A Field In England: Question

1)     How was A Field in England’s release different to typical film releases?

A Field in England’s release was different to typical film releases as they had released the film on all platforms on the same day and time. So the distributor had released the film in art house cinemas, and also on film 4, DVD and VoD. This was different as art house films are mainly shown in theatres and they are limited across the UK.   

2)     What are the advantages to releasing the film across all platforms on the same day?

An advantage of this would be that the film would be able to find its target audience and also be able to stay up in the art house cinemas for longer. Also, if they release it on all platforms at once they save money as they can market one big solid campaign, rather than individual ones. This also makes it easier to access for the audience that find it hard to reach the art house cinemas and travel long distances. This easy accessibility would lead for the film to be watched more than once.

3)     What are the disadvantages to this approach?

The main disadvantage that I see is that there would be a decrease in the sales of DVD’s as the audience would be able to record the film on Film 4 and watch it as many times as they want.

4)     What target audience would “A Field in England” is aimed at? Demographics/psychographics.

The target audience for this film would be explorers as this is an art house film, which is a type of films that is known for having a meaning/that make you think, so this would have a niche audience are known to try new things that the mainstreamers wouldn’t. The demographics for this group would be A/B this would be higher/middle classes who are able to understand and comprehend the messages of films rather than just for enjoyment.

  

5)     Do you think all films in the future will be released across all platforms simultaneously in the future?

NO, I significantly doubt that all films will be released in the same manner as A Field in England because big budget Hollywood films are made with the intention to make profit rather than have an actual meaning to it, so by releasing their film across all platforms, at the same time would significantly decrease the profits and sales of the film and cost millions. However, I do believe this method of release maybe used more in relation to art house film industry, as this will widen the audience and increase their awareness.

A Field In England: Media Magazine Article

The media magazine article on “A Field in England” starts off explaining and describing the normal distribution tactics of big budget Hollywood films being $50 million dollars. Then it goes on to state the new method that this film has employed to increase the amount of people that want to watch it but aren’t able to make it to the art-house theatres, by releasing the film on multiple platforms, and enables them to watch it again on DVD/Blu-ray/VoD. There are statistics of major institutions, like Sony. Also, it goes to talk about the funding of the film from like the BFI’s lottery-financed film fund, which is approximately £23 million. The article also states that releasing the film on all platforms is the future of distribution and A Field in England gives a small glimpse into the future. The article has interviews from Anna Higgs, an executive producer. There are statistics of the films first weekend, where it made £21,399. Also, states the viewership on film for totalled 357,000. It also states that the film was a trending topic and that the sales on the Friday of DVD from Amazon and HMV. 

Ill Manors: YouTube Channel

Ill Manors: YouTube Channel – Plan B UK

1)     How was the Plan B UK YouTube channel used to promote the Ill Manors film?

The YouTube channel is used to promote Ill Manors as it shows the official trailer of the movie and also any exclusives to do with the film, also there is clear use of the music being associated with the channel for promotion.

2)     Find examples of synergy/cross-promotion between the Plan B UK YouTube channel and other media texts you have studied as part of the case study. Explain how they both promote the film and appeal to the Ill Manors target audience.

The YouTube Channel uses cross promotes the music videos for the film. For example, the music video of the ill manors song ‘playing with fire’.  They promote the film as it shows another angle to the Ill Manors film. As the songs narrate the story, and rather than giving away the narrative they cover it whilst showing glimpses. This channel appeals to the Ill Manors target audience as it shows videos related to the film.

3)     What links to other social networking sites can you find on the Plan B UK channel homepage?

The links to social networks are Facebook, Twitter, Google + and sound cloud. 

Ill Manors: Twitter Feed

Ill Manors Twitter Feed

1)     How does the Ill Manors Twitter Feed use the Ill Manors Brand to promote the film?

The consistency of the brand is shown through to their Twitter account as they have used the same warped buildings and Riz Ahmed as in the background. This promotes the film as it presents the setting of the film and creates more enigma codes with the gun and recurring building styles.

2)     What Hashtags are used on the Ill Manors Twitter Feed?

