What I have learnt from my research

From my research I have learnt a lot about the history of horror; where it all started, how it changed over the years and the different opinions on the different phases. How horror genres and characters get recycled and every few decades remakes will be made, how the public responded to different films and decades and why certain events in certain decades influenced different horror films. I also learnt about video nasties and how the government responded, I learnt that the British film company Hammer Horror has made lots of successful Horror films- some I didn’t even realise.

I have also learnt about two key theories in films- Male Gaze and Final Girl, I have learnt how common they are and key signs to look out for in films that support the theories- I personally agree with the theories however do think they aren’t as common in newer films.  I had already heard of Jeremy Tunstall’s theory of 4 roles for women (domestic, martial, consumer and sexual object) I had heard this in a film I watched, but didn’t remember them all clearly, I can remember them all now and I agree with them however think there should be an educated role as some characters don’t fit in any of the 4. 

I have learnt about trailer conventions; what trailers will include- 4-5 jump scares, they will include key characters, they will tell you parts of the story- usually the back story but the not all the story as it will give too much away and no one will go and see the film, they need to get people intrigued. The shots in the trailer need to be quick and different angles to make the trailer more entertaining.

I have also learnt about the marketing of a film; where you advertise depending on your target audience, what different types of advertisement is available and how successful they all are. I also learnt about the role of a film distributor and how important they are, how much money is spent on the advertising and how important it is that it is done correctly. I have learnt about the difference between teaser posters and trailers. 

I have also learnt how to properly analyse a film, trailer, poster and company using theories, codes and conventions and knowledge and how important each aspect is in order for a successful release.