Section A practice

Question 1

Evaluate how the two trailers use the narrative technique of enigma to encourage the target audience to watch the films

The two trailers use various narrative techniques of enigma to encourage their target audiences to watch the films. Product 1 uses fast paced editing techniques to induce enigma. The rapid cuts between various scenes in the trailer hint at the narrative, in particular its climaxes to evoke excitement and curiosity from the audience which in result encourages the audience to watch the film. This is further emphasized through the dramatic music, which parallels both scenes in the trailers in terms of their climaxes.The editing techniques used are in parallel to Barthes enigma codes, as the trailer portrays a mystery in which the audience can only solve by watching the film. This similarly takes place in product 2, only much more slowly to create more suspense due to its horror genre. The lack of dialogue is another aspect of both trailers which emphasizes on the enigma of the trailers. Product 1 for example starts with a question "what are you doing", which immediately represents the use of enigma, similarly product 2 sees the protagonist asking the supposed vampire if she is a "vampire" only to receive a vague answer, this reinforces the sense of tension and also suspense which is typical of horror genres. The target audiences of product 1 and product 2 are encouraged to watch the films through the referral of the genres of romance and horror which are predominant in each trailer, such as the scenes of unexplained events and danger in product 2 and the vampire battle in product 1. Lastly, both trailers end on a disequilibrium (Todorov), thus encouraging the audience to watch the films to discover the new equilibrium that is found.  

Question 2

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

Media products that represent outsiders tend to appeal to a particular audience thus resulting in their popularity. The term outsiders can be interpreted to be either marginalized groups but also niche audiences. In regards to marginalized groups, films that relate to them through the representation of their identities for example black ethnic groups tend to be popular amongst them as it creates a sense of personal identification (Uses and Gratifications, Katz and Blumler). This can be presented through the film "Gone too far" which explores the Nigerian identity and the problems a young teenager of Nigerian background may face in terms of cultural clashes with the West. As a result, a film such as this would tend to be popular with the Nigerian youth demographics as it represents the issue they may face. "Gone too far" also incorporates the genre of comedy to create a humorous tone, which can be argued to have aided the film in reaching its popularity. Ill Manors is another example of a media product that represents outsiders, the youth, which had reached great popularity due to its representation of growing up in London as a teenager and young adult. The youth, who are also a marginalized group gain audience pleasures from watching a film not only targeted at them but one that also represents them. Both films can also be argued to be popular not only because they allow for audiences to identify with the characters and narrative, but because they give an insight into the lives of outsiders. Middle class and older audiences may enjoy films such as these about outsiders due to the insight it gives them into the lives of the working class or of those from ethnic minority groups. In regards to media product 1, vampire films that represent outsiders may be popular because they allow for there to be a community created within the niche audience, as franchise films tend to provide platforms on social media for their audiences to engage which as a result increase their popularity.

Question 3

Do you think official and unofficial websites contribute to a films box office success? You should refer to other media products to support your answer. 

Both official and unofficial websites can be argued to contribute to a films box office success to an extent, as the changes in the ways audience consume products have changed over the years. Official websites would usually contribute to a films box office success, as websites would act as a platform for audiences to engage with the media product. For example, the film Ill Manors website had exclusive videos and content only accessible through the website similarly to A Field in England's website, which had content on the making of the film. These aspects of the website would create a sense of speculation resulting in interest with the film, but as we have moved along in time there has been a steady decrease in there being official websites made to accompany a film as we have now shifted to the age of social media. Nearly all films that are created have a social media page whether its on Instagram or Twitter to provide a platform for users to engage with fellow enthusiasts and also the film itself. It is now more common to see a film trailer on Twitter rather than on TV, as audiences tend to use the internet more over traditional forms of media. Although there has been a decline in official websites, there is no reason that unofficial websites should be doubted as it can be argued that they contribute to a films box offices success due to the incredibly large audiences there are on social media. Other unofficial websites such as Rotten tomatoes and IMBD also have an impact to a films box office success, as positive reviews tend to encourage audiences to go and watch a film whereas a negative review or an excess of negative reviews can hinder a films box office success. Overall, websites still to this day continue to contribute to film box office successes, as films tend to all have platforms created for them to engage with audiences and gain popularity.