Planning Blog: Schedule, Location, Participants and Safety.

Schedule:

03/01/21-03/04: All Props and costume pieces will be found and set aside for filming. Any props/ and or costume pieces not owned already will be bought so that they are ready to be used for filming. 

03/07/21: Filming will officially begin. I will film all of the shots where Francesca is alone, as the actress for Bernadette is not available.  This includes scenes 1,2,3, and 5. 

03/08/21-03/19/21: I will begin to edit the footage of Francesca alone. I will dump all of the footage I will have gotten into Lightworks and begin to do basic transitions and splice the footage together. 

03/20/21-03/21/21: I will film the scenes where Bernadette is alone as well as the scenes where the two characters meet on the street. If Francesca’s scenes need to be reshot we will do it here. My goal is to try to finish filming on the 20th and then do any necessary re-shoots on the 21st, however, if this is not possible I have a day set just in case, re-shoots are needed.

03/22/21-04/01/21: I will dump all of the footage from my shoots the previous weekend into light works and continue to edit. 

*If need be.*04/02/21: Reshoots for scenes with Bernadette will take place. 

04/03/21-04/08/21: I will finalize any edits and export my introduction. I will then upload my introduction onto youtube and embed it into my blog. 

04/09/21-04/15/21: I plan on working on my required creative critical reflection questions.  

 Location

 I will be filming inside the two bathrooms in my house as well as my living room. I will also be filming on the road outside of my house. 

Participants 

Actors: 

Giulia Tobeck-Francesca

Jessica Hall-Bernadette 

Filming

Foster Fowler

Editing

Foster Fowler 

Directing

Foster Fowler 

Makeup Artist 

Foster Fowler 

Safety Team 

Katy Fowler

Health and  Safety.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I have kept this production small so as few people as possible are in close proximity. Additionally, in between scenes we will wear our mask. My mother will be serving as a safety team, with a first aid kit on hand. 

When Bernadette falls, we will lay down a towel on the road to prevent road rash, and we will practice falling safely before we film. Additionally, we will have our actress wearing tights, in case she misses the towel, and a first aid kit will be available in case something goes awry. 

Planning Blog: Sound Script & Shooting Script

 

Sound Script

Scene 1 

No Dialogue 

Scene 2

No Dialogue

Scene 3

-Francesca: Yes sir, I have 5 years of experience in accounting. Where did I go to school? Why I majored in Math at Barnard, so I'd like to think I am pretty qualified. That gap in my resume... well you see, Oh god. I don't know how I'm supposed to explain that.  

Scene 4

-Bernadette: Oh yes, that shade of lipstick is absolutely lovely. I can't wear it myself, it washes me out, but on you! it would look absolutely divine on your skin-tone, color theory, and all that. Oh, and with such a pretty lip color you just have to get the right mascara. Something that will make your eyes truly pop. Luckily for you, I'm selling that too. Yes ma'am I love making women feel absolutely beautiful.

Scene 5 

No Dialogue

Scene 6 

-Francesca: You've got this 

-Bernadette: Typical. 

Scene 7 

No Dialogue

Scene 8 

-Francesca: Oh my god, Miss are you alright?

Scene 9 

-Bernadette: Thank you so much. God, I feel silly, I've always been rather clumsy. 

Scene 10

-Francesca; You took quite a fall there. Any scrapes or bruises? 

-Bernadette: Not so far as I can tell. (pause) I'm Bernadette, Lovely to meet you. 

-Francesca: Francesca, pleased to make your acquaintance. 

Scene 11

-Francesca: Dang it. Listen you seem like a lovely dame, but I've got somewhere to be right about now. I'm sure we'll meet again soon. It was nice talking! 

Scene 12 

-Bernadette: Where did that lipstick go, I could have sword it got picked up. Did she? it was probably an accident... but paying for that lipstick would mean I spent more money today than I sold. (pause) Oh, its just a tube of lipstick, maybe she'll think it's a gift. 

Shooting Script

Scene 1

-Establishing a shot of the main character’s apartment, it is messy and looks very cold. It is filmed from a high angle. 

-Main character (named Francesca) is shown lying in bed and looking up, looking incredibly lonely. Her alarm goes off and she glances at the clock. 

-Diegetic Sound: Alarm clock sound. 

