PowerPoint Presentation

Evaluation Question 2How effective is the combination of your main task and ancillary tasks?ReviewHow does the way that the review attracts an audience to my film differ from the way that my poster does?

A film review and a film poster both have different and respective functions and purposes. An audience that enjoy an intellectual film magazine discussing complex issues in particular films, and prefer to read analytical reviews of films, rather than judge with their eyes on a poster, would be the more attracted audience. The poster can attract anybody, and is usually advertised freely, whereas review readers of magazines such as Sight & Sound are willing to pay money from their salary to explore in-depth analysis of films. I believe that the audiences for both may differentiate, with a smaller minority of the overall audience willing to read the review, which takes much more time and effort than analysing a poster.How does my review inform my audience about my film?

My film review references my film and its key issues and themes, through a critical analytic point of view from a film critic assigned to international film magazine, "Sight & Sound". In each paragraph, critic Michael Brooks offers his opinions on certain aspects of my short film, Solitude, breaking down certain topics and disputing them realistically. The review openly compliments my film, whilst also lambasting it in an honest manner, in order to provide constructive criticism to help me improve as a film director. Directly quoting the critic, Brooks says his arsenal of cinematography angles and shots must vastly improve, and then going on to say credit to the young man and good luck to him, showing both positive and negative viewpoints.

Is my review in any way biased and what might the impact of this be?

I do not believe my review is biased, as I have openly criticised myself constructively, analysing both positive and negative aspects of the film. Admittedly, some audience members could view my review as a biased work, as I have positively complimented myself, and this may detrimentally affect the number of people who read my review, and ultimately the number who want to view my film, because they feel it is being over sold and is just going to be a disappointing contrast from what the review has promised.

in his defence

but rememberFrom reading the review what do we learn/understand about the genre of/audience for/directors rationale behind the film?

The genre of the film is actually referenced to in the text, allowing the audience to obtain a complete understanding of the genre used in my film. I know from my own research that a niche audience is my primary target, and likely the ones reading my review. Niche audiences are very informed members of the unconventional film industry, and are often more openly technical and critical of certain micro elements used within films. Coming to the director himself (myself), the audience are enabled to see the comparisons between his first feature film, and his current short, as both protagonists display signs of isolation and a lack and lust for human contact.

How effectively does my Film Review break down the themes and issues that are the chief concern of my film?

My review communicates the themes and issues of my short film in an indistinct manner, with the issues of drug and alcohol abuse briefly touched upon, whilst key themes such as appearance versus reality are briefly touched upon. I believe I referenced to certain key themes and issues, without mentioning them directly. My indiscrete manner may negatively backfire as I do not explore each issue or theme in-depth, instead preferring to focus on the behind-the-scenes effects on my film. However, I have in some cases attempted to explore certain themes and issues; Solitude sees a young man attempt to establish a connection between himself and a young woman, in his path to manhood, but without actually referencing the issue/theme directly in wording.

PosterFrom looking at theposterwhat do we learn/understand about the style of/genre of/audience for thefilm?

From looking at the poster, we learn that the style of the poster is that of a sombre nature, due to the clear signs of despair and gloom shown by the female in frame. It clearly exemplifies the usage of the natural environment and location shooting. This reinforces the fabricated nature of film posters targeted at niche audiences, differing heavily from the conventional posters targeted at mainstream audiences.

How effectively does the poster reflect/represent the themes and issues of the film?

Notable themes and issues connoted through the poster include isolation, neglect and mental imprisonment. Through elements such as the females desolate stature, and the work of cinematography highlighting the half-empty beer bottle in the foreground, they effectively convey the typical themes and issues highlighted within my short film.

How far and how effectively does the poster reflect the style of the film?

The style of the film is reflected through the use of several film award laurels, demonstrating the film is critically acclaimed by the wider audience, and thus appeals to a certain audience demographic, therefore a certain film style. The realistic nature of my poster holds notable social realist conventions; review quotes, awards and a tagline. These all connote to represent a solemn tone whereby it is not made for pure entertainment, but for interpretive, realist purposes.

How effectively does my poster promote my short film?

Through usage of award laurels, star reviews and constructive quotes, my poster effectively promotes my short film. They connote the message that my film is appreciated by others, especially by film and newspaper critics. A great example is the emphasis on BEACON AWARDS, heavily promoting the company through a bold dark usage of colour, which also suggests that my film is worthy of the companys importance.

Short FilmWhat key thematic elements are common to both the main and ancillary tasks? How are these explored/represented differently in each?Key thematic elements that are common in both the main and ancillary tasks are that they all follow social realism conventions to represent the social realism genre. The film does this by using untrained actors, themes and issues in its narrative, and naturalistic lighting/settings for verisimilitude.

Both actors participating were untrainedDo the review and poster convey/ communicate the same message/ meaning as the film or do they mediate narrative/ characterisation elements?Both ancillary tasks and the main task communicate the same messages and meanings of rejection, isolation and neglect. These are represented through micro elements such as the alcohol bottle placed next to the female, and these narrative elements offer reason behind the messages/meanings mentioned.

What narrative elements are common to both the main and ancillary tasks?

The narrative elements common in both the main and ancillary tasks is they all highlight the issues associated with the female character, through her mentally unstable nature, her drastic decision making, and resort to using alcohol and drugs as a means of escapism. There seems to be no solution to the females problem, until the entrance of the young man provides her with a means of safety and security a break away from reality.

16How do my ancillary tasks impact on my main product?The review impacts the film by revealing detailed background information on the story using comparisons to professional texts similar to my own. I reference my previous film, Truant, noting the similarities between both. The poster impacts my main task by giving a simplified insight into the issues and themes and a summary of the film by providing iconic imagery.