Ancillary feedback

1.      Poster:

·         I like the colour contrast (red/white fonts and red/blue in general. But I don’t like the font for 'a gamble between life and death' it’s quite hard to read-Emma Crossley

·         Like the text on the movie poster and the concept, but think the image could have been a bit clearer-Reagan Hollingshead

·         Dan Neary: antagonist at the forefront of the poster grabs attention and correlates with the genre conventions, the editing to a blue wash contrasts well with the red and black colours, I like how the identity of the antagonists face is partially hidden, creating enigmas and audience interaction from the direct eye-contact, appears typical. Weaknesses-top font could be changed to a more horror style, looks quite sci-fi to me and the slogan is quite difficult to read

·         Eva Dickinson: The poster is very enticing and prepares the audience for the dark mature themes they will witness within the movie. Although simplistic, it works in favour if the poster as the public will want to know more about the movie. Weakness: I’m not such a fan of the text used for the title- particularly the word 'Kiss'... I think the bloody text is too stereotypical and common within the horror genre and one thing I loved about the trailer is it revealed the film to be a unique brand of film within the horror genre. The text also brings immaturity to what I'd argue is otherwise a mature and powerful poster.

·         James Palmer-Smith: Pros: Use of colours make the poster eye-catching and focuses you on the most important information. E.G. the Title and Slogan through the use of red. Poster is not overcrowded and does not try to show too much information with a focus on the image and title. Whilst still providing all the information needed. Cons: Large gap between title and the top of the cape. Top red text could be larger to allow it to be read quickly

·         Tom Horeckyj-I like the dramatic font and close up of the vampire. The cloak makes him seem mysterious and makes me want to know more about him. For weaknesses you could maybe increase font size to bring more attention to the words? Add some blood/shadow effects round the edges? Great already though.

1.      Web page:

·         Could change the font for ‘Explore’ to something simple like Arial

·         I like the reviews on the website and that it’s easy to navigate, but the slogan font is unclear like the poster-Emma Crossley

·         Dan Neary: conventional in the way that it allows audience interaction, quotes and critics responses have animated effects so this enhances aesthetics of the webpage, gives overview of the plot and characters-good information shows images of the trailer-makes the audience want to know more. Weaknesses-slogan appears unnecessary, not appealing as it is too blurry, an addition of sound? And merchandise advertising perhaps

·         Tom Horeckyj: The website has some great imagery and use of quotes to draw appeal for the film. Some words overlap like the website title and the headings but maybe it's just on mobile.

·         James Palmer-Smith: Good use of reviews as part of the homepage, good use of columns in the explore section, good links around the site, effective navigation bar, specific info on characters helps to build a back story, and very detailed with useful information. However, there are some incorrect fonts in some places.

Film Trailer feedback

We have completed some audience research following our first draft and our final Official Trailer of 'The Bitter Kiss.'

We used social networking sites, in this case: Facebook, to conduct audience research into our Official trailer.

Audience research into slogans

Create your own user feedback survey

Results collated together with feedback from a lesson: Don't fall into the Vampire's grasp!=8 A gamble between life and death=11 What MAN is capable of stopping such a MONSTER?=10 How many more will die before the beast meets its doom?=3 He's fast, he's furious, he's the Vampire!=1 These results show that 'A gamble between life and death' is the audience favourite for our slogan. However, due to the tight interest between the top three, we are planning to incorporate them within the trailer and possibly our ancillary web page. We think 'What MAN is capable of stopping such a MONSTER?' would be effective in creating a stylistic Film Noir, and it would connote the binary opposite between the protagonist in the form of the Detective and the antagonist Vampire monster. The use of the 'MAN' highlights the stereotypical representation of the hero within our film, creating a sexist presentation which is common in Film Noir. Additionally, the use of the question emphasises the power of the villain, perhaps creating doubt in the audience's mind. Whilst, 'Don't fall into the Vampire's grasp!' will be beneficial in use during the trailer, possibly by a First person narrator describing the vicious edge to the antagonist. Also, the negativity here again represents the antagonists ferocious havoc, as well as acting as a warning towards the audience. This could connote the terror, and attract the audience further, feeling immersed within the plot and the atmosphere.

