Task: Storyboard an Existing Film Trailer

Taking the last task a step further, you could always create a storyboard for an existing film trailer. This will help demonstrate the type of camera shot/angles/movement that are typical of trailers of that genre, but it was also show you how pace is created through editing and sound.

Depending on the genre you think you'll choose for your A2 piece, a really good example is the trailer for The Lovely Bones. The trailer begins like a teenage romantic comedy or family film, but the tone quickly changes around 0.34 when the character's narration reveals that she was murdered. This is then followed by a black screen, but when the moving image continues the colour-palette is of a noticeably darker hue. This is paralleled with the change in soundtrack and the slow-motion shots of the main character with the diegetic sound of a gentleman's voice off-screen. From then on, the tone is more sombre, but in true trailer fashion the pace increases towards 1.30 to mirror the panic of her father as he tries to solve the mystery of what has happened to his daughter. As the intensity of the soundtrack increases, so does the speed of the montage of shots until it comes to its climax at the same time the screen turns black at 2.21, before a final teaser shot and the title of the film.



This is a typical structure of a horror/thriller, but other genres follow a similar narrative structure. Have a go and see for yourselves!

Task: Film Trailer Captions Timeline

This is a really effective task to help you understand the structure of film trailers. Create a 'timeline' of when and where the captions appear in film trailers; this will help to structure your own project, but also show that you understand and have adhered to the codes and conventions of your genre of choice. Here is an example for This is England:

Remember to summarise what you've found and include the video of the trailer you have analysed in your post as well.

Task: Research Activity Suggestions

Below is a mind-map of some research activities you could do for your blog. Remember to try to link as much as possible to the genre you think you're going to choose for your own trailer.


This is from the website Exam Time - a very useful tool! You are assessed on your use of technology, so you want to aim to display your work through lots of different digital tools and mediums. Why not try using your own animated mind-map for your next post?



Mind Map created by Vicky Farrimond with GoConqr

Success at A2: The Importance of Research

Just a quick note to remind you that detailed research/exploration of existing examples is even more important at A2.

For most of you, your main target is to provide more evidence of planning and research before starting your practical task; make sure you keep up-to-date with the suggested blog tasks I'm setting for you to ensure you have enough detail to achieve the top band for your R&P.

Please note, you will also need to complete tasks based on the lessons you have with RAB as well as mine; there should be a blog post after each theory lesson (the more detailed the better). You should also use your class notes to inform your research.

Task: Film Poster Analysis

Choose two film posters of contrasting genres and analyse both – it will demonstrate how designers communicate genres through the features on the posters.

It would be useful to analyse a genre you’re considering tackling for your A2 piece (if you have any initial ideas for it).


Use the following to help:

•P: Product – What genre is it? What is the plot?
•I: Images – Including colours
•L: Lettering – Font style, colour, size
•O: Organisation – Where is the title placed? Billing?
•C: Codes & conventions – of that particular genre

Film Poster Terminology and Features

Below is screen-grab of the slide you saw in today's lesson.

Task: Film Promotion Continuity

Find two examples of film posters of different (preferably contrasting) genres. Include the images on your blog.

Explore the ways in which they are consistent with their accompanying film trailers (include the link or embed the video) in style, and also how they convey the plot and appeal to their target audience. (e.g. the age of the actors)

A2 Media Studies Brief

Welcome to A2 Media Studies!

After the excellence you demonstrated in your AS coursework, I am excited to see what you'll create for the following A2 brief:

A promotion package for a new film, to include a trailer, together with two ancillary tasks:
• a film magazine front cover, featuring the film;
• a poster for the film. 


Remember, you're assessed on ...

• your ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills (AO3);
• your application of knowledge and understanding in evaluating your own work, showing how meanings and responses are created (AO2);
• and, finally, your ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research (AO4).

Good luck, work hard and HAVE FUN :)