Genre Research

Genre

Dramas

    Drama film openings have a pattern of developing a character, relying on emotional elements to fully achieve this. Often a visually striking setting is incorporated to develop the mood of the film, usually including a play on color theory. The openings of dramas often focus on the single shot, making the shot impactful in order to hook an audience. 

    For my own Portfolio Project, I want to achieve this impactful shot, focusing on the dynamics of the character. 

Forrest Gump

    In the opening of Forrest Gump (1994), a feather is used as a symbolic instrument in order to portray the unpredictable elements of the film. The feather works indirectly to develop Forrest's character, but this is not obvious from the start. Forrest's props being the suitcase and the items it holds helps developmentally in his character, showing his neatness and childlike attributes as he has a Curious George book with him. The dialogue of Forrest gives insight to his reminiscence of his mother's words, displaying the impacts of her words on him. Forrest's accent as well as how he distributes his dialogue give audiences insight to his character further. All of these intricate details help to develop context to the film. 

American Beauty

    In the opening of American Beauty (1999), a narrating "I" is used to portray the mundane life of Lester Burnham. This dialogue here is crucial as there is not much character to character dialogue that really builds on character development. A necessary element in the narration is present when he makes audiences aware that he will be dead in a year-- highlighting that the narration is set in the future. Visually, the opening begins with a shot from above Lester's neighborhood, illustrating the dullness through color theory-- a lot of greys and browns are present here. There is a substantial amount of symbolism present visually in this opening-- 1- the closed off setting of the shower, 2- the dog, being trapped within the fences of Lester's home-- reflecting Lester's character. Lester's mid life crisis is really being highlighted within the opening of this film, where his later self is reflecting upon. 

Thrillers

    Thriller film openings commonly rely on music, lighting and sound to develop the tone for the rest of the film. Camera angles are also resorted to that change often in order to build suspense- the main goal of a thriller film.

    For my film opening, I want to create the tone with use of music elements. 

The Shining

    In the opening of The Shining (1980), a beautiful Colorado setting is contrasted with mysterious music elements, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The Overlook Hotel having island-like attributes creates a sense of isolation in the setting. As small car drives through the wilderness, the camera follows the car, seems to track away, then follows again, a relationship is established between the camera. The development of the family's sense of pure isolation is accentuated as they have become engulfed in the wilderness, with the elements of nature contrast with the solidarity of the family's car. With the music elements alone, the uneasy tone that is created gives the audience insight of the events that will occur thereafter. 

Jaws

    In the opening of Jaws (1975), the essence of the shark's threatening manner is created without ever showing the actual shark. The scene is powerful to the trajectory of the rest of the film by establishing the conflict from the beginning of the film. The introduction of a character and the killing off just as quickly demonstrates the ruthlessness nature of the shark. Chrissie (the victim of the shark attack) screams in response to the attack, when all the sudden the scene cuts all of the musical elements as a use of juxtaposition of the chaos of the attack with the calmness in audio. The biggest impact of the opening of Jaws is the existent presence of the shark despite the missing visual representation.

e Scenes. (2020, March 16). Forrest Gump opening scene (Feather at the bus Stop) - Forrest Gump (1994) - movie clip HD scene [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IIBp1HQlWQ

Jérôme. (2019, January 24). American Beauty, by Sam Mendes (1999) - Opening scene (with Kevin Spacey) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He_4cxzpcCU

Sandro. (2013, July 13). The Shining • first scene 1080p [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiV3J_e977Q

Movieclips. (2011b, May 27). Jaws (1975) - Chrissie’s Last Swim Scene (1/10) | MovieClips [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrEvK-tv5OI

Lege

ndary Mov

Transitioning to the Portfolio Project

★ Portfolio Project ★

    From this day forth, my blog postings will revolve around the much anticipated Portfolio Project! In order to prepare for this, my class was familiarized with film openings including the elements that exist within and more importantly, how to establish purpose. Samples of film openings were provided to the class, which helped immensely to get an idea of what we will be producing in time.These also demonstrated the ways each and every film opening has a different approach while simultaneously showing the similarities in the way that all of the film openings strive to: establish tone, characters, background, setting with their intricate choices. This project is a notable way to connect all the dots within the AICE Media Studies year. All of the content that I have learned throughout my time in AICE Media is collectively being brought together, bringing a sense of unity into all of these elements. 

