Research & Planning: Examples of Good Rom-Com Trailers

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

What I think makes this a good rom-com trailer is how it takes you through the plot of the film gradually rather than jumping into it straight away. There also appears to be a balance between the amount of romantic and comedic scenes used - which would make it appeal to a larger audience. The audience is told everything it needs to know in quite a passive way.





Knocked Up (2007)

What I believe makes this a great trailer is the hilarious comedy elements and gradual reveal of the two protagonists love for each other. The trailer itself is a rollercoaster of emotions towards to two characters, with the end result being that the audience is 'rooting' for them to stay/get together. This trailer is also a good example of high key lighting being used which makes the trailer brighter and more appealing. It also helps set the tone of the movie.





What Happens in Vegas (2008)

Similar to Knocked Up, What Happens in Vegas is a great trailer for showing the audience a gradual increase in love between the two main characters. The trailer gives the audience an insight into the obstructions and main plot outlines of the film, without directly giving away the ending (although we pretty much presume that the two main characters will fall in love). The use of complementing non-diegetic background music and voice over works great in this trailer - again, it helps set the tone of the movie.

Research & Planning: Rough Draft for a Comedy Scene for Second Proposal

We have produced a script for a short scene that highlights the comedic ability of our first proposal. This will help us gauge whether we will be able to write comedy.

Characters:

City man (protagonist): James

Current girlfriend: Jenny

James' Mum: Margaret

James' Dad: Alan

Scene:

[James and Jenny arrive to James' parents house late at night, around 8pm. James knocks on the door and Jenny looks excited to meet James' parents. James' mum, Margaret, opens the door and lets out a squeal in excitement. Margaret grabs her son and holds him tight, all awhile she is inspecting his hair and rubs his sideburns.]

Margaret: "You need a shave love, do they not have razors in the city?"

[James ignores this comment.]

James: "Mum, this is Jenny."

[Jenny, speaking in a very cautious and somewhat nervous tone.]

Jenny: "Helloo..."

[At this point, Alan interrupts Jenny.]

Alan: "James!"

[James goes in for a handshake, but Alan goes for a hug instead. Alan doesn't give James a chance to back out of it.]

Alan: "You put on a bit of timber there son?"

James: "Always a pleasure Dad."

[Close up on Jenny stood looking awkward.]

Research & Planning: Rough Draft for a Comedy Scene for First Proposal

We have produced a script for a short scene that highlights the comedic ability of our first proposal. This will help us gauge whether we will be able to write comedy.

Characters:

Career driven woman (Protagonist): Lucie
Male intern: Adam

Scene:

[Scene starts in an office hallway, with doors along either side. Lucie is walking through the hallway playing Angry Birds on her iPhone. Adam is backing out of a door into the hallway with a pile of paperwork, struggling to manoeuvre through a door. Lucie walks straight into him, Adam drops the paper in his hand and falls into the wall.]

Lucie: "Oh sorry."

Adam: "It's o...kay"

[Lucie carries on walking as if nothing happened. Adam looks up towards her. As Lucie turns a corner, she glances back at him and lets out a little smile.]

Research & Planning: IMDB Research

I have had a look at some lists on the IMDB website. I have found out some very useful information about the most popular comedies and romances, as well as what films certain genders like to see. This will help me when it comes to producing my own film trailer for my chosen genre; romantic comedy.

Top 20 Comedy movies on IMDB (2013)

Top 20 Romance movies on IMDB (2013)

Top Rom-Com movies as chosen by a female viewer

Top 20 Rom-Com movies as chosen by a male viewer

From what I can see, there seems to be a consistent balance between romance and comedy in rom-com films that appear in both male and females' top 20 rom-com films. I have also noticed that a lot of the movies that showed up in our audience questionnaire also appeared high up on the list - which is very promising. From this I will speak with my group partner and discuss how we may make our trailer balanced in terms of romantic and comedic scenes.

Research & Planning: Audience Theories

The 'Hypodermic Needle' Model

It suggests that an intended message is directly received and wholly accepted by the receiver (the audience).

The 'Cultivation' Theory

It states that the more time people spend 'living' in the television world, the more likely they are to believe the social reality portrayed on television.

The 'Desensitisation' Theory

The theory that media audiences' reactions are growing weaker according to the level/amount of exposure to death and violence etc.

The 'Copycat' Theory

Suggests that audiences will copy what they see in the media.

The 'Uses and Gratifications' Theory

Why and how people actively seek out specific media to satisfy specific needs.

