Research blog of my choice

 

The research blog of my choice would be the one where I had to analyze the opening scenes of films. I enjoyed doing this because I like to analyze things and report on what goes on, especially suspenseful films because not only am I writing what it could make the audience feel, it also shows what I feel during these opening scenes.

Research on credit sequences

 -Zodiac (2007)

The opening credts of this film shows actual real news footage, police reports, and images sent by the Zodiac killer. The music used in this film is primarily slow and ominous, which creates a sense of mood and a suspensful feeling that revolves unsolved crimes. This credit sequence makes the film seem serious for the audience as they were reliving the actual event.

-Prisoners (2013)

For this film, the credits are small with the actors names appearing over the dark empty area with daunting music. The quietness and shadows create a feeling of suspense foreshadowing the fact that the story will be suspenseful and intense. These factors of the credit sequence make the audience think about what could happen including where is that quiet area and who's shadows those belong to.

-Shutter Island (2010)

The opening sequence of this film uses images of fog,water, and an island while the actors names appear. The music is uncanny and dramatic which could give a sense of isolation and confusion surrounding the island. These aspects make the audience know that this film will be tense and full of mystery.

Research on film openings blog

Knives out (2019)

- The opening scene of "Knives out" starts off in a dark and isolated area with a mansion being shown and two dogs running as classical music plays. As the scene goes on, it shows different cuts of what is inside the house such as coffee being placed and strange masks and statues as well as books. To add, while these cuts are shown, there are small cuts of a woman walking around her house as she is looking for someone to give the food she made. As the classical music gets faster and louder, she cannot find the person until she opens the door and it is the dead body of a man and drops the food in shock. Different aspects of this scene such as the fast cuts and the music create suspense and a sense of mystery for the audience.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

-For this film, the opening starts with the credits edited to be engraved on the ground, which is a unique detail about this opening. After the credits, the camera tilts up to show in what seems to be a victorian setting with horses and carriages moving through the street. This whole time so far, the camera uses no cuts including the credits, meaning it pans up to show the horses and carriages. As the camera tilts up, it zooms into the inside of the carriages and shows men inside but mainly focuses on two of them. The camera cuts into the hands of one of the men, who reloads a shotgun and cuts again to show the hands of the other man reloading a handgun. The camera pans up each time and they seem to look at each other in the eyes as they are in a "ready or not" type of mood. After this, it shows a man running from the horses and carriages and quickly looking for a place to hide. As this happens, it cuts again into the faces of the men in the carriages as one of them reloads another handgun as they are ready to look for this other man. The running man finally finds a place to hide in what seems to be a basement and the scene fades out. The music used conveys suspense for the audience as it progresses to get louder with the additions of the fast cuts of the men in the carriage as the other one is running. Overall, this scene provides a sense of mystery for the audience to wonder why these men are looking for the one that is running.

- The Prestige (2006)

The opening scene of this film begins with the credits and the title with a man showing a child a magic trick with a bird while a background voice explains how magic gives away deception. Close up shots of the bird are utilized with slow camera movement to hide how the trick actually works which gives off an unsettling vibe. After this trick, the camera cuts into a large auditorium with a man showing off a stage illusion and a man in a water tank as he is electrocuted inside and vanishes but later appeares drowning in a different tank in a completely different area as a man shines a light but not helping, accepting the drowning mans fate. The ominous music and calm voiceover gives off an unsettling and mysterious vibe for the audience, showing the consequences of what happened after this magic trick went wrong.

Portfolio Schedule

Writing a schedule is important because it helps us stay organized and have more management throughout this period of time for the project.

