Social Groups and Stereotypes:
For Stuart Hall, when stereotypes appear in the media such as in films like ours, they reinforce stereotypes. Audiences may decode the messages embedded in the stereotypes differently; however, genre conventions to to repeat and reinforce specific stereotypes.
Stereotypes are used by filmmakers like ourselves for various reasons. They can provide visual short cuts, for example, through clothing codes, that help our audience to understand our characters. in our film the character of Dan Clifton the athlete, dresses in sport wear, for instance trainers and shorts. Stereotypes also help our audience to build character relatability: for instance, the character of Dan's girlfriend, Kit, is strong and independent, which should appeal to our target audience of young women, as will the athletic, likeable character of Dan. genre stereotypes sign post audiences by the use of certain stock characters and the predictability of certain narratives.
I created a Pinterest mood board of the social groups, stereotypes (and anti-stereotypes) that we want to include in our film. In our film the characters follow suit of the stereotypes in media. For example; the Detective is an intelligent and respected working class citizen, who follows the stereotype of a stubborn, determined, experienced detective.
Social Issues:
The mindmap shows some of the social issues that we face in 21st century. We focused on mental heath illness (written in blue), especially loneliness and depression, and how it drives the Serial Killer to do what he does.
