LOL (2012) Trailer Analysis http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=4P6mXZzY9nc We see the trailer open with a familiar green inter-title; this is edited in to notify viewers with the age certificate of the 'following preview'. This is included for legality reasons and provides consumers with the reassurance that the production is professional.

Following the opening inter-title is the 'ident's of two production companies - Lionsgate and Mandate Pictures.. 'Ident's are useful for two reasons; once again, they tell the viewer that the production is legit, acting almost as a signature, and secondly, 'ident's may hint at the genre of film. Unlike a company such as Twisted Pictures, Lionsgate have little direction in concern to genre; this establishes the company to be versatile. We also identify Lionsgate as a well renowned film studio, owning subsidiaries such as Mandate Pictures. Lionsgate is globally successful, releasing films such as The Hunger Games (2012). Edited in over the two 'ident's is a non-diagetic instrumental; toward the end of the last 'ident' and following through to the first shot is the non-diagetic sound effect of school bells. This sets the audience up for the first location; the iconic school environment. Because of this, the film is conforming to genre conventions; the high school location is affiliated with 'coming of age' films due to the relevant age group involved..

Wide shot

Wide shot

Tracking medium long shot

Close up two shot

The first shot captures teenagers/young adults walking in front of a school building; we can tell it is such by the sign above the entrance. American 'coming of age' films conventionally revolve around the school environment, showing the production to conform to the genre. By capturing students, the production company will attract the intended consumer of a similar age group; the viewer will already begin to relate to the film. A non-diagetic voice over is cut in throughout the following shots; the viewer recognises this to be a females voice, who we assume to be the protagonist. The soundtrack of guitar music continues to play alongside the voice-over, both of which create a sound bridge. The audience is introduced to the protagonist through the next shots, in which we see her beside friends and a lover; themes of friendship and love are conventional within 'coming of age' films. The non-diagetic voice names herself as 'Lola' or 'Lol'. Lola does not conform to the conventions of a 'coming of age' stock character as she lacks in a misfit stereotype; we see her surrounded by many friends and involved within a close group. The nickname Lol will appeal to the target audience due to its similarity with the acronym LOL, commonly used within social media. As the footage captures Lola leading a happy lifestyle, the suggestion is made that with the new school year - 'every year it's weird coming back to school' - Lola's life may change; within 'coming of age' films we see the leading character grow as a person. Fade transitions and the use of slow motion adds a dream like quality to the clips; for teenagers, it is the 'dream' to be popular, surrounded by friends and experience a 'first love'. The dreamlike aesthetic continues to foreshadow that something may change/go wrong within Lola's life. The next clip films a close up of Lola's side profile Through post production editing, the viewer can also see her status update, which appears beside her on screen. She updates this to 'boyfriend', notifying the viewer that she is in a relationship. The younger generation will be attracted to the production through the social network appeal; the

majority of teenagers/young adults stay connected via Facebook and Twitter; this makes the film easy to relate to. Modern technology is a common prop within 'coming of age' films; the young 'current' audience will find appeal in the latest trends, fashion and technology. The sub-genre of romance continues to be depicted., both conforming to the 'coming of age' genre and increasing audience pleasure; teens will find appeal in the theme of 'first love' as it is something they may relate to or look forward to experiencing. We are able to make the connection between Lola and the status update through the sound effect of typing on a keyboard and the characters name on screen. The guitar soundtrack continues to create a sound bridge over the following shots. A fade transition cuts to a two shot of Lola and, supposedly, her boyfriend. The close positioning of the two portrays the seemingly intimate relationship of which they share., however, the audience soon learns that the male 'hooked up' with someone else over summer. This establishes the first change within the protagonists life. It is conventional within such a genre to explore the 'up's and down's' of a young person's life; again, this allows the consumer to emphasise further with the protagonist. Following this break up, a fade transition cuts to Lola crying, and later being comforted by her mother - 'my baby'. Lola, however, insists that she is not a baby anymore, conforming to the stereotypical rebellious attitude of teenagers; parents may act overprotective as their child grows. This is something viewers may find that they can easily relate to. A medium long shot captures Lola writing in a diary; over the top of this shot is Lola's voice, notifying the audience that it has been a 'so not perfect day'. Within the shot, the soundtrack is cut out, increasing the poignancy of Lola's words. It is conventional within 'coming of age' films for the protagonist to write their thoughts down, justifying the narrative - normally, the leading character is shown to be reading their written words to the viewer. Lola changes status update... We see the inclusion of a stereotypical 'coming of age' stock character - the mean girl. With a highly polished aesthetic and a bully persona, it is clear that this female fits the stereotype. Through this, the film is conforming to genre conventions and once again, increasing audience pleasure. The viewer expects to see such characters within a film in order to emphasise with the protagonist, but also to be entertained. We then begin to see a positive change within Lola as she finds new love. Over various shots depicting the couples growing relationship, we hear a new non-diagetic soundtrack cut in, marking a change within her life. The music is of the pop genre, appealing to the modern, younger audience. We also see Lola's status change, confirming the suggested narrative of new romance. The footage continues to depict family troubles, the party lifestyle, friendship, bullying and confusion. These are all conventional themes of the 'coming of age' genre. Lola's life is shown to be a rollercoaster ride as she tries to find herself and her happiness.

Over the shoulder shot

The first inter-titles to be included within the promotional feature are of the same format as Lola's status updates, linking to the social media aspect present within the film. The inter-titles establish the main sub-genre of romance, enticing the consumer to view the feature. We also see credits over footage; the production company is utilizing the star system in order to appeal to the audience - Miley Cyrus is a popular actress amongst teen girls, thus, attracting the intended consumer. Teen females will also gain greater audience pleasure through both relating with a girl of similar age and having their own dreams brought to life through the character.

Close up

High angle medium close up

Two shot

The final scenes are of Lola's beau serenading her at a gig. The diagetic song creates a sound bridge over the preceding shots. The actor/model Douglas Booth portrays Lola's boyfriend Kyle; audience pleasure is increased through Booth's attractive looks, appealing to the intended T.A of teenage girls. The last scenes depict the 'true love' shared between the couple, increasing the sub-genre of romance further. It's pretty much every girls dream to have a song devoted to them by a handsome male, thus, the film is able to bring life to viewers fantasies; once again, increasing audience pleasure. Fade transitions and slow motion editing continue to be used, resulting in a soft aesthetic; if the production company had made the decision to use no transitions, the feel of romance would be lesser; this may be something to consider when creating our own trailer. The title is edited in at the end. The status format continues to be used. The pink colouring will appeal to the T.A. of teen females.

Overall, I really like this trailer due to the variation in shots, the clear depiction of romance, the portrayal of the 'up's and down's' within the leading characters life and the adherence to the genre. As necessary within 'coming of age' films, there is a clear change within character as the trailer/film develops. When creating our own feature, we will consider the representation of change through the soundtrack, transitions/slow motion within post production and depicting sub-genres such as romance. On the other hand, our trailer will appear less 'Hollywood'.