PRINT BRIEF

Planning and sketching

1) Target audience might be interested in -

• Target audience between the ages of 16- 30 years old
• Targeted at a C/D demographic - strugglers and reformers: people who want change and learn from their mistakes
• Interested in shows such as: Topboy and Youngers. Movies: Ill Manors, Kidulthood and Adulthood because the show is to do with educating the youth of today's society
• Mainstreamers: love for popular brands such as Nike, Adidas etc.. 

How can you use this information to create a main cover story and smaller cover lines that will appeal to your E4 target audience?

Using similar tag lines which many previous shows have used 

2) Produce an A4 sketch of your front cover including the key conventions you have studied in existing magazines and then planned in planning task 1 above.

3) Create a spider diagram or bullet point list of ideas for your double-page spread article. Write a list of potential headlines and sub-headings for the article you choose to go with.

POTENTIAL HEADLINES:

Absolute, Supreme, Prestige, Dynamite, Relate, Verve Magazine

sub-headings:
Take notice, guide to culture

The main image - actors from show "follow me" - headline will be focused on the actors "meet the actors"

Photoshoot

1) Which of your main characters will appear on the front cover of your magazine?
Charlotte - the main character from the trailer to help promote the new show
2) What image or images will you use for the double-page spread?
Images will be used from the trailer to give an insight into what is to be expected

3) Write a shot list for the photoshoot. Make sure you plan a variety of camera shots you will look to capture - medium shots, close-ups etc.
For the photoshoot many medium shoots will be used as Charlotte is the main focus and central image.
4) What costume, props or make-up will you require for the photoshoot?
No props/costume, just presenting Charlotte as a normal innocent school girl

Ill Manors: Track/Soundtrack

Ill Manors: Track/Soundtrack 

Ill Manors is a hip-hop protest song written by English rapper ‘Plan B’ and was first played on BBC Radio 1 on 27 February 2012. It was written as a reaction to the 2011 London riots. It is the lead single from the Ill Manors soundtrack and was written to also get Plan B’s perception of “society’s failure to nurture its disadvantage youth” across. Ill Manors received mostly positive reviews from the music critics and peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart. In October 2012, the song won the Q Award for Best Track. The soundtrack, is a thematically sound album which represents the life of the U.K.'s lower-class youth. The first line is inviting which states: "Let's all go on an urban safari/ We might see some illegal migrants" as cellos and dirty beats lay underneath, because this is not only a full-bodied, string-instrument soundtrack, but a grimy soundtrack too. Plan B has been described by critics as adapting an “Eminem style” through his shocking punchlines which could be an attack on politicians. In further detail, Plan B’s metaphors are targeted towards Nick Clegg and David Cameron, he also makes reference to the ‘hug-a-hoodie’ campaign. The song itself presents how the working class in society (the D/E demographic) have no opportunities, especially when Plan B describe community centres being shut down. The beat itself is upbeat and electrifying which magnifies the anger and frustration the working class overall have towards not being heard in society. The Guardian describes: “Frankly, the listener knows how he feels: still, it's hard not to be hugely impressed that he went there.” This shows how Plan B was clever in getting his point across for justifying why the London riots went on. Ultimately, some may argue that this song is significant is reinforcing the stereotypes the upper classes have towards “estate” kids. As it’s a protest song it’s bound to highlight the weaknesses of the youth, showing how damaged and corrupt they are and their only way out is by restoring to violence and staying out on the streets. From Plan B’s perspective he’s trying to clarify why the youth act out and he was successful by demonstrating this through his lyrics and his opinions from a political view.

Ill Manors: Music Video

Ill Manors: Music Video

• Forms

How is it typical of a music video?