Research & Planning: Analysis of "We're The Millers"

Trailer for We're The Millers 2013

Genre

This trailer for 'We're The Millers' (2013) is clearly a film trailer for a comedy. This is evident through an abundance of hilarious 'one-liners', montaged (the Kuleshov method) together to form a trailer. Another way we can tell it's a comedy is by the mise-en-scene features of the clip. For example, the trailer is brightly lit, most scenes are filmed in a large open spaced area and there are a mix of strong characters. Cinematography elements that support this (that are typically found in the comedy genre) include the types of shots used; large establishing shots used to capture the entire environment and lots of mid shots used to show characters' expression without focusing too much on it. The sounds that have been added in post add yet more humour to the trailer, with the nostalgic 'Waterfalls' song towards the end that links diegetically to the action on screen, and is carried over the end credits/titles. Again, this trailer conforms to Steve Neal's hypothesis that 'Genre is a repetition with an underlying pattern of variations', the variation in this case is the focus on a 'family' smuggling drugs across an international border.

Representation

Gender plays a heavy role in this trailer. Here we can see Laura Mulvey's hypothesis of 'the male gaze' in full swing - especially in the scene where Jennifer Aniston is stripping. The shots in this scene last much longer than any other used in the trailer. As well as this, the film is focused primarily on the protagonist male drug dealer - further supporting Mulvey's theory of 'the male gaze' in the film industry. It's clear that stereotypes have been conformed to in this movie. First of all, we have a 20-something male who looks quite dirty and untrustworthy (unshaven) who is playing the role of a drug dealer. Then we have an attractive female playing the role of a stripper. A young boy who is clueless about life and 'sexually charged'. And finally, we have a stroppy teenage girl.

Narrative

The protagonist is a petty drug dealer looking to pay back his 'boss' for some drugs that were stolen from him. To do this, he is sent on a mission to smuggle drugs from Mexico into the United States. The main character plays the role as an 'anti-hero', he tries to be a hero but fails at every task he does (though not ultimately). The story itself is quite passive, it's predictable but with a few plot twists and turns - nothing too unpredictable. The plot follows Todorov's 'equilibrium, disruption and equilibrium-resolved' formula. The equivalent of equilibrium to start off with is the main character being a successful petty drug dealer. The disruption comes when he breaks up a fight and has his drugs stolen from him. This is followed by yet more disruption as he has to smuggle drugs into the US to pay back his boss who's drugs they were. As well as this, there are more instances of obstacles/disruptions as the 'family' try and cross an international border with drugs whilst trying to escape a Mexican drug lord. It ends with the drug dealer doing the right thing.

Audience

Similar to the Reception Theory, I think the trailer for We're The Millers (2013) will be either loved or hated, depending on the audiences personal views on drugs having such a prominent role in the film. As for the trailer itself; I think it requires the audience to be quite active as there is quite an interesting/unusual story line that develops throughout the trailer. I believe the intended audience for this trailer is males and females (though primarily males) aged between 15 and 28 that enjoy watching comedy films. The big name stars of the trailer (Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis and Emma Roberts) will attract a large audience from their existing fan bases. One of the reasons I believe the trailer to be aimed slightly more towards males is because of the inclusion of the scene in which Jennifer Aniston strips - which will no doubt appeal to a large male audience.

Media Language

The very beginning of  the trailer starts with a graphic of the production/distribution companies, partnered with non-diegetic upbeat background music that immediately sets the tone for the trailer. We see that a lot of medium close-ups are used throughout the film to highlight the characters expressions and reactions to comedic moments. Straight cuts and jump cuts are mostly used in this trailer to carry the plot along quickly. This works well as the plot is a little confusing, but they have managed to explain it very well using only a montage (Kuleshov's method) of clips from the film. As well as medium close-ups, a lot of establishing shots and aerial shots have been used to set the back drops of the film. The trailer ends with a graphic giving the audience information on the release of the film, as well as social media links and production information.

Research & Planning: Analysis of 'About Time' Film Trailer

Trailer for About Time (2013)

Genre

This movie trailer is primarily focused on the romance genre; with some aspects of comedy. The trailer conforms to Steve Neal's hypothesis that 'Genre is a repetition with an underlying pattern of variations'. In this case, the underlying pattern is the romantic stereotype of a developing love between the two main characters. The variation is the aspect of 'time travel' evident throughout the trailer as it progresses, this also appears to be where the main comedic elements of the film are seen. After having watched the trailer several times, I can safely conclude that this film trailer has encompassed so much romance and comedy because it is a recognisable style that draws on an existing audience that watch Romantic Comedies (this also proves Andrew Sarris ideas on genres).