Focus Pitch

We have conducted some research into our target audience in order to understand their preferences and responses in co-ordination to our questions.

Film title feedback

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/R3C66KX
Above is a link to our survey regarding possible Film Titles for our Film Noir/horror.

Film title research

1. Deadly Night: This title would refer to the night-time setting and the dark low-key lighting used within the generic Film Noirs and Horrors. The use of the word 'deadly' connotes the innocent deaths that take place throughout the narrative, and the stereotypes of a Vampire (our antagonist.) This title should provide the audience will pleasure, specifically entertainment from the 'Uses and Gratification Theory' because they would expect a sinister and climatic mood.

2. Vampire Night: This title is informative and specific because it is clear and it makes the narrative already quite obvious. The Vampire killings occur at night, so the title is very self-explanatory. However, this name does not leave the audience with anything to think about, which would prevent audience capture and interest. Additionally, this title is not generic for a Film Noir because there is no incorporation of an adjective, meaning that it would not relate to our conventional narrative.

3.  Nightfall: This title is short and sweet, whilst the use of the 'night' signifies the time of the murders and the theme of darkness. Also, the 'fall' will connote how the innocent victims fall to their death in the hands of the Vampire. Lastly, this title creates a sense of failure, perhaps the protagonists or the antagonist. As a result, this will lead to audience anticipation because they are not aware of who will fall.

4. The Dark Detective: This is a conventional Film Noir title, as their is a mention of his name that makes the audience consider more why he is a dark character. The lexical choice of 'dark' also implies that the Detective goes through a transition and change in his usual attitude towards the law, perhaps he has began to use darker methods to solve his cases. Lastly, the alliteration creates a sharp sound, signifying that this character will have a flaw.

5. The Vicious Vampire: Again, alliteration is used to emphasise the represented villain within our Film, whilst being conventional for Film Noir. The use of the word 'vicious' connotes harshness, evilness and anger being stereotypical for a Vampire and an antagonist. As well as this, this alliteration enables the audience to be entertained because the title could be easily exaggerated, making the character sound instantly cool and quite tongue-and-cheek which is want Film Noir is often all about and what we desire.  

6. The Night Hunter: This title seems effective because it sums up the roles of Vampires and their desires to suck on blood because of their blood-thirst. The use of 'the' creates a sense of importance, the 'night' signifies the time of day this character completes their hunt and the lexical description of 'hunter' connotes a savage and secretive character. Therefore pleasuring the audience because we want to know who the night hunter is and who the victims are. All of these connotations represent a dark character, as well as highlighting a predatory-like demeanour.

7. Night-Stalker: This title links to the predatory representation of the 'night-stalker.' However, the term stalker modernises this title and emphasises that this character will be presented as creepy and weird, so the audience will already have expectations and judgement. Again it provides audience enhancement because it is not clear of whom the night-stalker is, for hype. Plus, I think that it is another short and sweet title that will certainly attract the audience and force them to desire to want to know more.

8. The Bitter Kiss: This title connotes that the Vampire takes his victims, by seducing them and killing them. Furthermore, the 'bitter(ness)' will signify how the character is cold. We would use this title to surprise the audience as it clearly represents a negative character and kiss, but we will present the Vampire as softer and more humorous for a twist, again creating the tongue-and-cheek effect.

9. Down to the Sacred Grave: This Film title could show how the killings have more of a sacrificial element, creating a religious aspect. This would link to our desire for our film narrative and themes. It is clear that the character is killing for blood and survival, in a old and traditional manner.

