Final Typeface For Titles And Taglines

To create our Movies title 'logo', we decided on the free-for-use typeface 'Ghetto Marquee' by Kirk Shelton, found on dafont.com

This is what our film title looks like in the font.

In our trailer we are using strong phases that relate to the story to give the audience a little more information. One of these 'FORRBIDDEN LOVE'. We decided to use the typeface as the title, but to make them look more 'beaten up', Piers used Adobe Photoshop to make the letters crooked, and he also adjusted the second 'E' so it looked different from the first. We decided to give it a red hue to distinguish them from the title.

Text Drafts

These are a few ideas of texts. We quite like the idea of the bottom left and right, however they imply more horror than Gangster. The bottom two signify violence as the letters look like they have been slashed, and been bleeding.

Magazine Final Front Cover Layout

This is our final magazine cover. We have the trio at the top and the London City skyline below. The only thing we have changed since doing this poster is the colour for the title. We no longer want the text to be the colour blue because it is not appropiate for the genre and the content of this film. The pugs are clear on this front cover. This front cover focuses entirely on the film 'Betrayal' this gives the reader the exclusive inside to the film, because it is clearly the main focus of this issue. We decided to use the London city skyline in our magazine front cover because we wanted to emphasize this being a 'British Gangster' film.

Final Film Poster Layout

This is our film poster with analysis. This is our layout for our film poster. We have the trio at the top of the poster we then have the London Skyline to enforce the idea this is a 'British Gangster' film. We included the gun as an enigma code to show that this film is to expect violence. The catch line read underneath says "They were disloyal to their family now they pay...." This sets the mood and atmposphere for the film. I think this is a successful layout for a film poster because it informs the audience about what sort of film it is but is simple and does not give too much away.

Skyline Development

These are some of our ideas for our London skyline that a member of our group designed on the computer. At present we favour the red and black skyline (third one down on the first picture). We favour this one currently because we like the contrast and the effect of the red and black. It also depicts violence in a urban setting, red possibly signifying blood.

Name Choice

We have decided on a title for our 'Gangster' film trailer after we came up with several ideas as a group but we finally agreed on 'Betrayal'. This title reflects our storyline and also grabs the audience's interest beacuse it adds drama to the film.

Shot List (Final)

1. Dark shots with flashes of main characters, with a brief introduction narrated via voice over.
2. Close up shots of the two lovers, showing that they are clearly in love.
3. Next we see the Father of the girl, shot in dark lighting. He finds out about his daughter's relationship and immediately orders a hit on them both.
4. Shot of darkness, - blackout effect to suggest some time has passed.
5. Two lovers are running and screaming. They are being pursued.
6. Blackout we hear screams and gunfire.
7. We have further blackouts to suggest time has passed.
8. A boot of a car is opened and a body is put in.
9. Another quick blackout.
10. A quick shot of the car pulling off.
11. Another quick blackout.
12. Car driving on motorway.
13. Another quick blackout.
14. Car arriving at harbour.
15. Another quick blackout.
16. Body been thrown off boat.

Shot List (Draft)

1. Dark shots with flashes of main characters, with a brief introduction narrated via a voiceover.
2. Close up shots of the two lovers, showing that they are clearly in love.
3. Next we see the Father of the girl, shot in dark lighting. He finds out about his daughter's relationship and immediately orders a hit on them both.
4. Shot of darkness, - blackout effect to suggest some time has passed.
5. Blackout we hear screams and gunfire. The blackout is to show that time has passed.
6. A boot of a car is opened and a body is put in.
7. A quick shot of the car pulling off.
8. Another quick blackout.
9. Car drving on a motorway.
10. Another quick blackout.
11. Car arriving at harbour.
12. Another quick blackout.
13. Body being thrown off boat.

Film Poster Draft (3)

This is further ideas mixed to develop our poster, we have included a city skyline, to emphasise the urban environment. The gun has also been included from our previous posters.

Film Poster Draft (2)

This is a film poster mixed together with a few of our ideas of the trio and the gun for our film
- The character in the centre is either looking down at the gun, and is focused on the task set.
- Or the character in the centre is direct mode of address and is looking at the camera, this is to look menacing or intimidating.
- The other two characters are unaware of the camera and look preoccupied with their love interest.
- The shade suggests darkness and nighttime, this is stereotypically when crime and violence is committed in this genre.

Film Poster Draft (1)

This is one of our several ideas for our film poster. It is also the group's favourite.
- The character in the centre has direct mode of address - this is threatening and challenging.
- The characters on either side are unaware of the camera this is because they are preoccupied, with their love interest.
The suit suggests a wealthy gangster.

