Complete the spider diagram below with the codes and conventions of the superhero genre. What things do you expect from superhero films?

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1 Superhero Films The Macro Features and Elements - Question 2 The Macro Features of a film simply means the big ideas behind it. Mainly, the macro features are Genre and Narrative (or storyline) but they also include Themes and Issues, Representation and Ideology. The narrative of the film is very closely related to the genre - you kind of can t have one without the other. This is because of the codes and conventions connected that have become associated with particular genres of films. Codes and conventions are the ingredients you would expect to see in a film belonging to a certain genre. Complete the spider diagram below with the codes and conventions of the superhero genre. What things do you expect from superhero films? Conventions of the Superhero Genre You should look out for these things in the extract you have to watch in the exam and think about how they are put across to the audience through things like camera work (cinematography), sound, editing, special effects, mise-en-scene etc. These are called the micro elements of a film.

2 Complete the table below to show your understanding of the superhero genre: Superhero Films Setting Character Types Narrative/plot lines Props/Significant objects Themes and Isuues Style LINK TO PAPER 2: Can you make any comments about how these things are used in your chosen close study film? (Boy in the Striped Pyjamas or Tsotsi).

3 Spotting Genre in Promotional Materials Remember that Q3 is likely to ask you about how superhero films are promoted. At the minute, superhero films are hot Hollywood news. There has been a huge influx of superhero films into the cinemas just recently and most of them have been hugely successful. This tells us that the superhero genre is incredibly popular with audiences. Film companies will play on this when they promote their films before their release into cinemas and afterwards. Annotate the following texts with how and where they show or communicate genre.

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6 Superhero Key Terms Match the key term to its definition. Remember to USE THEM in your exam! Term Definition McGuffin A character s second or alternative personality or persona. Iconography An important prop or item that plays an important part in the film or the film revolves around it. For example, the tesseract in The Avenger is a source of power that the superheroes have to recover. Alter-Ego Characters or ideas that represent sets of opposite values, such as good and evil, light and dark. Stock Characters Puzzles and mysterious clues used to tempt, tease or provoke the audience into thinking about the film. Enigma Codes A simple or typical way of representing a certain group of people or characters. Stereotype An important image, icon or symbol that is recurring throughout the film or across many films, such as a superhero symbol. Binary Opposites A system of ideas, values or beliefs promoted as being right and true. Back Story Simple, easily recogniseable and unchallenging characters. Ideology The history or background of the character that has happened prior to the film.

7 Quick Fire Question: Make a list here of as many superheroes and their alter egos that you can think of:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Costume and Props: The way the superhero dresses when they are the superhero is hugely important and serves a number of purposes: it keep their identity safe it gives information and communicates message about the superhero s style it uses simple and effective images (iconography) and colours so it is instantly recogniseable and helps to identofy the character as a hero (or villain in some cases) it is a powerful marketing tool to help sell and promote the film The gadgets, tools and vehicles that superheroes have are also important. They can be used instead of superhero powers or to enhance them. The gadgets, props and vehicles help to provide excitement and spectacle for the the audience and they allow superheroes born without powers (like Iron Man and Batman) to become the superheroes we need them to be to defeat evil! Look at the next few pages for some images and activities on costumes, props and vehicles.

8 Why does Batman dress in black? Why does he hide his face and why does he have a cape?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is important about The Joker s costume and make up when you compare him to Batman? Why does he present himself as a clown? How are the two versions different and why?

9 Why is Captain America called Captain America and what is symbolic or important about his costume? What is important about the way female superheroes are dressed?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 In this conflict between Thor (with his hammer) and Captain America (with his shield), why will there never be a winner? There may be more than one reason.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sometimes, the costume or prop item can communicate something about the superhero s personality or moral approach. For example, Captain America s shield is symbolic of the fact that he wants to defend and protect people. Tony Stark s Iron Man suit shows that he is an engineering genius. Think about how other characters costumes and props might represent something of their nature or personality.

11 The Batmobile Surely every boy (and maybe some girls) at one point of another of their childhoods has wanted a Batmobile! Any why wouldn t you? Just look at the thing! It has undergone a few changes since the 1989 film but what things remain the same about it and why have these features not been lost? 1966 Batman: The Movie (Leslie H. Martinson, Adam West playing Batman) 1989 Batman (Tim Burton directing, Michael Keaton as Batman) 1995 Batman Forever (Directed by Tim Burton, Val Kilmer playing Batman)

12 1997 Batman and Robin (Directed by Tim Burton, George Clooney as Batman) 2005 Batman Begins (Directed by Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale as Batman) Make notes next to each one about what makes it the Batmobile, how they change, what aspects of the character it reflects, what remains the same etc.

13 Themes and Issues Most of the themes and issues can be divided into two kinds: the private and the public. The private themes are the ones that affect individual characters, mainly the superhero. Public themes are bigger issues that could apply to society as a whole. It is the themes of the superhero movies that helps the films to touch on reality, because they deal with issues we all have to consider. Sort these themes into the private and public table below. revenge right and wrong or good and evil discrimination, division and segregation identity self-sacrifice morality - standing up for what s right and good relationships teamwork responsibility determination, strength and resilience science and technology Private Themes Public Themes

14 Question Three - Marketing Marketing films uses a combination of the below methods: teaser posters (released very early in the promotional campaign and very simple in design) theatrical posters (released closer to the cinema date to reveal more about the film) billboards - large and dramatic images on massive advertising boards usually at the side of a road Bus t-posters - called t posters because of their shape magazine and newspaper adverts based on the poster teaser trailer (similar to teaser posters - released early on on containing only a few choice snippets from the film and coming soon usually) theatrical trailers TV spots (short versions of the trailer specifically for TV advert breaks) radio spots interviews premieres merchandise tie-ins sponsorship deals with other products like fast food chains, fizzy drinks, cars, fragrances etc websites, twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and other social media Complete the table below Marketing Method (from list above) who it would appeal to how it works to sell the film

15 Question 4 - the creative response You need to have a new superhero in your head for this question of the exam so you can adapt him/her to any similar questions you may be asked. To do this, you need to decide the following information:- What is his/her name? What is/are his/her power(s)? What are his/her weaknesses? Where did he/she originate from or how did he/she become a superhero? Where does she/he live now? (large city - probably American or at least looks like America) What does her/his costume look like? (including colours) What is his/her badge/insignia? Who is his/her main enemy? What font style does your superhero have? You need to be able to provide this information for what ever creative task you are asked to do. It maybe that you are given the name of a new superhero but you should be able to adapt most of your planned info above of you are. You will probably be asked to create 1 of the following things to promote your superhero film so you need to think about how you will do this using your own superhero: Facebook page Website Teaser Poster DVD cover (front, back and spine) Film Magazine and possible contents page Merchandise campaign Practise creating and annotating all of the 5 things above using the super hero you have created.