-Eyeline match, cut to a close-up of the alarm clock. 

Scene 2

-Francesca stops the alarm from going off, and rolls out of bed, Filmed in Medium shot. 

-She opens up the window by her bed, allowing some natural sunlight to fill the scene. 

-She walks past the camera groggily heading to the bathroom. 

Diegetic sound: Alarm Clock sound. 

Non-Diegetic sound: Slow, Jazzy sounding music fades in. 

Scene 3

-Francesca Is in the bathroom, getting ready for the day, buttoning up her shirt, messing with her hair, etc. 

-She practices things she plans to say at her job interview in the mirror.

-She is filmed in a medium shot. 

-She is illuminated by the side lighting. 

-Diegetic Sound: Francesca’s Dialogue. 

-Non-Diegetic Sound: Slow Jazzy Music.

Scene 4

-Dissolve to an extreme close-up of the love interest’s cheek. She is applying blush and practicing various sales pitches in the mirror. 

-Action Match to see her entire face, now in a medium close-up, she is still applying blush and practicing various sales pitches. 

-She stops applying blush and reaches to get a lipstick which she applies deftly. The camera zooms in slightly as she does so. 

-She looks in the mirror and smiles, then sighs before walking out of the background. 

-Lighting: Key lighting, Rather bright. 

Diegetic Sound:  Love interest (Bernadette) talking to herself. 

Non-Diegetic Sound: Jazzy Music. 

Scene 5

-Dissolve Back to Francesca’s Apartment.

-Pan across the room, in a long shot, eventually stopping and zooming in on Francesca. 

-She is sitting at a table with a cup of coffee, responding to a letter from her sister asking why she had not attended her recent wedding. 

-Cut to a close-up of the letter Francesca is writing, looking closely, one can see that she did not attend because she did not want to bring a man as her date because it made her feel uncomfortable. 

-Lighting: Sunny and natural. 

-Non-Diegetic Sound: Sound of scratching pencil. 

Diegetic Sound: Music. 

Scene 6

-Francesca puts on her blazer and heads out the door, correcting her posture before slamming it shut. Filmed in a medium shot. 

-Graphic Match to Bernadette getting a door slammed in her face. 

-Filmed using long and medium shots.

-Lighting: Sunlight

-Diegetic Sound: Door Slam, Dialogue. 

-Non-diegetic sound: music.

 

Scene 7 

-We see Francesca and Bernadette walking down the road in a tracking shot. 

-The camera cuts between separate shots of both of them. 

Non-Diegetic Sound: Music.

Diegetic Sound: None.

Lighting: Sunlight. 

Scene 8

-In an over-the-shoulder shot, from Francesca’s point of view, we see Bernadette trip, and the contents of her bag spill out. 

-Francesca rushes over to help her, cutting to a medium shot. 

Diegetic sound: Sound of Fall, Dialogue. 

Non-Diegetic Sound: Music.

Lighting: Sunlight.7

Scene 9 

-We see Bernadette look up at Francesca filmed from a low angle behind her. 

-The shot dissolves to a tilt, up to Francesca’s face. 

-Francesca helps Bernadette up and helps her to pick up her things. 

-Lighting: Sunlight.

-Non-Diegetic Sound: Jazzy music.

Diegetic Sound: Dialogue. 

Scene 10

-In a shot-reverse-shot, Bernadette and Francesca introduce themselves to each other. 

-In a medium shot between the two, the camera slowly zooms in. 

-Lighting: Sunlight. 

-Non-Diegetic Sound: Jazzy Music. 

-Diegetic Sound: Dialogue. 

Scene 11

-Francesca looks down at her watch and realizes she is going to be late for her job interview, she bids a quick goodbye to Bernadette, before running off. 

-As she runs off she absentmindedly sticks a lipstick she picked up in her pocket. 

-Filmed using a combination of long shots, medium shots and, closeups. 

Lighting: Sunlight. 

Non-Diegetic Sound: Jazzy Music. 

Diegetic Sound: Dialogue. 

Scene 12 

-Bernadette looks in her bag in an over-the-shoulder shot and realizes some of her inventory is missing. 

-Cut to a medium shot of Bernadette as she begins to start chasing Francesca down for the lipstick, before she lets her romantic feelings get to her, and she decides to let Francesca keep the lipstick. 