Week One (1/16-1/23)

• Research
• Choose genre
• Research
• Start thinking about the plot

Week Two (1/26-2/1)

• Brainstorm
• Finish up the plot
• Create story board
• Start the scripting
• Start casting characters

Week Three (2/2-2/8)

• Filming
• Start filming

Week Four (2/9-2/15)

• Filming
• Continue filming
• Start creating the foley sounds

Week Five (2/16-2/22)

• Filming/Editing
• Finish the filming
• Start the editing
• Edit in the sound, foley, credits and voice over

Week Six (2/23-3/1)

• Editing
• Finish up the editing and have the movie completed
• Add the title and start working on the CCR

Week Seven (3/2-3/8)

• CCR
• Finish up the CCR 
• Fishing anything that hasn't been done
• Project should be done

Week Eight (3/9-3/17)

• Review
• Review the final project
• Add in any extra details
• Finish up, complete, and turn in project

Portfolio Project Genre #2

Research on DRAMA genre:

Drama films and TV shows usually appeal to older teenagers and adults, often ages 16 and up, who are attracted to realistic and emotionally provoking stories.  The audience is drawn to complex characters, personal struggles, and situations that foreshadow real life. Many viewers watch dramas to connect emotionally with the characters, to explore moral feelings, or to see realistic views of relationships, family dynamics, and social issues. 

Dramatic films are mainly about emotional and personal experiences. Family disputes, romantic difficulties, friendship problems, moral or social issues, and times of tragedy or personal development are typical components. Characters are typically well-developed, and the story is driven by their interactions, choices, and conflicts. Drama relies on realism and relatable situations to show how people respond to challenging or life-altering events, in contrast to genres that emphasize spectacle. A drama might, for instance, examine overcoming challenges in daily life, grieving the loss of a loved one, or the struggle to accomplish a dream.

Dramatic films use specific filmmaking techniques to enhance emotional engagement.  For example, close-up shots are often used to capture facial expressions and convey feelings like sadness, fear, or joy. Pacing is usually slower to allow viewers to connect with the story and characters. Lighting tends to be natural or soft to reflect realism, and dialogue is often realistic and meaningful. Music is used to support the emotional tone rather than create tension or excitement. 

Institutional conventions in drama include the way studios structure and promote their films. Narratives typically follow a clear view, with an introduction that establishes the characters, a middle section showing conflict or struggle, and a resolution where the characters grow, learn, or change. Marketing often focuses on the emotional or human elements of the story, such as showing key dramatic moment or award nominations. Posters, trailers, and social media campaigns highlight the main characters, their emotional journey, or real-life events the story is based on. These conventions help attract an audience that values meaningful storytelling and emotional experiences.

Two productions are Forrest Gump which feature the emotional journey of the main character through historical events and Beef, which explores personal conflict and emotional tension building character development.

Portfolio Project Genre #1

 Research on ACTION genre: 

The target audience in action films are typically younger people, especially young men ranging from ages 18-39. However, ages 18-24 seem to lean more towards thrills, spectacle films, and escapism. Over the recent years, it has been noticed that women have often drawn to these films as well as older adults watching nostalgic action themes. These demographics create a diverse group for the film community and help keep the genre popular and successful over time.

Action films usually include fast-paced scenes and intense moments that keep the audience excited. Common action content includes fight scenes, explosions, car chases, and dangerous missions where the main character faces high risks. These films often focus on a hero overcoming obstacles or defeating a villain through physical strength, skill, or bravery. The action elements are designed to create thrills, suspense, and nonstop entertainment for viewers.

Genre conventions with techniques are the filmmaking methods directors use to make a genre give a vibe to an audience. For example, an action film can have fast paced editing, dynamic camera angles, loud sound effects with suspenseful music, special effects and CGI, and quick cuts. These aspects are commonly used to create the suspenseful and urgent mood during an action film.

Institutional conventions in action films include how the story, images, and marketing are shown to audiences. These films follow a clear narrative with a strong hero, a main conflict, and an exciting ending and resolution. Promotional images often show action-packed scenes, powerful characters, and dramatic visuals to demonstrate danger and excitement. Marketing focuses on trailers and advertisements that emphasize explosions, stunts, and fast-paced moments to attract a wide audience.

Two film productions that represent the action genre are The Dark Knight and Taken, they both include intense fight scenes, fast-paced storytelling, and heroes who face dangerous problems.