Magazine cover draft

Photoshoot

Survey results

The majority of the people who completed our survey were aged between 18 and 24. This means that all of the people who answered would have been quite mature, which is the target audience we were aiming to appeal to with our trailer.

The genders of those who answered the survey was split evenly between male and female, meaning that we got to see the preferences of both genders. This then allowed us to see what we would need to incorporate to appeal to a wider audience.

The majority of the people who answered were familiar with some real gangsters, however some were not. This means that we would need to conform to some stereotypes to reinforce the genre, however that we could also play around with the themes and subvert the typical aspects to make it more unique.

When asked what they wanted to see in gangster films, they said they would want to see themes linked to revenge and loyalty, and various iconography including guns.

The majority of those who answered said they would be interested in seeing a film about eastern European gangsters, which means that we could subvert gangster film stereotypes and not make it about Italian families. 

A variety of different music types were mentioned in the results for these questions which means that people would normally expect to see a variety of music types is gangster films.

Mostly dark colours were mentioned regarding the colour scheme of the film.

When asked what kind of clothing they would expect to see, most people said smart clothing, such as suits which are typical of the genre.

The majority of the people said that they would be interested in seeing it set in London, which means that it would be good location to include in establishing shots and location shots.

Magazine cover analysis - Public enemies

The masthead is the biggest text on the cover, which draws attention to the brand. The most important aspects are highlighted in red, which is a bold colour and makes certain important aspects stand out against the pale background colours. The colour red also implicates themes of violence, passion, and anger, linking to the main image as he’s holding a gun.

Johnny Depp standing in front of masthead suggests he has a high status and a sense of superiority, as well as adding a sense of depth to the cover. It also is well known magazine so the full masthead doesn’t have to show in order for it to be recognizable to regular readers.

The main image of Johnny Depp is a still taken from the movie that the magazine is advertising. In the shot he is wearing a dark coat, a smart suit, and a hat, so if he wasn’t holding a gun you would assume that he is a sharply dressed businessman. However, as he is holding a gun we are lead to think that he is involved in dangerous activities, perhaps associated with the mafia, due to the stereotypes that those working with or for the mafia dress smartly and act composed. The silencer on his gun suggests that he is a professional, as he has top quality equipment to carry out a shooting smoothly without getting caught.

There are various stickers and banners placed around the cover, including the contents of the magazine. Phrases such as ‘On-set exclusives’ and ‘first look’ intrigue the reader as they make them want to know the exciting information the magazine has to offer. Images that are placed alongside the main image also play a part in persuading the reader to buy the magazine, because images mean that they can get an idea of the contents at first glance. The pictures of iron man, Robin Hood, and clash of titans will instantly draw in a reader as they catch their eye.

The cover also typical conventions of a magazine; including the bar code, the issue date and number, as well as the website so that readers can find more information online linked to what’s inside.

Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCZRY5M

The Godfather poster analysis

The Godfather

This poster reflects the themes of the film advertised. The dark background of the poster implies an air of mystery, as well as provoking ideas such as fear and darkness. The main title on the poster is displayed clearly in white, which stands out against the very dark black background. This clearly shows the audience what the film is called. The credits underneath the title are grey, which shows against the background, however does not take focus away from the title. The image on the poster shows the main character from the film, and as he is standing above the title 'The Godfather' the audience can assume that that is who he is. 

The figure standing in the middle of the poster is surrounded by a dark black background, suggesting that the mystery perhaps surrounds him and his life, and that the darkness has immersed him and taken over his personality. The shadows in the image cover most of his facial features, and the outline of his body which implied to the audience that he is a character who we should fear, as we can not see who he really is or what he looks like. However in the image he is holding a cat, which would normally take away from the threatening era surrounding the figure, but in this image it conveys his power as he has control over the animal, and a delicate touch, suggesting he's a reasonable man despite his harsh exterior. 

He is dressed in a smart black tuxedo which  would portray him as a smart and classy man who is organised. The red flower tucked into his pocket supports this idea, as well as conveying feelings of fear and the idea of bloodshed due to the piercing red colour of the rose. 

Gangster genre timeline

http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/534484/Gangster-Genre/

Poster analysis

Smokin' aces poster analysis

Smokin' aces

This poster follows the stereotypes of a typical gangster film poster. The colour scheme sticks to the theme of white, black, gold, and red. The background is white, which means that the red writing stands out against the plain background. There are also aspects of the images highlighted in red, which contrasts against the dull colours of the images surrounding the poster. The red cards in the corner of the poster link to the title of the film, as it's called 'Smokin' aces'. It also shows how the film could be centred around gambling. In the left hand corners of the poster there are two people holding guns, suggesting that the film contains violent scenes containing guns and shootouts. 

There is also a bullet hole in the middle of the poster, and a crack suggesting that there is a violent storyline. The crack also connotes danger as splintering glass could represent reckless behaviour and risk. The main title of the film is placed in the middle of the poster, which makes it the first thing the audience would see. It is also the biggest text on the poster which makes it stand out against the rest of the text. The title is also written in a font similar to that of the wild west, which is stereotypically linked with shootouts, violence, and gambling. 

