Wednesday, 28 October 2015

personal diary 4

So far this week i have completed the following
- storyboard, animatics (sound design in process)
-Recess (in order to find potential location)

Genre Essay

Genre refers to the method based on similarities in the narrative element from which films are constructed also known as codes and conventions. Films often have additional genres and are instead referred to as sub-genre .The 2008 slasher/psychological film 'prom night' is recognised as a slasher horror simply because of the use of phalic object such as the pocket knife the antagonist possess. The film is also known as a psychological horror because of the out of control urge of obsession which led the antagonist (a jailer ex teacher) to multiple murders. 

Moreover, the genre approach is effective because it helps the audience know what to expect in a film for example 'cabin in the woods' is a thriller horror because it includes a strong investigation angle to the film, whereas slasher films such as the 'scream' trilogy will involve a psychological killer whom kills a sequence of victims in a unique way with the use of a knife.

However, its not always clear to distinguish the differences between some genres as they could fall in the same category or it could be argued that some horror films don't necessarily follow the codes and conventions for example. in the trailer 'prom night' the final girl was not portrayed as a virgin or 'pure'. even though the theme of death by sex was followed and applied to the movie. 








Audience timed essay

The main audience theories that will be evaluated in application to a trailer 'Prom Night' are 'Cultivation theory' which states that heavy exposure to mass media shapes individuals opinion in everyday lives. 'Uses And Gratification' which is simplified to mean the public (audience)actively seek out specific media content for gravitational purposes and 'Two Step Flow'.

 Audience theories can be split into two categories (Active and Passive) an active audience would be engaged, free willed by being in control of their perspectives. Whereas, those considered to be passive would be easily manipulated, and controlled.A passive follower of the cultivation theory would suggest that the trailer for the 2008 slasher/psychological horror 'Prom Night' relates to the real world duere to the theme of obsession and the act of stalking and also the fact that it often leads to the victim being murdered.which is often showcased in documentaries and on the news. For example, in real life.

However, it could be argued that it is possible for a follower of the cultivation theory to be able to separate films to the real world therefore, an audience would not always be passive. On the other hand, Uses and Gratification theory suggests that people seek specific media content in order to fulfil certain needs or desire for something. its no argument that people watch horror films for a trill or an adrenaline rush therefore the fact that the plot of the film 'prom night' which is based around an jailed ex teacher who has an obsession of being with a former student would seem apauline because it goes against contemporary society's norms and values but really some secretly seek for a sort of relationship.

Therefore, Uses and gratification theory is highlighted in this trailer,used as a sense or escapism. finally, the step flow theory teaches that the audience forms their own opinion based on social media platforms or peers.These audience are more likely to watch slasher films with the influence of reviews of others. 'prom night' would be associated with two step flow theory because almost every teenager would want to watch because they are possibly have had a prom or looking forward to it.

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Personal Diary Entry 3

This week we are working on the production stage of our trailers. So far i have created a draft for the timeline. The timeline will display a list of events in chronological order, they have been labelled on points where they would have happened. I have also drawn the storyboard, ready to be animated.
Also, i have done a horror makeup design, this was done to help visualize the look of a potential antagonist. 

Horror Makeup Equipment #Trial1


Monday, 12 October 2015

Personal Diary Entry 2 - 12/10/15

I have completed the horror genre research, i am also in the process of completing the timeline and storyboard. my task for this week is to complete the timeline and story board by Friday ready to be animated.  

Representation Of Gender (30 mins times essay)

The trailer of the film 'Prom night' is based on the representation of female victim  and  'women in danger' because they were portrayed as being vulnerable and in need of protection .This is shown clearly with the use of low key lighting and extreme close ups. It could be argued that the directors took a feminist approach of equality in production to the film simply because the main character (who is female) ended up being what is known as ' the final girl'. To some extent, it is plausible that her role is to empower women because even though she was abused, she defeated the man (antagonist)  therefore, women are starting to be portrayed as equal to men.

On the other hand, it can be considered that the film in fact took a misogynistic approach (hatred towards women)  in the sense that women in films are defined as 'not man' so its no surprised that women would need to be protected. They are not as masculine as men.

Furthermore, the representation of men vs woman was highlighted through this trailer. The idea of patriarchy (men holding primary power) over women at all times. in this movie the man stalks the teenage girl  (victim) in an attempt to have his way with her is seen as a source of control and dominance.


In conclusion to this essay, the horror slasher 'prom night' in my opinion is based around patriarchy and hatred for women who are considered the victims who rely on male protection. It does not empower women in any way in fact degrading.




Horror Stock Characters