-She walks happily past the camera. 

Diegetic Sound: Dialogue 

Non-Diegetic Sound: Music

Lighting: Sunlight. 

Title Research: Good Will Hunting

Found on Art of the Title 

 What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? 

The first titles in the film are for the production company. These titles are followed by a credit for Gus Van Sant, who is credited twice in the title sequence. Three of the main actors are credited before the title of the main film appears. After the title of the film fades out, the rest of the film's cast is credited. The production team is credited last, with the credits including jobs like Casting, Costume Design, Music, Editor, Production Designer, and director of photography. After this, the producers, writers, and director are credited. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

In the opening sequence, we see math problems and books underneath a kaleidoscope effect. We also see a character's face underneath the effect. For the latter portion of the opening, we see the run-down neighborhood. At the very end of the intro, we see an aerial view of a nicer part of the city. 

What connotations do these images carry?

The connotation of the books and the math is intelligence, which makes sense considering the main character in the film is a math prodigy, however, the kaleidoscope effect makes it harder to see and far more confusing, demonstrating how the protagonist's situation, makes it harder to pursue his talents. The dingy and rundown setting he is in shows the audience exactly why he cannot pursue math. The final glimmer of the nicer part of Boston shows us what the protagonist could achieve if he had been in a different situation, or was given the right opportunities. 

 How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset?

From its sweeping score to the juxtaposition between locations the film makes it clear right away that it is a drama. Additional the muted brown color of the more artistic portion of the introduction shows the realism of the film to come, a staple of dramas.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

In order to ensure that the film appeals to its target audience, young adults, the film had to remain relatable to them and easy for them to understand. Because of this, we see the inclusion of the friend picking up the protagonist, which may be relatable to the audience. The film makes it clear to the audience early on that the protagonist is good at math by showing him solving complex math problems.  

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

In this opening a majority of the time is taken up by an extreme closeup of various math problems, books, and one person's face, dissolving in and out underneath a kaleidoscope effect. The use of the camera and editing helps establish an odd and complicated, yet beautiful tone. This changes abruptly when the kaleidoscope effect is removed and we are left with nothing but the location around the main character. The quick cuts and medium, long and wide shots, make the scene feel more dismal, even if the world of the film is now clearer. 

Title Research: To Kill a Mockingbird

Found on Art of the Title

 What titles are displayed during the opening sequence?

During the opening sequence of to Kill a Mockingbird, the first title we see displayed is the credit for Gregory Peck. This is logical considering he was a very famous actor at the time, and establishing that he was a big part of the movie early on may have made audiences keener to watch the film. After Peck's initial credit, the film's title is shown, as it appears under a scribbling crayon. After the film's title is shown the credits for the various other actors in the film are shown. After the actors' credits, we see the credits for the production team such as the producer, costume designer, director of photography, etc.. With the final credit going to the director. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

In the opening sequence, we see various toys and other child-like objects. We are also shown a child's scribble and a crude crayon drawing of a bird as the titles go by.  The odd one out in the imagery is a singular pocket watch.

What connotations do these images carry?

The connotations of the childlike objects connect with the film's themes of innocence and childhood. The drawing of the bird connects with the film's title. The pocket watch is the one adult piece of imagery and connotes responsibility and dignification. The watch likely represents Atticus Finch, who is the father of the main character and is the vehicle for many of the themes of the film.

How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset?

The soft music against the humming creates an atmosphere of peace, where something is still amiss, which fits the story very well. The scribbling of the child is charming, but is also slightly melancholy, as we see her draw harsh lines and rip her drawing of the mockingbird in half. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

The film is aimed at a general audience, which means that shots should be pleasing, make sense, and be relatively simple to follow. To Kill A Mockingbird's intro succeeds in this by keeping the opening simple, but interesting. 

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

The title sequence is mostly comprised of extreme close-ups, allowing the audience to see all the details of the various objects and drawings. The camera also pans across many of these objects, which not only makes it even easier for the audience to see the object in full, it also gives the opening a feeling of motion, making it more interesting to watch. Another way this opening helps appeal to its audience is through its use of dissolves. By dissolving from one image to another, rather than simply cutting away,  the intro is able to make its intro far calmer than it may have otherwise been, allowing the audience to absorb the tone of a large portion of the film. 

