Real research into audiences

I did a survey to my subscribers on Youtube and asked them the following four questions:
1: What are your favorite superhero/ comic book movies?
2: Who is your favorite Superhero?
3: Who is your favorite comic book villain?
4: What are your least favorite superhero/ comic book movie?

The results show a mixture of both old and new, mainstream and cult, American,British and Asian comic films:

http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=GqQH2S_hAuE

Some people also messaged me on Youtube and I also asked some of my friends the same question.
When I asked my friends the most common answers were these:
1: The Dark Knight Rises, Avengers Assemble & Watchmen.
2: Batman, Iron Man & Superman.
3: Joker, Loki & Bane.
4: Fantastic Four & Spiderman 3

Further poster research- codes & conventions of the comic book poster

There are many different forms of superhero/comic-book film poster. Let's look at the codes and conventions of them.

• Many superhero film posters (especially for more modern superhero films) contain the mystery element. They often don't show the hero in full but still make you aware of what the film is. Some hide the hero by making them face away from the audience:

• Others use shadow and darkness to only hide part of the hero:

• Other posters (usually the ones that arrive just before the films release) often show all of the main characters in the movie with the title big and bold somewhere on the poster.

• Sometimes an image of the hero alone and in full view graces the poster:

• But sometimes it's the villain:

• Teaser posters are often released. These often do not show any characters but instead a logo or hint to the films characters and plot:

First video ideas

Pitch for video

A Superhero movie with nonlinear structure begins at the climax with the villain and hero locked in an epic battle inside the baddies lair. As the villain gains the upper-hand and prepares to finish off his foe, the picture freezes and the hero's voiceover leads us into a series of still photographs, over which the titles appear.

The internets influence on film popularity.

In this day and age there are many websites that report on upcoming movies as they are in the pos-production stages.

Here are some popular ones:
 http://www.imdb.com/
http://www.movieinsider.com/
http://www.comingsoon.net/
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/

IMDb often use full pages of information about films as the information is released:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1981115/?ref_=sr_1
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1300854/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/?ref_=tt_rec_tti
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430132/?ref_=sr_1


This influence that the internet has often have a big part in a movies success, as people find out a great deal of information and watch trailers, clips and interviewswhioch make them want to see the film

Upcoming films-marketing and hype

When new films come out, theres usually a lot of hype.
One of the most effective ways of creating excitment for an upcoming film is with a teaser poster.
This Iron Man 3 teaser poster is effective because:
It informs the audience of the film arrival, including showing the film's title and release date.

The picture is dramatic. It foreshadows a possible fall from grace for Stark/Iron Man. Also it could tell the audience that Iron Man may face his greatest foe yet.


This film's hype is also big because it's a sequel. However this also presents a challenge for the filmmakers, who have to make the film live up to the hype and legacy that the other two films created.



Trailers also help the films popularity rise. The production company usually release a  teaser trailer first. These usually last no longer than a minuite and a half and contain very little of no actual footage from the film.
One of the best teaser trailers was the one released for Man of Steel:
As we can see this teaser trailer succesfully grabs the attention of the audience. Most of the trailer makes the audience wonder what the film is whilst given them information about it, before finally revealing what the film is.

A good teaser from the past was from the film The Dark Knight:



After that, a theatrical trailer is released. This longer trailer has more footage from the movie and contains a brief outline of the plot so that the audience get an idea of what to expect:



Furthur information is usually released online:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1300854/?ref_=sr_1

Comic Book films-Comic book research

As the brief is comic book action, not just Superhero movie, I thought that I should at least look at different types of comic books.

Traditional:

• Often thought of as books for children.
• Contain colourful costumed heroes with extraordinary powers/abilities.
• Often have straightforward, ongoing stories.
• Even when a new story starts, the past adventures must be referenced in order to maintain good continuity.
• Usually contain a Superhero, a Super-villain and a love interest or friend of the hero.
• Hero often has a weak and friendly alter-ego/secret Identity.
• Often contain traditional hand drawn/coloured artwork
• Main comic book publishers are Marvel and DC.

Alternative comics: 

• Whilst the Traditional comic became popular first in America, Britain leads the way for the alternative comic book scene.
• These are often more mature stories with complex issues and psychologically unstable characters.
• They don't always contain superheroes.
• Often blend fantasy with reality.
• Philosophical and complex plotlines
• Often contain more surreal, darker artwork than the traditional comic.
• Prominent figures in the movement include writers Alan Moore, Grant Morrison and Neil Gaiman, as well as artists Dave Gibbons & Dave Mckean.

