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.