Title Research: Carol

 Found on Netflix

What titles are displayed during the opening sequences?

The film begins with the various production companies for its initial titles. After this, we see the two main actresses' names at the bottom of the screen, written in identical shades of blue. We see the title of the film, which is written in the same font as the rest of the titles, only taking up a much larger amount of space. After the title fades away we see the rest of the actors' names written in differing shades of blue on the bottom of the screen. After the actors have been credited the production team's titles are presented in the same way, although it now gradually fades from a blue to a light orange. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

 In the opening sequence, we are shown New York City.  Beginning with a tilt across the subway grate and ending in a lush restaurant. The purpose of these images is to introduce us to the setting.

What connotations do these images carry?

These images connote ideas of luxury, like the restaurant which is full of well-dressed patrons and expensive decor. While simultaneously showing the dirtier and colder NYC, the subway grate is grey, rusted, and likely dirty, and the shots outside are dark, and set in the rain, with the people wearing more average-looking clothes. 

How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset?

The juxtaposition of the two settings in the intro reflects the themes of the film, ideas of loving someone who might as well be from an entirely different world. However, The intro establishes the film as a drama in other ways. For instance, low lighting, even indoors, suggesting a dark, although not dangerous mood. Additionally, the instrumental is romantic and melancholy, which puts the audience in the right emotional state to watch the film. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Being produced by a large company, Carol likely wanted to reach as wide of a demographic as possible, while simultaneously trying to be an awards contender. This means that the film kept things simple but effective. The music and mise-en-scene were glamorous enough for the audience to feel as though they are watching a luxurious and extremely well-made movie, but the shots are easy to follow and the story is relatively easy to follow 

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

The film keeps its technology simple, but, it is used very effectively. The first half of the intro is one long take with no cuts. It begins with a tilt along with the subway platform before titling up again pasts people's shoes and continuing with a medium to wide tracking shot. The effect this shot has makes the audience feel as though they are flying through New York. However, once the audience sees the inside of the restaurant the scene becomes less fluid, which fits the now tense mood, the scene is edited so there are various jump cuts and eye-line matches. 

 

 

Title Research: Lady Bird

 Found on Art of the Title 

What titles are displayed during the opening sequences?

 In the opening title for Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird, the first credit we see is for the film studios that produced it A24 and IAC. Shortly after this, we see the title of the film in the center of the screen, written in a medieval calligraphy style font. After the title is shown, the credits for the actors are displayed on the bottom of the screen in a much similar font, it should be noted that these credits do not specify what character the actor is playing. The credits for the production team are shown last in the title sequence, with the final 3 titles of the opening reserved for the producers, and the writer/director. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

The opening sequence shows us what the titular Lady Bird would see on an average day in her catholic high school. We see fellow students, religious iconography, teachers, and an assembly. 

What connotations do these images carry? 

The images that are prioritized in the sequence connote common ideas about highschool, specifically catholic high school very well. None of the settings feel very polished, giving the title sequence a realistic, almost nostalgic feeling. There is also a slight feeling of anxiety in the scenes, as we hear about plans for the future, some more philosophical, like in the sermon, and some more literal like in the teacher's speeches. 

How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset? 

Lady Bird's drama largely comes from how uncomfortably raw and real it feels. This title helps to set that tone perfectly. The awkward chapel and the fact that the characters rarely smile are some ways this tone is established.  

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Lady Bird's target audience is current teenagers and adults who came of age in the early 2000s. In order to appeal to this demographic, the film does not try to glamourize the highschool experience, as has been done in other films, but rather shows all of the awkward, weird, and uncomfortable parts of adolescence. The film is attempting to win over its audience not through glamor or spectacle, but through its relatable characters and situations. 

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

 I believe that technology has been used effectively in this scene. The director used lots of wide and long shots in order to show the audience the locations and characters in full view. Occasionally we will see a close-up of an important character, allowing us to see who they are early on. Transitions are not particularly elaborate, quickly cutting from one setting to another, sometimes with overlapping dialogue. However, this fits the tone of the film, as the film is quite simple. A common editing technique used in the opening sequence is eyeline match, when Lady Bird looks at an important piece of the setting, like the crucifix or the paper 9/11 memorial the camera will cut towards her. This serves as a way to draw the viewer's eye to a particular object. 

