Conventions of DVD covers

Learning Objective: 
To apply the conventions of DVD covers to a mock up DVD cover of the sequel to a film you are familiar with.

Key words: 
Main title, main image, hierarchy, spine, cast, age certificate, blurb, synopsis, reviews, awards, running time, institutional logo, lettering, action line, handwritten.

You are advised to use imagery that you have created yourself when completing Media production coursework.

Tagline – draws the audience’s attention sometimes by asking them a question.

Iconography – relevant to the genre or images of famous actors, or even places – because the  audience may recognise them from other films they are familiar with.

Industry reviews – gives the film critical acclaim, often accompanied by stars out of five.

Sequel – audiences may have seen the first one and will find a sequel appealing.

Blurb or synopsis on the back of the DVD cover – wording is sensationalised mentioning actors' names and giving information about the narrative.  Sometimes asking asks questions to the audience to create enigmas making them want to find out more.

Bonus features – the audience is getting inside information about the film, the actors, crew. Gives the text a personal feel.

Awards – gives the film recognition to the audience. Audiences want to watch successful films.

The production company – audiences recognise them from previous films and give them an indication of the style of the film.

Director – audiences might recognise the name from other films they have made.

Film classification – necessary organisational issue.

Screen grabs – gives the audience an insight into the film.

Task 1:
Discuss and list the conventions evident on this annotated DVD cover (Wizards). Ignore the typos. Orange books.

Task 2: Take notes from this DVD cover presentation. Orange books.

Analysis Of Dvd Covers 

Assessment. Task 3: 

Using the template provided, design a mock up of a DVD cover for the sequel to a film you are familiar with. If you are investigating film for your research investigation then this should provide you with your title. Make notes on the back of the handout rather than annotating your design.

This is not an Art exam so just indicate any colours along with the connotations for that colour.

Peer Assessment.

Use the handouts provided to assess the work of your peer.

Award 20 marks for each of the success criteria indicated above giving a final total out of 100.

The assessment focus for this task is: DVD cover - codes and conventions

Year 13 written tasks success criteria:

Knowledge of the concept of audience/representation/narrative

Awareness of relevant theories/debates/views

Uses examples to draw on relevant issues

Use of media terminology/key words

Quality of written communication