iLL Manors Trailer Analysis

• What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided?

There are many codes and conventions of film trailers however all of them are portrayed in a different way but still follow a set of rules. The typical film trailer would reveal the equilibrium and disequilibrium, in order to show enigma codes to lure the audience in and captivate them. The first thing you are likely to see is the film production logo which usually appears within the first part of the trailer. The reputation of of the production can benefit the success of the film because if the audience have seen a film they've enjoyed produced by the same team they are more than likely to watch it. The film title is also crucial as it informs the audience what the film is called so they can go watch it if they enjoyed the trailer. Additionally, the title is most likely shown at the end so the audience can  remember it. Also. you will notice the BBFC age certification which any film released in the UK is awarded by the British board of film classification. This helps the audience to acknowledge whether the film will be suitable for them or their kids. Another important feature would be character introductions whether they have famous Hollywood characters or low budget ones which in this case would be low budget characters with whom the audience probably wasn't familiar with. Similarly, having known actors in the film will benefit the success in the same way as the production company because the audience are more likely to go watch a film that includes one of their favourite actors. Furthermore, music is a key feature because they show the pace of the film, in this trailer the music was a soundtrack made specifically for the film which helps the audience understand it better. In addition  to that, voice-overs are equally important because they guide the audience through the film plot and characters. However, in this instance, the soundtrack acted as the voice-over and the music. In every trailer there will also be name/text captions and these can be the actors names, directors name or producers and this is important because the audience can known if they are familiar with any of them and this will hep them decide whether they want to watch the film. In addition to that, they may also have written text which could either be a slogan or 1/2 lines about the genre of the film/plot. A film trailer will also usually have more than one trailer with different sections of the film edited together but there is an official trailer which has the duration of 1-3 minutes. A new convention would be social media which means trailers show social media sites to help the audience engage with the film. Lastly. the release date is the most key thing as it is essential for attracting a large audience to the opening night of the film. The release date is also shown at the end like the trailer to grab the audiences attention so that they remember it. 

• How are trailers distributed? 

The main way that trailers are distributed is through mobiles and online(social media). The distributors start to build awareness of their new film by posting updates online, this may include teaser images/videos that will begin to gain the audiences attention. They may also give out information while they are still shooting to help engage the audience and make them feel as a part of the whole process. The best way to do this is ideally through social media since that is what majority of the audience will have access to rather than websites. Furthermore, to get recommended is key as the audience are more than likely to go watch a film if a family member, friend or colleague recommend to watch it. The old fashion way would be through a poster, if the audience see a poster which interests them they are likely to go and watch the trailer to get a better insight into what its about and when its releasing, this is the most old and effective way. Additionally, trailers of other films are shown before a film starts in the cinema. 

• How does the Ill Manors trailer use trailer conventions?

The ill Manors trailer uses many trailer conventions. For example it uses non-diegetic, parallel music to match the trailer. One track is used to be parallel to the equilibrium and one is used to match the disequilibrium. Plan B has used/made his own tracks for the film, therefore, this synergy helps promote the film. The music throughout the film is told almost like a story, and can be seen as a voice over. The trailer is edited to be super fast, which foreshadows that the film itself is very quick. Furthermore, the use of extreme close-ups takes the idea away of it being a trailer and almost sets it out to be like a music video. In addition, there are clips that are shown insuper 8 which helps us differentiate the past and present. 

• Who is the target audience? Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? Consider the way the scenes are edited together – does the trailer give away any clues about the narrative? Are the main stars visible in the trailer? Is there information about the director of the film? Is there information about the release date? Is a narrator’s voice-over used? Why? 

The core target audience would be more males than females due to the fact that the reviews were from 'Men's Health magazine' and 'FHM.' Additionally, the urban soundtrack also relates to the male audience more than females and the subject matters that are addressed throughout the film seem to be aimed at the male demographic rather than the female, therefore I would argue that 60% of the audience would be male.  Furthermore, they would be young adults, aged 16-25. This is due to the fact that the film is based around British youth which involves drugs, sex and violence which mainly appeals to the youth market. Also, the film would be aimed at strugglers and perhaps explorers as strugglers are likely to seek escape from their own world and explorers are interested in experiencing new things, therefore may be open to watching a film directed by a music artist. The uses and gratifications theory is also present within the trailer as the film is there to entertain and seek some sort of escapism, however it is also there to educate the viewer about the effects of drugs, violence and sexual abuse and how these all inevitably lead to a downfall. we can tell that this film has a multi-strand narrative, as it doesn't focus on one person. Instead, it focuses on one than more character and their problems. One main thing that is revealed in a trailer, is the release date. The release date is revealed right at the end, as the audience would be more likely to remember it. 

• How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, settings, lighting, colour, music/dialogue, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?