Manga:

• Specifically any comics created in Japan.
• Often steer clear of Superheroes and instead tell stories incorporating different genres including:

1. Action
2. Horror/Thriller
3. Adventure
4. Science Fiction
5. Fantasy
6. Romance

• Same artistic style as Japanese cartoons (Anime)

Comic book Film research: Score and soundtrack

Score: Superhero movies often feature a dramatic and theatrical score that gives the audience feelings of excitement. However, like all scores, they must continue to reflect the mood of the film.
One of the most famous pieces of music from a superhero movie is the main title theme from Superman: The Movie by John Williams (of Star Wars & Jaws fame). Williams gives a grand orchestral feel to the music and the theme sounds powerful and iconic, like Superman himself. All live-action Superman films have subsequently used this fantastic music, which creates an incredible, spectacular atmosphere, foreshadowing the fantastic adventure that follows.


Spiderman also has fantastic music. Edward Scissorhands  composer Danny Elfman gives spidey's opening titles a theme that connotes the feelings of mystery, like we don't know how he is able to do these things he can do, yet. All will be revealed. It entices you in. As well as the mystery the music is also fast and loud to show that the film is action packed and exciting. Elfman's music also has this grand, theatrical style of the Superman theme, it just hides it a little more rather than blasting it straight into the ears of the audience. The fact that the music begins slow and quiet before getting gradually louder and faster builds the tension and excitement that the audience want to see in the movie.



Now, The Dark Knight Rises doesn't actually have opening titles, so here is a typical piece of music from the film composed by Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Inception). The music mixes orchestral music and modern sounds to create a piece of dark, complex, mature and serious music (making it much like the movie itself). Although the grand superhero-type style is present here, it's mixed with electronic instruments in order to give the film a modern feel. The music is also very dark and deep, connoting the subject matter and character exploration present in the film.

Watchmen uses a wide range of music in varying styles in order to give the emotion that music brings to a movie. For the most part, the film uses a variety of existing music in many different genres, from psychedelic rock:

Easy listning:


folk rock:


& even alternative rock:



In addition to this, Watchmen also contains original music created by Tyler Bates. Unlike most film music, the majority of this score contains ambient, dreamlike, electronic music. The fact that Watchmen doesn't contain traditional film music proves that it is not a traditional, straightforward superhero film.

film classification research

Film classification in the UK is controlled by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). They view the films and rate them based on material and their own guidelines.

U stands

• 
  
  A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.
  There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger.
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH A U RATING:
  PG
  
  
  PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.
  There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the context and delivery are always important. For example, if the language is used aggressively or if there is too much bad language, a work may be passed at the next category.
  References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail. In addition, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at PG. Comedy can also often lessen the impact of sex references and innuendo.
  There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides. It isn’t uncommon for PG films to feature ‘roller-coaster’ action or set pieces, where the emphasis is clearly on the adventure or journey of the main characters rather than the detail of violence or fighting.
  As far as horror goes, some 'jump' moments and scary scenes are permitted, but sequences showing significant or realistic violence, horror or threat must not be prolonged.
  There is also no behavior that could be dangerous for children to copy. There are references to drugs, but no actual drug use.
  
  
  
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH A PG RATING:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  12-12A
  The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only.
  12A is used in the cinema. It means that children under 12 may only see the film if they are under the supervision of an adult.
  A work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed 12A even if the individual issues in the film were considered acceptable under the BBFC guidelines. Similarly, if a work is particularly positive or reassuring this may stop it being pushed up a category from 12A to 15.
  There may be mild language like bitch or sh*t. Strong language like f**k may be used as long as it is infrequent.
  Implied sex and sexual references and innuendo is allowed, as long as it is mild.
  Moderate violence is permitted, as are fight scenes, but blood should only be used in context (like in a Medical drama).
  Dangerous behavior like self-harming is allowed if it's mild, as is drug use.
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH A 12/12A RATING:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  15
  Not suitable for children under the age of 15.
  Could include any of the following.
  
  
  • strong violence (although very strong gore, sadistic violence, torture & very graphic sexual violence are not permitted).
  • frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and infrequent very strong language (the C word)
  • portrayals of sexual activity (as long as it is not graphic)
  • strong verbal references to sex
  • sexual nudity
  • brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
  • discriminatory language or behaviour (though it must be mild or infrequent
  • drug use
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH A 15 RATING: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  18
  Not suitable for people under the age of 18.
  Could contain any of the following:
  • very strong violence (including torture)
  • frequent strong language ('f***') and/or very strong language (The C word)
  • strong portrayals of sexual activity
  • scenes of sexual violence
  • strong horror
  • strong blood and gore
  • real sex (in some circumstances)
  • discriminatory language and behaviour

  
  
  
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH AN 18 RATING:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  All information from the BBFC website: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/
  
  

Comic book films- Costume research

Costumes are one of the most important things a superhero has. Costumes hides thier secret identities.