Magazine Draft (2)

This is one of our ideas for a magazine poster for our film.
- This poster includes a lot of shade so it can include text. (this is hard to see in this photo)
- The character, is either looking down towards the gun and is focusing on its task.
- Or the character has direct mode of address this looks menacing.
- The gun is a gangster stereotype we can expect to see violence, and is a enigma code.
- The suit suggests wealthy gangsters.
- The gloves suggest a hitman.

Magazine Draft (1)

This is one of our ideas for a magazine poster for our film.
- The gun is gangster stereotype and an enigma code, we can expect to see violence and crime.
- The gloves suggest a hitman, or professional.
- The shade on this poster is useful for text. (this is hard to see in this photo)
- The shade also suggests darkness and nighttime, when crime and violence of this genre usually occurs.

Allocating Tasks

Synopsis: is decided carefully as a group.
Poster designing by hand: Tristam and I will design a few ideas and as a group we will decide which are the best.
Poster designing by computer: Piers.
Shot list: Calum and I will complete two drafts.
Pictures: The majority of the pictures will be taken by Tristam, but any taken by anyone else in the group will be accepted.
production Company logos: will be designed by Piers and Calum they will create a few designs and as a group we will decide on our favourite.
Cast: we will decide this as a group, we will then take pictures of them individually and upload them.
Story board: This will be designed mainly by Calum and Piers but it will be a group effort.

Todorov's Theory

Narrative theory studies the devices and conventions governing the organisation of a story (fictional or factional) into a sequence.

Todorov suggested that stories began with an equilibrium or status quo where any potentially opposing forcesare in balance. This is disrupted by some event, setting in chain a series ofevents. Problems are solved so that order can be restored to the world of the fiction.
Todorov basically stated that films and and programmes go through a period of unsettlement and disquiet followed by a renewed state of peace and then a new equilibrium brings chaos to an end.

Synopsis

I have now begun planning with my group the synopsis of my 'British Gangster' film trailer. As a group we discussed several different plots and ideas. The plot includes a love interest between a man and a woman both offsprings from two rival gangs. This is eventually found out by the girl's Father, who puts a hit on both of them. The story then follows the young love interest as they are hunted down. The trailer will be fast moving as this story is full of emotions and includes many quick decisions that twists the plot.

Possible Settings

The typical locations for a 'Gangster' movie are in urban settings often in backstreets
Good places for us to film are:
London
Redhill and Reigate
an urban environment
harbour for our boat scene

'Gangster' Questionnaire

How old are you?


Male or Female?


Do you like 'Gangster' films? If so what do you like about them?
-Storyline/Plot
-Suspense
-Violence/Action
-Other


If not what do you not like about them?
-Storyline/Plot
-Suspense
-Violence/Action
-Other


What is your favourite 'Gangster' film, or the most iconic you can think of?


What costumes do you stereotypically think a gangster should wear?


What is your preference of period setting for a 'Gangster' film?


The results for this questionnaire was that a higher percentage of males preferred this type of genre, and most people who liked 'Gangster' films was because they enjoyed the action, suspense and violence. Most people that did not like 'Gangster' films was because they either did not like or approve of the violence. 'The Godfather' was voted the most iconic 'Gangster' film. Stereotypically the most common costume was a suit. The most popular period setting was modern day.
This questionnaire was useful to see what the audience desire and like to see from this genre.

'Godfather' Empire Film Magazine Front Cover

On this front cover of 'Empire' film magazine features Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) from the film 'The Godfather'. This picture is a direct mode of address, he is staring straight at the lens inviting the viewer to challenge him. The photograph could have criminal connotations as it reassembles a 'mug shot'. The black and white image suggests a dangerous, evil story will unfold. It is an unforgettable image which provokes curiosity. The text is not typical 'Empire' red this is to accommodate the atmosphere and emotion of this front cover, although this is still recognisable as 'Empire' magazine. This front cover is cold there is no colour and the picture focuses on Don Vito Corleone's eyes they keep the reader guessing and intrigued. The lack of pugs is effective as the 'less is more' theory is created here.

