Ancillary Task: Poster Analysis; Short Films

Comparing these short film posters to that of feature film posters, it can be seen that there are a few differences among their conventions, as well as many similarities.

To state those which are the same, it is the clear use of the title of the film being present, but then again, it would be a silly idea to not display the film title. The name of the film director has also been given but apart from that, there is not much evidence of any other text on the short film posters, like the feature films, such as quotes from newspapers and a star scale. This goes to show that short films are not as well known as feature films and in terms of scale, they are also much smaller. To continue on with this, for the short film posters shown above which are not animated, the names of the actors are not given showing the films are low key and that they do not use A list actors, therefore there is no need to state their names.

These posters, unlike the feature films, also display only the main characters of the film and does not incorporate any other ideas such as the genre or setting of the film. Furthermore, they do not give away or hint at anything which may be in the film so as to give the audience ideas about the narrative. The overall images used are also fairly simple and do not involve the use of special effects and the whole poster quite simply keeps to the minimum amount of information needed.

In relation to all this with my own poster to represent the short film in which I shall be producing, I will need to be aware of these features which have been kept, or removed, as it will show that I am capable of integrating these ideas within my own work and adhering to the short film poster conventions.

Ancillary Task: Poster Analysis; Feature Films

Film Poster Analysis

As I intend to create a short film for my coursework, one of the ancillary tasks I have to produce alongside the short film is that of a poster to promote the film. Above, I have chosen three existing film posters and analysed how the film poster makes use of a number of features to not only promote the film, but as devices to inform the audience of the film content:

- colour
- facial expressions
- font
- images
- layout

- language/ wording
- location
- poses (of characters)
- props
- text

These points have been addressed in a way whereby these details are ambiguous and lead to the audience producing a number of interpretations, therefore acting as a way to persuade the audience to watch the film.

When it comes to the creation of my own poster to promote my short film, I will need to take these conventions into account in order to produce a successful film poster, which gives the audience succinct detail and content about my short film, without giving away too much information.

Short Film Analysis: Get Out

Get Out
To sum up this short film animation, "Get Out" is much like a metaphor of a scenario in which we have all experienced, yet have no recollection of. This short film makes use of playing on two ideas which come together at the end to reveal a hidden meaning. It was an award winning film of 2009 produced by students from a French animation school (ESMA) in Montpelier. "Get Out" integrates features of horror, comedy and fantasy genre and must be credited greatly for its unexpected twist at the end.

Analysis

This 7 minute long animation follows a number of conventions which are evident in that of short films. To start, there are two main characters, yet one - Gary - is focused more heavily upon as opposed to the psychiatrist and this supports the short film convention where it is normally just one character in which a short film revolves around.

As has already been mentioned, this short animation crosses the boundaries into a number of different genres effectively. For example, the fantasy genre would be when we are drawn into his imagination and can see what it is he is thinking. The horror genre is shown whereby Gary overreacts to the psychiatrist trying to help him with his phobia of doors. And the comedy genre is touched upon throughout but has its strongest impact at the end of the film where the twist is unfolded and the narrative explains itself.

Although not there is not much evidence of music or sound effects, it is used when essential and at a minimal level. Music has been used in this animation to help with the narrative and is most noticeable when Gary is in his own world. Whenever he is daydreaming/ indulged in his own little world, a tranquil, happy and rather dopey music begins to play. However, this music only ever plays when he is like this, otherwise no background music can be heard apart from the dialogue, which indicates that dialogue plays an important role in carrying out the narrative.

Without ruining the plot of the story, characterisation is another factor which helps lead up to the big moment when the twist is revealed. Gary appears to be dressed in a large baby grow and that he is also bald helps with the twist at the end where it is revealed who he actually is.

The theme of this animation is cleverly constructed and has probably undergone a very long thought process as the whole idea of Gary having a phobia of doors is not only an important aspect of the film but it helps link in with the twist at the end where this phobia is justified. This narrative also converges with the audience in a way that all viewers would have experienced the same feelings as Gary and so when the twist is revealed, the comedy aspect is appreciated by all who have spent their time watching it.