Research- Priscilla & Black Swan 𓏲ּ𝄢

 

Priscilla (2023)

Genre: Drama/ romance

Shot types/ movement:

    Priscilla employs close ups of Priscilla and Elvis prominently during key scenes of dialogue and scenes that implement high emotional intensity. The vulnerability of Priscilla is demonstrated through these close up shots as her emotions are openly displayed. Priscilla's inner conflict is also presented through these shots as she is often depicted alone. The mid shots are utilized to demonstrate the evolution of Priscilla's presence in Elvis' life. She is more prominently shown at gatherings or in public spaces with him as their relationship evolves. Wide shots establish setting- both outside and inside- reflecting the way that Priscilla, by entering Elvis' Graceland, becomes a lager, more personal, aspect of his life. 

    Camera movement in the trailer is smooth and natural, tracking and panning the subjects. The lack of technique is intentional- to highlight the progression of the relationship in a non- imposing way and emphasize the emotions that accompany the relationship as they are. 

Editing:

    Continuity editing is employed to smoothly progress the events that occur in the span of the relationship between Elvis and Priscilla. This particular editing style being employed in a biographical allows for smooth transition between events and to inflict clarity in the audience. Priscilla begins as an innocent teenage girl as the film progresses to her shift when conflict arises in the relationship- she is abused and mistreated. The pacing of the trailer begins slower and more calm, but as the trailer progresses and conflict arises, the pacing is much faster to demonstrate the emotional intensity. 

Sound:

    The non- diegetic music is subtle, but creates the periodical atmosphere of the piece. The tone is also set in a way that inflicts mystification within viewers as to what will Priscilla's fate be. The slow pace of the music reflects the demonstration of emotions rather than high action sequences. The diegetic sound of dialogue is selectively chosen to highlight key moments. The lines reflect the relationship's progression as well as important plot points that create a tense atmosphere without revealing too much information about the resolution of the film. 

Mise- en- scene:

    The trailer employs elements of mise- en- scene that correspond to the 1960s setting. The setting in Graceland, parties and interiors establish the time period. To further this development, the characters dress in vintage clothing- pastel dresses, suits- and hair dos- big, big hair- to accelerate the authenticity of the period piece. The lighting is warm, creating an intimate feel that reflects the time period. 

Click to watch the trailer for Priscilla (2023)

Black Swan (2010)

Genre: Drama/ psychological thriller

Shot types/ movement:

    The frequent employment of close up shots to Nina's face demonstrating her tense and unsettled facial expressions create an entrance to her psychological warfare with herself. Her insecurity and unease allow viewers to experience an unsettling feeling- more connected to her inner conflicts. The medium shots employed establish character relationships and interactions that Nina has with others. Over the shoulder shots are used when Nina gazes into her reflection, purposed to represent her battles that she faces with herself being insecure. 

    The camera movement is intentionally slow and controlled to draw a heightened level of focus to the emotional battles that the subject faces, rather than creating a chaotic atmosphere. It aids in emphasizing how Nina is facing these battles alone, the pressure she faces in ballet is only internal, even when it affects her external world. 

Editing:

    The montage of Nina dancing, looking in her reflection and of feathers is implemented to create tension and show the major conflict becoming more advanced. The visuals that are juxtaposed- calm and disturbing- are used to show the inner conflict that Nina faces. Fast cuts between shots, especially when portraying the contrast between light and dark create conflict and develop the light vs. dark themes that are employed within the film- the transition between innocence and the demise of it. The ending of the trailer is when the pacing becomes accelerated to heighten the psychological turmoil that the subject faces and create anticipation. 

Sound:

    The non- diegetic music establishes a suspenseful tone while revealing the subject of the film (ballet) with classical music. The psychological instability still persists as it has elements of mystery. The voice over of Nina provides insight to her inner conflicts and places the narrative in her own perspective, bringing the conflict closer to the audience. The music cuts out at the end of the trailer to place major emphasis on the tension being built up and overwhelmed. The contrast in volume reflects the inner conflict of Nina being abrupt and instable. 

Mise- en- scene:

    The mise- en- scene elements of Black Swan entail a ballet studio as setting. The ballet is set designed to mirror a real ballet studio with floor space, bars and mirrors. The environment reflects the themes of perfection and self- observation. There is a shift in costuming from light to dark as Nina faces her transition from innocence to exposure- reinforcing her internal conflict. The high key lighting in some scenes reflects tension in the visuals to show the overwhelming state of mind that Nina is positioned in.