The "Ill Manors" music video is a hip-hop protest song which stars Plan B and was released by Atlantic Records (a record label part of the Warner Bros. conglomerate). The music video uses many codes and conventions which a typical music video uses, this is demonstrated by the use of fast-paced cuts, camera work (the use of close-ups) and using a montage. The music video uses fast-paced cuts to match the rhythm of the song which is very electric and upbeat. The cuts are edited quickly to reinforce the rhythm of the song, also footage from the London riots which took place in 2011 is used. This creates a montage and like other music videos this promotes a message about how the working class are not seen as significant is society and ultimately they resort to violence.

Also, the soundtrack is a form of promotion for the movie "Ill Manors" and gives the audience insight on the themes involved in the movie, the main theme being violence. The song itself incorporates many ideas from typical music videos, particularly using camera work. Close-ups are used of Plan B to help enhance his star image and inform the viewer about his success, even though Plan B may have previously faced legal trouble he uses the Ill Manors music videos to express his thoughts on society (typically the government). However, this music video challenges typical music videos because this song was written as a protest, as well as for entertainment purposes. It presents how the working class are seen as damaged and corrupt. Typically, hip-hop music videos promote the ideal lifestyle through the use of flashy cars, women and alcohol but because this is a protest song it focuses on how the working class are portrayed not so much the lifestyle they want to carry out. 

Plan B's music video is significant is embracing the idea of spectacle and using 'direct mode of address.' This is important because Plan B is using direct mode of address to help educate the youth about how society should involve everyone, yet lecture the youth about standing up for their position in society but in the right approach. The music video visually represents how Plan B is standing up for the working class, as he himself comes from the same background, and wants an end to the working class not being provided enough opportunities. In the song itself one lyric states: "Who closed the community centre? I used to kill time there." The lyric suggests how the government are closing down opportunities which may encourage the youth to stay off the streets and avoid being in trouble. By the government taking these opportunities down the youth have nothing to resort to but violence. The use of this is to help Plan B justify the actions of why the youth get into trouble, especially with the London Riots. 

• Representation

How does it represent the London riots/rioters?

Plan B's main aim is to show the perception of "society's failure to nurture to disadvantaged youth" and ultimately the music video employs this message by showing how the working class are disregarded in society as politicians in particular focus on the upper/middle classes. It could be argued that Plan B was justifying the actions of the rioters because the "disadvantaged youth" who appear to be from a working class background have no voice in society. The rioters appear to be making an attack on politicians in particular. This demonstrates how this song is a reaction to the 2011 riots and it sarcastically attacks the media's view of the working class, especially the ring-wing tabloids such as 'The Sun' and 'Daily Mail' who present the rioters as a threat to society when in reality violence is the only thing they can resort to because there are not a wide variety of  opportunities. 

The media in general present the rioters as negative and as a result their image of being corrupt is reinforced through the music video especially when it shows people fighting each other and Plan B is in front of them still rapping. It also shows how there are no role models in society as the youth are easily influenced. However, because this song is a protest song which demands for immediate change it demonstrates how society will adapt to the working class because the music video is very confrontational. This links to the theorist Medhurst who argued about stereotypes being short-hand and as a result of the video glamorizing violence it's expected that society makes changes before the working oppose a bigger threat to society. 

In addition, the music video represents males more to be associated with violence. There are very few females in this video, Plan B intended to represent males more to advocate how males are the focal gender who are associated with violence, especially in the London riots. Ethnicity also plays a huge role, along with age, because the music video focuses on white, black and mix people who are between the ages 16-24. Plan B used this target audience as the film is based upon the London riots. 

• Audience 

What audience pleasures does it offer?

The key theme used throughout this music video is violence, along with the video promoting a sense of freedom. Generally, hip-hop songs are a way to express one's feelings through rhyming words and this song perfectly demonstrates Plan B expressing his feelings about the London riots.The chorus in particular is a chant with the lyrics: "Oi! I said oi!
What you looking at, you little rich boy!" This suggests how the song takes pleasure in attacking the upper classes. People from the working classes and who live in the suburban areas of London may find a voyeur and enjoy looking at those upper classes as important.