Title Research: Watch the Titles Website

 

Watch the Titles is another website I used for research. The website has a far smaller collection of film introductions than other websites I looked at but it nevertheless contained lots of valuable information. The website largely featured WordArt and animated intros, which, while they are incredible pieces of art, are out of my skill level and thus are not something I plan to do with my introduction. However, the most useful information that this website gave me came not from the titles themselves, but rather from the text below them. Many of the titles had a relatively in-depth interview with the director of the creative team of an introduction.  Titles without these interviews often had descriptions detailing how and why they worked as intros. Reading these intros allowed me to further understand how/why certain creative decisions are made. For instance, I learned about how titles should be placed for the fullest effect, or how to make your introduction fit the mood of the film. This website was an invaluable resource, and I plan on continuing to use it throughout my project.

Title Research: Art of the Title Website

 Art of the title is a website dedicated to showcasing titles for film and TV. I researched it in order to gain a greater insight into titles for my final task. Art of the titles has a wide variety of genres of films and types of titles, some are word art, some are animated, some are live-action, etc. Art of the Title had a very large collection of titles compared to other websites, with a long list of results, with the oldest film title being from the 1920s. This large variety of results going far back was very useful for me, as it allowed me to look at film introductions from the 1950s. I want my film to mimic some of the conventions of a film from that decade because that is when it was set. I found when researching title sequences from that decade that they often do not add to the story or even introduce the characters, even when the introduction features them, they often seem less like characters and more like props. However, in introductions from this decade, I found that the credits were often featured more prominently, rather than reduced to the corner of the screen. I also saw how the title design would often fit the ambiance of the tone or setting of the movie. Overall I found this website very useful in researching title sequences from decades past and helped me understand a portion of what I would like my introduction to be like. 

Genre Research: The Boys in The Band

 The Boys in the Band is a 2020 drama film based on the 1968 play of the same name. The film focuses on a group of seven gay men who come together for a birthday party. The film serves as a portrayal of gay life in the late 1960s.

What elements of the genre that you chose to base your final task on does this movie have?  

Like many drama films, The Boys in the Band contains several dramatic themes, such as aging, homophobia, mental illness, monogamy, and racism. Being a period piece, the film uses costumes that are relatively accurate for the setting, while also having the costumes fit the character's personality and social standing. The film's camera feels very fluid, and thus pans, zooms, and tracking shots are very common. The camera also appears to be handheld, which helps add to the feeling of tension present throughout the film. Like a lot of more modern drama films, The Boys in the Band does not really use any transitions such as a dissolve to go between scenes (except the intro which uses bar wipes) instead of opting to simply cut between scenes. Like other drama films, the lighting is kept natural, and often quite dim, to add to the realistic tone and ambiance. The acting is wonderful, which each character feeling real and distinct. Like a lot of dramas, the film is very dialogue-heavy, with a significant amount of the conflict coming from said dialogue. 

What elements of the genre did the movie have that you like?

I thought a lot of the dramatic themes were well presented, treated seriously enough to not seem in poor taste, but not so gravely that the film seemed preachy. The acting was also wonderful, even in a film with an ensemble cast of eight, each character felt distinct or like a caricature. Each character felt like a real person, who one could meet in real life. I also really loved the cinematography, the camera moved around considerably throughout the film, but never so much so that it felt disorienting. Rather, the camera felt as though it were guiding the audience through the film fluidly. 

What elements of the genre did the movie have that did not appeal to you?

One of my main qualms with the film is the dialogue, it is well written, but it is clunky and not all that realistic. Characters will often monologue in a way that feels more like they are talking to the audience than to another character. This issue is likely a holdover from the film's origins as a play, but it is still a rather glaring issue, although it is somewhat helped by the very talented actors who deliver the lines. 

Genre Research: Loving

 Loving is a 2016 Biographical Drama film, focusing on Mildred and Richard Loving, who were the plaintiffs in the landmark case, Loving v. Virginia. The case successfully overturned laws barring interracial marriage and allowed the Lovings to return to their home state of Virginia, which they had been barred from entering after being arrested for marrying as an interracial couple. 

What elements of the genre that you chose to base your final task on does this movie have? 