Superman

Captain America

Thier are many different examples. One of the most famous superhero's, Superman, has many costume conventions. Despite the fact that Superman is one of the few heros that has no mask with his costume (almost all others have masks). However, his costume contains many other stereotypical conventions of the superhero costume. His costume is very tight-fitting and colourful, with his symbol on his chest. His costume contains boots and a cape, something wich many other superheros have.


Main conventions of the superhero costume:

• Two extremes-either very brightly coloured or very dark.
• Usually have a mask and/or cape.
• Unless they have a cape, they do not often have loose-fitting costumes.
• MUST hide thier secret identity.
• Some come with weapons or gadgets (Batman, Iron Man)
•  Symbol/logo somewhere

Batman

Some comic writers/artists break the conventions of the traditional costume in order to make their characters stand out. A key example of this can be found in the work of Comic book writer Alan Moore. In two of Moore's most famous works, V For Vendetta & Watchmen, both feature normal people as the heros, creating delusions of thier own abilities and popularity. The most memorable character in Watchmen is Rorscarch (below), who's only traditional costume is the mask. Rorscarch is not a traditional hero, or even a hero at all, more of an outlaw vigilante who dosen't let little things like the law stop him from delivering his own brand of justice. A similer story appears in V For Vendetta, in which the lead character, V, a mysterious figue who dresses like Guy Fawlks, attempts to overthrow the dictatatorship of his future by blowing up the houses of parlement. Whilst neither of these are actually heros, Moore rights them as underdogs who believe that justice must be done no matter what the cost. To make them appear as normal people, Moore gives them only a mask to show them a "Superheros".

Rorscarch

Spiderman

V

Poster Analysis

The poster for the 2003 film Hulk is used to give the audience an idea of what to expect from the film and the movie's themes. It does this using imagery and positioning. The poster uses the following:

• A dark city in the background, to connote the darker context in the film.
• The Hulk is positioned directly in the middle of the image and shot from a slightly low angle to show the audience not only that he is the main subject/character of the film, but also how big he is. His literal enormity could also be used to show that the production is a big movie. With a huge budget and Hollywood director, it hopes to become a blockbuster.
• The main focus of the Hulk is his hand, which is reaching out towards the audience. This shows that the Hulk is grabbing our attention. It also further connotes the size of the Hulk and his mysteriousness, as the hand covers most of the Hulk's face and torso, showing him as hidden. This also foreshadows the films plot, where the Hulk/Bruce Banner must remain hidden as the government, police and military chase after our big green hero. 
• The darkness also adds to the mystery of the Hulk, as most of his lower body is covered by a shadow formed by his hand. The fact that we cannot see much of the Hulk, as well as the intimidating size of his hand, intrigues us as film-goers to see the movie and find out what it is all about.
• You can see one of the Hulk's eyes, which is staring right at you when you see the poster. This catches your attention because when something stares at you and you see it out of the corner of your eye, your natural reaction is to stare right back at it. As a result of this, the poster designer makes you look at it by making Hulk look at you.
• The films title, Hulk, appears in big, bold block capitals. The text is green not only to connote the colour of the hero, but also because it is positioned in the darkest area of the poster, which makes the bold text stand out even more. This is essential because if there was no title on the poster, you wouldn't know what film is was and would not see it. And so the poster persuades you to see the film and tells you what the film is.

Sometimes posters don't feature the hero.

This poster for The Dark Knight Rises doesn't feature a shot of Batman. However it is effective by using the following.

• The logo which immediately tells us that it's a Batman film without even mentioning the title.
• The image of the building crumbling and being destroyed. This not only symbolizes the actual destruction of Gotham City, but also the emotional and psychological breakdown of the films protagonist.
• The very dark colours which connotes the dark, mature content of the film.
• The release date hint to give a vague advertisement about the film. 

Finally there is this poster for the 2009 alternative Superhero film Watchmen. The poster features one of the main characters, Rorschach. This poster works for several reasons and uses the following:

• The story feature vigillanties like Rorscharch being outlawed in an alternative version of 1980's USA. Because Rorscharch's type have been outlawed he feels as though the world has tured it's back on him, so he does the same to us, facing away from the audience on the poster.
• The rain. Rain very often connotes misery and depression. This, and the fact that it appears to be night in the poster connote the films dark nature and the feelings of Rorscharch himself. It can also show the character's psychological problems and the fact that he is a silluhette in a dark street connotes him as being more of an Anti-Hero than the traditional Superhero.
• The quote from the character at the top of the screen which also gives us insight into the mental state of Rorscharch.
• The big, bold, brightly coloured Titles that stand out in front of the dark background. Other good avertisement is the release date, just above the title.