The demographic for the music video focuses along the D and E group as this relates to the young, unemployed teenagers in the music video. The video presents these teenagers acting violent and established in a council estate area making the audience interpret the actors are from the struggler and reformer categories. This video appeals to strugglers because they are the ones being represented and reformers are attracted to this because the video itself is a protest from class equality and ultimately reformers would agree with the song because teenagers need opportunities to prevent them from rioting. 

Moreover, the video shows the characters as breaking the rules and going against many norms of society.Politics is the main topic mentioned throughout and David Cameron and Nick Clegg, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, both feature in the video, despite not being mentioned in the lyrics. However, Cameron's "Hug a Hoodie" campaign is alluded to. This ultimately would attract teenagers making it appear that they can talk about anything as freely as they would like to. Although Plan B's intentions were to help the working class's voices be heard, this music video appears that the characters are only reinforcing their negative sterertpe in society rather than making them appear as protesters. 

• Institutions

How does the video help promote the film? 

The music video was created to help raise awareness about the voices not being heard in society. The upper classes are describes as living luxurious lifestyles with good jobs whereas the D/E demographic are usually associated with thugs, violence and badly behaved people. Plan B himself grew up in a council estate before he rose to fame so it's only natural that he wants change for those who are discriminated. The concept for both the movie and video are the same as they both indulge in the theme of violence. They both use a narrative to describe real-life situations. 

Also, synergy is created because Plan B is associated with releasing both the music video and the film. The music video was released by Plan B's record company Atlantic Records and Plan B also directed the movie himself. This helps Plan B to enhance his brand identity because of his forms to promote and market the film. Plan B is the main star focus in the music video were he makes his presence known, whereas in the film he only makes a short cameo appearance which helps the audience know that's his mark of success.

MEST2 Print brief

Planning and sketching

1) Target audience might be interested in -

• Target audience between the ages of 16- 30 years old
• Targeted at a C/D demographic - strugglers and reformers: people who want change and learn from their mistakes
• Interested in shows such as: Topboy and Youngers. Movies: Ill Manors, Kidulthood and Adulthood because the show is to do with educating the youth of today's society
• Mainstreamers: love for popular brands such as Nike, Adidas etc.. 

How can you use this information to create a main cover story and smaller cover lines that will appeal to your E4 target audience?

Using similar tag lines which many previous shows have used 

Create a spider diagram or bullet point list of ideas for your double-page spread article. Write a list of potential headlines and sub-headings for the article you choose to go with.

POTENTIAL HEADLINES:

Absolute, Supreme, Prestige, Dynamite, Relate, Verve Magazine

sub-headings:
Take notice, guide to culture

The main image - actors from show "follow me" - headline will be focused on the actors "meet the actors"

Photoshoot

1) Which of your main characters will appear on the front cover of your magazine?
Charlotte - the main character from the trailer to help promote the new show
2) What image or images will you use for the double-page spread?
Images will be used from the trailer to give an insight into what is to be expected

3) Write a shot list for the photoshoot. Make sure you plan a variety of camera shots you will look to capture - medium shots, close-ups etc.
For the photoshoot many medium shoots will be used as Charlotte is the main focus and central image.
4) What costume, props or make-up will you require for the photoshoot?
No props/costume, just presenting Charlotte as a normal innocent school girl

LR - Q4

Question Four -
The paralympics are represented as a much anticipated event through the build-up of the event (this includes the training mainly). The build-up shows the athletes putting in large efforts and presents their determination to succeed. The use of titles such as "Meet the.." and "it's time" reinforces the excitement and ultimately people look forward to the event. At the beginning of the clip there is a quiet contemplation from the athletes who seemt to sit back a nd remember many memories of their life. For instance, there is one case were the athlete is sitting there next to a wrecked car an thinks back to the time when he was in a car crash. The whole purpose of this is to show how the athlete is willing not to let his past stop him from chasing his dream and it shows how capable he is to have the willingness participate in challenging sports and makes it appear as thrilling and adventurous.