Click to watch the trailer for Black Swan (2010)

- Lauren ♡

Research- Girl, Interrupted & The Virgin Suicides 𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Genre: Psychological drama/ biographical

Shot types/ movement:

    The trailer relies on close up shots to demonstrate the emotional intensity through facial expressions. The close ups are implemented during important lines of dialogue to express the facial reactions of the characters. The close ups also bring a sense of connection to the internal conflicts that are established and emphasize the psychological struggle that the subjects face. The medium and wide shots are employed to display patients in groups and establish the setting of the hospital, presenting the social dynamics of the patients and the regulation and confinement of the institution. 

    The camera movement is often static or lightly tracking during exchanges of movement. The non- stylistic camera movements reflect the naturalistic intention that is created within the narrative. The trailer is meant to concentrate attention toward the character exchanges and observation of events as the drama portrays a story that is based on true events. 

Editing:

    The trailer primarily implements continuity editing which avoids abrupt transitions between non- continuous moments, developing a smooth narrative progression. This allows the audience to follow Susanna's experience as she transitions to live inside of the institution. Within group settings, cross cutting to a state of reflection is made to contrast the subject to the rest of the people in the institution, evoking themes of isolation and conflicted identity. The pacing is neither fast or slow, developing a naturalistic, observational delivery. The content of the trailer is the main factor of engagement, not relying on elements of editing to capture viewer attention.  

Sound:

        The non- diegetic music is lightly present. It creates an emotional tone without becoming the center of attention. The music reflects the inner conflict being faced by the subject to suggest her psychological state. The diegetic sound primarily exists in the form of dialogue. The dialogue that is present in the trailer is selectively chosen to demonstrate the progress of Susanna as she navigates the institution. The dialogue is reflective of instability of emotion and psychological detriments. Other forms of non- diegetic sound originate from ambiance to develop a more naturalistic environment. 

Mise- en- scene:

    The setting of the film exists in an immediate introduction to the institution. The set design is mundane and the coloring is muted to display the conformed state of the patients. Props that exist within the set are as follows: beds, medical charts, trays. The props create a realistic environment that a hospital would typically adopt. The costuming corresponds to the period in which the film is set- I would assume 1950s/ 1960s to establish the time period. The doctors wear appropriate costuming- aprons, hats and name tags. The patients are dressed in gowns with muted towns to suggest the mundaneness of the environment. This reinforces the realism that is developed within the narrative. The lighting is naturalistic and muted within the scenes that are inside the hospital. The documentary- style realism is evident with the non- studio produced lighting. 

Click to watch the trailer for Girl, Interrupted (1999)

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Genre: Psychological drama/ suspense

Shot types/ movement:

    Close up shots are primarily implemented within the trailer to display both the Lisbon sisters and the boys who watch them to allow for observation of the emotions that exist within both genders. Psychological depth is given to the characters as the girls are presented as mysterious. Wide shots are implemented to portray group settings and homes. The setting, through these wide shots, is emphasized as mundane and conformed. 

    The camera movement adopts slower panning. The purpose is to create a dream- like quality to evoke a sense of suspense within viewership. The slower pace of the camera allows the events to be taken in in a nostalgic pace. The pacing feels as though in an alternate state. Flowy and slow. 

Editing:

    The editing portions of the trailer rely on montage sequences and dissolves. The scenes that are implemented do not follow a chronological order and are purposed to create an emotional evocation of mystification as it develops and enigma. The mystery is created through the reliance on text card dissolves in between each clip that is inserted. A heavier weight is put on the use of text in order to maintain mystery and not give away too much information about the film within the trailer. The visuals do not advance the plot in any way- but are relied on to develop the dreamy mood of the film. The "Love... Sex... Death...Passion... Fear...Obsession" title cards at the end of the production are repetitive which creates a mirrored effect to the film itself- intriguing the audience. The pacing during the trailer progresses from a slower development to a more fast pace as the montages exist, influencing the intensity of the climax.  

Sound:

    The trailer relies on non- diegetic music to develop the melancholic tone of the film. The music is reflective, but soft, creating an emotional evocation of mystification. The themes of the film are reinforced through the music implemented- nostalgia and dream- like. The dialogue (diegetic sound) is extremely selective, almost having scripted qualities. There is some environmental noise, but it is limited as the environment is created through non- diegetic elements. 

