Trailer Preparation

Introduction

Now that I have completed my first draft for my script, it is time to begin the production part  of the story-telling unit. This consists of either a 2 minute trailer or opening 2 minutes of my script.

Here we are given around 3 weeks to create our trailer, where we are given the opportunity to book out the cameras supplied at the Maidstone Studios. Initially when I heard that the final deadline was in 3 weeks, I began to panic as I had little preparation for how I'm going to shoot and do my script as well as improve on my script!

To help me with my planning, Simon advised us to plan my trailer development into different sections e.g. whose in the cast, the content, etc.

The Content 

As mentioned earlier, I am focusing my 2 minutes as a trailer. This means it should include parts of my script which are the most attractive and exciting for my audience. Nevertheless, i have decided to go for a different attempt of a trailer. Instead of focusing on just action clips throughout the two minutes, I have decided to use a split-screen for the majority of my trailer. This will focus on the two brothers - one on each side. However towards the end of the trailer the screen should revert back to one screen. This is to signify 'The Meeting' of the two brothers as they come together towards the climax, as Joe is saved from his brother Tay from being attacked by tay's gang. Throughout the trailer however I may intentionally break the split-screen idea, however only to reinforce important parts of my trailer.

Nevertheless, my trailer should essentially focus on the characters - it should show what they're like and  allow the audience to learn about them within the trailer. This links me to my next point of my trailer reinforcing the setting of my story. One of the main purposes of my story is to reinforce the gritty nature found in areas around the UK. This means that my trailer must include traces of poverty and run-down areas which help to link to my characters, as it shows how they adapt to the harsh-living surroundings, similar to the representation of areas of London and the setting in the series 'Top Boy'. This can be done  by including abandoned houses, multi-storey flats, closed shops etc.

Despite this, the trailer must also contain elements of drama as well as important elements of my story. For example, showing Joe in need of help, him being chased, the field where it happens, etc. Additionally, I could also include the aftermath of Tay being stabbed  (e.g. him laying on the floor) however only show it for a couple of seconds at the end of my trailer. This creates an enigmatic ending as the audience may become interested and want to know what happened and why he is on the floor.

Location and Production Design

For my trailer, I have all my locations prepared and ready to be used for shooting. They are:
     - An empty field (Jacksons)
     - Long, narrow alley (Chatham)
     - Friend's flat

Additionally, the dress code for my trailer is also fairly straightforward. The dress code must relate to the gritty nature meaning clothing which isn't expensive, as well as helping to signify my characters. For example, because Tay is in a gang, he should wear tracksuits only as well as frequently being seen with his hood up. This should juxtapose against Joe who should be wearing school uniform (as my story happens before and after school) thus showing the differences between the two brothers.

Shooting my Trailer

Because I am shooting a trailer, the use of the camera is very important - every clip must be quickly recognisable as some may only be a second or two long. Nevertheless, my trailer must have a recurring theme of a gritty nature, so that the audience can learn the setting of my story. This can be done by having scenes showing the setting of my story (as mentioned earlier). 

Realism too should be conveyed - this can be done by using a hand-held camera which too intensifies the scene, making it suitable for a trailer.

More importantly, the trailer must remain emotive - this can be shown by using close ups and portraying the characters NVC.

Although trailers are only short, it is important that the audience can learn what happens within the story, as well as gaining an idea on who my characters are. This means that my trailer MUST show or give hints of the main parts of my story, such as:
     - The rivalry of the two brothers. This can be shown by showing the two brothers fighting at the
       beginning of my story.
     - The reinforcement of the location and gritty nature (as mentioned earlier)
     - The problem in my story - showing the boys chasing Joe
     - Parts of my story's climax, however this should be done carefully because revealing too much of    
       the climax may ruin the film for some of the audience as they know what happens

Post-production Elements

To reinforce the intensity and drama in my trailer, I'm also planning to use some other elements to make my trailer seem more attractive for the audience.

Firstly, I feel that it is important that I use some form of almost 'grimy' music to help add to the setting and idea of my film. So here, I looked at trailers which would be similar to mine. I looked at the trailer for a film called 'Adulthood' - this film used grime music (such as bass line, rapping, etc) which I found quite useful as it helped to add to the theme of the film. However I plan to use a soundtrack which is slightly more emotive, however it must reinforce the poverty and intensity of my trailer.

I'm also planning to use voice overs of my main characters - Joe and Tay. This is so that the audience can familiarise with what the characters sound like (and generally what they are like). However I could also include a voice over of the two brother's mother - perhaps showing that she is distraught that the two brothers don't get along. This will help to enhance the emotions within my trailer.

In general, I will be using a variety of different post-production elements. For example, selective focus, enhanced lighting, diverse compositions, etc (basically conventional elements which is evident in most trailers and films, etc). Nevertheless I will reassure that these elements help to convey the meaning of 'The Meeting' - to help reinforce it and make it evident for the audience. This includes the idea of creating a split-screen (as mentioned earlier), however I am planning on creating a title ending (potentially a title start, depending on if I have enough time in my trailer) which when viewing you can instantly recognise the setting of my film. To do this, I could create a blurred scene which however shows the iconic flat-buildings and run-down areas, which then the title 'The Meeting' appears.

Conclusion

Although some of these ideas may be difficult to convey, I generally plan to focus on:
- Character development and emotions
- Location recongition (the 'gritty' setting)
- Conveys conventions of the drama genre
- What actually happens in the story