In addition, the crowd shots and their cheering make the paralympics seem like an exciting event. The footage of the crowd cheering makes makes the event appealing, in further detail the sounds coming from the crowd cheering makes the audience feel on edge because there is so much action about to take place. It makes it seem like a huge celebration and the paralympics event is an event that all of society should embrace. Channel four is a well-recognised tv channel established many years ago and usually previews documentaries and dramas, the paralympics being previewed on channel four means that it is attracting a whole new audience and as a result more people are looking forward to the event because it's new. Along with the excited crowd are many establishing shots of the stadium, the use of this is to demonstrate how the sporting event is big and the echos of the cheers are well heard. The effect of this is that the cheering appears with more excitement and therefore the paralympics are a much anticipated event.

Furthermore, in the trailer the use of team names is significant and this is because it represents many countries. The trailer makes the event a good event to look forward to because it has many similarities than the typical olympics. The olympics already has a wide established fan base, ultimately the paralympics will gain loads of fans because it is involved with loads of different countires. 

Also, the editing is key because it uses a montage of shots to present the wide variety of sports involved. This is crucial and attracts a wide fan base because many sports are represented such as: swimming and basketball which are really challenging sports. The montage effects shows many different random shots of the athletes playing different sports and creates a fascinating feeling.

Moreover, the last gladitorial stance of the final shot is important as it shows all of the main athletes in a way that presents them as Superhumans and something this is special. It presents their hard work and how their past was a feature in helping shape who they are today. The final shot of the logo and date is crucial as that helps the audience to remember the time and date for the paralympics and is at the end of the clip so it sticks in people's mind.

SHOTLIST FINAL

Shotlist

Locations; 

#1 – Greenford station

#2 – Flashbacks to Jasmine’s house

#3 – Jasmine’s road

#4 – Arriving at the station

#1

1.       Charlotte running away out of the station - dark blank screen but can hear panting in the background

2.       Close up of Charlotte’s feet as she is running away

3.       A long shot as she is running towards the camera in the dark from behind

4.       Medium close-up as she looks back and running, front-view

5.       Extreme close-up of Charlotte’s eyes showing panic

6.       Long shot of Charlotte as she spots an alley way and leans on the wall

7.        She takes her hands out of her pockets and stares at them in shock

8.       Close up of her face looking at her  bloody hands shaking and her breathing and quietly sobbing

9.       Screen fades to black with title appearing “Follow Me…?” with the non-diegetic  sound with the song "sound of da police"

#2

1.       Fade to white indicating a flashback to Harmony, Charlotte at Jasmine’s house, music fades away - music

2.       Medium shot of Harmony saying to Jasmine: "Have you got the thing then?" in reference to alcohol as they’re relaxing on the sofa

3.       Medium close–up of Jasmine sarcastically saying: "LOL, you really think I would risk my life like that, on your ones" followed by a faint laugh 

4.       Harmony looks shocked, close-up

5.        Jasmine then pulls out cups with alcohol bottles

6.       Medium close-up of  Harmony smiling back

7.       Charlotte looking uncomfortable and wants to leave: "So why am I here I really don’t feel like going out tonight to the party, I don’t feel too good."  - music goes quieter

8.       Medium shots of Jasmine and Harmony surprised at Charlotte’s reaction 9.       Long shot of Jasmine looking in the mirror choosing an outfit saying to Charlotte “please come, it’s Dizzy’s party so it’s guaranteed to be big and I’m talking free alcohol all night”

10.   Over-the-shoulder shot of Jasmine looking over at Charlotte waiting for her response 11.   Close-up of Jasmine’s face saying “well?” 12.   After a few seconds Charlotte agrees saying “okay fine, as long as we come back early” – medium close-up – music goes louder