Representation

Age is represented very well in this movie trailer. The stereotype of a 'wise fatherly figure' comes to mind when Tim is speaking with his father. It is also evident that Tim is a young, perhaps arrogant man with little life experience. This is contrasted with Tim's father, who has a lot of life experience and offers him advice about his 'time traveling' abilities. Gender roles are also clearly present in 'About Time' (2013). Interestingly, and perhaps very-stereotypically, it is the man (Tim) that keeps on 'messing up' throughout the trailer; and it is the lead female character that appears to be confident in herself. Much like Laura Mulvey hypothesised, the trailer appears to be seen from 'the male gaze'. The entire film seems to be from a male perspective, a man trying to find love.

Narrative

The trailer conforms to Todorov's hypothesis of 'equilibrium, disruption and equilibrium restored'. In the case of 'About Time' (2013), the equilibrium is seen when the protagonist Tim is having shown having a conversation with his father; this is also when the 'disruption' element appears - Tim is told that he has time-traveling abilities. This is the first of many disruptions seen throughout the trailer. A recurring disruption (Kuleshov's montage method is used here) is Tim's inability to correctly 'date' the lead female character. The restoration of equilibrium comes when Tim is seen to have finally perfected his 'date' with the woman. Unlike Propp's theory suggests, there don't appear to be many character types within this trailer; with the exception of Tim's father. I don't think Tim can be seen as either a hero nor a villain, and the female lead certainly isn't a damsel in distress.

Audience

I believe this trailer employs the 'Uses and gratifications' hypothesis, meaning that the audience takes what is needs from the trailer; they does so because the genre (rom-com) is so predictable that the audience can afford to be passive when watching this trailer. It is clear that the guy ends up with the girl. I predict the intended audience of this trailer are males and females (primarily females) aged between 16 and 28. I think this because I believe the time-travel element will appeal to a younger audience than the typical rom-com. It has also been fast cut, with a mostly jump cuts used - which is expected for a film trailer.

Media Language

As I have mentioned earlier, this movie trailer has utilised Kuleshov's method of montaging a lot of clips from the movie together to create an interesting and eventful trailer that explains the plot of the movie very well. One of the most noticeable aspects of the trailer is the voice over, which has been voiced by the protagonist of the film. This makes it very engaging for the audience. One of the most popular camera shots used throughout the trailer is the mid shot. A range of angles have been used, including a high angle on the protagonist; and, in turn, a high angle on his father to portray him as important and knowledgeable. A lot of fades and expansion of time has been used in post-production, which relates directly to the romance of the genre. Straight cuts and jump cuts are the most popular, as they help move the plot along quickly.

Research & Planning: Social Networking Feedback

Below is some of the social networking feedback that I have received:

@JakeRedLetter I really liked your 'The Chase' video it was so funny! I've done the poll you made too. Your proposals sound great!! :)
— Jennifer scanlon (@Jennyscanlon96) September 18, 2013

Research & Planning: Group Meeting

I have decide that I will be working with Rebecca Fisk (http://rebeccafiska2media.blogspot.co.uk)

Here are the roles we have decided upon:

• Producer - Both
• Director - Both
• Locations scout - Jake
• Talent scout - Both
• Set design/construction - Rebecca
• Props - Rebecca
• Costume manager - Both
• Hair and Make up - Rebecca
• Camera - Jake
• Production Sound - Rebecca
• Grip/Lighting - Both
• Electrical - Jake
• Editorial  - Jake
• Sound/Music - Rebecca
• Timing & Budgeting - Jake

Research & Planning: Second Proposal

Plot:

Male character moved from his family home in the country to go and work in the city a few years ago. He comes back home one weekend to see his parents, he brings along his current girlfriend. His parents are good friends wit his ex who was also his high school sweetheart. Seeing and spending time with his ex brings back some good memories and feelings; they end up falling for each other again and when the weekend is over he decides he is not going back to the city and breaks up with his current girlfriend to be with his ex.