    For my own film opening, I am interested in approaching the establishment of character. I appreciate the way that establishing a character within a film requires thorough use of mise-en-scene, which is something that intrigues me greatly. I also would love to see the elements of dialogue come together to create a final piece-- striving for meaning --using the least amount of words with the greatest amount of impact is what I aim for. With intricate planning, the establishment of character can have a great execution. 

    Another purpose that I am considering would be the establishment of background. I value highly that this technique does not rely on dialogue, making the mise-en-scene a crucial element that requires careful thought and execution in order to work properly. I appreciate the way that establishing background alludes to what possibilities exist beyond the two minute film introduction, but in a naturalistic way, alluring the audience into the film. 

Music Marketing #2

 

Music Marketing #1

 

Music Marketing #1

    For the Music Marketing project, my group was assigned the genre of Country. We began by researching artists that have a presence in the music sphere. The first company, Big Loud Records, represents ERNEST and /Morgan Wallen, who are fairly newer icons within the country genre. The second company, Universal Music Group Nashville, is a large company that represents some big time artists who have had a presence in the country genre for a longer period of time, including Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, and Carrie Underwood. 

    The artist that I researched was Morgan Wallen who is a fairly newer artist who had gained his popularity in a fast manner. Wallen has a highly developed brand identity that fits within his genre, but is unique to himself. He represents the "southern life", shown through his song lyrics, music videos, and social media posts. His distribution method are plentiful, having variety throughout digital and non- digital practices. For example, Morgan Wallen has his own bar/ restaurant called, "This Bar", a nod to one of his songs- the bar is highly stylized, contributing to the country ideals, representing the "county nightlife". All of his practices within the country genre contribute to his brand identity being very classic and genuine. 

    

    For the planning portion of the Music Marketing project, my group discussed patterns in the representation of the artists we researched. We noted stylistic choices used within their music videos to determine how we would base ours. The style we chose for our music video was storytelling. This was the style that coordinated with the song that we chose, Cold by Chris Stapleton. Our thought process for the music video was to portray cheating. We felt that this would match well with the lyrics of the song very well. We started with brainstorming ideas on a storyboard of what shots/ angles we would incorporate within our music video and the basis of the storyline. 

Storyboard Page 1

Page 2

Page 3
We also made a plan for the schedule of filming and working on the presentation in order to stay on track and organized within the project. This will help to assure that the project is completed by the due date. Another thing that we incorporated into the project was mood boards. These helped to allow for us to envision not only the brand identity of the artist, but also the music video itself. 

Genre Research- RomCom

 