13.   Long shot of Charlotte preparing to go home and get ready and she says “well I’ll leave now then… and there better be drink!” 14.   Medium shot of Harmony and Jasmine laughing back  15.   Fade #3 1.       Establishing shot of Charlotte walking down a dark road – suspenseful music 2.       Medium close-up of Charlotte looking down at her phone with a smirk 3.       Close-up of her phone opened up to twitter were she writes a tweet saying “Only got half an hour to go home and get ready for a party tonight! #GreenfordStationAntics “OnATuesday #Dizzys18th” 4.       Long shot of Charlotte walking from behind 5.       Close-up of Charlotte smiling 6.       A close-up to another person opening up their Twitter and stalking Charlotte’s page 7.       Close-up of Charlottes smiling and happily on her phone again 8.       Charlotte hears scary noises such as the sound of the wind and leaves rustling and stops (Medium shot) 9.       Charlotte looks back, nothing is there – (filmed from behind) 10.   Charlotte looks forward and carries on walking 11.   Fade to show change in time (fast forward) #4 1.       Zoom in on Greenford station sign 2.       Harmony, Jasmine and there other mate Hasrat all outside of Greenford station – long shot 3.       Charlotte walking down towards the station 4.       The girls all talking about the party in a conversation and wait around for Charlotte 5.       Over-the-shoulder shot of Charlotte walking towards the girls as she shouts “girls, I’m here” 6.       The girls all get excited and walk into the station together 7.       Harmony then decides “wait guys, we need another bottle?” , medium close-up 8.       Hasrat then says to Harmony “why do you always have to drink every time we go out?” 9.       Jasmine and Harmony smirk at each other 10.   Harmony and Hasrat walk towards the shops outside of the station and Harmony says “we’ll be back in a few minutes, just going shops” 11.   Jasmine saying to Charlotte “So, you excited? It’s going to be a mad one tonight I feel.” 12.   Charlotte smiles back and says “Yeah, it should be good...” 13.   Jasmine replies “Yeah, it will be and by the way let your hair down for once! I just need to quickly go and top-up my oyster... wait here” 14.   Charlotte begins to let her hair down and a twitter notification appears on her phone 15.   Close-up of Charlotte opening Twitter 16.   Zoom in on Charlotte’s phone to her phone scrolling down what seems to be a troll page named ‘Mr Bigz’ were he’s writing very disturbing tweets on his page about Charlotte 17.   Charlotte looks worried, close-up 18.   One tweet in particular worries her and she reads it to herself “Mr Bigz 101 just said “you should leave your hair up more often… “Who is Mr Bigz?” 19.   Charlotte looks over at Jasmine who she thinks is playing a prank, match-on-action 20.   Jasmine waiting in line to top-up her oyster 21.   Charlotte looks back down on her phone 22.   Close-up of phone with numerous tweets from Mr. Bigz asking Charlotte to “follow” his page back 23.   Harmony and Hasrat walking back from the shops were Jasmine approaches them outside the station asking them for more money to top-up her oyster – medium shot 24.   Zoom in of Charlotte’s phone which seems to be buzzing like crazy 25.   Charlotte looks around worriedly for her friends who seem to be taking their time 26.   The rest of the girls outside getting their money together for Jasmine 27.   Charlotte looks around and the camera rotates according to her movements 28.   Zoom in of ‘Mr Bigz’ ‘s tweets about Charlotte 29.   Extreme close-up of Charlotte who seems to be on the verge of an anxiety attack, heartbeat sound 30.   Over-the-shoulder shot – of what appears to be her stalker walking towards her 31.   Close-up of Charlotte who still seems on edge 32.    Over-the-shoulder shot as somebody reaches out to her (close-up of hand reaching Charlotte) 33.   Charlotte looks back saying “Jasmine, there’s some Mr B-” turning around, suddenly Charlotte’s face full of terror 34.   Charlotte understanding she is in the physical presence of her stalker who is the same guy who has been harassing her for ages on online – a look of terror on her face as she realises this person is dangerous, medium close-up, Charlotte looks to the floor unable to speak as he tries grabs her 35.   Fade to white – restarts to beginning of opening 36.   Charlotte running away out of the station - dark blank screen but can hear panting in the background 37.   Close up of Charlotte’s feet as she is running away 38.   A long shot as she is running towards the camera in the dark from behind 39.   Medium close-up as she looks back and running, front-view 40.   Extreme close-up of Charlotte’s eyes showing panic 41.   Long shot of Charlotte as she spots an alley way and leans on the wall 42.    She takes her hands out of her pockets and stares at them in shock 43.   Close up of her face looking at her  bloody hands shaking and her breathing and quietly sobbing 44.   Screen fades to black 45.   Text-on-screen with the name of the production company

