Ill Manors: official websites

Ill Manors blog task: official websites

Answer the following questions on your blog:

1) What examples can you find of the Ill Manors brand on the Ill Manors website homepage screengrab above?

The screengrab is like the layout of a movie poster, with the logo to the side, identifying the brand immediately and help to promote the film. There is also the use of mise-en-scene as they use actors and locations from the film which identity the brand and also the genre of the film. One man appears to be gagged and tied up, illustrating the brand through it's gritty nature. In graffiti text, the words "Ill Manors" are shown against the down-beaten house, in order to further represent the brand and aspects of the brand including the genre of the film. This a creative representation of the brand which will catch the viewers eye, allowing them to identify certain aspects of the brand. Under the window of the house, it says "Ill Manors Buy Now," identifying that the DVD is now for sale.

2) How does the website encourage the audience to buy or interact with Ill Manors products?

The phrase 'BUY NOW' has been used both on the central image and on one of the page tabs which encourages viewers of the website to purchase the film. The page tabs also provide viewers the opportunity to watch the trailer, related videos and listen to the Ill Manors album which creates synergy between the different platforms. This means that they are able to connect with the brand's products easily, with just one click of the mouse. It is well located on the page and means that people are likely to notice and follow these links. To the left of the screengrab, there are links to the trailer, allowing you the opportunity to interact with it and watch it. Another link there is the link to the album, allowing the audience the opportunity to interact with Ben Drew's music, specifically the album "Ill Manors," which is an Ill Manors product.

3) Now look at Plan B's official website. How does it use social media in terms of content and design? Why might the website designers have wanted to create the look and feel of a social networking site?

The first thing you notice on the website is Plan B's twitter/instagram account and this is done through showing tweets made by Plan B towards fans but also their tweets towards him. Additionally, right below the contents links are minor subheadings which are direct links to Plan B's social media, e.g. his instagram photos and tweets made through twitter. 

4) Scroll back through the wall to look at posts from around the release date of Ill Manors. How does this statement on Ill Manors link to other texts we have studied as part of this case study? Do you agree with his claim that he "won't justify" the riots? What does this statement suggest about the representation of young people in Plan B's film and music videos? 

This statement links to other texts because it helps the audience understand why Plan B made this film and his thoughts/ideology behind it. This statement  also links very well in with the TedX talk that Plan B had attended and had a speech very similar to this statement, such as how he felt towards the riots that had happened and his opinion on the youth. Also, this links in with when Plan B was on the Jonathan Ross show as he presented himself as very smart and sophisticated with aspects of humor just as in this statement where he is very formal in his speech just like when he appeared on Johnathan Ross. In both, he demonstrates his opinion on the youth and how they are ostracised from society, thus leading to the riots, but at the same time in both, not justifying the riots. He simply believed things need to change in order to prevent riots.To some extent I do agree with his claim that he 'wont justify the riots' as I think that it is not his duty to justify the matter. However, due to the fact that he is speaking so publicly about the issue I think that it some aspects he should be able to justify himself.

5) Why do you think social media is overtaking official websites in terms of film promotion?

 I think that social media is the main focus over official websites for films due to the fact that the younger generation are more inclined to be on these sites or apps as opposed to searching for the official one for the movie. One particular feature of social networks is that certain accounts can be verified which isn't something found on 'official' websites. This means that fans can easily distinguish between the real and fake accounts.
Another advantage of social media is the fact that a variety of different users can be reached using it. This means that it is a one-stop place to find anyone's profiles, this way, fans only need to create one account in order to access a variety of peoples and brands' accounts.
Furthermore, advantage from the film's perspective is that their social media account can be easily shared using the social media account itself as people who are following the brand can share it with their friends and/or family. This is a great technique to get more attention for the film itself, as well as the brand. Particularly for Ill Manors since social media is used by the very people who the film is targeted at (adolescents/young adults).