Possible genres (2)

For my opening scene, I would like to create a basic plot to keep in mind. This way, I will help prevent myself from spoiling or not giving enough information. To create a beginning, middle, and end, for my opening scene to be based off of requires a choice of genre. Right now, I am in between a coming of age or a thriller. Here is the research I have collected on each genre. 

 

-Coming of age- 

A coming-of-age film usually consists of a young protagonist that goes through various types of events depending on the film's subgenres yet always finding personal growth. Going from youth to adulthood, the protagonist has self-identity discoveries, facing some sort of challenge. Usually includes throw back or up beat music, and teenage costume designs. The target audience of these films are teens who go through similar life experiences displayed in the film consisting of family, friends, or personal struggles. As well as an older crowd that may want to relive their youth through the film or reminiscing in overcoming what they did in their youth. 

One example that I researched is “The Outsiders” a coming-of-age film with sub genres of thriller. This film followed the young protagonist of Ponyboy. A 14-year-old that lives with his two older brothers, always hanging out with them and their older friends. This film follows the story of Ponyboy figuring out right from wrong as someone who is already deemed an outsider just because of where he lives and the habits he was taught to take in such as fighting and shoplifting. This was a self-identity vs group identity conflict. The closing message was to Ponyboy from his best friend Johnny to “stay gold” this was a metaphor to Ponyboy to stay innocent. Most coming-of-age films have some sort of message and meaningful ending relating to youth. I will take this into account when planning my opening scene. 

 

 ”The Outsiders” 1983 

-Thriller- 

Thriller films create suspense, anxiety, and plot twist yet usually have a satisfying ending. This keeps the viewer intruiged without leaving them disappointed in a cliffhanger or unfinished ending. There also may be an unreliable narrator, to question the audience's trust in what is really going on. Making them raise questions throughout the film. The music is usually ones that have a suspenseful tone or create tension. There is a significant climax, and low-key lighting throughout the majority of the films. For the setting and props, knives, shadows, and the woods are iconic for this type of genre. The target audience for thrillers is mainly 15–35-year-olds that enjoy mystery, suspense, and excitement. 

One example of a thriller is the recent movie “Trap” This film consisted of classic thriller choices like having the main character race against the clock. This adds to the suspense. The main character had limited time to find out what to do as well as the setting being a concert- there were many flashing lights and low-key lighting that added to the suspense. If I choose to go the thriller route, I will keep these key factors in midn along with the notes I have taken. 

 

   ”Trap” 2024 

 

 

 

Portfolio project (1)

From now on my blog posts will revolve around my process of creating my portfolio project. This week I will create an additional blog post once I discuss with my group further about our project. I have started the process of research.  I am in a group of 3 other girls. Right now, we are ruling out possible filming locations. We have decided we would use our time most wisely if we filmed outside of school, as we are available to. Using our time in class to do online or on paperwork such as designing the title, making our blog posts, and discussing our next moves. We have already discussed that we collectively are leaning towards a coming of age/adventure film opening. Possible filming locations for us include our houses, around Weston, the beach, and the barn. With this in mind, we are brainstorming a story line that would be able to correlate with the locations we are able to film at. 

In this project I would prefer to tackle the acting portion of the process. As I have discovered I am not the best at filming I would like to experiment with being on the other side of the camera. I feel pretty confident going into this project given all the background information my teacher has given me. My projects throughout the year have helped prepare me for this one. I feel most confident creating a story board, as I love drawing and being creative. I am grateful I was able to discover this about myself through my past assignments in my AICE media studies class. 

I have started to look over film opening scenes on Youtube. As well as reviewing websites that explain opening film scenes and what makes them good one. Doing this research, I can discover music and how it correlates with the scenes. I can analyze shots and angles, how many and what types are used for different genres and add to my notes taken in class to help with my planning process. 

These are somethe notes I have taken from my instructors assigned presentations in class as I am still adding on as I research and learn more along the way. I can't wait to get started!