MEST2 Print brief

Title of publication 'Doctor Who' is written in the original font used on the TV programme and helps the audience to easily identity with the brand. The colour is silver, so it's striking and the colour silver connotes authority and power. 

Flash line - "The Day of The Doctor" is a catchphrase which sticks in the audiences mind because it's intense and could possibly be interpreted that the 'Doctor' may be out to seek revenge in the programme, ultimately the audience feel excited.  

Central image -  The central image is of three character from the original programme, however the main focus is on the original Doctor who has a serious look. The purpose of this might be that the three characters might be at war with each other or possibly teaming up with each other to create tension and excitement.

Slogan - the slogan is at the top of the page and states how it's "50 years" since the Doctor Who adventure started, it is informing the audience and makes them look forward to the programme 

Free offers - there are free posters offered inside, this element is crucial by attracting customers to buy the magazine.

Colour scheme - the colours used on this cover are:  white, red, gold and silver. The colour scheme helps to promote the idea of power and authority. 

Name checks - the main name used on the cover is 'Doctor' who al the fans are familiar with, it also indicates how he is the main character

Language - word choice includes words such as: space, time and adventure - these words are significant because they relate to the narrative and genre of the programme which is sci-fi. The font links to the sci-fi theme giving off an impression of adventure. 

Competition - there is a chance for fans to win a dvd/blue-ray. Competitions prompt fans to want to buy the magazine to have the feeling that they might be able to win something.

Target audience - Doctor Who fans, aged between 16 - 40 years old, 70% male and 30% female. ABC1 demographic, people who live in the city and travel a lot. People who have a main interest in science fiction and watch a lot of movies.

Bar code, date, price - The bar code and date is on the front cover to give a realistic feel. 

 "Ways to shine bright this season"

 "The official magazine"

  "On set for the big finale"

 "No,1 Mag"