#ILLMANORS

3)     Find 3 celebrities the Ill Manors Twitter feed Re-tweet to promote the film and explain how they appeal to the Ill Manors target audience.

4)     How has the Ill Manors Twitter feed used pictures to help promote the film?

The Ill Manors Twitter feed uses pictures to present images of the stills from the film, pictures from the audience with actors of Ill Manor, as well as pictures of them with Plan B. These show that the actors are friendly and help show the contrasts to the film.

5)     Find examples of the Ill Manors Tag London Campaign in the Ill Manors Twitter feed and explain how they help to target the right audience for the film.

The tag London campaign helps to target the right audience by giving the choice of what to be spray painted on to a wall. The audience that has issues or problems with the government and that relate to the Ill Manors story. The tweet helps the audience generate the content by asking questions.

6)     How the Ill Manors were were twitter feed used to specifically promote the release of the film (May/June 2012) and the release on DVD (2012)? Chose three tweets for each and explain and explain how they effectively promote the film?

The first tweet shows the countdown to the release of the film by using quotes from the music video. This is effective as they use parts from the film to promote the film. The second tweet shows the quote from Ill Manors which presents a biased opinion to promote the film. The third shows a warning type message to prevent under 18’s watching but in reality it influences them to watch it. For the DVD, the first tweet shows the curiosity of fans that wanted limited edition DVD’s and the reply to it shows when the actual release is. The second tweet promotes the DVD as it shows when and how you can order the DVD, so that it pre-ordered. This is effective as it makes the audience want the DVD’s guaranteed to receive a copy.

Ill Manors: Facebook Page

Ill Manors Facebook Page

1)    How many ‘likes’ has the Ill Manors page had?

The Ill Manors page has had 30,127 like.

2)     What is the top of the page promoting?

The top of the page promotes the DVD, Blu-ray, download and On-Demand copies of Ill Manors.

3)   Choose 5 posts on the page’s wall and screenshot them and explain how they appeal to the Ill Manor’s target audience?

The first post I have chosen is the music video of Ill Manors. This post appeals to the target audience as it links into Plan B’s fan base, as they like his music and are most likely to follow Plans B’s movements. The second post that appeals to the Ill Manor’s target audience as it is the promotion of the trailer, thus increases the curiosity of watching both the trailer and actual film when it comes. The third Facebook post would appeal to the Ill Manors target audience as it presents its success at the box office, as well as being nominated for an award. The fourth post that appeals to the target audience of Ill Manors are glimpses of certain parts of the film, where a lot of enigma codes are present; this is appealing as it generates questions and creates intrigue in the audiences mind. The fifth post appeals to the target audience as it is an interview about one of the characters and gives his real side, this appeals to the Ill Manors target audience as it generates interest in to the Ed’s character.

4)     Find 3 examples of synergy with other platforms and explain how each one promotes the film?

The first evidence of synergy between the E-media and the Broadcast platform is the revelation to the new Ill Manors poster. This promoted the film as it shows another posters with the same information but in another format. The next post that shows synergy is the release of the ‘Playing with fire’ music video. This video promotes the film as it shows one of the narrative songs used in a different light as well as glimpses of the film. The third evidence of synergy is the timeline photo. This promotes the film as it promotes the broadcast platform by informing the reader about the release of the DVD and other formats of the film.

5)     Find 3 examples on the Facebook wall of opportunities for user generated content/audience interactions.

6)     Find 3 examples on the Facebook page cross-promoting the soundtrack/DVD?

7)     Find the Twitter Graffiti campaign link in the Facebook wall and screenshot it.

8)     How did the institution use the Facebook page to promote the film’s release in May/June 2012?

The institution used Facebook to promote the film’s release in May/June by posting status revolving around the film, as well as stills of them films and Photos, of live events of actual promoting by Plan B and/or the cast. They used it to show insiders and present links to other formats. They also used Facebook as a countdown to the film’s release. 

Ill Manors: Official Website

1)      How does Ill Manors Official website promote the film?

