Audience Feedback

I have now shown the rough cut to different audiences - including informed audiences such as the A2 and AS media classes, as well as friends, family, and other members of staff from varied demographics and media tastes - and received feedback and suggestions for improvements. Some of the suggestions I received included:

-Including more cuts - multiple audiences informed me that they felt the product far suited an opening sequence than a teaser trailer, because of the long takes and slow introduction. The trailer takes some time to get going, and they suggested that for a teaser trailer, there are more cuts to increase tension. -Having a faster pace - This was for the same reason as above; other teaser trailers they had consumed in the past were tense because of their fast pace. By editing the trailer to decrease the length of each take, I can increase the pace. -Reshooting the newsroom scene - Audiences noticed that the weather was bright as the news reporter was talking, which contrasted with the evening time darkness outside windows as the female walked into the kitchen. -Adding a picture of 'Daniel Woods' - They suggested that a picture of Daniel Woods is shown as the news reporter reads the article, to increase the impact of seeing the male in the kitchen later in the trailer. Some viewers did not realise that this was the male who was kidnapped. -Proper institutional page - Realistic-style institutions need to be added to improve the authenticity of the overall product. -Taking out the final shots where the female hits Daniel - Some viewers felt that this final shot was unnecessary, and almost comical. As a serious action thriller teaser trailer, any shots considered comical should not be included in the final cut.

Audiences did enjoy the sudden tension and enigmas which began from the shot where the female picks up the gun. They were not expecting this moment, and enjoyed the sudden tension and enigmas. Therefore, as I make changes, I will be sure to keep in this moment, to continue to please audiences.

It has been very useful to gather audience feedback; I have been able to discover areas of improvement which I had already discovered from my own critical viewing - such as the need for institutions - and areas of improvement which I had not come across myself - such as to increase the pace. I will now go ahead and make changes to the teaser trailer, to improve the overall quality and authenticity of the product, and allow it to more precisely meet the conventions of a teaser trailer.