Crossed Out - First Draft

How effective is the combination of my main product and ancillary texts?

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Introduction:
The film distributor is what markets the film to the consumers. They are responsible for how the film is distributed, whether it be in cinemas, DVD or via digital download. Advertisement is marketing that is paid for and is guaranteed to be put on display. What stems from this is publicity after people have seen it, talk gets about and the film becomes gradually more recognised and interest increases. Advertisement techniques used include outside ads such as billboards and advertising boards at various public places such as bus stops and shopping malls. These are all places that a lot of people visit and will easily catch the eye and get people talking. Another platform distributors make use of is TV and cinema ads. A huge amount of people watch television and although they may not realise it, when you see adverts they can stick in your mind despite you paying little attention in the first place, hence making you remember the film and talking about it later.

In the cinema is another effective means of advertisement. You already have an audience who enjoy going to the cinema right there so this is the key audience you want to impress and interest in your movie. Web ads are also effective as many people use the internet and ads are on almost every web page. You come across plenty in a single browsing session so the film ad will easily reach the audience. Promotion is another technique used by distributors to get their content out to the audience. An example of this is merchandise based on the film. McDonald's series of toys are a perfect example as they are focused on the film and everyone who purchases a happy meal is going to find out about the film. Marketing does change based on the potential audience for them film. If it is a very niche audience the product is being aimed at, you are not going to see huge posters on billboards advertising the product. Instead, research will be conducted online and web ads will be shown to the people who show interest in that specific genre. This is an example of a demographic, by researching and identifying markets based on several shared traits including age, race, gender, marital status and income to name a few.

This is an example of a bus stop poster used to advertise the film 'Frankenstein'

This is an example of a billboard used to advertise the film 'Splice'

Viral ad campaigns can be very effective in advertising a new movie. Word gets about quickly and news spreads rapidly. This gives the film the publicity it desires. An example of this is the viral ad for the movie 'Devils Due' where a 'devil baby' was hidden in a pram that was remotely controlled. It was drove around in public and then used to frighten unsuspecting members of the general public. This was very successful because of how unusual it was, and how creepy it actually was. It sparked talk immediately and the movie gained a lot more interest than it had before the stunt was pulled.

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

How Research Impacted Our Ideas

Individual idea

Individual Idea

Film title: Cupid's Curse

Synopsis:
In the town of Oldale, for centuries there has been mysterious, unexplained deaths of countless couples coming to spend romantic breaks away in the countryside. As far as the myth goes, a stone statue of cupid has been said to be cursed and so has been blamed with each and every death, though not many believe in the bizarre story. In the present day, a group of 8 teenage friends including three couples have all decided to take a trip to the small town to let go and get away from the stress back home. Adam, is the shy, quiet guy out of the group and has never been able to win over his high school sweetheart Melissa. Luckily she has came along on the trip and he hopes to win her heart at this romantic location. When the group arrive they stop for gas, and an old woman points to the statue in the church yard across the road and tells them of the myth which they all laugh off, apart from Adam. That night, the three couples within the gang, Doug & Gwen, Rickie & Lauren and Curt & Jem all go off to their lodges in hope of an eventful, romantic evening together. Adam and Melissa are left in the local pub. Out of the window Adam thinks he catches a glimpse of the Cupid statue but tells himself to stop being stupid. Soon after, he gets a call from a shaken up Rickie, asking him if he put the statue in their room as part of a prank. Before Adam can answer, he hears screams down the phone before the line goes dead. Adam immediately knows that the so called myth is in truth reality and after piecing things together, he realises that it's up to him and Melissa to save their friends from being the next victims of the curse.

Character Profiles:
Adam - 19 years of age, college student, interested in reading and computing. In relation to Propp's character theory, he fits into the hero role, and is in love with the princess, Melissa.

Melissa - 19 years of age, college student, interested in English and law. In relation to Propp's character theory, she fits into the princess role, sought after by the main character Adam.

Doug - 19 years of age, college student, interested in gaming and martial arts. In relation to Propp's character theory, he fits into the role of the helper. He is Adam's best friend.

Curt - 20 years of age, rich kid, college dropout, interested in cars, sports and girls. In relation to Propp's character theory, he fits into the role of the false hero, taking credit for Adam's heroic actions.

Jem - 18 years of age, college student, interested in cheer leadindrinking and sex. She is the typical dumb blonde, using her looks to get what she wants.

Setting:
Village - Lodges - Pub

Target Audience:
The intended audience for this film is youthful horror genre fans of the ages 15-21.

Pre Production Paperwork

Horror Magazine Cover First Draft (Based Off Empire)

              IMAGE WILL BE ON SOON!