'Public Enemies' Empire Film Magazine Front Cover

This is another front cover from 'Empire' film magazine. We can see this is going to be a action packed film with crime as the gun is an enigma code for violence. We can also see from the clothes Johnny Depp is wearing that this is a film set in the thirties. The pale background in contrast with Johnny Depp's dark suit makes him stand out. His facial expression is serious it means he is focused. The gun is the main focus of this picture this informs the audience this film involves crime. This magazine is easily recognisable to the audience by the red text. This front cover also advertises other films that are not within the 'crime' and 'gangster' genre this shows that this magazine is diverse. The plugs, such as price, date, and logo are evenly spread out and clearly visible to the reader. At the top of this front cover we see there is a "Harry Potter on-set exclusive" this is a useful technique as it makes the reader feel like they will not be able to purchase or find this in any other magazine it works well as a purchase motive. This front cover also advertises their website 'empireonline.com' this shows that the magazine is keeping up to date with their audience. We can also establish by this front cover this is quite a popular magazine we see this by the films they have "exclusive" access too and they also have a well equiped and highly accessible website.

'American Gangster' Empire Film Magazine Front Cover

This is another front cover from 'Empire' magazine. The characters appear to be unaware of the camera. One is dressed in a suit this suggests power and wealth. His power is emphasised as this character is infront of the other. It also suggests this character is the main protagonist. The background shows cars and tall buildings we know that this is in a urban setting.

At the side we notice the text reads "worlds biggest movie magazine" this is an example of self promotion.

This front cover also advertises posters within this issue, again this something extra that encourages the reader to buy.

We see this issue is labelled as crime this will appeal to a certain target market in particular a male audience.

'Public Enemies' Film Poster (2009)

'Public Enemies' poster (2009)

- The trilby hat, the smart suit, and gloves is a stereotypical costume for gangsters or bank robber during the 1930s.

- The gun is an enigma code, so we can expect to see scenes of violence with the gunfire.

- The setting is urban, this is where gangs operate.

- The setting shows us it is in the 1930s with the old cars.

- The poster is made up of dull colours, this suggests darkness, crime, and death perhaps?

- Indirect mode of adress, he is not looking at the camera, he looks preoccupied by something else.

'RocknRolla' Film Poster (2008)

RocknRolla poster (2008)
- The whole poster is advertised in shadow this is stereotypical as most ‘Gangster ‘films are set at night or in poor lighting.
- Gun is a stereotypical prop for a ‘Gangster’ film. It is also an enigma code to show violence.
- Lights could suggest an interrogation, or running from the law.
- They look quite sinister which is often associated with ‘Crime’ and ‘Gangster’ films.
- Shows Director’s previous success, this will attract fans of his previous films, and is a useful method of film promotion.
- A suit is a stereotypical costume associated with ‘Gangster’ films. Also shows wealth.
- Indirect mode of address he is unaware of the camera, he looks preoccupied. His body language suggests he is physically prepared for an encounter.
- Looks to be set in an urban environment.

'Goodfellas' Film Poster (1990)

'Goodfellas' film poster (1990)
- Direct mode of adress they are looking directly at the camera. The body language is quite challenging.
- The suits are stereotypical costumes for wealthy gangsters.
- Urban setting. This is the Gangster environment.
- Dead person means we can expect to see some violence.
- Film promotion – they are promoting the cast in the film.
- They are all in shadow. This suggests it set at night when Gangsters usually operate.

Trailer Analysis

As a group we decided on 'British Gangster' as our genre, since I have been researching and analysing three 'Gangster' trailers. The films I have chosen are 'RocknRolla' (2008), 'Goodfellas' (1990), and 'Public Enemies (2009)'.

The trailer for 'RocknRolla' (2008) began with tough looking gang men dressed in suits appearing to be doing deals, in a dark room or office. The deals are suggested by an enigma codes of handshakes suggesting a deal has been reached. The men look sinister and threatening, they are smoking this is associated with a wealthy gangster image. We see clips of a torture/interrogation scene this proves the film to have a serious storyline. There a further enigma codes of a gun being loaded and a fist clenching, this suggests there is going to be physical violence. The trailer is filmed mainly with the characters in shadow this is quite eerie. A few of the characters have foreign accents this is a typical trait of a 'Gangster' film. Throughout the trailer there is a large focus on a painting and money, this is the motive of the film. The trailer is slightly humorous this suggests the film will be comedic too. The film is in an urban setting mostly at night, the time gangs usually operate. The trailer is appealing as it does not just depict violence but juxtaposes images of fighting with images of glamorous upmarket women such as the glimpse of the alluring blond women in an eye catching tennis outfit. There is a contrast between wealth and deprivation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg8dLSu8YvK&feature=related



