (A Canadian-American entertainment company). The headquarters of the production company is based in Universal City, California.  In addition to it's main headquarters the global production company also has international offices in London. Summit Entertainment is mainly directed at the Horror industry, producing established movies, such as; "The Ghost" and "Sinister".