Media Studies

Within my A-level media course in Component 3 we had to create a marketing campaign for a film poster, thus constructing this we had full individual creativity through the making of this. Therefore I created a horror film called ‘The Backrooms’, I used a range of media language codes, so its easy for the audience to identify the genre.

I created A DVD cover, teaser poster and a theatrical release poster. I really enjoyed the creative side to learning as I was able to learn more about the digital software’s that we used, such as adobe premiere pro and InDesign.  Within the DVD cover I have established the genre by depicting stereotypical conventions including a medium close up of the main protagonist using and panic-stricken facial expression with her mouth open screaming.

Furthering this notion, I used conventional horror themes such as the lighting, I will use chiaroscuro lighting on the main protagonist to enable enigma codes to the audience providing an unsettling tone. Advancing this, in the thumbnail images on the DVD the setting used will decode a barren empty room will and unknown entity lurking, again adding enigma elements to further fulfil the horror genre.

I have obtained both stereotypical and atypical representations of victims in horror films, through the use of gender. The stereotypical representation of women may appeal to an older audience as it may align with their ideologies.

From the use of context women are traditionally seen as damsels in distress needing to be saved in movies, this can be shown on my poster through the use of facial expressions; the female protagonist (willow, who also represents the ethnic community) is seen to be shocked and scared. However, as the narrative progresses in my film, willow is faced with inner demons and relentless challenges and her character develops into a strong and independent woman as in the end she finally escapes the backrooms.

To develop this idea, I’m also portraying a more intricate and powerful storyline through the narrative of the backrooms. As the back rooms has a deeper and fulfilling hidden narrative surrounding the main character. The back rooms symbolise the struggles and challenges mixed raced people may feel as they have hardships in feeling where they belong (shown as she gets trapped the backrooms, reflecting that she feels trapped in society).

However, willow works through these feelings (shown through she narrative when she escapes the backrooms) and thus positions her as a role model for ethnic minorities who may feel to be in the same situation.

This contemporary film reflects the social issues and change within society and thus engages an educated audience who are already aware or informs people who may not be. Therefore, this movie acts as a unique selling point and stands out against other horrors within the movie industry. I have taken inspiration from my film from movies such as ‘Nope’, by representing many different representations such as the ethnic community and women.