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Beano and Spiderman annotations with similarities & differences






Comic Essay
ESSAY:
ANALYSING THE FRONT COVER OF TWO COMICS


In this essay, I will be analysing and comparing two different comic book front covers. One of the front covers is from a young children’s comic, and the other front cover is from an older child/teenager’s comic. I will be looking at how they are each suited to their target audience and how they portray this through their front cover.

On the Beano comic, the masthead is big and bold; it stands out when you look at the comic. The typography is a clear, readable font. The main font is red, with an outline of yellow which connotates masculinity; as these colours are normally related to boys. The thick outline makes the masthead stand out. The speech bubble on the front cover says ‘It’s a girl!’ in a bold red which stands out. The font is big which highlights that the producers of the comic want the audience to notice it because it hints as to what the story inside is about. This makes the reader want to buy it to find out more. The typography for the plugs are simple to read and bold, which makes it easy for the audience to see what it says and decide if they are interested in what the comic has to offer.
On the Spiderman comic, the masthead is clear and bold and stands out of the page which catches attention of the audience. It is a metallic colour which usually relates to males, which connotates that the comic is targeted at males. The red and black outline of the slanted typography makes the masthead clearer and eye catching. The Publishers logo located at the top of the comic is simple and easy to read.

On the Beano comic, the full bleed image has a cartoon of Dennis, who is a stereotypical young boy which is connotated by him having wild hair, and wearing masculine colours of red and black. The image of Dennis demonstrates that the target audience is young boys because they would be the ones to relate to Dennis’ character. The colours used are bright and eye catching. This appeals to the younger audience because the colourful images and typography capture their attention.

The colours of the Spiderman comic are dark. These colours suggest that the comic is going to be mysterious and scary, as that is what dark colours usually connotate to. The scene of the image is set in a storm at night. There are lightening strikes and rain splashing off Spiderman’s back. He is in a crouching position which connotates that he is in the middle of action. The style of the image uses detail, and the colours and images also connotates that the story inside will be more scary; this suggests that the comic is targeted towards an older audience as the stories would be more suitable for them.

The Beano comic gives a lot of extra information. The information given gives an idea as to who the target audience is by including the price. The lower the price is, the more likely that the target audience is younger because it is more affordable. The more often the comic comes out, the more likely it is that the target audience is younger as they have a shorter attention span. The issue number helps the buyers keep up with the comics.

There isn’t much information supplied on the front of the Spiderman comic. It tells the audience who the Publisher’s are. This is useful because if comic collectors have bought comics published by the same company, they are more likely to buy the comic. There is a more expensive price because the stories are more likely to be longer. The target audience for this comic is an older generation, who have more money and a longer attention span. This comic also has a barcode which is useful for selling the comic.

The Beano comic’s target audience is young people. This is because of the bright colours, cartoon images and eye catching typography which is more likely to capture the attention of a younger audience. The price also indicates that the target audience is younger, as it is cheap and affordable. I think it is successful because it includes everything in which a younger audience would like.

The Spiderman comic’s target audience is for older people. This is suggested by the more detailed images, the darker colours and the higher price. The detailed images wouldn’t be suitable for a younger audience as they wouldn’t find it as fun and enjoyable to look at. The dark colours connotate scariness, which is suitable for the older audience as it is what they enjoy. The price is also higher because they can afford it. I think this is successful because it uses the right things to be aimed at an older audience.


Film

My Film Poster


Script-Tv interview

The studio has a sofa with a modern armchair slightly opposite for the presenter, with a table in between them for drinks. On the sofa are the two main cast members and the producer/director of the film.