As a drama, Loving is unflinchingly realistic. It has no non-diegetic score, with the only music coming from the characters on screen. The lighting is also kept soft and natural. The only time we see characters in full bright lighting is when they are standing in the sun. The low lighting in many of the scenes helps add to the dramatic ambiance and fits the tone of the movie very well. Loving makes heavy use of close-ups in order to show the audience the character's emotions and the little details in the setting around them. The dialogue is kept rather simple but effective, mimicking the kind of conversations one might hear in real life. The acting in the film was more understated, which fit the mood of the film very well. Overall what made Loving a drama is that it focused on the protaganists' struggle to overcome legal discrimination in an appropriately serious manner. 

What elements of the genre did the movie have that you like?

I thought keeping the lighting and sound design to a minimum worked well for the tone, and also made the film very nice to watch. The juxtaposition between serious dialogue and a silent background works very well. The lighting in many serious scenes is appropriately dim, to fit the mood, while also being dim because there is no big source of light in-universe, which allows the audience to become more immersed in the film. 

What elements of the genre did the movie have that did not appeal to you?

Loving's aim for a realistic tone is admirable, and generally works well, but it does make the movie seem slow and tedious. The dialogue, while generally well written, can seem a bit too expositional. Like a lot of dramas, Loving is rather slow-paced. This is fine for many audiences, but personally, I find movies paced as this one, to be a chore to sit through, even if I enjoy most other elements. 

Genre Research: Marty

 Marty is a  1955 Romantic Drama Film, focusing on the titular Marty, a heavyset butcher who is at 34, still a bachelor. He meets a plain high school chemistry teacher named Clara. and reevaluates his life. I chose to study this film because I wanted to get an idea of how dramas were filmed in the 1950s and how they differ from today.

What elements of the genre that you chose to base your final task on does this movie have? 

Despite moments of comedy, Marty is a drama. In fact, the flashes of comedy may make it an even better drama, as it adds to the realistic tone. The film has dramatic themes such as loneliness, societal expectations, and motherhood, all of which are treated as serious topics. The dialogue is less funny as it is reflective and it often helps to drive the plot along. In terms of lighting, Marty uses soft lighting often in the film, in order to give the film a softer, more serious tone. The acting was not over the top and was directed in such a way that it reflects the character's emotions and personality realistically, rather than trying to get an emotion out of the audience, like fear, as a horror may do. Ultimately what makes Marty a drama is that it focuses on the main character's struggle in a serious manner. 

What elements of the genre did the movie have that you like? 

I think Marty was a beautifully shot film, with its graceful pans and zooms. The lighting was also lovely, the film was in black in white, so it is a bit more difficult to differentiate between types of lighting, but the lighting never felt too fluorescent or inappropriate for a scene. I also really enjoyed the core story and found it to be both heartwarming and at times a bit heart-wrenching. I enjoyed most aspects of the film overall, and plan on watching it again.

What elements of the genre did the movie have that did not appeal to you? 

Like a lot of dramas, Marty is very dialogue-heavy. Which while I generally don't mind that and may even enjoy it, Marty pads out a lot of its dialogue with repetition and retellings, sometimes from the same character. Additionally, at times the themes in the film are presented very unsubtly. With characters often stating their woes out loud, the filmmakers often tell, rather than show. 

Genre Decision Blog

 After researching multiple film genres I have decided on the genre of my final task. Based on the conventions of the genre and my plans for my film intro, the genre of this project will be drama. I initially wanted my film to be a comedy. Romantic comedies are some of my favorite films to watch, I find them comforting, and while they may be a little simplistic sometimes they are very charming. I think my pitch has some elements common to that subgenre. It has a cute meeting, an unexpected in-universe, expected by the audience romance and two interesting leads. I also thought about how rare it was to see a romantic comedy (or rom-com) that focuses on a same-sex couple. Many films that focus on queer people are dramas, and they often focus on homophobia and the character's struggle with it. They rarely seem to have healthy relationships or happy endings. However, I ultimately decided against comedy for a variety of reasons, the first being: I am not that funny, which is pretty important for a comedy, even if it is just the introduction. My main reason for deciding against comedy and making a drama was that I feel as though I can avoid the tropes of drama as a genre and its queer films that I dislike. I am not interested in making an introduction to a film that seems to be nothing but suffering. I want to make a film that reflects the ups and downs of queer life and love in midcentury America, both the upsetting and the joyful. I also think the genre of drama would fit me well as an artist. I enjoy writing art with overarching themes, and dramatic themes are a big element of drama. I want to focus on loneliness, longing, and learning to love again, which are all themes that fit well within a dramatic theme. My creative writing also tends to be very dramatic, and I'm sure that has translated into my previous projects and will translate into this one as well. Filming a drama could also allow me to use interesting camera shots, angles, and lighting, which may not fit well in other genres. I want this introduction to reflect the best parts of drama as a genre.   