The genre of Ill Manors is a teen urban crime drama; the audience can see this by the representation of the characters, setting and camera works used. The setting of the film is based on a council estate in London which shows the characters are allowed demographic class of D and E audience. Furthermore, the costume of hoodies and snapbacks reinforces the stereotype of a 'thug' as we would closely associate sportswear and hoodies with youths up to no good. However, we could also argue that this is part of the youth culture and that is how they dress. This is a negative representation of youths but also relates to Medhursts idea of stereotypes being shorthand.  There were a lot of different camera shots, movements and angles in the trailer. For example, there were close up's on certain characters faces so that the audience can get a glimpse, by the facial expressions, what sort of person they are. There were low angle shots on some characters to convey power which lets the audience know which characters will be the mostpowerful in the film. The non-diegetic music that is within the clip is produced by Plan B and his words act as a narration - like a voiceover as well as a soundtrack. The fact that he says 'I am the narrator, allow me to take you back and fourth through time,' reflects the idea of the whole film being a story that Plan B raps his way through. Also the use of the shot showing Plan B as he raps, 'I am the narrator,' shows how close the link between him and the film is. Also, due to the use of the diegetic sound of the dialogue, it allows the audience to understand the subject matter at hand and also get to know some of the characters. We see a shot of Kirby walking out of prison like a dominant character due to his stance and the way that he malevolently grins - which links to Propps theory of the 'villain.' The narrative structure of Todorov's disequilibrium is presented in this trailer too as we saw all the dysfunction of the urban life - revealing the negative representation of the genre within the film. 

iLL Manors Film Review

Plan/Notes

Director: 

• Benjamin Paul Ballance-Drew most commonly known as Plan B, who is a rap artist. He's produced an album named ill Manors alongside the film.

Main Stars: 

•  Ed Skrein is an English rapper and actor, he also played Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones. Riz Ahmed is an English actor who has also appeared in other films before starring in Ill Manors. He won awards for starring in Shifty, which is a British urban thriller. He won the award for being best actor. 

Plot: 

• The film is based around six short stories that all mix together to make one big story, Also, The main focus of the film is about the lives of the drug dealers and the struggles that emerge from taking drugs and selling drugs, also being involved in gang violence and the wrong company. The main character Aaron realises that as a young boy who grew up with no parents, he comes to know that there is an ongoing relationship and cycle with children who are abandoned at a young age, and for this reason, he changes his lifestyle for the better. 

Characters:

• Aaron - Riz Ahmed: The main character of the film is acquainted to the rest of the core characters. He is a drug dealer but he has particular principles which make him a moral character, compared to characters like Ed. Aaron is a character who see's people for who they are and wants to help others, this is shown in the scene when he helps Michelle.
•  Ed - Ed Skrein: Ed and Aaron are friends; Ed is also a drug dealer but is narcissistic and heartless, this is shown through a particular scene when he makes Michelle prostitute herself in order to get enough money to buy a new phone, even when he knows that she did not steal it.
•  Kirby - Keith Coggins: Kirby is the infamous drug dealer in the neighbourhood, although he appears to be small he is still a strong man and shows his dominance, this is highlighted through a particular scene when Kirby makes Marcel run home naked.
•  Chris - Lee Allen: Chris was taught by Kirby and therefore became dominant and superior to him as he grew older. He is also a drug dealer but he seeks revenge as his half-sister Chanel is murdered.

Genre:

• The genre of the film is urban, crime and drama. It accurately portrays the harsh reality of the situation and also reveals an ever further brutal picture of the truth. It also includes sexual and criminal activity. 

Soundtrack:

• One specific thing I noticed with the soundtrack was that most of the songs, reflected the narrative that was occurring. For instance, when the Russian woman was leaving her baby on the train, the song represented her history with her abusive boyfriend/husband. These were very effective, as not only did they tell a story, but they also allowed the audience to become more engaged with the concept through the music. The use of narrative and music linking in one sequence, was effective as I could understand the problems in the film and in society nowadays. The atmosphere the songs created, in particular the song 'Ill Manors', was very sensitive, as we knew there would always be a segregation between the council bred children and the 'rich boys', as said in the song.

Audience:

• The film is aimed at the youth market and the young adult market as the subject matter is relevant to them, causing them to relate to the film and understand the film. The film is also aimed at the working class as it is a low budget film yet acts as a powerful film with a strong message of urban life and the rapid downfall of infamously superior individuals.

The British Film Industry: Institutional Context

• What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?

If a film does not qualify as a co-production, it must pass the British Film Institute’s Cultural Test in order to be defined as British. The Cultural Test is divided into four sections and a film must score at least 16 out of a possible 31 points to be classified as British. The four sections are: Cultural Context, Cultural Contribution, Cultural Hubs and Cultural Practitioners.

• Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test.