Audience, profit & reviews

Comic book movies have a wide range of profits, from the extreamly successful:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848228/business?ref_=tt_dt_bus
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1345836/business?ref_=tt_dt_bus
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/business?ref_=tt_dt_bus

To the not so successful:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311429/business?ref_=tt_dt_bus
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091225/business?ref_=tt_dt_bus
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348150/business?ref_=tt_dt_bus

In recent years, comic book movies have become more popular thanks to complex, deep stotylines (e.g The Dark Knight trilogy) and charasmatic superheros like Iron Man and Wolverine. The more obscure comic book movies generally gain good reviews: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/aug/26/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-review
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/mar/31/kick-ass-review-film
Recently, the Dark Knight franchise has gained positive reviews as a result of it's dark, mature subject matter, psychological moments, complex characters and intellegent plotlines. They are more crime drama than superhero movie, and this perhaps makes them more mature than thier closests rivals, Marvel's Avengers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/9403551/Batman-The-Dark-Knight-Rises-first-review.html

The more traditional superhero movie The Avengers (Avengers Assemble in the UK) also gained much praise for it's fantastic action, witty dialogue and clever characters. Regular comic book fans also enjoyed it because it stayed faithful to the previous movies and original comic book material
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/avengers/review/314291

Comic book films are not always well recieved, as this page from Rotten Tomatoes shows.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hulk/
Another comic book film that did badly was the utterly awful Howard the Duck. Produced by Star Wars creator George Lucas, this film was supposed to be a parody of sci-fi and superhero flicks. Unfortunatly the finishing product was a terribly made, badly acted snore fest with an idiotic plot and pathetic not-so-special effects. The reviews and box office ratings show that Howard the duck was George Lucas' biggest mistake until he created Jar Jar Binks
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/howard-the-duck

Main focus: Comic Book action

Scott Pilgrim vs the World(2010)
http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world/
Traditional elements: Nerdy main character, girl he wants to impress, animated titles.
Non-Traditional: Punk music opening, videogame theme in the first few seconds.
0.01 seconds: Universal logo (unique in this film as the universal theme is played in a retro video game style techno music).
0.23 seconds: Pale blue screen with text appearing and voice over describing the stories beggining.
0.33 seconds: Camera pans down into a low angle shot of a tree and a snow covered house.
0.39-2.44: Brief scene used to establish the main character's personality. Also introduces his friends, hobbies and basic background. regular cuts and wide shots, close ups & mid-shots makes everything seem normal.
2.45: Music starts
2.55: Camera starts to pull back.
3.00: Universal studios presents
3.04: Various production companies
3.08-3.11: Main title
(Goes from live action to fast paced, brightly coloured animated/flashing sequence).
3.14-3.54: Main cast
3.55: Casting directors
3.57: Music by
3.59: Music supervisor
4.01: Co-producers
4.04: Costume designer
4.07: Visual effects
4.10: Editors
4.13: Production designer
4.16: Director of Photography
4.19: Executive producers
4.24: Produced by
4.29: Based on the graphic novel by
4.31: Screenplay by
4.33: Cuts back to live action
4.39: Directed by (music stops)

Hulk(2003)
http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/hulk/
Much more traditional. Cinematic, grand music, exiting visuals, traditional layout of titles.
0.01: Main studio logo
0.22: Secondary studio logo (tinted green)
(Cuts into Computer Generated opening sequence/music starts).
0.44: Universal
0.47: Marvel
0.56: film studios
1.01: An Ang Lee Film
1.06: HULK
1.10-1.50: Main Cast
1.51: Casting
1.55: Music
2.10: Costume designer
2.20: Associate producers
2.26: visual effects
2.45: Animation supervisor
2.52: Editor
3.02: Production Designer
3.22: Director of Photography
3.43: Executive producers
3.55: Produced by
4.06: Story by
4.10: Screenplay by
4.17: Directed by
(4.20, Music stops, end of titles)

CODES AND CONVENTIONS

 

 

Sci-fi:

Mysterious, electronic music/sound effects.

Special effects.

If aliens are concerned, usually a shot of the sky/space
Viruses/ epidemics

Often filtered light.

Long takes.

Futuristic props/costumes.

Starts off normal then the action happens.

Sometimes voice over (usually in older sci-fi).

Settings: Future, space, laboratoties, normal settings.

 



The only version of this I could get has a banner at the bottom.


Comic books:
Spectacular, grand music usually orchestral.
CGI titles.
start with a shot of the hero, portraying them as normal at the start.
A motif for becoming a hero (the death of a relative is usually the cause).
A villain as powerful as the hero.
Long sweeping takes.
Dark and bright contasting colours.
Flashbacks
voice over.




Rom Com:
Romantic, slow music.
Bright lighting and bright colours.
If it's a teen movie, modern music.
Boy meets girl.
Something gets in the way of Love.
Usually an awkward/ pure comedy character.
Resolved in time for a happy ending.




Fictional Film based on True events:
Usually begin with either a normal day or a disaster of some kind.
focus on one or two characters in general.
Love/friendship often feature.
Either exaggerates events or goes for hard hitting realism.
music is often hopeful and uplifting.