Film Promotion: Controlled Assessment Pt2

For the second part of your controlled assessment (Thursday 25th February) you will have to design a DVD cover for the release of Avatar in DVD format. Therefore you will need to know the forms and conventions of a DVD cover, look at DVDs that you have at home especially the back also look at the Avatar website - are there features on there that could be incorporated into your DVD?

You will also have to write an interview script which will include 10 questions, the purpose of the interview is to promote the film of course! When you interview a movie star or a big time director for the purposes of promoting the film, you need to show that you've done your 'homework' and that you know as much about the film, the story and making of the film as the stars and director. There needs to be a clear link between the interview and DVD i.e. the interview is for the purpose of promoting the release of the DVD, so you need to have some idea of what you want the cover of your DVD to be like.

Some tips for planning your scripts are, that interviewers don't just ask 'yes' or 'no' questions, they show that they have done their research and have in depth knowledge of the film and how the film was made. They have seen the film and have a clear understanding of the narrative (storyline), themes and characters. Most of all they ask the right questions to get interesting and insightful answers. Below you find some clips from promotional interviews notice that some of the things the interviewer does is:

• The interviewer says a little introduction before they start
• Before they ask a question they show their knowledge of the film
• Discuss themes of the film
• Comment on how they personally felt watching the film (and links that to a question)
• They're enthusiastic
• Researched directors past work (and links that to a question)
• Refer to past roles the actors have played
• Discuss how the film came about or developed
• Discuss actors/director working relationships

There are other things they may have talked about but I think I've helped you enough!

Some links for Avatar research and planning your interview (you can find more on your own)
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/dor/objects/800318/avatar/videos/avatar_cast_interviews_20091219.html
http://movies.sky.com/avatar-interviews-sigourney-weaver

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/6720156/James-Cameron-interview-for-Avatar.html