Representation Of Teenagers In The Maze Runner.

TASK 1

Find a selection of posters used to market the film. Deconstruct them - pick out the codes and conventions. How is representation being used in the key image? Look at colour and font too; how are they used across all of the different posters to link them together as a marketing campaign?

Mr Smith's advice on analysis

Remember that a poster is simply an advert. Adverts are designed to persuade you. Adverts are designed to be simple (easy to understand) and memorable. They are designed to work visually, the image should quickly grab your attention and 'amplify' the story. If we take the 'Maze Runner' poster it shows a 'maze' and 'running'; the maze dominates (we can assume it will dominate the story) the poster and the characters appear to be running away in fear (mood) from it (we can assume the maze is dangerous and a trap). One character appears to lead the way, so we can assume he will be the 'protagonist' (tone), and the others are following. One character is directly behind him but another is framed to his far right - is he his friend or does he not trust him.We now want to know why the children are fleeing the maze, how they got there in the first place and what the point of the maze is. The poster uses superlatives (best selling) and the slogan 'get ready to run' which gives the impression that the film will be a fast paced action film (mood and tone).

To help you do what I have just done (and to write in more detail than I have) below are questions I'd like you to answer in full sentences. You will also need to mention camera angle and 'mise en scene'

Questions to Consider:

1. Is the movie title prominently featured? Is the text easy to read?
2. Are the main actors shown? If so, which ones? What do their appearances and expressions convey about the movie?
3. What is the design of the movie poster? Does it accurately reflect the mood and tone of the film?
4. What other images are included? What do you notice about the framing of the images?
5. What text is shown on the poster? Is there a catchy slogan? If so, what does it tell you about the movie’s story?
6. Is there any other important information included on the poster?
7. Why do/don’t you think this movie poster is persuasive?

KEY VOCABULARY TO INCLUDE

Framing
The positioning of objects, actors, and text within the frame of a poster to achieve a particular effect. For example, a movie poster for an action film might feature the main actor framed in such a way as to make him seem attractive, strong, and invincible.
Mood
The feeling created for a viewer by the director’s use of details, music, and cinematography.
Slogan
A catchy and memorable phrase or sentence on a movie poster. An effective slogan should convey the mood, tone, and main idea of the film without giving too much away. It should capture viewers’ attention and make them interested in the story.
Tone
The filmmaker’s attitude as reflected in the movie—ironic, serious, and so forth.

TASK 2

Watch a trailer. Try and look at what is included in terms of plot. Try to analyse the codes and conventions of moving image media products:

• editing
• camera shots and movement
• sound
• mise-en-scene

Use this glossary to help with terminology.

Illustrate your points with screen shots. Lay the work out in the same way as the poster analysis.

The Maze Runner Trailer

Magazine Research & Planning by Jasmine Aldridge

GCSE Magazine Research and Planning from Neill Ford

The Maze Runner Trailer

Moving Image Glossary

The Maze Runner - Representation Of Teenagers

Consider the ways that teenagers are represented in The Maze Runner (this will really help with your coursework essay).

• Make notes on the representation of  Thomas and three other characters of your choice. 
• Consider things such as what they wear, hairstyles, body language and attitude. 
• Are they stereotypical teenagers or are they more realistic (countertypes)? Explain your conclusions.

Find images that illustrate your points.
This example on The Hunger Games has the sort of detail you need.

11W: Work To Do (Research and Planning)

COMPLETE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. RESEARCH AND PLANNING

You need to have completed all of the following (use Martha's work as a guide):

• general magazine x1
• specialist magazine x2
• genre conventions
• moodboard(s)
• magazine analysis (cover, contents, double page spread) x3
• colour palettes x6
• fonts (including descriptions) x8
• audience profile (male & female - as applicable)
• UK Tribes audience profile
• questionnaire and questionnaire feedback

Your work needs to presented in the same way as the example by Martha Causier LINK

2. MAGAZINE COVER

Finish the construction of the cover. Make all the changes suggested in your feedback. Ensure you have included an original image (one you've taken yourself).

3. CONTENTS PAGE

Finish the construction of the contents page. Make all the changes suggested in your feedback. Try to include an original image.

4. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

Complete a double page spread.

10W Work To Complete - 7th November UPDATED

Complete the following tasks

1. Work through the PowerPoint of representation copying key slides into your exercise books and completing all activities
2. Complete the activity on the four celebrities. This work must be completed on word and then glued into your exercise books
3. Select four celebrities of your own choice and complete the same activity as 2. Complete work on word and glue into your book.

FINISH FOR HOMEWORK. Deadline Wednesday 11th November.

STRETCH VOCABULARY
Stereotype - a generalisation (often true but can contain falsehoods) e.g. Brits drink tea
Countertype - a challenge to a stereotype, presents an alternative view of a group e.g. women being practical and good at DIY or men being sensitive and understanding
Atypical - not representative of a type, group, or class
Quintessential - representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. Often timeless e.g. Bowler hats and suits for upper class Brits
Zeitgeist - typical of the time, captures the dominant mood/fashion of a time. Only popular for a fleeting moment e.g. a particular fashion or musical movement


EXTENSION WORK


Everything we have done revolves around 'stereotypes'
1. Find a definition of a stereotype and write this into your books.
2. Next copy Tessa Perkins' views on stereotypes into you books
3. Include an example for each (I have done the first for you) as well as an example from TV, Film or Magazine




Stereotypes - Tessa Perkins

Rethinking Stereotypes - (Tessa Perkins)

1. Stereotypes are not always wrong - The English do drink tea

2. They are not always negative concepts

3. They are about groups with whom we have little or no social contact; by implication, therefore, they are not held about our own group(s)

4. They are not always about minority (or oppressed) groups

5. They can be simple or complicated

6. They are not rigid and can change

7. People often believe some parts of a stereotype but not always all

Representation

Representation from fordford

10W: Representation

1.Analyse the images below:

• Taron Egerton and Colin Firth in Kingsman
• Dylan O'Brien & Kaya Scodelario in Maze Runner
• Pharrell Williams and his wife Helen
• Miley Cyrus performing at the VMA Awards 2015

2.Write about the representation of the celebrity. Include the following:

• facial expression
• styling e.g.: hair, make-up, clothes, costume, props
• background (the mise en scene). What does the background/ setting/ location they are in tell us about them

3.Do your work on a word doc. Print out and paste in your books. Colour images please.