The Ill Manors official website promotes the film as the first link on the site is towards the trailer; this presents the audience with the trailer and gives them a glimpse of what the film is about. The second link presents the synopsis of the film, which gives the audience a brief description of the narrative. Also, on the site there is signs of social media e.g. Facebook and twitter. Along with a link that says Ill Manors buy now of the house. Another, clear example of Ill Manors being promoted is the white bold writing in the centre offering Ill Manors on a variety of platforms, like Blu-ray, DVD and Download. This is effective as it appeals to a large variety of people.

2)      What examples can you find of the Ill Manors Brand on the website?

The same typography of Ill Manors is used throughout the platforms. Also, the buildings are the same estates that have been used in the other platforms. There is clear evidence of intertextuality as there is the film poster of Ill Manors behind the characters. Furthermore, the house is similar to the one used in the film itself.  

3)      What links does the website offer?

The links that the website offers is to the trailer, synopsis, Ben Drew, Stills from the film, videos, buying merchandise/DVDS, Links, Reactions and the Ill Manors Album. There are also links social media platforms.

4)      What examples of synergy can you find between the website home page and the print/Broadcast Platform?

The first example of synergy is the film poster of Ill manors in the background. The next example is the use of the same weather and buildings on all the print texts. The third example of synergy of is the social media sites and the #Ill Manors being integrated in to the building. The next example is the link to the broadcast platform where they are promoting the Ill Manors Album.

5)      List the links to social media on the website homepage. Why are these important?

The clearest two links to social media are Facebook and Twitter. These links are important because they lead to a large open format, where the Film can be talked about and promoted at all times. On Facebook the Ill Manors Page can post pictures, videos and updates of its entire different platforms. 

Ill Manors: Tag London Campaign

1)      Summarise the Ill Manors Tag London Campaign in 100 words.

The Ill Manors Tag London Campaign enabled the public to voice their opinions on the current climate of the UK and have it projected on to landmarks and buildings in London, for example House of Parliaments. The institution had chosen 300 tweets and projected them at night. This was user generated content, as the tweets were produced on twitter. This method of promotion directly appealed to the target audience as they were given a platform where they were able to give their opinion and not be censored. This made the person tweeting feel included in the campaign.

2)      How does the Ill Manors Tag London Campaign help promote the film?

This helps promote the film as synergy to the Ted X lecture and the Music video and these both root from the Film. The Ted X lecture links to the campaign as it is about the different problems with society and the Medias demonization of the young people. The campaign links to the music video and its album as some of the ideas that were present in the music video. For example, David Cameron was being slandered on the video. This all links to the film as the music and film intertwine as a narrative.

3)      What links are there between the Tag London campaign and other texts you have studied as part of the Ill manors case study?

The first link is the NME Magazine where the Plan B is presented as a rebel and is smoking whilst putting his middle finger up at the reader and there being a tagline of “Beware David Cameron, Plan B is coming for YOU…” This links to the campaign as there were many critics of David Cameron that had tweeted about the Government being rubbish. Another link is the Music video of Ill Manors as it presents a representation of all the people who follow Plan B based on his music and/or Film.

4)      Why might user-generated campaigns like this be more successful than traditional media campaigns?

The user-generated campaign is more likely to be successful as it has a unique selling point. This actually enables the target audience to get involved and in the actual process of promotion indirectly. User-generated campaigns are unique.

5)      Chose 5 of the tweets and for each one write down what the target audience the tweet could appeal to (Demographic/Psychographics) and then link the tweet to one other media text you have studied as part of the Ill Manors case study (TEDx lecture, music, video etc). Justify your link for each tweet using examples from the film/promotional material.

“Sounds like the truth #IllMANORS” This tweet would appeal to people 16-35 year olds, this is because they would comprehend the problems with the government and media today and the demonised portrayal of council housed young people. The psychographic group that this tweet would fit in to is reformers as they are rebellious, socially aware and pride themselves on tolerance. This tweet links to the music video of Ill Manors as the ideology behind this quote is similar to the one of Plan B’s in the music video, where David Cameron is portrayed in a negative light.

“The recession is a world scheme to keep the poor, poor. The rich of this world have never being richer. #ILLMANORS” This tweet would appeal to the 20+ demographic as it would make sense for people that are actually experience the full brunt of the recession would understand the meanings. The psychographic group that this appeals to is the strugglers as they are often seen as victims and losers. This tweet would link to the music video as it also presents a question in the strength and legitimacy of the Government and authority.