Genre Research: Comedy and Thriller

 

Comedy

•Common CAMS in the genre: Comedy films often make use of close-ups and mid-shots to show the character's expressions to the audience. Two shots are also common, as they allow for the dynamic between characters, often a source of the comedy in the film, to be shown through the camera. 

 •Common CLAMPS in the genre: Comedies often use brighter lighting than other genres, so the film feels less heavy and depressing. Three-point lighting and natural lighting are common. Costumes and Props will be realistic for the setting and will fit the character or situation well. Acting is less naturalistic than other genres and may border on exaggerated. The focus is less on realism and more on making the audience laugh. 

 •Common Editing in your genre: Comedies often make heavy use of shot-reverse-shot, especially when the humor comes largely from the dialogue. Comedies may also use cutaways in order to make a quick joke that does not fit in with the current setting. Jumpcuts are also quite common.

•Example films of your genres: Some examples of comedies include, Mean Girls, Young Frankenstein, and The Life of  Brian.

•Common sound in your genre: Many comedies rely on dialogue as the main source of their comedy and thus, the dialogue is an important element of the genre. Comedies may also use direct address as a form of comedy, although not all comedy films will do this. 

•What elements of the genre that you like? I like the simpler stories in comedies and I enjoy the witty dialogue and fun and interesting characters.

•What elements of the genre do not appeal to you? Comedy when done poorly, is almost impossible to watch. Some comedies may rely heavily on low-brow or offensive humor, which I do not care for. Comedies may also lack depth if it is just jokes without a story. 

Thriller 

•Common CAMS in the genre: Thrillers often use low and high angles to emphasize the power dynamics between subjects. They will also use close-ups in order to show the character's expression clearly to the audience. In terms of movement, thrillers will often use tracking shots or zooms, to create a feeling of excitement or suspense. These shots also allow the filmmaker to instantly draw the eye to a particular subject. 

•Common CLAMPS in the genre: Acting is realistic and is meant to help add to the audience's feelings of both dread and excitement. Low-key lighting is common as it makes the film feel mysterious and dark. Props are almost always realistic and fit the tone of the film, props may be used as a form of suspense, leaving the audience wondering what the prop will be used for. 

 •Common Editing in your genre: Jumpcuts are common in thrillers, as they make the scene look more dynamic and exciting. Eyeline matches may also be used to help the audience to empathize with the characters and feel the suspense in the scene. 

•Example films of your genres: Some examples of thrillers include Get Out, Silence of The Lambs, Psycho, and Fargo.

•Common sound in your genre: Thrillers make heavy use of sound effects to add to the suspense of the film. Ambient sounds and motifs are both common, with the ambient sound being used to create a feeling of more stretched-out suspense while motifs can be used to demonstrate a certain theme in the film. 

•What elements of the genre that you like? I like the interesting stories and characters in thrillers and I like how exciting they are. 

•What elements of the genre do not appeal to you? Thrillers can sometimes put excitement above a well-written story and certain twists and turns can feel like they came out of nowhere. On a more personal level, I am not a big fan of feeling stressed out during a film, so thrillers aren't a film genre I watch regularly.