Presenter
Hey everyone, I’m Ricky Williams and welcome to T4. Today have an amazing exclusive interview with Shelby Spring, Sam Baker and David Frankel from the new romantic comedy ‘Unexpected Choices’
(They enter and audience claps as they make their way to the sofa)
Presenter
Hey guys! Thank you for coming. I was able to come to your premiere in London and can I just say it was incredible! How did it feel walking on the red carpet for the first time Shelby?
Shelby
Oh wow, it was honestly one of the most amazing days of my life. I was so nervous though, I thought I would trip up or something! (laughs) And I had butterflies! But the dress David had got made for me was stunning, so I was completely over the moon that I got to wear it to such a brilliant event.
Presenter
I’m very jealous! Sam, this was your first major roll in a blockbuster film. How did you decide that you wanted to go for the male lead?
Sam
Umm…well I had been going to a theatre school from the age of 5, so even at that age I had my mind set on becoming an actor. My drama teacher kept me behind after a lesson and told me about this audition for a new romantic comedy called ‘unexpected choices’ I had heard about it being produced, and I knew the director was David Frankel who has directed a few of my favourite films, so I was really interested in auditioning.
Presenter
Well everyones glad that you did audition! (a few audience members cheer) David, you were at the auditions for both of your main parts, what did you think of them when they first auditioned?
David
Well they were both really great auditions. Shelby seemed shy and quiet, but as soon as she started acting it was like a completely different, confident person which we loved. We saw that Sam automatically had the charisma for the male lead and thought they were both perfect matches for the parts.
Presenter
They are both excellent. Shelby, what is your favourite scene in the movie? The trailer includes a lot of funny clips!
Shelby
There were so many funny scenes! The film really does live up to its genre ‘Romantic Comedy’ it has laughs and romance! My favourite scene had to be when we were in the school outside dining area, and Sam has to come over to me looking all cool and tries to impress me and make me laugh, but I don’t show any sign of interest, then a girl behind him trips and all her spaghetti goes all over him! My laugh in that scene is completely natural because it really was hilarious!
(presenter, guests and audience all laugh)
Presenter
I would have loved to of been there! Sam, what has been your best experience in your acting career yet?
Sam
The red carpet experiences have been amazing, all the premiers we did in London, Madrid, New York, LA and Paris were absolutely incredible and I loved it. It feels fantastic to be in such a good film that has been recommended by film critics! I also loved meeting some Hollywood actresses (smiles) they were really lovely!
Presenter
Yes I bet they were Sam! (laughs) David what made you want to turn one of the world’s bestselling novels into a film?
David
Well, I know many people that have read the book ‘Unexpected Choices’ and each one said they loved it. Its targeted more towards teenagers because its set in an American high school which has the typical cheerleaders, jocks, cliques, outcasts and everything, which every teenager can relate to. So I asked my teenage niece to read it and see what she thought. She isn’t much of a reader but she wouldn’t put this book down! Whenever I saw her she would go on about how good it was and how I should turn it into a film. So I decided to read it for myself, and it really was fantastic, a true romantic comedy and I couldn’t miss out an opportunity to direct and produce it. So I got talking to a few people, and two years later ‘Unexpected Choices’ is being premiered all over the world!
Presenter
I think the film will be a complete success, I’ve seen it and I loved it! Shelby, can you tell us the plot of the film?
Shelby
I’m not giving too much away, you’ll have to go and see it! But basically; a cool, popular jock who is loved by everyone and has girls lining up to go out with him sets his eyes on an unknown, quiet, kind of punky rock chick. She has absolutely no interest in him because he’s completely full of himself and thinks he can get anything he wants. The movie is about him trying to convince her that she should give him a chance. You’re going to have to watch it to find out what happens!
Presenter
(to the audience) Go and see it! Sam, some people have said that you’re a bit of a diva, what is your opinion on this?
Sam
(laughs) I’m not really
Shelby
(to sam) yes you are! He asked for a bowl of weetabix with sugar, strawberries and chocolate chips every morning! (laughs)
Presenter
Aah...thats the life! Shelby, before you became an actress, was there any other career paths you wanted to take?
Shelby
Hmm…well when I was about 10 I wanted to be a costume designer, for films and theatre productions. And that carried on until I was about 15, when my mum got me a job at her work which was at a theatre in London, where I was backstage helping with costumes. Then one day one of the actresses needed to practise her lines while she was waiting in the wings to go on stage, so I helped her. At the same time the director of the theatre production came past, and heard me helping with her lines. He said I was a natural at it! Then he got me private acting lessons and from there I got auditions! So it was a case of being in the right place at the right time! That’s why I believe in luck.
Presenter
Wow…that really is quite a career change! David, are you happy with the final product of the film?
David
I couldn’t be happier! These guys have done such a wonderful job and made my life so much easier because they were just naturals in front of the camera. All the cast and crew were fantastic and I think that this film is going to be a big hit.
Presenter
Well thank you so much for coming down and talking to us today
(Guests say ‘your welcome, thank you, our pleasure’)
Don’t miss out on the brand new romantic comedy ‘Unexpected Choices’ coming out on Valentines day!

