2) How does your media product represent particular social groups?

 

Transcript:

My film features young people, ranging from 7 to 18 years old. I did this as from my research I discovered that the typical audience for thriller films are teenagers to young adults. This mould fits most of my cast and for this reason the audience can relate and empathise with the characters.

Costume and make-up was also carefully considered. Costume for the murderer included checked shirts and lots of layers to appear rugged and mismatched. Checked shirts have become something of a stereotype and a conventions when portraying homeless or on the run characters. For make-up brown eye shadow was applied on his face to appear like dirt and his facial hair was emphasised with black mascara, in order to look more prominent on camera. This again was done to add to the rugged appearance and to give the impression that he was rough and experiencing problems. The victim was dressed in casual looking clothes, appropriate for the weather. She was in a jumper and light colours, suggesting innocence and perhaps naivety. Her make-up was minimal and natural looking to create the illusion of everyday life and also to make her seem more vulnerable and not aggressive. On the other hand the main character was dressed in darker colours and a leather jacket. This suggests that her character is tougher and stronger and therefore more able to escape the situation. Her make-up in heavier too, although still acceptable for everyday. This is to contribute to the tougher character portrayal. The little boy ghost was dressed in casual clothing consisting of a jumper and jeans. This was to make him appear harmless and merely a observer rather than another antagonist.

Teenagers and young adults are represented as most of the cast fit into this category. Genders are also represented, as there are two female and two male characters. Genders are stereotyped in my piece, as the antagonist is a dominant male character and the victim a female. The protagonist could be a countertype, dependent on the events of the rest of the film. Although she is being stalked and victimised by this male antagonist, she is clearly tougher than her other female friend. A different ethnic group is also featured through the ghost.