Empire Front Cover Analysis

The costume used for the front cover shows the three characters (Harry, Ron and Hermione) to be quite unkept as if they have not been home for a while. This is effective in promoting the film as it highlights that the characters are not as safe as they have been in previous films and that they are no longer in Hogwarts castle. The facial expressions used for the magazine cover are also effective in promoting the film. For example, each character looks very serious and focused, which shows that the film is very serious and that they are focused on destroying the enemy (Voldemort). The positioning of the three characters is also effective in promoting the film. For example, they are standing in a triangular like position with Harry slightly ahead of Ron and Hermione. This highlights that Harry is the one who can defeat the enemy but will always have the support of Ron and Hermione. The white background used is also effective in promoting the film, as it makes the three characters stand out and shows that they are the main characters in the film that have the task of defeating the enemy.

This Empire front cover is similar to the other front cover as it is also promoting the last film in the Harry Potter franchise, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2. However, this particular front cover does so in a more adult fashion. For example, the three characters Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Grainger (Emma Watson) are all very smartly dressed wearing suits and dresses, in comparison of the other Empire front cover which shows the characters as very rugged and unkept. This particular feature helps to highlight that this is the end of the Harry Potter franchise and that the three main actors have all grown up and are no longer Harry, Ron and Hermione anymore. However, the positioning of the three characters is exactly the same as the other front cover. For example, Harry is in the middle of a sort of triangle with Hermione on his left and Ron on his right , this is used  to help promote the latest film Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2. It does this by showing that Harry is the central character in the film and it is he that has to save the wizarding world but he will always have the support of Ron and Hermione. The dark background cover also gives this particular Empire magazine front cover a more adult feel to it it , to again highlight the last installment of the Harry Potter franchise. The bright lighting around the edge of the three characters also helps them to stand out as the three main characters in the franchise. This effect is used similary in the other Harry Potter Empire front cover.

Synergy between trailer/cover/poster

The Harry Potter advertising campaign is effective in creating synergy as it helps promote the film as a dramatic and dark final installment. For example, the use of dark colours and dramatic slogans such as "It All Ends Here" and "The Last Enemy Is Death" help connect the film posters to the  genre of the film. These dramatic effects also help maintain the massive Harry Potter fan base and target audience as they highlight the fact that this is the last ever Harry Potter film, "It All Ends Here", and also helps the film gain momentum prior to its release in July 2011. The trailer also keeps to the dark and dramatic nature of the advertising campaign, for example for much of the trailer you can hear a dark and sinister voiceover in the background of the films main villain Lord Voldemort. It also keeps to the dramatic effect by using cuts to "the motion picture event of a generation".

Trailer Analysis

The use of edits and sound in the trailer is effective as it creates a dramatic effect. For example, the trailer features of a lot of fast cross-cuts between scenes which highlight the "action packed" genre of the film. This is likely to once again create a huge amount of ticket sales for the second part of the final Harry Potter film. Another way the trailer creates dramatic effect is the use of sound. For example, their original Harry Potter theme starts off at a very slow tempo and then begins to quicken up. This again creates dramatic effect of the film and helps the trailer emphasise that this is the last ever Harry Potter film.

The use of camera angles is also effective in creating dramatic effect. For example the use of close ups and mid shots help to show tension for the characters which suggests that this film will be particular dramatic and exciting for fans.

The mise-en-scene used is also effective in creating dramatic effect. For example, the trailer primarily uses very dark lighting and the villain known as "Voldemort" is also dressed in black clothing. This suggests that this final Harry Potter installment will be very dark and full of suspense.

The titles used in the trailer are also effective in creating dramatic effect. For example, during the trailer a lot of cross cuts are made between actual film footage and title screens . These title screens are effective as they use words such as "Only One Can Live" this again shows the dark and dramatic genre of the film.

The second trailer I have chosen to analyse is "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (2003). I have chosen this particular trailer as it is in the same horror genre as my own upcoming film Hansel And Gretel. The use of sound and edits is effective in promoting the film as it uses a variety of dramatic and fast paced clips and sounds in order to create a "jumpy" atmosphere. I will try and replicate these sort of effects in my own trailer for Hansel And Gretel as I think they are very effective and clear in promoting the film in the horror genre. Another feature I might consider using for my trailer, which is used a few times in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre trailer is a voiceover. For example, it uses a women who is clearly distressed saying "they are all dead". This immediately promotes the film as a horror movie and is effective in creating tension. Personally, I believe that voiceovers used by various characters in the film are often effective in film trailers such as the ones used in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and therefore will be something I will consider using in my own film trailer.

Purposes Of Film Marketing

The purpose of trailers for marketing films is to persuade people to go and see that particular film. Quite often, they do this by showing the most dramatic and action packed parts of the film andd leave the trailer on a cliff hanger.
In terms of the purpose film magazine covers and posters is marketing the film is also to persuade people to go and see a film and appeal to its planned target audience. They do this by advertising particular famous cast members or the director of the film who often have their own fan base, which will generate a wider target audience and therefore attract more people to go and see the film.

Introduction

I am creating this blog to show my research of promotional packages of film and also to show planning and preparation for my task of creating a film trailer.