Trailer conventions
The Hunger games trailer summarises the film by giving a brief outline of the narrative, it uses fast paced editing to show the best parts of the film. The trailer includes the typical conventions; editing, special effects, voice over, dialogue, music, film title and release date. It uses the same conventions as the other related media products to show that they are linked, however it allows the audience to grasp what the characters are like so it is more visual. A range of shots are used including long shots and close ups to enable the audience to become more familiar with the characters.
How and why do these products link/combine together?
These related media products link together well, especially in appearance which is important to portray a film in the way the institution and director intend it to be perceived. If there were different characters and different colour schemes then there would be no continuity throughout each product and an audience would not see any relation between them which could be damaging to sales. The only difference in these related media products in the camera angles, otherwise the colours, mise-en-scene and media language are the same which creates the correct representation.
What and why do they have links in common?
These products link together as they all feature the main character, Katniss Everdeen as the main focus which portrays her importance to the film so that the audience can associate the actress Jennifer Lawrence to the huge blockbuster movie. The object of significance is the bow and arrow which is used in each related media product for The Hunger Games, this is because the film revolves around weaponry and violence and fighting to the death. This combines the products to show the element of danger and self-defense which reflects the narrative of the film. The colour scheme of orange, red and black links these products together, especially the fire which is continuously used to show the mood/atmosphere of the film and so the audience can relate these colours to danger which is what the movie contains. The media language 'The world is watching' is the same on the poster and DVD which becomes a tag line for the film which can be recognizable to an audience.
What purpose does the combination of products serve?
The purpose of the common links between each product are mostly for the target audience, people who will be interested and want to see the film. The similar conventions in each product will help the audience become more familiar with the actors/actresses and they will be able to visually see the similarities, particularly through the use of mise-en-scene in the props, styling, location, facial expressions and body language. These products will encourage sales of the film across different media formats such as cinema and DVD, therefore it's important for the film poster, DVD cover, trailer and Total Film magazine cover to link together to maintain the image of the movie and to keep it in the public eye.
Who benefits from this combination of products and why?
The combination of products benefits those who were involved in constructing the film, this includes the actors/actresses, producer, director and the media institution Lionsgate. These products are clearly linked through their appearance and have purposely maintained the same conventions to boost marketing, this will create more interest with target audiences and potential viewers of the film as the products help promote the film at the cinema, IMAX, on DVD or blu-ray. This will ultimately lead to greater revenue and a more successful film so the companies involved will make a profit.
