Mask Ideas

After watching the trailer for You're Next it sparked an idea to use a masked antagonist within my film campaign. This particular mask which is used is an animal mask, however is plain in colour and the audience would find it difficult to decide which animal it was, giving it a sense of otherness as it is hard to identify. The person under the mask is hard to identify too, giving a sense of mystery. 

In order to decide if using masks in my film campaign, I decided to conduct a questionnaire and asked 20 fans of the horror genre their thoughts on masked antagonists. Below I have shown a sample of 5 questionnaire answers which have helped to shape my ideas for my trailer ideas. 

The first question has helped me to confirm that I probably will use a masked antagonist within my campaign, due to the response with the majority agreeing that they thought it would be frightening, which is the aim of the genre and campaign. 

I got a varied response when it came to the clothing, however overall from my answers I feel that black plain costuming will work well as it gives no clues away as to the identity of the antagonist. As for a half faced mask or a full faced, the majority went for a full faced as this hides their identity more than a half faced one. 

4 of 5 would prefer a plan mask and I agree with this as it would contrast well against the plain dark costuming, and the mask will probably be white or a light colour in order for it to contrast. 

Two possibilities for masks. I had two mask ideas before conducting my research however from my feedback, I have come to the conclusion that the white mask would appeal to my target audience more as it is simple yet shows a lack of identity, which works well to create the element of suspicion and anxiety not only with the characters but also with the audience. 

I feel like I want my antagonist to look model in the way they are dressed, therefore a venetian style mask probably would not be suitable to fit my genre. 

Further research and analysis within the horror genre

Promotional Package

The Conjuring had three different trailers, which all appeal to the same audience, however all have different purposes. One trailer in particular highlights that The Conjuring is ''based on the true story of the Warrens'' which gives the element of reality to the audience and another element of fear that events like the ones in the film could really exist. All of the trailers would have been released early on in the campaign as this is common with most horrors, and will be shown after watershed due to the nature of the genre. This is probably why the distribution of posters was minimal. 

The Conjuring's website contains trailers, images from the film and a detailed synopsis of the film itself. They display tweets on the website, which is a direct link to the social network in which the audience of the film can find out more about the film and give their opinion. The Conjuring has two main official twitter pages, one for updates on the film, the other retweets the audiences tweets, which helps them to feel involved completely in the whole film experience, even outside the cinema.

The Conjuring, although it comes under the genre of horror which you generally wouldn't associate with merchandise, this film has it. The products used as merchandise link in with the film narrative, such as the doll. This way of merchandise is also a way to carry the film on from the cinema, and can still be a way to advertise and promote the film campaign to others.

There is no mention of The Conjuring having an online game, so if I was able to, I would use a game in my campaign, as it allows the audience to live in the position of the protagonists and to view the narrative from their point of view.
I don't feel this film has a unique selling point, as it has a similar narrative to every other film in the horror genre. There is no main star in this film either, so there was no publicity surrounding this film such as radio appearances or TV appearances.

Choice of Genre

I have chosen to work within the horror genre, as I feel this gives me the most freedom and should be easy enough for me to re-create with my resources and software.
The elements that are used time and time again are things such as:

• Death
• Vulnerable female protagonist
• Monstrous other
• Dark mise-en-scence
• Secluded and isolated locations
• Children to promote loss of innocence
• Night-time setting
• Being hunted
• Body trauma
• Breakdown of technology
• Deserved Victims
• 
  

I feel I could achieve this well as the computer software could allow me to edit in a certain way to create horror effects. Also with horror, some films do not actually include the face of the antagonist or any weapons, therefore I wouldn't be faced with any moral or ethical issues as using weapons. My idea would be just to have the antagonist in the background of shots in a way in which the protagonist would not be aware of their where-abouts but the audience would, giving the omniscience and creating a connection between the audience and protagonist.
I could set my film trailer in a public place such as a park which I would not need any type of permission to film in, and film as it is getting dark to give the horror element. It would most likely be isolated at this time, also fitting within the horror element.

Films which fit within these elements include:

• The Women In Black
• You're Next
• Insidious
• Apartment 1303
• Mama
• Evil Dead
• Paranormal Activity
• The Conjuring