Using Conventions of Real Texts

In our AS coursework we analysed two opening sequences to films of the same genre we had chosen - horror/thriller. Therefore we watched and analysed the open sequence to The Ring and The Strangers. We noticed the main themes and conventions throughout the opening sequence of The Ring included the lighting being very dim and dark and the build up of tension throughout the opening scene. Although what is taking place in the scene isn’t necessarily scary, you get the feeling that something is going to happen which keeps the audience on edge. Conventions and aspects that we liked and therefore tried to portray in our production included having teenagers as the main characters, as this creates a sense of normality and something the audience can connect with. We also liked the idea of using different camera angles such as close ups to see the expressions and emotions of the characters. We were also influenced by some of the sound effects used in the scenes too. This included a telephone ringing, footsteps and high pitched noises. We thought these sounds helped create an eerie atmosphere.
In the opening sequence to The Strangers common conventions included the mystery that surrounded who was haunting the couple. This was apparent from the beginning. Conventions that was took on board from The Strangers opening sequence included using close ups of the character’s faces to show anxiety and confusion as well as wide shots of the thing that’s haunting them to allow the audience to establish the villain. Sound effects we liked and used from this opening was the slamming and shutting of the doors, we used the gate in ours, footsteps and strange noise coming from the woods. The location of the forest was also a similarity between The Strangers and our opening sequence.
We included the aspects that we liked by using certain camera angles such as close ups of the characters faces to show fear and emotion. We also planned the location and mise en scene to an eerie forest which added suspense and tension. We also used long shots to show the ‘ghost girl’ in order for the audience to be aware of her.

In our A2 coursework we looked at two Pop Rock music videos which were Miley Cyrus - 7 Things and Maroon 5 - Misery. The main convention we noticed in the ‘7 Things’ was that it was mainly performanced based. Ideas and conventions we took from this video, included the idea of heartbreak and young love being portrayed and also having several teenage girls appear in the video. We also liked the element of linking the lyrics with the visuals and it helped the audience to have a clearer understanding of the scene.
The main convention we noticed in Maroon 5’s video was the idea of the guy being in love with his girlfriend even though she still hurts him. We also noticed that the video was fragmented. Conventions we liked and took inspiration from was that the video was partly performance based and some of the lyrics linking with the visuals. From both of these music videos we took on board that they both included musical instruments to show the Rock elements but also featured bright colours to show the Pop side to the genre.
We portrayed these conventions by linking some of the lyrics with the visuals such as showing someone taking of a ring when the lyric ‘there’s a ring around my finger’ appears. We also featured a guitar to tie in with the Rock element of our video. We also had multiple female characters to show the importance of heartbreak being portrayed.