Cinematography:

• High key lighting - bright, happy
• Colouring - red, white, pink
• Slow paced editing
• Straight cuts and jump cuts (realistic) - graphic matches and action matches
• Shot types - medium and long shots, a few close ups and establishing shots
• Camera angles - high angles on current girlfriend and low angles on the male character and the main female character
• People came from city - dressed smartly
• Country people - casual clothes
• Natural make up
• Royalty free, acoustic music and our own sound effects

Research & Planning: Audience Research Questionnaire Results

Research & Planning: First Proposal

Plot:

A well educated, high achieving woman desperately wants to date a new guy from her work but keeps on embarrassing herself every time she plucks up the courage to ask him out. Unbeknown to her, the new guy she's fallen for has begun to feel the same way about her. However; a past lover (who happens to be her boss) intrudes on their growing relationship. The new guy she's fallen in love with is confused by her and her past lover's relationship and begins to distance himself from her. In the end, they both confess their love for each other and they live happily ever after.

Cinematography:

• High key lighting - bright
• Colouring - red, white and pink hues
• Slow paced editing, except at comedic moments
• Mixture of mostly straight cuts, jump cuts and graphic matches. Also some action matches too.
• Mixture of mid shots, long shots and lots of close ups. Some establishing shots too.
• A few low angles of the eventual couple, with several high angles of the past lover.
• All characters are well dressed
• Girl wears minimal make up
• Royalty free acoustic music and our own sound effects e.g. city traffic etc.

Research & Planning: My Film Certificates

Below are the certificates I think are appropriate for my film and film trailer.

Film: 12A

The reason I believe my film will be best classified as 12A is because my film will only contain mild and infrequent cursing and only brief moments of sexual activity. The overall tone of my film will be positive, which makes it more likely to be given a 12A certificate.

Trailer: PG

The reason I believe my film trailer will be best classified as PG is because I hope to appeal to as larger audience as possible; and to do this I need my trailer to be watched by as many people as possible. If my film trailer were a 12A (and contained cursing/sexual scenes) it may be deemed unsuitable to be televised before the watershed. The PG certificate allows for mild sexual references and a small number of cursing words.

Research & Planning: Audience Research Questionnaire

This is the questionnaire I will be handing out to my class mates to gain some audience research that will help me when it comes to producing my movie trailer.

Research & Planning: My Pitch

Research & Planning: Audience Research Poll Results

Results from 72 respondents. | Infographics

Research & Planning: Audience Interviews

By looking at the audience interviews, I have been able to conclude the following information:

• Make sure the film is interesting and has a unique plot twist
• Have a balance between the comedic and romance elements of the film, but perhaps focus on the romance (as that's the main story line)
• Having a well known cast will make people watch your movie
• In the trailer, show the main points of the film - don't bore the audience
• Try and be different where possible (rom-com films tend to be very similar to one-another)
• Don't give away the ending

Research & Planning: List of Interview Questions

Below is a list of questions I will use when interviewing my target audience.

1. What is your favourite romantic comedy film? Why do you think it makes a good rom-com?

2. What do you like to see in a rom-com? (eg. obstacles stopping the main characters falling in love, other problems etc.)

3. Can you name a rom-com film who's poster/trailer made you want to go and see it? Why do you think that is?

4. What was the last rom-com film you watched? Did you enjoy it, and if so, why?

5. What do you think is important to see in a trailer for a romantic comedy?

Research & Planning: Audience Research Poll

Hello all, please do me a huge huge favour and fill out this poll: http://t.co/uVrhm1jBTg It won't take you more than 2 minutes! Thanks #RT
— Jake Thompson (@JakeRedLetter) September 10, 2013

Research & Planning: Photoshop Challenge

My fake film poster, I created it in Photoshop.

This is my outcome for the 'Photoshop Challenge' - A challenge in which I had to produce a fake movie poster. I created a film poster for a fictional rom-com called 'Family Holiday'. I used a colourful photo of a family on a beach, which I paired with some handwritten text and typical elements you'd find on a film poster; such as a 'coming soon' date, a certificate rating, film credits, the name's of the stars of the film and a film rating (by a newspaper).

Research & Planning: 'The Chase' Preliminary Task

'The Chase' Preliminary Task - I was the camera man

Analysis of 'The Chase'

For our preliminary task, we were given the task of producing a quick one-minute video showcasing different elements you usually expect to find in a horror film trailer. I worked in a team with Rebecca and Lucy.

I decided I would be make a better camera man than actor, so Rebecca opted to portray the 'creep' (for want of a better word) whilst Lucy opted to portray the 'victim' in the trailer. I aimed to use a wide range of shots, including high angle shots and several close ups.

Because we were creating a horror film, I decided to make the footage black and white during post-production in iMovie. Here I also added scary background music that I had found on a royalty-free music website. This, partnered with the brilliant acting and horror-movie-esque sequence of the clip, made for a very realistic horror film trailer.