 TV souvenir magazine cover -

Ill Manors Film Review

‘Ill Manors’ is a British crime drama which was released in 2012; the film focuses heavily on a narrative associated with issues such as: drugs, violence and prostitution. Ill Manors revolves around the lives of eight main characters, played by Riz Ahmed, Ed Skrein, Keith Coggins, Lee Allen, Nick Sagar, Ryan De La Cruz, Anouska Mond and Natalie Press, Ill Manors is a multi-character story set over the course of seven days, a scenario where everyone is fighting for respect. The film focuses on eight core characters, and their circles of violence, as they struggle to survive on the unforgiving streets of London. Each story links into one another demonstrating an ultra-realistic gritty picture of the world which is on the brink of self-destruction. The movie is a good illustration of the main issues surrounding today’s youth, ultimately Plan B wrote this movie based on an experience he encountered when his home was raided by armed police and by other stories he heard in his teens, such as a young woman prostituting herself to repay a drug dealer. Plan B –is an English rapper and has been in many films from the same genre such as: Adulthood, 4.3.2.1.and Harry Brown. ‘Ill Manors’ is the first film he wrote and directed. In my opinion, it was a successful movie and his cameo appearance at the end is significant as it marks how far he has developed as a person. Although Plan B (also known as Ben Drew) struggled to finance this movie, the movie helps educate the youth of today and displays the consequences of trying too hard to get back at somebody in return for a little respect. The cast were the perfect fit to in terms of age, gender and ethnicity to give that urban feel. For the film, Plan B hired a mixture of both experienced and inexperienced actors, whilst several cast members already knew the director personally before they were cast in their roles.  It was reported that the cast and crew ran into trouble with youths and production was interrupted whilst a laptop containing the film's footage had to be recovered after being stolen by a drug addict.^] Drew claimed that he faced mass judgement from some crew members whilst on set because of his background; however he also noted that "there was some people that really believed in my vision and gave me all the support I needed.”  The main characters from the film are as follows: Aaron – he is the protagonist and is partners with Ed. They are both into drugs. Kirby – a well-known drug dealer, along with his protégé Chris, Marcel – another local drug dealer, Michelle – drug addict and  Jake – young teen who’s eager to be in a gang. The representation of each character is important because each of their battles comes along with consequences and some of their approaches to deal with those lead to death. It’s important the youth are educated and informed about gang violence and dealing with drugs. The soundtrack is called ‘Ill Manors’ and acts as a narration for the film, there are many tracks in the film that act as a narration to when played over a particular scene. The lyrics are intense at times and describe the background of each character in a rap form. The target audience for this film would be ages 16 -30. 70% male, 30% female. The demographic would be towards the C/D category and this is because the movie was low-budget (with a limit of £100,000). The movie was filmed in the gritty parts of London and unlike high-budget Hollywood films the movie was first aired on ‘The Guardian’ website. On its opening weekend, the film placed at number nine at the UK Box Office, with a gross figure of £256,288.The film has earned a total gross of £453,570, after eight weeks at the box office. The movie received largely positive reviews from critics and fans alike, with a current 79% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes (a large film critic site) based on twenty-five different reviews. Also, IMDB gave the movie a 7 out of 10 star rating and Metacritic generally had positive views, one from ‘The Guardian’ stated: “On a production level, this album is cutting-edge; on a lyrical level it is brutally brilliant. It will melt your ears and your heart.” Q Magazine stated “Ill Manors, depressing, blunt and provocative, fulfils one of rap music's most noble tasks--to touch the sore spot.” Overall the movie was a success and breath-taking at many moments, the main twist at the end when Aaron (the main character) decided to leave his past behind by leaving the ghetto to rekindle his relationship with his parents who gave him up for adoption in his younger years was significant as it marked a change for him and how he’s embarking on a new lifestyle. 

Ill Manors Film Review Notes

KEY POINTS	EVIDENCE FROM FILM	YOUR OPINION
Director – who is it and what else has he directed that you have heard of?	Plan B – he is an English artist and has been in many films from the same genre such as: Adulthood, 4.3.2.1.and Harry Brown. ‘Ill Manors’ is the first film he wrote and directed.	A successful movie which helped represents the youth and the issues surrounding the youth. He also made a cameo appearance at the end.
Main Stars – who are they?	Riz Ahmed as Aaron Ed Skrein as Ed Keith Coggins as Kirby Lee Allen as Chris Nick Sagar as Marcel	The cast were the perfect fit to in terms of age, gender and ethnicity to give that urban feel
Plot – what is the film about?	Ill Manors revolves around the lives of eight main characters, played by Riz Ahmed, Ed Skrein, Keith Coggins, Lee Allen, Nick Sagar, Ryan De La Cruz, Anouska Mond and Natalie Press, Ill Manors is a multi-character story set over the course of seven days, a scenario where everyone is fighting for respect. The film focuses on eight core characters, and their circles of violence, as they struggle to survive on the streets. Each story weaves into one another, painting an ultra-realistic gritty picture of the world which is on the brink of self-destruction.	The film highlights issues such as: drugs, violence and prostitution. It helps to educate the youth of today and displays the consequences of trying too hard to get back at somebody in return for a little respect.
Characters – who are they?	Aaron – he is the protagonist and is partners with Ed. They are both into drugs. Kirby – a well-known drug dealer, along with his protégé Chris Marcel – another local drug dealer Michelle – drug addict Jake – young teen who’s eager to be in a gang	The representation of each character is important because each of their battles comes along with consequences and some of their approaches to deal with those lead to death. It’s important the youth are educated and informed about gang violence and dealing with drugs.
Genre – what type of movie is it?	British crime drama	It was filmed in London and is a good representation of how illegal activity happens in the UK
Soundtrack – how did it create an atmosphere	The soundtrack is called ‘Ill Manors’ and acts as a narration for the film.	The lyrics are intense at times
Audience – who is it aimed at and do you recommend it?	The target audience would be ages 16 -30. 70% Male, 30% Female. The demographic would be towards the C/D category	It helps educate young teens especially not to involve themselves with illegal activity  – this links with the end of the movie when Aaron decides to move away and leave his past behind