“#ILLMANORS Inclusion not Exclusion” This tweet would appeal to a majority of the teenagers between the ages of 16-21, this is because they understand the fact that they have been excluded and stereotyped by the media and society. This tweet belongs to the aspirers’ psychographic group this is because these are acquisitive people that are driven by others’ perceptions of them, so they are driven by the negative views of society. This tweet links to the TEDx lecture as it presents the idea of the youths being demonised and excluded by the society.

“London is calling, the city is crumbling #ILLMANORS” This tweet would appeal to a similar age group to the youths that took part in the London riots, as the city crumbling could represent the riots. The psychographic group that this tweet appeals to the reformer group as it inter-links with struggling in life. This links to the Music video, as in it there were small sections that showed real footage of the riots.

“Plan B’s #ILLMANORS movement is sick, get involved” this would appeal to the younger demographic approximately the ages of 16-20. This is due to the fact that it has a sort of childish feel/essence to it. The psychographic group this would appeal to is the mainstreamers, as they would be doing activities things that the majority would do. This links to the TEDx lecture as in the lecture Plan B talks about change and this tweet turns it into a movement that will bring change. 

MEST 1: Exam: Learner Response

WWW- Your Mise-en-scene answer is excellent but aside from this we have some work to do. 

EBI- You are missing out many obvious points, particularly for representation: The family is white, middle class, stereotypical etc.  For Q1, again you miss the more obvious points of the task – how is it different to most road safety adverts. Re-write Q1 + Q3 on your blog.

Q1) The institution takes a unique selling point on the issue of road safety. This advert has a unique sell point as it is put in to slow motion and this contrasts to typical car accident adverts, where there is a lot of blood and use of shock tactics. There has been no shock tactics, but an opposite to shock tactics, as there is no blood or gore from the accident. Instead there has been the use of a warm, welcoming and comfortable home used. This advert has a positive slogan of embrace life, which promotes happiness of being alive and it connotes the idea of always wearing a seatbelt for your family, this represented by the family coming to the aide of the father.

This advert takes an original and unique step in promoting road safety by using physical theatre and scenarios. Stereotypically in road safety adverts there is always blood and smashed cars, to portray accidents in a negative light and harmful. However, in this advert there is no actual car or street, this is an original step as it hasn’t been used before. Also, the actual idea they are promoting and raising awareness for, meaning the seatbelt have replaced the seat belt with the family, who is there in dangerous accidents. This is effective and unique as it is able to fill the void of it.

Furthermore, the institution uses a new method to approach road safety. Instead, of an actual car and street, they have been replaced with the family and the home. This is polysemic, as it can be connoted that the seatbelt is like family and has a strong bond and is there for our salvation. Also I can connote that not wearing seatbelts is simultaneously harmful for both the driver and family.

Q3) The representation of family in the short film is as a supporting and always there when there is trouble. This is evident from the family members act as a seatbelt saving the fathers life. They are represented as a strong team, this evident as the daughter wrapped her arms around his waist and the mother wrapped her hands around the father’s torso. This presents them as a strong team as they supported each other when the “car” made impact.  It also presents a safe and positive message towards the audience about seatbelts being lifesaving. This is evident as the metaphoric seatbelt saved the husband from being a thrown out the “windscreen” Also due to the fact that cars are used on a daily basis; the lifesaving ideology is continually presented in the positive light. The family was in Hi-key lighting, represents them being on the light side, creating a holy and godly effect.

According to Perkins, stereotypes can be good, which is portrayed in this short film of a nuclear family. The institution has recreated a stereotypical car crash with a twist, as it’s in a house. This stereotype promoted family values. An example of this is the family being together and sharing there joy and sorrows together. Medhurst stereotype connotes the negative half of the car crash, of when the car is smashed and broken down. There is also the stereotypical white middle class family; this is evident from the 2 parents, and also the setting, as we could see objects that would be stereotypically in a white, working class man’s house. For example, a television and toys. 

Ill Manors: Print Platform: Advertising

1)     What are the key conventions that help you identify the print text?