10. The Dark Wanderer: This final title appears to be strong because it incorporates the 'dark' and evil connotations simultaneous to the secretive and humorous character. As well as this, the use of 'wanderer' seems to modernise the title, juxtaposing the old fashioned Film Noir style also involved. Overall, I think that this title is also effective for contradiction and twists in the way that it shows importance and quietness, perhaps making it more stylistic.

We have conducted some research and decided to share it on social media in order to fully widen the amount of research we can attain. Social networking research is vital and widely used nowadays because so many people are associated with it.

We have sent this email to our friends and other students for a younger demographic response as well.

Exploration of Individual responses from Final Pilot Survey (Hayden Woodcock)

  

·         Male

·         16-20

·         Prefer Neo-Noir because it seems to be able to mix the good of the old with the good of the new.

·         Would not gain gratification from old fashioned film techniques because they Just makes a film seem cringe

·         Not essential to have a Femme Fatale because even though it may intrigue, be a sexual interest, may be a good sales point,  may interest a lot of audience members it doesn't seem to be essential

·         Character traits most important=Committed and Critical

·         Antagonist: Mad Scientist-Seems to have the creepiest feel to it when not presented with the modern special effects or the art of colour to make the antagonist seem convincing enough to be scary

·         Most important horror conventions to include: low-key lighting, climatic music, silence and distorted camera angles

·       We should not show so many different locations because showing exciting moments in a trailer in one location means that when the film gets to that location you know something will happen; ruining any suspense or surprise 

·         Hook: Actors I know I like, an intriguing but vague storyline, good aesthetics/cinematography and good music

·          Male

·         16-20

·         Neo Noir

·         Would gain gratification

·         It is essential for Femme Fatale

·         Most important character traits for Detective: Hard-boiled, committed

·         Antagonist: Zombie

·         Should show many different locations

·         Hook=looks good

·         Female

·         16-20

·         Neo Noir-updated versions can be better

·         Would not gain gratification

·         Not essential for Femme Fatale

·         Most important character traits: Funny and committed

·         Zombie

·         Murder is most important for horror genre

·         Should use different locations

·         Hooks: music tension

·         Female

·         16-20

·         Film Noir

·         Needs to be modern, with old-fashioned techniques and sense of effortless

·         No Femme Fatale

·         Most important character traits: Hard-boiled and committed

·         Vampire

·         Very important horror conventions: climatic music

·         Should show different locations

·         Hook=it gives enough of the plot to interest you but leaves out elements which shock the viewer so they can find this out later.

·         Male

·         26-30

·         Neo-Noir because he dislikes old films

·         Would gain gratification as it would relate to the Neo Noir film, and create a sense of understanding

·         Femme Fatale would be good Neo Noir as it would reflect modern society

·         Personality traits most important for Detective: Committed and hard-boiled

·         Mad Scientist-always more to do with sense of ‘hopelessness’

·         Very important horror conventions: silhouettes and silence

·         No different locations because trailers that give too much away ruin the film

·         Hook=either action for a good watch or a suspenseful one that sparks my curiosity, a film that will have me guessing and thinking.

·         Female

·         31-35

·         Neo Noir-more modern

·         Would gain gratification because it is retro

·         Femme Fatales are essential because this character is a vital feature of noir cinema, although a more feminist twist would be appropriate for a modern audience

·         Characteristics: Hard-boiled and committed

·         Mad Scientist because he seems more realistic

·         Very important horror conventions: low-key lighting, climatic music, enigmas and silence

·         Should maybe show many different locations because it can make it a little confusing, but a trailer does not have to necessarily be obvious and clear

·         Hook=Clear plot outline and genre clearly defined

·         Male

·         31-35

·         Neo Noir because it is a higher production quality, less jazz

·         Not aware of old fashioned film techniques so this would be quite odd

·         It is essential for Femme Fatale because this character is a convention and expectation

·         Important character traits: Committed and hard-boiled

·         Mad Scientist because this character does not seem as saturated

·         Very important horror conventions: low-key lighting, murder and silence

·         Maybe show many different locations, but Depends on which scenes entice you to see the film, without spoilers