Genre Research- RomCom
Romantic Comedy, commonly referred to as "RomCom," is a sub-genre of comedy that revolves around romantic relationships. RomComs combine swooning romance stories with humor, focusing on the ups and downs of relationships to create comedy with a twist. With their lighthearted approach, RomComs typically finish with a happy ending where the main couple comes together through usually an extremely romantic gesture, often overcoming a variety of obstacles along the way. This genre invites viewers to feel deeply, immerse in the content, and feel the comedic side. These stories often examine themes like personal growth, friendship, and self-discovery alongside romance, making the genre somewhat relatable and emotionally appealing.
The target audience for RomComs is very broad but prominently consists of young adults and adults, normally between the ages of 18 and 35 and targeted towards women. Lighthearted romance and relatable portrayal of these relationships is extremely applicable to these age groups. The genre is a popular viewing among both singles and people in relationships, as it allows audiences to sink into the suspense that is critical to these films. Younger viewers often relate to the modern dating aspects present in some films, while mature audiences find entertainment in themes of second chances, personal growth, and the balance with love and life achievements. RomComs combine many themes together making them appealing for a wide range of audiences. 
RomComs have clear ideals that set them apart from other genres, combining romantic intensity with humor to appeal to audiences. These films often show the plotlines built around classic ideas such as “enemies to lovers,” where characters start with coldness but grow closer through their experiences, or in some cases commonly “fake dating,” where an untrue relationship becomes real affection. Misunderstandings, wrongdoings, and grand romantic gestures add both tension and uplift, in order for audience engagement throughout. Emotional conflicts often become present from opposite personalities or goals in life, with supportive friends frequently giving advice, relief, and often becoming involved in the workings of the main character’s relationship. The RomCom narrative stereotype usually emphasizes personal transformation, where characters grow in confidence, eventually falling in love. 
RomCom production techniques emphasize on the genre’s lighthearted tone and emotional appeal, using visual and auditory techniques to create a warm and inviting place. A bright, warm color palette is common for RomComs, displaying positivity and optimism while extenuating the romantic settings often portrayed such as cozy apartments, beautiful city streets, and quiet cafes. Iconic RomCom locations—such as Central Park in New York City or scenic areas in European cities—often are the backdrops, creating an aesthetically pleasing, romantic place that appeals to the audience’s liking of the free spirited sense. Soundtracks typically include upbeat, catchy pop or indie songs that correlate to the film’s energy, while romantic ballads accompany the emotional moments. Fast-paced editing and a comedic sense of timing are crucial, especially for montages capturing relationship milestones or important moments, which create a playful atmosphere for audiences. 
RomComs are marketed to put emphasis on the chemistry between characters and the feel-good humor present in the plot. Movie posters often display the main characters looking playful or in romantic settings, immediately showing viewers the film’s tone. Trailers focus on funny misunderstandings, romantic gestures, and emotional turning points, usually with upbeat or nostalgic music that is appealing to audiences- uniting them and seeking entertainment that’s both funny and brings a sense of comfort. Social media campaigns share clips or quotes from memorable moments, promoting the characters’ charm and the upbringing of the relationship. Marketing for RomComs is often displayed toward viewers on platforms where personal stories and humor are popular, such as Instagram, TikTok, and X, ensuring the genre’s accessibility to its targeted audience.
‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ follows Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), a magazine writer assigned with dating and losing a man in 10 days for purposes to an article, aiding readers of what not to do in a relationship, and Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey), an advertising executive that bets he can make any woman fall in love with him within the same time with the purposes of a diamond company. As Andie tries every relationship mistake she has known to force Ben away, he becomes more determined to stay with her, leading to a battle of ‘who will break up first’. The film shows the RomCom genre through its “opposites attract” ideals, where Andie’s mistakes and Ben’s patience create a funny and appealing tension that slowly but surely becomes a genuine relationship. The storyline shows themes of vulnerability, as Andie and Ben start to show their true selves, breaking through the games they begin to play. 
Visually, the film captures the upbeat energy of New York City, with most scenes set in iconic locations like restaurants, parks, and apartments making the film engaging and playful. The film uses warm lighting and bright colors, reflecting the romantic mood. The pacing is diverse, driven by the humorous escalation of Andie’s quirks and Ben’s reactions, while the soundtrack features iconic songs like Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” putting light on the tension. ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ displays the classic RomCom stereotype with its dialogue, chemistry between characters, and the overall resolve that shows the growth of both characters and the way they finally fall in love. 

10 Things I Hate About You’ is a redesign of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ in a high school setting, exploring the “opposites attract” idea with Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles), a fierce, independent, openly spoken girl, and Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), a mysterious ‘bad boy’ that was paid to date her. The film follows Patrick as he tries to win over the closed girl Kat, only to develop real feelings along the way. The movie is full of classic RomCom conventions, such as unlikely romantic relationships, humorous aspects, and emotional  points that simply change the characters’ initial thoughts of each other. Themes of identity, self-expression, and family dynamics are seen, making the story relatable for teenagers and young adult audiences.
The film’s production techniques display the vibrant, youthful experience of a high school setting, incorporating bright, colorful aspects that match the film’s tone. Scenes in the film are set in quirky stereotypical high schooler locations, like the school’s courtyard, house parties, and a major scene at a soccer stadium where Patrick sings to Kat “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” creating one of the most iconic RomCom moments that highlight the romantic vulnerability hidden under Kat’s harsh exterior. The film’s editing emphasizes both Kat’s humor and Patrick’s charm, while the soundtrack (a combination of ‘90s alternative rock and punk) goes along with its teenage audience and establishes the rebellion of the characters. ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ has become such an iconic film within the genre, showing the transforming power of love and humor as it goes into detail the emotional barriers, leaving audiences with a comforting yet comedic story of teenage love and self-finding.