Road to Perdition Analysis
Road to Perdition Analysis

The opening scene begins with a mid shot potentially in a bar which is suggested by the unfinished drinks at the foreground of the scene and the low, dreary lighting. It is a shallow shot which draws the focus to the men in the background. The mis-en-scene demonstrates that it is set in the mid 1900’s as the men are wearing long black trench coats and black hats which are connected with that era. The viewer is able to tell that these men are probably gangsters or shady people by observing the area in which they are situated and what they are wearing. There is music playing over the top of the scene which sounds haunting and miserable.

The following scene is a long shot of the men walking outside into the isolated street. The street is dark and it is raining, which creates a miserable yet mysterious vibe. By the slow pace that they are walking, the audience feel tension and are wary of an event which could possibly occur. The men all walk over to a posh, high end car which emphasises the likeliness that they are successful gangsters. The potential gang leader knocks on the car window and the men around him look confused as to what is going on. As he shakes the handle of the car, the drive falls headfirst into the steering wheel. The gang leader comes to the realisation that the driver is dead, which causes a look of dismay and uncertainty on his face. This suggests to the audience that there is definitely something dangerous lurking around. The haunting music is still playing in the background and all the characters actions are non diagetic; it is almost as if the actors are miming. This exaggerates the tension in the scene. Him and his gang members look around cautiously to see if there is anything around them that will cause them danger. Then a yellow flashing light is shown from a far distance. The camera is then focused back to the gang. The audience comes to the realisation that the yellow flashing light is actually gunshots. This becomes clear because the gang members have got their guns at the ready, demonstrating they are willing to fight back. One by one they are shot down except the gang leader, who is still beside the car. The audience Is then shown the back of someone walking towards the gang leader, with a large gun in his hand. This emphasises that he is probably powerful. The camera shows a close up of the gang leader’s face, which still shows uncertainty but with a hint of despair. who slowly turns around to face the gunman. They look at each other as if they have a past together which makes the audience think about what their relationship could be. The gang leader then says ‘I’m glad it’s you’. This is the only line in the whole scene; it also backs up the audiences idea of them having a relationship. I think this line means that out if anyone who could possibly want to put the gang leader in danger or kill them, he is happy that it is someone he knows and has a close association with. Then, without replying, the gunman shoots the gang leader a number of times. Yet the sorrow and pain of killing him is clear on the gunman’s face. He looks around the windows of houses on the street, and sees a number of people looking at what has just happened. As none of them have come to help, it emphasises the danger of the area and situation. The sound of the rain pouring down displays how quiet the surroundings have become. Also, rain is a miserable weather feature, so this connotates the sadness and dismay portrayed in this scene. The haunting music which has played throughout the scene continues, as the gunman walks away.

I think this was an extremely effective scene. Without using dialogue it managed to portray the mood of the scene by using haunting music and pouring rain to connotate misery. Also it was clear to what the situation was which was able to come across simply by close ups to show facial expressions and the actions of the actors. I chose this scene to analyse because I felt that it was the most effective and caught my attention because of the way the mood was developed.


Star Trek Essay
Comparing the effectiveness of a Poster and Trailer a of a film.

In this essay I will be talking about the effectiveness of the Star Trek poster and trailer from the reboot of the film in 2009 and how this film was marketed. The factors I will address in my essay include how the marketing capitalised the selling points and the films commercial success.
In 1966 an American science fiction television series called ‘Star Trek’ was first released, created by Gene Roddenberry. There were six of these series lasting until 2005. During this time from 1979 until 2002 eleven Star Trek films were also emancipated. The last film made in 2003 grossed £4.3 million. Compared to other films released in 2002 this was an unsuccessful film. Over the years, the audience for Star Trek decreased and the only audience left was the original Star Trek fans ‘Trekkies’. This made the makers of the film release that they had to re-invent Star Trek in order to make it successful again. They hired JJ Abrahams, who produced the trendy, popular, widely targeted series ‘Lost’. This was the new feel that they wanted for the reboot of Star Trek which was similar to successful films being released including Transformers and Iron man each grossing over £17 million.
The makers of the reboot for Star Trek wanted to completely move away from the geeky, sci fi feel and move towards a cutting edge vibe. They accomplished this by introducing a whole new cast which minimised the legacy of the old Star Trek and created a new fan base. They wanted to avoid the original context of the series and films which was just a package of science fiction. To make the reboot widely targeted, they included more action and visual effects. They also emphasised the higher budget effects that they were using to make it a more exciting experience created by JJ Abrahams. They released a teaser trailer in January 2008 nearly a year before the regular trailer in November 2008. The teaser poster was released at the same time as the regular trailer, and the official poster was released in April 2009. The film was released the following month which accentuated Paramount’s new cast, action effects and the work of JJ Abrahams.