Mise- en- scene:

    The mise- en- scene of the trailer exists in the suburban setting of the trailer. The houses and tree lined streets create the nostalgic, childhood atmosphere that the Lisbon sisters live in. The costuming of the girls is casual, but romanticised. The girls often wear dresses with intentional hairstyles that brings about aspects of femininity. The lighting is soft and clear, in a dream- like way, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The color pallete primarily relying on muted and pastel tones reflects the emotional tone of the production while creating dream- like aspects and femininity. 

Click to watch the trailer for The Virgin Suicides (1999)

- Lauren ♡

Research- Little Women & Lady Bird ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

 

    As I begin researching media texts of the drama genre, I will format each trailer analysis as the following. This will provide me with a more comprehensive analysis, breaking down each portion of the trailer in order to achieve reference for the production of my trailers. 

Format for analyses

Shot types/ movement

Editing

Sound

Mise- en- scene

Little Women (2019)

Genre: Drama/ coming- of- age

Shot types/ movement: 

    Close ups are implemented during dialogue scenes to heighten the emotional intensity of the production, especially in the romantic confession scene between Jo and Laurie. To emphasize the relationship between the March sisters, medium shorts are utilized to reinforce the narrative of familial/ sisterly bonds. Wide shots are exerted to display outdoor scenes such as the sisters running in fields to reinforce the themes of female possibility outside the societal standards at the time of the period piece. The wide shots serve as juxtaposition to the indoor scenes to display the convergence in independence and enclosement. 

     The camera tracks the subjects as they run in various scenes throughout the trailer. This reinforces a sense of youthfulness and determination of the girls; simultaneously being visually engaging as compared to the still shots that lean towards themes of conforming to expectations for young women.  

Editing:

    The trailer does not follow a chronological order of events, creating a complex narrative. Cross cutting is prominent as each of the sister's perspectives are demonstrated. This technique allows for a balanced approach to portraying each of the sisters' stories. The technique weighs each of the sisters' stories as of equal importance in the narrative. The pacing of the trailer slowly progresses and becomes faster, building up the emotional intensity pairing faster cuts with more emotionally- intense music. The montage toward the end of the trailer unites moments of achievement for the sisters, displaying them achieving their dreams, allowing for focus on emotion rather than plot points. The actors/ actresses are introduced at the end of the trailer, cutting from a blank screen with their names to a clip of each character, introducing prominent characters to aid in viewership attraction. 

Sound:

    An orchestral soundtrack is implemented, gradually becoming more fast paced. The non- diegetic music corresponds to the periodical piece. The gradual advancement in pacing of the music mirrors the ambitious tone created for the sisters. The diegetic sound includes dialogue, laughter and environmental noise. The diegetic sound creates authenticity in the narrative, reinforcing the strength of the familial bonds that are present, for example, when the girls throw a pillow at each other and laugh. The dialogue that is present is extremely intentional. While there are some lines of humor that are purposed to engage viewership, the majority of dialogue serves to reflect the main themes of independence and rejection of conformity and societal expectations of women. 

Mise- en- scene:

    The setting establishes a contrast between warm interiors with fireplaces and wooden furniture to the bright and open outdoor sets. This works to establish the outdoor scenes as area of possibility and ambition and the indoor scenes as confinement and the sisters' 'past' lives. The props revolve around the ambitions of each sister. Books, paper, paintbrushes. The props serve as an establishment of creativity and visually display the aspirations of the girls. The costumes reflect the 1900s setting to create historical realism as the narrative is set in the past. The girls dress in dresses as this was conventional to the attire in the 1900s. The lighting also works to create contrast in the indoor and outdoor scenes. Inside, the lighting is warm and dark (low key) to create constrainment. The outdoor scenes are predominantly demonstrated through high key lighting to reinforce possibility and freedom. 

Click to watch the trailer for Little Women (2019)

Lady Bird (2017)

Genre: Drama/ coming- of- age

Shot types/ movement:

    The trailer employs close up shots during scenes with heavy emotional weight, such as the opening scene where Lady Bird argues with her mother. The close ups are implemented to concentrate the emotional intensity, drawing focus to the facial expressions of the characters. The internal conflicts are also emphasized, introducing Lady Bird's uncertainty about the world around her as she comes to age. The trailer implements wide shots to establish setting such as school or the thrift store. These shots provide insight to the life of the subject, showing the small, rural town she lives in and the mundane environments that she is placed in. 

    The camera movement is natural and the lack of technique is intentional. The shots are observing the events that occur, rather than engaging with the narrative. This technique adds realism to the production, grounding the piece in reality which makes the film seem genuine. 