Around the outside of the poster there are the actors that star in the film, and they are out on the poster to reinforce the mise-en-scene of the film, but to also advertise the film's popular actors, such as Ryan Reynolds and Chris Pine. Also the names of these actors are placed above the title of the film which builds intrigue, as fans will see the name and instantly be interested in the film. 

James Bond poster analysis

This poster is aimed at audiences who will recognize Daniel Craig as James Bond, as they will see him as the main subject of the poster and immediately understand what the poster is advertising. However this means that the poster may mainly appeal to those who have already seen the previous Bond films, and not necessarily new audiences. The Logo beneath the main title of the film also helps advertise the film, as it links it to the iconic 007 brand, making the poster more recognizable and the film instantly more appealing to fans of the brand.

The Image of James Bond standing in the middle of the poster makes him look intimidating and strong, as his stance shows him as a confident and fearless man. This outlines his personality, and his role in the film as the hero and protagonist. The white suit he is wearing contrast against the dark background making him stand out, emphasizing his identity as the hero. He is also holding a gun with a silencer attached, suggesting he is ready to fight, as is ultimately prepared to do so. This means that someone seeing this poster will be able to identify that this poster is for an action film.

The dark figure in the background wearing a skull mask can be identified as a possible villain from the film, as the mask makes them looks threatening and scary. The image is also faded into the dark background, suggesting perhaps an air of mystery surrounding the figure. This builds the audiences's intrigue as they know practically nothing about the covert figure.

Trailer analysis: Gangster Squad

Mood board

Film Pitch: Expired milk

Tagline of film:

The power of one

Basic plot synopsis:

Vladimir Koncheski runs one of London’s biggest drug operations. He is a ruthless, gritty and fearless businessman who is not afraid to get his hands dirty or discipline his gang members. He is very loyal but is always willing to take matters into his own hands when he feels he’s being double-crossed. He respects family values, but keeps everyone at an arms length, as he finds it hard to trust others this is due to his hard upcoming and how long it took him to get to the top of the drug game. He somehow finds himself trusting Leon Wilburn, a cop undercover trying to bust his newest operation. Koncheski takes Leon under his wing, after he encounters him on the rooftop of a block of flats, where Leon is on the lookout for him and his entourage. After a quick exchange regarding a lighter, they begin to realise their similarities, which leads to Koncheski teaching him how to work the drug trade. Konecheski is skeptical at first however because of Leon’s knowledge of drugs he believes him and thinks that he is on his side. Leon Wilburn is a hardworking police detective burying his grief in his work after the loss of his girlfriend. He goes undercover to expose London’s most dangerous drug enterprise, and becomes enthralled in the world of drug trafficking. However after he gains Vladimir’s trust he uncovers the truth, that his new confidant is responsible for the death of his girlfriend. At this point he is stuck between doing the right thing and exposing Koncheski, or joining forces with him.

Characterization:

Vladimir Koncheski  - A slick yet gritty drug trafficker whose only fear is losing the business he’s worked so hard to build. His years in the drug trade have taught him how to be relentless and resilient, which comes in handy when dealing with those who prove to be disloyal to him. He’s kind to those who stand by him; however one wrong move and he will show no remorse when eliminating the threat. Someone who’s filthy rich with everything to lose will stop at nothing to make sure their riches remain intact.

Leon Wilburn – Leon’s a broken hearted London police detective using his work to cope with the loss of his long term girlfriend. He is fearless and brave, however tends to shy away from dangerous confrontations using his intelligence and wit to divert the situation. When he is accepted into a new pack of criminals after trying to bust their operation, he find himself at home amongst them despite their criminal intent.

Lauren Watson – The innocent and supportive girlfriend of Leon Wilburn who is mysteriously killed on the streets of London after witnessing a drug exchange. It is later discovered that one of Koncheski’s employees was responsible for her death, after he identified her as a threat.

Mise-en-scene:

Leon Wilburn – Casually dressed black cop, with scruffy and worn out clothing.

Lauren Watson – Typical young woman wearing simple clothing,  jeans and a shirt.

Vladimir Koncheski – Smartly dressed and well spoken eastern European man.

London streets after dark, dirty and grimy apartment, rooftop space   (overlooking London skyline), Police headquarters.

Cinematography:

Dark lighting and chiaroscuro to provoke the idea of fear, danger and mystery on the streets. Use of close ups, long shots, and establishing shots to emphasize characters and scenery, as well as fast moving shots to set the fast pace of a crime thriller.

Conventions:

After watching and researching popular crime thrillers we have decided to incorporate guns, drugs and money into our trailer, as well as themes including murder, revenge and suspicion to build our plot. We have been inspired by the films American Gangster and The Departed, as well as the trailer for Narcos, as all of these film conform to these conventions set by crime thrillers. The Departed focused on themes such as betrayal and brutality which would be ideal for the genre we have chosen.

Resources:

In order to make our trailer look authentic of the crime thriller genre, we will need to use resources such as guns, fake blood, bullet proof vests, and bags for drugs and money.

Unique selling point:

The unique selling point of our trailer is the plot twist regarding Lauren’s murder, and the racial variety used in the cast to subvert stereotypes.

Production team

Blair Gyabaah, Director

Theresa Hackman, Production designer & editor

Sarah Shorter, Producer

Subananth Jeyakanthan, director of photography

Magazine cover sketches