Promotional Package - Drama Genre

As part of my research and planning I have been asked to look into the promotional package for one specific film and their genre. Doing such I decided to look into the promotional package for the film 'The Fault in Our Stars'; with the genre of the film being drama I felt it is what I am interested in most and consequently what genre we would want to look into when making our own promotional package for a film.

Poster

Like most posters this one doesn't give away too much information on the film before it is released. The angle in which the photograph is taken portrays to the audience that the characters are somewhat inferior to the situations around them. The way they are placed in the photograph also makes it as if they fit into each other, showing the relationship of the two characters. Additionally with the photograph being taken a birds eye view it links to the name of the film as it looks as if that is what they are looking at. The blue and white text also contrasts nicely with the photograph making the it the main focus in the poster, the blue also links to the color of the sky which is again relative to the title of the film.

Magazine Cover

Actors from the Fault in Our Stars model for the front of Entertainment Magazine to promote their new film. As shown to the left of the magazine cover, the cover for of the film was used to ensure that the audience knew which film these actors were related to. This shows similarities to the poster and also the trailer ensuring that a house style was used across the board. This makes it easier for the target audience to recognize the film and its features from one way of promotion to another. The colors of the text nicely contrast with the colors in the photograph  making them stand out and easier to read, consequently the colors in the photograph are light. Using colors such as white and cream are associated with happiness, which is the expression/emotion the actors are showing in the photograph. The way the photograph is taken shows the relationship of the actors in the film, as well as in real life, which would give some fans reassurance. The cover also includes positive reviews from the film stating that it was 'the greatest romance story of this decade' again giving the film the right buzz and therefore supports the positive promotional package which the distribution company would want.

Trailer

Clip taken from the trailer, uses the same house theme (colors and font) as well as not giving too much information away. The black background contrasts the blue and white writing (colors which are linked to the sky) making it the only thing to focus on in the shot.

Opening wide shot of the trailer, clearly links to the name of the film relating to stars, automatically shows the link and leaves the audience wondering. The black sky in contrast with the stars makes them easier to see and much more  to the audience.

Links to the title of the film, shows that the character is inferior from the angle in which the clip is shot making the audience look down on the character. It also sets a very dramatic scene as the character is alone, centre of frame and the lighting in the shot is very dull.

Trailer

With this featuring at the very beginning of the trailer it sets the scene for the audience. 20th Century Fox are a major film institution and therefore have the funds to produce high quality film productions. Using such film company, with relatively high budgets would mean that things such as A List celebrities, special effects, etc. are more likely to be the main aspects of the this film.

Each clip also changes with the music, which makes the trailer easier to watch. It also means that not a lot of information is given away, although enough to grab the audiences attention. The screenshots to the left both show before and after the music changes. The music chosen for the trailer also fits the genre being drama, with it not being too overpowering and changing in-between speech from the characters. The music throughout the trailer always fits what is happening in the scene, either it be fast/dramatic or slow.  

Target Audience

Demographic

• The age range for this film I would say would be 12+ although not specified in the trailer I think this would age appropriate. I don't think anyone younger than this age would really grasp the concept of the film. Although, primarily I think that the film is aimed at the age of people aged 14-18.
• Typically the film would really only be suited to western cultures as the film is American and features American actors. Also countries in the Eastern world would struggle with the language barriers as well as not understanding certain cultures and ways of life.​

​Psychographic

• Would generally fit 'main-streamers' as they like to keep up with new trends and as we can see this was a big trend across a lot of boards.
• More specifically it would fit into the group of people who are interested in romantic dramas.

Evaluation

After looking into the promotional package for the Fault in Our Stars I now know what is needed to make a successful trailer, poster and magazine cover to ensure the film is targeted at the right audience and distributed in the right way. I know that a house style must be used throughout the course of my work, as well as making the trailer short and snappy.