    This print text has a tag line, the name of the film in bold, a release date and the distributor name.  

2)     What design features help identify the Ill Manors Brand?

     The typography of the film helps identify the brand along with the buildings that are seen in the urban council estates.

3)  What examples of synergy can you find with the broadcast platform/other print examples?

There is synergy from the typography of the Ill Manors as it has been used on the all mediums of the broadcast and print platforms. 

1)      What are the key conventions that help you identify the print text?

The DVD cover has reviews from magazines/website; also there is the title and central image. The distributor is also present in the corner along with an age certificate, and the director’s name.  

2)     What design features help identify the Ill Manors Brand?

The typography of the film helps identify the brand along with the buildings that are seen distorted and look caving in. Also there is the gun, which is a macguffin in the film.

3)     What examples of synergy can you find with the broadcast platform/other print examples?

There is synergy from the typography of the Ill Manors as it has been used on the all mediums of the broadcast and print platforms. Also, the gun is used in the trailers and some of the posters. 

1)      What are the key conventions that help you identify the print text?

This example has one bold review from a magazine. Also there is the title and images of all the 8 main character. The names of all the actors' names are there along with a credit block.   

2)     What design features help identify the Ill Manors Brand?

The typography of the film helps identify the brand.  

3)     What examples of synergy can you find with the broadcast platform/other print examples?

There is synergy from the typography of the Ill Manors as it has been used on the all mediums of the broadcast and print platforms. Also, a few of the character on the poster have been seen on the music video. 

Ill Manors: Print Platform

What identifies that this is a print platform?

Men’s health magazine is identified as a print platform because it’s an interview of Plan B and it has his responses from the interview. Q magazine is identified as a print platform because it contains Plan B’s reaction to winning the best track award. The guardian magazine is easily identified as a print platform due to the structure of the article as it embeds quotes from Plan B and has images related to the article. The Shortlist magazine is also identified as a print platform due to its structure as it has a clear Q and A section.

Do any of the articles do more than entertain? How?

For the Men’s health magazine does more than entertain as it informs, his fan base that are overweight on how to lose weight, by presenting his fitness regime to them and how it’s beneficial to them. This article is entertaining, for Plan B’s fan base as he has won an award for his music. The article in the guardian magazine is detailed and has anecdotes within it that assists in entertaining and is also highly informative as it presents details on Plan B and his past. The article is informative in the Shortlist magazine as the questions help uncover the different origins of different aspects of the film like the music loads.

Does this platform allow the audience to participate/contribute?

No, the men’s magazine doesn’t do either. Q magazine does not allow the audience to contribute, but does allow the audience to participate in Plan B’s Award. The guardian doesn’t allow either. The shortlist magazine doesn’t allow either.

What codes/conventions of print interviews are apparent in the examples?

For the Men’s health magazine there is a central image along with a question and answer section with Plan B. Also there is a Headline and subheading. For Q magazine, there is a Headline and subheading and also quotes from Plan B on his reaction of winning. In the guardian magazine there are the following codes/conventions; headline, subheading, paragraphs, quotes and images. The codes and conventions that are evident in the shortlist magazine are the Q and A and the Bold Headline.

How is narrative used to tell a story in each text?

For the Men’s health magazine, the questions and responses lead on to the next point and flow. Q Magazine does not have a solid structure but rather the main story and then quotes from Plan B. For the guardian magazine, the article covers several aspects of Plan B’s journey in making Ill Manors, and it mentions about Plan B’s family and his upbringing. Narrative is used to tell a story in this text as each question talks about different aspects.

What synergy can you find between this text and the broadcast examples we have studied?

For the Men’s health magazine, there is synergy between the Ted X lecture and this text as the way Plan B has been presented it is similar to the audience that he was targeting in the lecture. The synergy from Q magazine is to Ill manors music and its track in the film, so it links to both the music and the film; this is because the music and film are inter-linked. Synergy is evident in the guardian magazine as it covers aspects from the Ted X lectures and also in some sense promotes his music as he talks about the origins of ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’.  There is synergy evident in the shortlist interview as it links to the film and the problem Plan B has presented in music video of the Government.