RomComs are unique to cinema because of their combination of relatability, humor, and romance. They create a place where audiences can experience both the highs and lows of relationships from a safe, comforting perspective. The genre’s tendency to show universal themes of love, insecurity, and self-worth applies across all demographics. Viewers find comfort in RomComs as they reflect on their relationships and personal lives. The humor, combined with relatable romance, allows viewers to become apart from reality and sink themselves in the promise of love and happiness, often causing higher hopes. 
List of Additional RomCom Examples:
1. 13 Going on 30 (2004) 

2. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) 

3. Clueless (1995) 

4. La La Land (2016)

5. 27 Dresses (2008)

6. Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) 

7. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Representation

 

Representation

The 2007 television series Gossip Girl establishes various societal representations through identity construction, the societal hierarchy that is present in "Manhattan's elite" and the stereotypes that the characters support and contradict. It mainly is represented through two of the main characters, Serena Van Der Woodsen and Dan Humphrey. 

Serena Van Der Woodsen is a classic stereotype representing the high class. Serena is blonde, slim, and tall embodying the classic "it girl" well. Her family lives in a penthouse on the Upper East Side. The creators, in contrast to this, impede these stereotypes however. Serena's search for identity past her status socially, do exactly that. Throughout the series, Serena's emotional hassles are revealed as well as her development as a person. This development displays expectations versus realities that even the most unlikely people experience.   

                                                                                  

In contrast, Dan Humphrey often nicknamed "lonely boy", is an outsider to the Upper East Side. Known for coming from a modest upbringing, Dan is de-centered from everything he knows by moving to the Upper East Side and experiencing the social hierarchy. Dan experiences identity crisis and contradicts the stereotypes that the others are put under, "privileged". He demonstrates that good can come from places "outside" of high class. 

Serena and Dan's relationship provide the biggest contradiction to their stereotypes. Serena and Dan seem as though unlikely of friends as well as lovers due to their personality clash by the way they are viewed on the "outside", but as developed they do become quite close to each other once they get to know each other. The selection of their relationship reveals that there is much more to be viewed than what is seen on the outside. Expectations often contradict moral values of these characters as well as various others in the series. 

Other main characters like Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf, sometimes seen as antagonists, further amplify representation in Gossip Girl. Chuck's unique identity change for the better represents growth among such a privileged life. Blair is often viewed as the main antagonist, striving for power in the hierarchy, reveals her true colors through her friendships and character development. 

Sound Project

 

Sound Project

During the sound lesson, students learned about sound techniques and how they are applied to film. Examples were shown in films to further demonstrate the effect that they had. The Foley videos explained the process of professional Foley. It showed the various random items that are used to create the sound in a film. 

The sound project directions were to create a 1-2 minute scene demonstrated through the use of only sounds. We then completed a very detailed outline for the project that composed of an explanation of all of the sounds that would contribute to represent the scene. The project should be composed of only sounds, therefore there was a limit of seven words for dialogue. After, we were to use databases for sound effects as well as everyday objects to create the project. Four of the sounds had to be created in using random objects on a “foley stage”. 

My parter and I, while brainstorming came up with the idea to create a grocery store scene where the character runs into a display and knocks over all of the cereal boxes. The outline helped us organize our sounds by providing every sound that would be present within the project. Later, when it came to t choosing the sounds on the databases as well as creating the sounds using Foley, it was much more cohesive as we simply followed the outline. Premiere Pro was the editing resource we utilized because it provided more sound layers than most other editing sources. 

My partner and I had a good approach in the organization of sounds and I feel that it is very obvious to what the scene is supposed to represent. We also were able to choose sounds off of the databases that contributed to the quality of the project. The only thing that I would improve if I were to complete the project again is the creativeness in the Foley creation. It was quite difficult to come up with the exact items to use and be extensively creative in the choosing. My partner and I ended up using items such as cups and boxes to demonstrate our sounds, but I think we could have been more creative in that. 

Foley

Soundscape Project