Sharina Gondalia
Media Studies Coursework
‘Unknown Stranger’ Evaluation
‘Unknown Stranger’ is the name of my three minute opening of a thriller film. I had the role of the director for the opening along with two students who had the role of cameraman and editing. As the genre is a thriller the aim was to create a sense of mystery and fear. It’s a linear narrative because it starts in chronological order; where a girl protagonist is working in the library and the rest of the events take place in straight order.
Promotion and Distribution
I would advertise this film on billboards and posters as this would be eye-catching and stand out to the audience. Another promoting strategy I would use is trailers building up suspense for the audience. This would be advertised on channels aimed at my target audience and mainly at the evening because most people watch T.V at this time. I would advertise it on radio stations to increase awareness of the film as a lot of people listen to the radio. I would also use social internet networking sites like facebook, because they are popular and would be sent to a variety of people and the film would be well known.
My film would be distributed in mainstream cinema because the audience can enjoy thriller cinematic effects. The tag line for my film is ‘Who could it be?’
Production process
My role as a director was to ensure that the types of shots used fitted into the narrative and genre of the film. For example the main cinematic conventions used in ‘Unknown Stranger’ were close ups to portray the character’s emotions of fear and panic. Also the use of frightening music to create a fearful atmosphere so the audience can sense something will go wrong and decided to keep no dialogue as it was more effective and builds up suspense.
The beginning of the scene is in the library where some students including the protagonist are working. One by one all the students leave except for the protagonist. As she is working, she gets a message from an unknown number which freaks her out and gives a medium close up of her reaction. Next shot she is walking around the library looking for a book. There is a loud bang and this startles her as she thought she was alone in the library and is still in a scared state, but is relieved to find it was only a student who dropped a book. Creating tension for the audience as they think something would happen, so in a way they are relieved as well. Ends with a loud dramatic bang, she is grabbed by an ‘Unknown Stranger.’ This creates a sense of unpredictability as it wasn’t what the audience was expecting. I had an image on how the film should look and set the tone of a thriller and so the audience gain effective cinematic experience. The cliff-hanger and not providing the audience with not much information is deliberate to leave them wanting to know more.
Audience
My target audience is in the 15-25 categories for male and female because most people at this age like thriller movies at, however anyone above 25 who like thriller films could also watch it. The questionnaire shows that my film would appeal to the D/E socio economic group, which include students because they are more interested in thriller movies. Whereas people who belong in the C1/C2 category said it’s not really their type of movie. I have received positive feedback from the audience as they liked the film opening.
Evaluation
Overall, I have met the audience expectations because I have achieved high mark rates for my film. I was successful in achieving effective thriller cinematic elements as the audience liked the effects of the film because it created a terrifying atmosphere. Main strength was how the suspense was created and engaged the audience to watch the rest of the film.
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