Section A Exam prep

Evaluate how the two trailers use the narrative technique of enigma to encourage the target audience to watch the films. (8 marks) 

Both media products effectively use the narrative technique of enigma to encourage the target audience to watch the films. The use of enigma as a narrative technique is essentially used to create a sense of curiosity and mystery amongst audiences. This curiosity or mystery to the narrative urges audiences to watch the films as it is within human nature to understand and know things which goes hand in hand with wanting to know the rest of the film's narrative. This is especially evident in both media products through the use of the editing, as there are many quick fast cuts in the trailers which not only speed up the pace of the trailers but also show really small quick glimpses of scenes which leave the audiences in suspense and wanting to know more. This sense of mystery is immediate in the Twilight trailer as the first dialogue is questioning the motive of another character, this leaves audiences wanting to know more as they too question the motives of said character

Furthermore, there is a sense of binary opposition clearly present in both media products. This is evident through the tension between Werewolves and Vampires in the "Twilight" film trailer. This is also evident in the trailer for "Let The Right One In", as it is clear that there is binary opposition present between the vampire girl and the village. This idea of creating opposition and tension is a classic method of creating suspense but also leaving questions and mystery as to who will come out on top of the opposition. This makes audiences eager to want to watch the films as they would want to know who wins and who loses as a resolution of a problem is always crucial.

Finally, the film trailers also have a variety of action codes embedded into them to represent urgency. This is evident through the use of shots specifically showing people hitting things, or getting ready to fight by taking their hoods off. This is also evident in the second trailer through the use of the shots of the hospital bed on fire, or even the shots of the girl killing people. These help to create a greater sense of urgency and importance of the action in the narrative which in a way gives a rush of adrenaline to the audiences and therefore greatly makes them want to watch the films.

Why are media products that represent outsiders, such as vampire films, so popular? You may also refer to other media products to support your answer. (12 marks) 

There are many reasons as to why media products that represent outsiders, such as vampire films are extremely popular. This is evident as watching media products with characters from outsider groups makes audience feel interested in certain aspects of their lifestyle. In the case of, "Gone Too Far" it can be said that the film takes stereotypes about the Nigerian lifestyle and subverts them in a way to create humour. These characteristics that are normally might be seen as foreign or "exotic" as stated by Alvarado. This is especially evident from Yemi's mother that wears traditional West African attire including humourous sandles which add to her character. To extend onto the theory stated by Alvarado, the minorities in this film are shown to be as humourous and therefore serve only as entertainment for audiences that aren't minorities. However it can be argued that by adding humour to these stereotypes it not only humanises minorities that are so often labelled as outsiders, but also makes audiences empathise with them greatly as they are not shown as outsiders.

Furthermore, most media products that focus on vampire films deal with the supernatural, and it can be argued that this adds to the popularity of these types of films as people want to know more about aspects of life that can't be explained. This is especially evident as audiences enjoy watching products with outsiders as the main focus since they want a glimpse into their life and want to be able to personally identify with them to some extent. Furthermore, when it comes to films with outsiders, they tend to have more characters with personalities that are a lot more three dimensional. This is especially evident in the Blade Trilogy where vampire hunter is half vampire and half human. He is constantly having to deal with making a chose and is hunted by both humans and vampires. It's this self conflict and binary opposition within the character themselves that makes these types of media products a lot more appealing.

Do you think that official and unofficial websites contribute to a film's box office success? You should refer to other media products to support your answer. (12 marks) 

Both official and unofficial websites contribute to a film's box office success to some extent in their own ways. Through the use of official websites and official social media, a film's marketing creates different links of synergy. These links of synergy further boost profits and urges people to buy brands or items that are linked with the film, this might include posters/t-shirts/toys or any type of branded merchandising. This essentially creates a greater sense of inclusiveness for people that follow these official websites as they are able to get their hands on exclusive products that are only around through limited offers and limited promotions. Not only does it give a sense of inclusion to audiences, it also increases the chances that people will share these links to their friends and families across social media and therefore increasing views and profits for their brands. This idea of synergy was especially evident for the marketing of the Ill Manors brand, the website for the film was home to the TAG London campaign that encourage user generated content that included the target audience. Further synergy was evident as Ben Drew created links between the film's website and his own personal music's website as it was apparent that many people who would watch that film would be his loyal fans from his music work.

Unofficial branding and marketing is also crucial when it comes to a film's box office success. These websites and marketing essentially create a sense of "buzz" and greater encourage many other audiences to see the films and therefore contribute greatly to the film's box office. Many audience members that have been looking forward to a release of a specific film may choose to create blog entries or write about their personal views and opinions as to what they are hoping to see in the film. This is also seen especially after the release of a film as many content creators choose to take to the internet to share their thoughts after they have seen a film, this is evident in the form of YouTuber Jeremy Jahns who has almost a million subscribers and is always reviewing movies as soon as they are out. A lot of the times, what he has to say has a great effect on whether or not a million of his subscribers will go to see a film.