·         Hooks=Too dependent on the style of film I might want to watch

·         Male

·         36-40

·         Neo Noir because it is more relevant

·         Not essential for Neo

·         No Femme Fatale because they think that it is outdated for Film Noir

·         Most important character traits: critical and funny

·         Mad Scientist as his madness would allow room for interpretation and more complex themes and narrative

·         Very important horror conventions: enigmas and silence

·         Maybe show many different locations

·         Hook=intriguing story

·         Female

·         41-45

·         Neo noir because it would Probably have stronger female characters in modern films, less stereotypical

·         They would gain gratification from old fashioned techniques because they are A bit different, reminds us of the long history of cinema

·         It is essential to have a Femme Fatale, but they should not be complex and not too stereotypical

·         Detective personality traits: Committed and critical

·         Vampire because it would suit darker elements and be easily seduced

·         All very important conventions

·         Locations are important because they add variety

·         Hook=Suspense, intriguing characters, good set and costumes

·         Male

·         46-50

·         Film Noir-original interpretation of the genre and therefore of its time

·         No gratification from old fashioned technique because they think it would seem out of place and cheesy

·         Femme Fatale is essential part of genre

·         Characteristics most important: funny and committed

·         Mad Scientist because he could act as a foil to the protagonist and would seem plausible as a character

·         Very important horror conventions: low-key lighting, climatic music, enigmas, silence and distorted shot angles

·         Maybe show different locations, but only if they give the viewer an overview of the plot

·         Hook: title and the names of the actors featuring in the film

·         Male

·         46-50

·         Film Noir-like to watch black and white films

·         Would gain gratification from old fashioned techniques

·         Not essential to use a Femme Fatale

·         Most important character: funny and hard-boiled

·         Vampire

·         Important conventions to include: silhouettes, climatic music,

·         Maybe use different locations

·         Hook=if the trailer has lots of action i am most likely to want to watch the film

·         Male

·         50-60

·         Prefer Film Noir because they think that it is more atmospheric

·         Would not gain gratification

·         Most important character traits: Critical, funny

·         Mad Scientist because he the character would be interesting to explore

·         Important horror conventions: Climatic music

·         Different locations are important to keep you guessing

Results comparison and findings:

·         Younger demographics prefer Neo, whilst older demographics prefer Film Noir, likely because of recognition and more pleasures for both ages

·         Many more 16-20 year olds completed our response, thus, there is no surprise that the results show that Neo Noir is preferred overall

·         Would gain gratification, this response was quite mixed, so I can see no real similarity between genders and age

·         More think that it is essential that we use a Femme Fatale, this is seen clearly through middle-aged men and women, specifically men (gaze gratification), whilst the older respondents did not view this as essential

·         Many view committed as the most important character trait. Whilst, the older demographic are keen on having a funny protagonist Detective. Committed and hard-boiled were the most likable

·         Mad Scientist is a particular attraction through the ages, however, it is more varied for the younger audience (so we will aim to vary this because we are targeting the elders through the genre)

·         Very important horror conventions: climatic music, low-key lighting, murder and silence

·         Yes and maybe are even in the responses for using different locations, so we certainly will. This response is common from the 16-20 year olds, whilst the 30 year olds are unsure, perhaps because they have less views upon Film trailers because of busy lifestyles and lack of nurturing in either of these genres.

·         Hooks: ‘intrigue’, ‘action’, ‘title and the names of actors’, ‘suspense, intriguing characters, good set of costumes and designs,’ ‘intriguing story,’ ‘clear plotline and genre clearly defined,’ ‘either action for a good watch or a suspenseful one that sparks my curiosity, a film that will have me guessing and thinking,’ ‘it gives enough of the plot to interest you but leaves out elements which shock the viewer so they can find this out later,’ ‘tense music,’ and ‘actors I know I like, an intriguing but vague storyline, good aesthetics/cinematography and good music.’