Paranormal Activity

As this movie relies entirely on realistic, CCTV style footage to scare their viewer and create verisimilitude, the whole front page of their website is taken up by the teaser. It is a large, widescreen, embed video to draw all of the viewers focus and force them to become fully submerged in what is happening.

The page’s only other elements are the social media buttons. As an infamous title, even before the film was realised, it is in no doubt that a large amount of excitement was spread through social networking. It is an easy and common way for people to share information and it will travel fastest.

This site gives particular emphasis to “twitter” who’s popularity is currently rocketing, especially among the films 18+ target audience. It is tipped to over take “facebook” in the near future as the dominate social networking site.

The website has created its own tag line to encourage viewers to publicise the film on “twitter”. The phrase “tweet your scream” gives authority to the website and intimidates the view as the feel controlled and manipulated by the website. However, this is not having a negative affect as the viewer expects and seeks this masochistic voyeurism when watching horror films. It allows immediately shows the audience just how frightening they should expect the film to be.

The viewer can also “register for updates, meaning information on the film can be forced directly upon them. This is a good way to popularise the film as viewers may sign up on a whim and then you have a constant means of contact.

One the trailer has finished, the audience or forced into the scene from the trailer and allowed to explore it by moving their mouse. However, the website is ultimately in control and draws them towards this central point, a babies crib. This is a sinister image for the viewers as the do not want to see something as innocent as a baby corrupted by evil and the feel protective towards it.

Once this video has finished, a plain title page is shown with just the film name, date line and social media buttons. This is effective in a minimalistic fashion as it gives more power to the text and is aesthetically pleasing.

They have chosen to use a font with technological connotations to link to the use of video technology in the film.