Editing:

    The editing employed is that of continuity editing to maintain a cohesive narrative without the requirement of a chronological order. As the production shifts in location- school, home, stores- the continuity editing maintains the realism in the narrative. The pacing of the trailer is slower in dialogue- heavy moments and faster during emotionally heightened scenes, creating a mirrored effect to the life of the young girl- inconsistent. 

Sound:

    The non- diegetic sound in the form of music is light, developing a reflective environment. This technique is conventional to coming- of- age films as they revolve around the growth and reflection of a character. The diegetic sound consists of dialogue that creates realism- such as arguments with Lady Bird and her family. Authenticity is drawn through the employment of no to minimal non- diegetic sound- it concentrates focus on the everyday moments that the subject experiences. 

Mise- en- scene:

    The setting of the trailer switches between home, school, and there is implementation of social settings as well- such as parties and other gatherings. This reflects the everyday life of the girl- it is not overly stylized, just normal. Props such as phones, books and cars reflect the  relatable narrative that the film attempts to create. The costuming is unique to Lady Bird- thrifted outfits and pink colored hair set her apart from other characters visually, reflecting her internal differences from normality. She is portrayed as deflecting conformity by dressing in mismatched outfits and having dyed hair. The lighting, similar to the editing techniques is natural to enhance the genuineness of the narrative. Indoor scenes are warm- lit and outdoor scenes are brightly lit as they exist in the natural world. It reinforces the observation of a real story- rather than an overly intentional and stylized piece, while still being intentional about the lack of stylism. 

Click to watch the trailer for Lady Bird (2017)

- Lauren ♡

Genre Research ⋆‧°𓏲ּ𝄢

    Developing an initial vision for the production entails the development of a genre. What I currently know about the production is that it will be a composition of trailers that revolve a young woman (my vision portrays a teenage female) who constantly feels the need to appeal to the male gaze- endless primping, struggling with body image and maintaining the 'ideal' body type. This leads to her eventual fall into a state where she cannot fulfil these unattainable desires for what she believes that men want. Portraying the effects of the conflict will entail demonstrating the depression, anxiety and loneliness that the young woman experiences. The physical effects may also include eating disorders, which is something that, in film, is commonly portrayed being faced by young females. 

    With all of this in consideration, the drama genre resonates most with these aspects. The drama genre delves into the regularities of life, simultaneously constructing a conflict. The conflict that will result in my trailers specifically will be that of self vs. self. The self vs. self conflict is a type of internal conflict. The foundation of constructing a remarkable internal conflict is choosing the most unfortunate type of character to be experiencing the presented external conflict. The teenage girl experiencing insecurity in a battle of acceptance vs. rejection of men. The most unfortunate character to be facing a conflict of being accepted by males is a young female. She is naive. 

    The subgenre of coming of age will subside as the young woman navigates her adolescent years. She is still finding herself, therefore resulting in her strive toward idealism. Her life is not perfect, but she pursues to achieve a life that is perfect and fights these internal battles over her appearance. The coming of age genre is necessary to be implemented into the production as the internal conflict accompanying a teenage female's ongoing psychological development creates an accelerated conflict. 

    Laura Mulvey's male gaze demonstrates the portrayal of women in film as they are purposed only to satisfy the desires of heterosexual men. The male gaze objectifies women, presenting them as passive objects. My production will work to expose the effects of this portrayal, immersing the young woman into this narrative in a way that she is the one striving to appeal to the gaze of men. The media commonly portrays women as objects. My production will work to reveal the woman's perspective of the male gaze. The damage that it does to women. 

- Lauren ♡

References:

Explore the drama genre in film and television. (n.d.). No Film School. Retrieved February 28, 2026, from https://nofilmschool.com/drama-genre

What is internal conflict? (With examples). (n.d.). No Film School. Retrieved February 28, 2026, from https://nofilmschool.com/what-is-internal-conflict

How to write internal conflict and external conflict in screenwriting. (n.d.). No Film School. Retrieved February 28, 2026, from https://nofilmschool.com/internal-and-external-conflict-examples

Male gaze. (n.d.). Media-Studies.com. Retrieved February 28, 2026, from https://media-studies.com/male-gaze/

Stanborough, J. (n.d.). What is the male gaze? Verywell Mind. Retrieved February 28, 2026, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-male-gaze-5118422

Coming of age movies. (n.d.). No Film School. Retrieved February 28, 2026, from https://nofilmschool.com/what-is-coming-of-age-movie

Project Choice •.°*♪°.•

    For the A level portfolio project, the following options for production are outlined below: 

[AICE Media Studies – Final Portfolio – A Level

The set briefs each contain a major task along with two associated minor tasks; the weighting of each element should be roughly two thirds to the major and one third to the minor tasks combined. This should guide expectations about the scope of the separate elements.

