I have chosen to focus my brief on Film4 due to the fact I prefer the house-style of their films, and so I have selectively researched Film4 examples of drama so I can develop an understanding of the typical stylisation.
Initial Preparation for research
By looking at Film4's productions, I think I am going to head in the direction of semi-fictional drama as there seems to be a clear aesthetic that is maintained within the film posters. I also believe drama better fits the bracket of audiences between the years of 18-34 especially on film four which would likely show darker films after the watershed with cynicism and violence perhaps. From what I have seen of Film 4's house style for Drama, they lean towards a trend of colour scheme- grey scales or dark tones with bright accentuations (E.g. Grey and orange.) This combines the drama with energy, and is more appealing and direct to the eye. This is something I would like to incorporate in what I will be producing later.
Analysis and Research Examples of the Associated Products
Journeyman takes a more artistic approach to its print advertising. There is a lot more for the audience to decode from this poster. (An example of Roland Barthes semiotics) as the his brain is represented by a tree to portray the idea of mental growth in this film. It also suggests the idea of this being a sensitive subject more appropriate for older audiences due to the themes of dealing with mental health and support; 'some fights you cannot face alone' eludes greatly to this. We are also seeing Film4 utilizing a limited colour pallet again to generate intensity and contrast which further emphasises the genre (Drama). The film also has a trailer which is already very emotional and there is a contrast in the colour and saturation between the beginning and disruption. Colour is really used to shape atmosphere where vibrancy is used for the joy and heavier tones are used for the suffering. It is a very cinematic presentation that identifies itself clearly to fans of specific genres.
The True History of the Kelly Gang is another example of fantastic use of colour contrast. There seems to be a trend emerging for dramas to have an orange, black, and grey colour scheme. The Connotations of Orange are that it is a vibrant and energetic colour, used to demand attention- as you may see on traffic cones or road signs. This would do the same for an audience, and so these film posters' use of orange will engage feelings of excitement and perhaps apprehension in the film. We also see all the featured actors for an extra bit of celebrity persuasion. We get the idea that it is going to have a lot of action due to the guns in the poster and perhaps an element of mystery through the use of fog. The title choice is really engaging also.
Website Analysis:
From these posters you can tell a few things about the genre in terms of iconography and conventions. One being the direct address with the audience through the body language of the characters featured. There aren't many smiles at all, aside from It's a Wonderful Life, which is advertised to have the film portrayed as a happy romance, where in fact there is a heavy set message about suicide behind the story. The serious expressions elicit that dramatic feeling and intensity with the audience, eye contact involves the audience with the character directly. There aren't many bright colours, which can make the films feel even more serious. Fight club's poster is bright, however with a heavy vignette and aggressive character body language.
Research and Construct a Profile of the Target Audience
For my audience profiling I conducted a short survey. In this questionnaire I asked different questions ranging from demographics, psychographics and audience tastes in general. Here are the results from this.
From these results I have compiled an audience profile for the target demographic and psychographics of my cross-media production. I briefly discussed the audience interests and occupations and what they like to see in a film.
Research Industry and Audience Factors in Relation to the Chosen Brief and Plan how the Cross-Media Production will Reflect its Industry Context
I decided that this audience profile would suit my brief as working class people tend to spend more time immersing themselves in films and going to the cinema as it is a more affordable form of entertainment.
It also offers escapism for people with tougher lives and jobs, and dramas create a sense of relatability for the average person.
Typically women are more attracted to dramas and whodunnits and the opportunity to gossip or discuss the story with peers who most likely also watch them.
The British Board of Film Classification is responsible for the national classification of films shown in cinemas or other video shows such as trailers and television shows. They are also responsible for the certification of DVDs, Blu-ray, and VHS. They are also responsible for the UK age verification scheme.
I have chosen to draw inspiration from Knives Out as it is a film with a distinct style and focuses more on the mystery and crime side of drama.
I like the aesthetics of Knives Out with the bright yellow an bold colours. There is a consistency throughout all the films advertising aesthetic. Yellow is important within the entire campaign because it is attention grabbing and striking. Combined with the same font throughout, it develops an iconography for that film.
Netflix uses guerrilla marketing for Enola Holmes whereby they placed statues of famous men's sisters by their statues to promote the unrecognised achievements of these women. It follows the encouraging feminist ideals portrayed in the film and makes a progressive statement in cities to get people discussing the film alongside the statement.
I like the contemporary styles of both Enola Holmes and Knives out, and I would like to implement similar aesthetics in my own work. This would likely include the bright colours and character posters seen in both.