Sweeney: 

Financing: Budget £3 million

Cultural Test: Set in London = 4 points 

                       Lead characters are British = 4 points 

                       Based on British subject matter = 4 points 

                       English dialogue = 6 points 

                       British creativity/ diversity = 4 points 

                       Cultural Hubs = 2 

                       Cultural practitioners = 7

                       31/31

Attack The Block:

Financing: Budget £8 million; box office $5.8 million 

Cultural Test: Set in London = 4 points 

                       Lead characters are British = 4 points 

                        English dialogue = 6 points 

                       British creativity/ diversity = 4 points 

                       Cultural Hubs = 2 

                       Cultural practitioners = 7

                       27/31 

The King's Speech:

Financing: Budget $15 million; box office $414.2 million 

Cultural Test: Set in London = 4 points

                       Based on British subject matter = 4 points 

                       English dialogue = 6 point

                       British creativity/ diversity = 4 points 

                       Cultural Hubs = 2 

                       Cultural practitioners = 7

                       27/31 

We Need To Talk About Kevin:
Financing: Budget $7 million; box office $9.2 million 

Cultural Test: English dialogue = 6 points 

                       Cultural Hubs = 2 

                       Cultural practitioners = 2

                       10/31 

Skyfall:

Financing: Budget $150 - 200 million; box office $1. 109 billion 

Cultural Test: Set in London = 4 points 

                       Lead characters are British = 4 points 

                       Film based on British subject matter = 4 points 

                       English dialogue = 6 points 

                       British heritage = 4 points 

                       Cultural practitioners = 5 points 

                       27/31

• What is the main problem for the British film industry?

Many UK films are made but, in order to get the film exhibited, the filmmakers have to sacrifice the distribution rights by selling the film to a distribution company. Once sold, all revenue from cinema screenings, DVD and Blu-ray sales, plus sales to television companies, are lost. Even a highly successful British film is not necessarily making money that will be reinvested in British filmmaking.

• What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

British film makers could rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry going strong. However, the essence the film being 'British' may be lost. The second option is to make low budget films which are targeted at a niche, British audience. This would mean that the film will be able to remain a 'British' film, however the cost of the filom would be lower, which could potentially effect the profits and box-office takings. 

•  In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?

In my opinion  British film makers shoukd rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry going strong.

Section B: The British Film Industry

• Write a definition of what makes a film British.

It could be said that if a film is made in Britain then it is a British film but other criteria to consider is whether the people making the film are British, if is it funded from within Britain, are the cast British, is the film’s subject matter about Britain or British culture, all these criteria when judged could mean that the film is British or not.

• What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?

Hollywood production context means that most films made by Hollywood studios have high budgets, a heavy reliance on celebrities both in the cast and crew and spectacle driven stories. Whereas the independent production context films tend to have low budgets, character rather than spectacle driven stories and a heavier reliance on word of mouth and viral advertising. The British film production context does not have as many clearly defined characteristics.

• When did the James Bond franchise start?

The 1960s brought about the start of the James Bond franchise as well as a greater involvement of American money and talent

• In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?

The 1970s sees a rise in British Films of sexual content, both the act of sex 

and sex linked to violence. 

The 1980s see the rise of videos and the ‘video nasty’s scare where film-making was becoming more accessible and more extreme content was being created and finding its way to Britain. a continual evolution of film censorship and classification in this country has happened since the 1980s that sees all films released in the UK to have one of 7 classifications awarded to it.

• What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.

Many British films tend to centre on topics and 

issues that deeply concern British society. 

Issues such as class, politics, social change and education are some of the many issues that British film has explored throughout its history. Many of the representations of different groups within British film focus and change according to these issues, for instance if we take the representation of youth in British films. This became a topic of increasing importance from the 1950s onwards. For example if we look at the way youth is portrayed in a very singular way in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange. This is portrayed through British Cinema and into current films such as Eden Lake, where we see a similar set of values being given to the youthful antagonists of the film. Both play into the stereotype that youth are rule breaking rebels that tend towards the violent.

• What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?

The main characteristics that can be identified as appealing to a native British audience would include; the actors, British actors tend to be clearly identifiable as British and will often be associated with a particular genre of British film, for example Hugh Grant having an association with British romantic comedies. British locations tend to be a heavily used feature of the film, with London being the most popular, although we have seen a rise in popularity of northern towns and cities being used in many British films. However the overwhelming characteristics that will most appeal to a British audience is the social theme that provides the through line for many British film narratives. The British audience has a keen interest in British films that focus on class, social strife, education and more.

January Assessment: Learner Response 

WWW: clear wiring, focused on the questions

EBI: lacks reference to media theory or use of media terminology= re-do Q3.

How is family represented in the film?

The family is represented in an emotional way. This is due to the fact that instead of using any objects the whole concept of a seatbelt is portrayed through the wife and daughter of the driver. As well as showing the safety that is ensured when wearing a seatbelt the advertisement also gives us an insight of how the family is also gravely effected by the accident of a loved one, this is highlighted in this advertisement when the father(driver) is about to have a accident and the camera cuts to a shot of the daughter and her facial expression shows distress and worry. Furthermore, the advertisement represents the stereotypical nuclear family, they also appear to be middle-classed. The family also represents a strong team. On the other hand, the advertisement is patriarchal due to the male dominance shown through the driver being the man while the mother and daughter sit at home, this reinforces gender stereotypes. However, the advertisement also subverts the stereotype because the man ends up being protected by the females. Linking this back to Medhurst's theory of stereotyping being shorthand. This is highlighted in this advertisement as we see in a short space of time how the man is ideally driving, probably to work whereas the wife stays home with the kids. In addition to that, Perkin's theory suggests that the stereotype of women shown in this advertisement is partly true since they do have the main responsibility of being home with the kids. However, the stereotype shown when the mother and daughter rescue the driver is also a positive stereotype.