Ill Manors Trailer Analysis

1) What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided?

In the trailer there are many conventions such as: voice-over, text-on-screen, music, actors, release date, title, production info (name of the company producing the film), cast/credits info and ratings from a variety of magazines. 

2) How are trailers distributed? 

Mainly on television, YouTube or in cinema before watching films but e-media is a popular source to promote trailers on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. 

3) How does the Ill Manors trailer use trailer conventions?

In the trailer there are many conventions such as: text-on-screen, music, actors, release date and ratings from a variety of magazines and all together these conventions enhance an urban, gritty feel. The main code employed throughout the trailer is the main elements from the narrative including the bloody violence, drug use and prostitution.

4) Who is the target audience? Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? Consider the way the scenes are edited together – does the trailer give away any clues about the narrative? Are the main stars visible in the trailer? Is there information about the director of the film? Is there information about the release date? Is a narrator’s voice-over used? Why?

From the trailer, it's likely that the target audience is mainly focused upon teenagers. The age range is  from the ages 16 - 30 years with the majority of the target audience being British teenagers because the movie is a low-budget British film. This enhances the urban gritty youthly feel and relates to issues such as gang violence.The main actors are all presented throughout the trailer and the audience gains insight into each of their lives, these aspects are intriguing and prompt young teens to engage with it because of the lifestyle it promotes such as making money out of illegal activities.

In addition, the element of editing is important because it shows a montage of shots together which drive the plot forward. The different shots show different problems the actors face such as e.g. escape being held hostage by drug lords, having the pressure to join a gang and dealing with close personal family deaths. These montage shots create tension yet excitement for the audience as it makes them question the action (links to Barthes action code) and ultimately leads to a feeling of danger. The action put together is fast however at the end the last shot is slow when showing the actor holding a gun to help the audience contain their excitement and reinforce that danger element.

Furthermore, the music is a key convention of the trailer to help create an urban feel, ultimately this appeals to the youth. The soundtrack from the movie is called "Ill Manors" by Plan B (the producer himself) and is an electrical grime-type song. This is a USP because the lyrics to the song apply to the film, this also helps drive the narrative forward. The music is also a parallel sound as it matches the action and the song itself gives a fearless, adventurous feel because it describes key scenes in the film. 

5) How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, settings, lighting, colour, music/dialogue, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?

The film genre is a British crime drama/thriller, this genre has been reinforced by many conventions such as the soundtrack, dialogue, setting, lighting and editing.

The setting is key because it promotes the urban lifestyle British teens/young adults lead and the film is filmed in London. The dialogue uses a vast amount of slang to help engage with the younger target audience, the lighting is crucial because some scenes are filmed at night - aspects of high and low key lighting are used at different times. Low-key lighting is sued more, for example when Marcel hands the young teen a gun in the car. This highlights seriousness and gives a urban, gritty feel. The soundtrack is important because it's a key narrative for the film, the lyrics become more intense as soon as the violence increases. Many over-the-shoulder shots are used when showing characters approaching each other at unexpected times, close-ups are used quite often to reflect the character's emotions such as anger and fear. The colours used throughout, particularly through the character's costumes are dark and dull. This is used to reinforce how the character's like to be low-key and undercover.