The trailer for 'Goodfellas' (1990) is far more sinister, dark and violent than the trailer for 'RocknRolla' it does not appear to be humorous unlike 'Rocknrolla'. The trailer includes a lot of footage of crime and confrontations. We have a voice over describing how being a member of a gang is a way of life "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster" . Unlike 'RocknRolla' a 'British Gangster' film, 'Goodfellas' is a film about the American mafia. We see plenty of props and costume signifiers that are often associated with the genre of this film. The men are dressed in expensive suits, there is camera shots focusing on money, alcohol, smoking, and the suggestion of sex. Images of purity and religion one juxtaposed with the violence and enigma codes of gun fire, creating an exciting mix to the plot and intrigues the audience. Colour and light are used effectively the dark, sombre suits of the gangsters suggest evil which contrast sharply with the women's white dress in the religious ceremony suggesting purity and good. The close up of the romantic scene also adheres to characterisation with the women wearing a pink/red satin dress colours that are associated with sex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynCjlwFP-vk



The trailer for 'Public Enemies' (2009) is compelling and fast moving and immediately arouses interest. It is set in the 1930s and features costumes of that era, notably trilby hats. The use of vintage cars also date the film. The trailer unlike 'RocknRolla' and 'Goodfellas' depict crime being carried out in broad day light, this breaks with the tradition of the gangster genre and makes the film unique. The action appears to glorify the crimes committed and give it an edgy, glamorous feel. The clip follows a morality tale as we sympathise and worship the protagonist played by Johnny Depp. The violence in this trailer is only shown via enigma codes of quick flashes of gun fire. The gangsters have flourished as a result of crime and this is reflected in their sharp clothes and stylish cars. The trailer is designed to appeal to a broad target market as it does not include gratuitous violence which will make it more suitable for a different range of ages and both sexes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drtYrxhQ13s

Aims And Objectives

We are tackling the topic of 'Gangsters' as a team of four. I wanted to go in a group of four because I thought it would be a great opportunity to share our ideas and use the artistic talents in our group to produce a 'Gangster' trailer. Initially we will be analysing the use of trailers in this genre of film making by assessing their effectiveness and methods for promoting the films.We choose 'Gangsters' as our genre because it is something we thought would be fun and manageable to create. We hope that the input from our team will produce a more dynamic, original extract to promote our gangster movie.
It will be interesting to see how our personal research and ideas will evolve into a final outcome.
My group consists of Piers, Calum, Tristam and I.

Pros And Cons Of Making Our 'Gangster' Trailer

Pros
- Costumes are day to day clothes; smart/casual wear with trench coats, or other long coats - these are easily found in the wardrobe of the average male therefore there is no need to purchase new costumes.
- Locations are not hard to find - backstreet locations, London is an ideal location.
- None or small amounts of special affects needed as British Gangster films are created in realist style.
- Characters would include average looking middle-aged men, aged 30-45 years old – this is a pro as normal or little known actors would be used to play the characters due to the realistic style.

Cons
- Weapons such as guns are widely used in this genre - convincing replicas are hard to source, and are not permitted to bed used in open public.
- The location could have proved difficult, as our film is based around flash cars, speed boats and harbours. Fortunately we have a member of the group who has access to these props.

Gangster Films

AFI's top ten gansgter films.
AFI describes gangster films as "a genre that centres on organized crime or maverick criminals in a twentieth century setting."

1. The Godfather (1972)
2. GoodFellas (1990)
3. The Godfather, part 2 (1974)
4. White Heat (1949)
5. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
6. Scarface. The Shame of a Nation (1932)
7. Pulp Fiction (1994)
8. The Public Enemy (1931)
9. Little Caesar (1930)
10. Scarface (1983).

This list was useful because these are clearly successful and popular 'Gangster' films and to watch the trailers or the films would be interesting and inspiring for ideas.
(List found on the website Filmsite.org)

Genre Theory

Sorting film and tv into genres is problamatic their are no set standards. Genres are far too broad in terms for example soaps, westerns etc.

However there are sub-genres within for example 'Four Weddings and a funeral' starring Hugh Grant is a comedy romance.

What defines a films genre?
- narrative
- mise-en-scene
- characters
- music
- the conclusion/outcome.

Genre Research

There are several different genres I can choose from. The main choices of genre are action, adventure, comedy, thriller, drama, romance, epics/historical, crime/ gangster, musicals/ dance, science fiction, war, westerns and horror.

In these genres there are several sub-genres.

After looking at these genres I decided with my group to do the 'Crime/ Gangster' genre.

Introduction

The task I have been set is to make a film trailer.