Option 1: music promotion package

A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music video (major task), together with an official social media page for the band or artist(s) and a digipak for the album’s release (minor tasks).

 

Option 2: film promotion package

A promotion package for a new film, to include two trailers (major task), together with an official social media page for the film and a poster for the film (minor tasks).

 

Option 3: documentary package

An extract from an original documentary TV program, lasting approximately five minutes (major task), together with an official social media page for the documentary and a magazine article for the documentary (minor tasks).

 

Option 4: short film package

A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes (major task), which may be live action or animated or a combination of both, together with an official social media page for the short film and a postcard advertisement for the film at a short film festival (minor tasks).

Tasks may be undertaken individually or as a group. There should be a maximum of four members to a group. Images and video should be original material only. Sound should be predominantly original (dialogue and atmospheric sound), though music taken from an acknowledged source may be used as part of the soundtrack.]

    

    From these options provided, I have been pondering both the 'short film package' and the 'film promotion package'. My rationale during the process of narrowing down my choice was that during AS level media studies, last year, I really enjoyed producing the short film & during A level, this year, one of our tasks was to produce a trailer and a teaser for a new film, which I enjoyed very much as well. 

    After considering both options, I decided on the film promotion package. Taking in consideration my captivation in elements of mise- en- scene, the film promotion package is a good way to capture that. 

    During the process of brainstorming potential ideas for the plot, I considered films that I am already inspired by. I have always and will forever be obsessed with 2000s romance/ rom com films like: 500 Days of Summer, The Holiday, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Devil Wears Prada, When Harry Met Sally, 27 Dresses, Notting Hill, The Notebook, Uptown Girls. Woah Lauren, chill, I think they get the jist now. This is not going to be a love story. However, I desire to reflect some of the aspects that these romance films depict in elements of mise- en- scene. I want to create a sense of divine femininity within these mise- en- scene elements, while simultaneously exposing the 'performance' that women undergo as they strive to appeal to men. I also would like to incorporate the coming of age genre as I feel that young women are affected most dearly by these 'stereotypes' that they are constantly exposed to through the media. It causes a lot of damage and I feel that I want to reflect that. 

    I always use mood boards to aid the visual aspects of the brainstorming process, so here is what I have created. This is just an initial board, so I expect it to change as I further develop my idea.

- Lauren ♡

    

    

Schedule / Timeline ⋆˚࿔

        In order to remain organized and productive, I am developing the schedule for all of the tasks I desire to accomplish in the eight week duration of the portfolio project.

        I feel that I have always been an organized person, especially as a student. I am the type to always carry a planner in my bookbag and write down deadlines, test dates and important events. Writing down all of my tasks and the dates of completion holds me accountable. Planning is a major reducer of stress in my life. It allows me to focus on the tasks at hand and have a school/life balance. Harvard Business School has communicated the importance of planning, outlining the provision of progress tracking to successfully accomplish a large task. Specifically with this portfolio project, it will allow me to effectively manage my time, directing the path toward the long term goal of completion.

    Here is the link to my finalized schedule! 

    One of the major tasks during this portfolio project is the editing process. I am comfortable to admit that I am not your best editor, so I prepare to do research regarding these editing aspects and a lot of it. Therefore, I have accommodated extra time to the editing process to account for this. Spring break arises as such a great opportunity to research components of editing as it will align with my period allocated to post- production, giving me a full week to learn the more technical/ advanced processes of editing so that I am familiarized and able to create a final production that I am proud of!

    For the social media portions, I plan to post regularly and create a separate schedule for that entirely once the portfolio project is slightly more developed. For now, I have noted for myself that from week four and beyond I should post to the social media page regularly. Once I have an idea of the plan for the project, by next week, I will be able to accomodate for social media posting. 

    Of course as time progresses, there will be edits made to this schedule as I do plan to be slightly ahead of the schedule that I created-- never ever behind though! 

- Lauren ♡

References:
Cote, M. (2020, June 16). Why is strategic planning important? Harvard Business School Online: Business Insights. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/why-is-strategic-planning-important