1. For the film “Gone” by Athens Productions
Presentation by Emma Chaplain-Payne
2. We interviewed some members of our target audience
to receive feedback about what their favourite film
genre was and why. As you can see in the video on my
blog, they all considered Thriller to be one of their
favourite film genres. The main reason for this was
because of the mystery and tension created in Thriller
films therefore, we ensured that our film “Gone”
created suspense and had these effects on our
audience. (You can also view the interview via this link
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z408cRruqpc)
3. Elements in our film that a typical target
audience member would find appealing are;
Mystery and tension.
Representation of both genders.
Age of the characters.
The film genre.
4. The first two opening minutes of our
film creates quite a lot of mystery and
gradually builds the tension. Our
opening doesn’t reveal much about the
Stalker and why they are kidnapping
these teenagers in particular; this would
attract a typical Thriller fan. Also, the
film starts by showing just an ordinary
day for the teenaged boy (Brad) on his
journey home from school. Then all of a
sudden, the Stalker makes their attack
and kidnaps him.
5. The next scene adds another
surprise to the storyline by showing
that his sister (Sophie) has also been
kidnapped. This would keep the
audience on edge as they wouldn’t
know what to expect next; the
opening hopefully raises a lot of
questions for the audience that the
film will later answer.
6. Not only does the storyline for “Gone”
create mystery and tension, we have also
used technical elements. Editing and
sounds have been used to create more of
an atmosphere whilst watching the film,
which will add to the audience’s
experience.
For example, our film uses a certain piece
of tense music played on strings which
became a motif for the stalker throughout
the film. Therefore, when this music is
played later on in the film, the audience will
immediately recognise that the stalker is
going to appear.
7. We used deliberate cuts and fades in
the editing process to create
suspense. For example, the medium
close-up shot of the Stalker
approaching Brad on the swing shows
the Stalker place their hand on Brad’s
shoulder. Then the shot fades straight
to the basement scene where the
two teenagers are tied up; this
creates more of an effect on the
audience as it hints at violence but
the audience don’t see it. This also
adds more elements of mystery.
8. The social groups represented in our film reflect the ages of our target audience
members. Both genders are equally represented in the first two minutes of “Gone”
which means the film would attract both males and female audience members
because they would be able to relate to it.
The character of Brad subverts the stereotype that it’s usually teenaged girls that are
more vulnerable however, this will cause the audience to feel empathy towards this
character. Parents watching the film will feel this towards Brad and Sophie as they feel
protective over children. Furthermore, the character of the Father conforms to the
positive stereotype that males protect their family. Therefore, members of the
audience that are Fathers may relate to the emotions that this character shows.
In addition, the character of the Stalker is a female represented in a negative way. This
character subverts the stereotype that females have a motherly instinct; this may
surprise female audience members.
9. As the film is rated a 15, our film represents teenagers and
adults. The two teenagers, Brad and Sophie, represent the
younger generation. Then the Father and Stalker represent
the slightly older members of the audience.
As the film shows Brad and Sophie getting kidnapped, it
could add a sense of fear for the teenagers watching the film
or allow them to relate to the characters. Most teenagers
would stereotypically hang out at the park on their way
home from school. This would also create tension which is
one of the factors that our target audience members found
appealing.
The Father character represents older males and parents.
They may be able to relate to the worry that this character is
experiencing as they would worry about their own children
being kidnapped.
10. The interview with some of the target audience
members for “Gone” revealed that the Thriller
genre is quite popular. We used the film “Taken”
as an inspiration for our film, which allowed us
to ensure that our film follows, develops and
challenges some the conventions of a Thriller
film.
Our film followed the conventions of the
opening titles and using a male character as the
protagonist or hero for example. By following
some of the conventions, it makes the audience
feel more comfortable when watching the film.
They would be able to recognise some of the
typical elements of a Thriller film.
Taken
Gone
11. However, to make our film more unique and
interesting for the audience, we developed and
challenged some of the conventions. The
developed convention was to place the film title
“Gone” at the end of the opening. This would be
the last thing the audience would see and
therefore, the title would be more memorable.
Furthermore, the challenged conventions were
the genders of the victim and stalker. The
perpetrator is usually a male but we decided to
subvert the stereotype and used a female
character to be the Stalker. Also, young females
are usually considered to be the victim but we
used a young male character; this will hopefully
be unexpected by the audience and surprising.
12. We have to face many disadvantages compared to large established
film studios when it comes to attracting an audience. Companies such
as Universal and 20th Century Fox are able to employ famous actors,
which will then attract a larger audience. Also, as their films have well
established directors, they will immediately gain a reputation.
However, as we are considered a very small production company, we
do not have the budget or contacts to guarantee a certain audience. If
we were to distribute and market our film, it would have to be
through Guerrilla marketing methods. This would mean advertising
“Gone” in an unconventional way that used a low budget such as;
posters and word-of-mouth. Whereas larger film studios are able to
afford trailers and other more conventional methods of marketing