Genre Research: Drama

Near the beginning of the year, I researched the genre of drama. I put all of my research into the below PowerPoint. In order to research for this PowerPoint, I watched multiple dramas in full, as well as short clips on youtube in order to take note of lighting, camera angles, and sound. I also did research on individual camera shots, lighting, etc, and the mood they would create for a drama film. For instance, side lighting is common in drama films because it helps accentuate the contrasts in the subject.  I also took note of some of the conventions present in drama films. Dramatic films often focus on their characters overcoming struggles. Be it emotional or physical the driving force of a drama is conflict. Dramas are often more grounded in reality than other genres like comedy or action. Sometimes when researching this project I couldn't find the exact answers I was looking for online, and I was a much less keen viewer than I am now so subtle things like lighting could often go over my head. When this happened I would think of the conventions of the genre and what would fit well within it. Once I realized something was common in the genre of drama it became a lot easier to spot. This project also helped me to evaluate what I liked and didn't like about films. I like to imagine I know a lot about storytelling and a basic enough knowledge of film theory, but I found that when I watched a movie, I watched it passively. I didn't think about the elements I did and didn't like. I either liked a genre or film, or I didn't, I left very little room for nuances. This project allowed me to examine what I liked about the genre and what I didn't. I like how dramas often have excellent story's and well-acted and written characters, but I'm not a big fan of the slow, sometimes boring, pacing and how depressing they can sometimes be. This project not only helped me to further understand the genre of drama, but it also helped me better understand film as a whole. 

My Pitch

 I have two pitches for my film, each with its pros and cons. While I like both of them a lot, one ultimately came out on top. 

My first pitch is the following: 

“ After years of being lied to about the world ending in a nuclear war, a woman is forced to confront a very different world than the one she left.”. I like this pitch quite a bit and think that the film that would result from it would be very interesting. I believe it has a creative concept and it would allow many opportunities for social criticisms of both the past and present. However, While it is interesting, the film may be too complex for me to handle at my current skill level, and I would rather have a more evenly good and well-made film than an ambitious one. Additionally, the exact story details about this pitch are far fuzzier in my mind than the plot of my second pitch. I want to know exactly what kind of film I’m making when I make this intro, not just a vague idea of it. 

My second pitch is the following: 

“A self-declared spinster falls in love with a makeup saleswoman in the 1950s”. This pitch does have its flaws, it is much more elementary than my first pitch and while I do not think it is unoriginal, it is not the most unique idea in the world. Additionally, this intro will require at least one other actor, which may make finding time to film more difficult.  However, I am personally attached to same-sex love stories and I think this pitch would allow me to make a romantic comedy about people like myself. Despite this story being more simple than my first pitch, I think the very nature of the story will allow for criticism of midcentury homophobia and sexism. The simplicity of this story will also be very helpful since I am working by myself and do not want to waste time on complexities. I also have a much more finite idea of the plot of the entire film than the first pitch. 

I ultimately chose “A self-declared spinster falls in love with a makeup saleswoman in the 1950s” as the pitch for my final task. I think it will fit my time and skill level better, and I think it caters far more to my interests as an artist, which may make the work needed to create it all the easier. I think the story is different enough to stand out, but not so out there as to be too complex for me to handle. This pitch is for a film that I would truly love to watch.

Starting The Final Task

 It’s been a while since I’ve talked about myself, and as my final task has a lot of elements that are very personal to me, I figured it would be appropriate to re-introduce myself. I’m Foster, I am 15 years old and I have learned a lot of new information in AICE Media Studies this year that I intend to put to good use. My favorite part of the filmmaking process is either editing or storyboarding. Some of my interests include theatre, crocheting, makeup, history and animal rights. I have yet to learn to sew, but I have acquired more historical clothing items since my first intro blog. My favorite movie is still The Sound of Music but my favorite show is now WandaVison. I am openly queer and am deeply invested in well-intentioned and well written LGBTQ+ representation.

 

Perhaps it is because I am so excited and invested that I have chosen to work alone. I already have a very specific vision for my project, and while I will relent to practicality or time if need be, I may have a hard time changing my plan for another group member. Additionally, I work a part-time job 3-4 days a week and thus making plans can be difficult. It will be much easier for me to do the majority of my project on my own time and on my own terms (accounting for due dates and the like). I also do not know many of my classmates all that well, and while it would be wonderful to get to know some of them, I do not think a task as important as this is the appropriate time to make new friends. I do not actively dislike the idea of working in a group, which may be surprising considering I have only worked alone this year. I think a lighter workload would be useful and having a few extra hands when filming would be very nice. However, I can handle whatever work may need to be done on my own through time management, perseverance, and the tripod I gushed about in previous blogs. Working with other people would also mean trusting them to turn everything in on time. Considering how quarantine has affected many people's mental health, that may be difficult for some people. Working by myself means that I will not have to deal with anyone's issues but my own. Every blog and storyboard and edit for this project will be done by me.