Research Report

When completing the research task I aimed to use the research in order to give me a more specific idea of how to construct my text and what to include throughout it. I also aimed to identify a specific target audience and then aim my film at this audience specifically, in order to ensure success when attempting to attract an audience to watch the film. I was lacking in a plot and some of the sub context that is highly important in the genre. I hoped, and aimed, to gain this knowledge through my research and also get a clearer understanding of what the audience expects from a film within this category. 


I chose to pursue the film trailer option as I had various ideas and plans for a crime/thriller trailer already  and fell like this option will challenge me most, and push me to produce a better text. I chose not to choose an advert as I felt like, although I could produce a very successful text, it would not be all that challenging to film as it would be in one location and most likely filmed in one day. If i were to have filmed an advert i would have used food as the main focus. I also chose not to do a music video as, honestly, I was disinterested. I have more interest, and freedom, when creating a trailer and can use more variety, in terms of shots and locations. I therefore, am happy with the choice to do a trailer and am confident that I can create a successful trailer that is appealing to the audience.

Firstly, in order to start planning I needed to identify my target audience, and in order to do so I carried out a survey into my chosen genre and film type specifically. I was unsure as to choose to create an under class style, or a Mafia/gangster style trailer. Throughout audience feedback collect via my survey, it is now clear that the audience prefers a Mafia style film overall. It has also been identified that the audience wish to see a male protagonist rather than a female, as they stereotypically prefer a male, and think that it suits the role better. I therefore have the opportunity to either conform to this or not, allowing me to justify either gender choice. I also looked closely into the age brackets that my target audience comes under, in order to further target my film well and also know what rating most accurately applies to my film trailer. This is important as if i were to choose too high a rating, such as 18 for example, all those that are under that age but interested wouldn't be able to view my film, meaning a loss in money.

Surprisingly however, the films normally also are aimed at both males and females, with many using female characters as heavy parts throughout so both genders can feel some sense of connection and reality to the film. The target age is usually around 15-30, as some older viewers may be put off by the violence, however many of these films are still loved by viewers outside this age bracket, showing that the film can be successfully aimed at a various age range. This shows that despite having a primary target audience, there is a secondary target audience comprising of a smaller majority of fans of the genre from other age or gender brackets, meaning that the film genre as a whole is still highly successful and the Mafia style film is still highly favoured amongst todays market. This therefore gives me more freedom overall as i know that whatever content i choose to include, if using the genres conventions, will appeal to some area or aspect of my target audience as it is so broad. 


Also, I found from research that Loyalty, Self destruction, Rivalry, evil/arrogance, fierce ambition and reality versus appearance are all common aspects of the genre, and Mafia films in particular. Loyalty specifically is important as it is usually present between family and/or the gang. The plot often revolves around this theme, showing characters willing to die for family and their gangs. This therefore shows that it is a main aspect and should be important when deciding a plot for my trailer and film. Another important factor is Evil/Arrogance as the antagonist can be portrayed as ultimately evil, not showing any signs of morality at all. The gangster character is normally shown as the dark in the dark versus light theme that is normally present, the law being the light. Thirdly, Appearance versus reality is important as commonly the glamorous life of a gangster is heavily contrasted by the violent truth behind it. Many of the gangsters seem appealing to women through their power, wealth and sometimes looks, however the other side of the characters shows that they are not nice individuals and have a harsh violent side to them.


From further research i have also managed to identify various sub contexts of the genre, this being films that are based on or contain real life events. They are all set in large cities and follow the control of them by Mafias also, many of which show a contrast between normal family life and daily activities such as going to clubs and drinking, compared to the highly violent and extremely illegal activities that the characters are involved in. Audiences in particular feel that the film is more involving or that they have learnt something more if the film is based on real life events, as the events and characters are not simply made up by screenwriters and directors, but are actually the sick and twisted, in most cases, lives of real people. Many of the films highlight the fear that these real gangsters bought into many lives and also how their power enables them to illegally control cities, which for even a modern audience is a terrifying thought, and a possibility as it still occurs today in some cities. These films for that reason therefore further engage the audience as it is more realistic and relatable. Many films in the genre also focus on the light against dark or good versus evil themes that are common in many other genres also, allowing the audience to relate to the good characters. Audiences will also identify strong themes of morality, making them question their own throughout the films, as they will constantly ask themselves, 'What would i do?' if they were in the situation, seen heavily throughout my research. 

Moreover, the audience feedback and research into target audience has been highly successful as i have found the target audience and their likes and dislikes, allowing me to further plan a trailer that will appeal to them and not disinterest them, making my film trailer a failure. I now also know that a Mafia style film will be more successful and appealing to my target audience than an underclass and more gritty style film would be, giving me a clear indication as to what style film i shall create. The contextual research also has been a huge help in particular, as it allows me to know what themes are common in films in my chosen genre of crime and mafia, and therefore include these in a subtle way throughout my film trailer. I now know that a good versus evil theme is good to hint at throughout my trailer, using techniques such as low key and high key lighting when filming my good (protagonist) characters and the bad/evil (antagonistic) characters. This theme and other aspects of my research will enable me to select different shot types and utilise various high and low angles throughout my trailer in order to reflect the themes. Also, the research conducted into biographical context and themes and themes is highly important as it gives me multiple aspects that should be included in my film, giving me conventions that, although can be subverted, should be followed in order to create the genre and allow the audience to identify this genre. 

Overall, the research that has been conducted by myself has enabled me to target a specific audience and given me a clear indication of how and what i should include min terms of content in my trailer. The research into audience also has given me a clear judgment of age rating and also what content to include and not include in order to keep a younger audience of around 15. The research overall has been extremely helpful and has given me a clearer understanding of where i need to go in terms of planning and then production, giving me a starting point in the process. It has given me large insight into the genre and given me the knowledge i was lacking in, allowing me to create a plot for my trailer and focus more in depth on themes and the sub culture of the genre. I can now start to proceed with the planning stage, using my research to precisely target the correct audience and also to ensure success of my film trailer, and that if it were to advertise a real film then it would do so successfully in a professional manner.