The genre of this poster suggests action with a hint of science fiction. I know this because there is a man on a motorbike which emphasises action; however there is some kind of space ship in the distance on the right. The title of the film is ‘Star Trek’. The word ‘star’ relates to space and the word ‘trek’ demonstrates a type of adventure. This proposes that the film will be about an expedition in space. The enigma posted in the title makes the audience wonder what the purpose of the ‘Trek’ will be. The font of the title is bold which captures the audience’s attention and stands out of the page. The gold metallic colour connotates to stars; which matches the title ‘Star Trek’. Blue and black are the most used colours. This has connotations of a cool, mysterious theme. The black shadows on their faces raises enigma and posts a mystifying atmosphere. The design of the layout has 3 characters taking up half of the page. They are all looking directly towards the camera which makes the audience feel as if they are looking straight at them which is effective. The man in the middle has a determined look on his face, the man next to him seems as if he is concentrating on something, and the girl to the left of him has quite a sly yet slightly seductive facial expression. By the characters facial expressions and positioning, we can tell that the main character is the man in the middle, the man next to him is possibly helping him and the girl perhaps plays a love interest. The characters faces are big and bold, which emphasises the new cast members. The title is quite small, which demonstrates that the name of the film is not what they are trying to strongly display. The motorbike presents action which is what Paramount wanted to exaggerate upon so that it would relate to a wider audience, and the space ship presents science fiction, which also makes the ‘Trekkies’ interested in the film. The tagline ‘the future begins’ displays that this Star Trek is the start of something new.

The trailer for the reboot of Star Trek begins with a car chase in the middle of a barren dessert. The car used is particularly vintage, which minimises the science fiction legacy of Star Trek so that people do not instantaneously discontinue watching the trailer. The boy jumps out of the car just as it is about to speed off the edge of a cliff, which highlights the action feel of the film. This demonstrates that the boy is bored, so he is joyriding for the sheer entertainment of it. It displays that the boy is not scared of danger. This also thrills people and makes them persist on watching the trailer. Then the audience is introduced to the sci-fi side of the film when a hovering use of transport and a type of robot asks the boy of his identity, and he reveals himself as James Tiberious Kirk. This highlights the new cast and because he is a young boy, people will keep watching because it isn’t the same actor as the old Star Trek. The earliest title scene that comes up is Paramount. Paramount is a popular, successful movie making company which indicates to the audience that it will be a high production value film. This suggests to the audience that the film will include visual and special effects. Secondly the ‘Bad Robot’ logo appears which is usually associated with the work of JJ Abrahams and the long running TV series ‘Lost’. There is a bridging scene before we are introduced to JJ Abraham’s title scene. The title for Star Trek is not proposed until the end of the trailer. This was because Paramount didn’t want to place it at the beginning of the trailer because they didn’t want viewers to switch off as soon as they saw that it was Star Trek. The quick cut montage of the fast action clips and the fast tempo of the music in the background create excitement and thrill for the audience. Paramount and the makers of Star Trek obviously wanted to widen the audience range. They advertised towards women by including a couple of romantic scenes between an attractive man and woman. Finally, it is hinted towards the audience that something big and exciting will happen when James T Kirk says ‘Buckle up’ followed by a big explosion. This relates back to the beginning of the trailer when the audience realise that he is spirited and not afraid of danger.
In my opinion, both products are effective to support the campaign aims; however I think the trailer is most effective. I think this because the quick cuts, thrilling music and visual and special effects make the trailer exciting and make the audience want to watch the film. It also maximises the complete new cast and minimises the Star Trek legacy. The trailer also makes it appeal to a wider range of people including women by including romance. I think it is the most successful in promoting the reboot. Nevertheless both products proved successful in the marketing because the film grossed $385,494,555. This was a huge success compared to the last Star Trek film which only made £4.3million in its lifetime. Overall the marketing of the film was a commercial success.

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