AS Media Studies

I found thinking of an idea for my film opening that is unique and expresses my inner creativity, a challenge to do. I knew that I wanted to work on my own as I wanted to be in control of everything. Despite knowing that it would be near enough impossible to come out with an idea that hasn't been done before, I wanted to base my opening off an idea that was out of the ordinary and was not easy to quickly think about. I also wanted to base it upon realistic/true happenings. However, I knew early in the academic year that I wanted my opening to be a horror or a drama/arthouse film. The horror genre attracted to me so I could express my creativity with fx makeup. However, the drama/arthouse genres appealed to me more as I wanted to address a realistic issue. I jotted down words/thoughts which would somehow lead to a substantial idea for my opening (e.g school, employment, death). I found it difficult to come up with anything convincing within the horror genre, so I decided to focus on dramas instead. I thought a technological route may result to an effective opening plot, so I came up with two brief but considerable ideas. They were:

1) Relating to a hacker within school. My opening would be a flashback, focusing on how a girl's life changed when an anonymous individual hacked into her social media accounts and deeply affected with her relationship with her classmates and her friends.

2) A girl goes on a date with a man she knew from an online dating app, called Tinder. However, she does not realise that she's been the victim of robbery, when the man contacts one of her friends whilst the girl is distracted to give a signal to rob her house. 

I decided to continue with the second idea, as I liked the idea of a plot twist and a cliff hanger within the first 2 minutes of my film, as this would attract my audience to continue watching. I also think that it would be easier to bring together/film because I only need 3 characters, and 2 of the 3 locations would be set outside and inside a house. Dialogue would be vital for this idea as its important for my audience to understand what is happening/what will happen. Therefore, I feel as though the outcome of this idea would be great if I manage to film/edit it successfully. I will possibly use music in some areas, especially towards the end to create suspense. I will not be breaking the 4th wall in my opening as I aim to maintain it to a realistic standard. Narration is also not necessary as the girl would be talking to her friend about the man and their date at the beginning. I am not too sure what specific shots I will be including yet, but I know I want to include a variety to gain high marks. 

A narrative is a report on connected events, presented in a sequence of spoken words. In simpler terms, It is essentially how a story is told. It refers to the roles of characters and the situations/dilemmas they solve and are confronted. Without a narrative, a film would certainly not be enjoyable to watch because the series of events would not be in chronological order. This is because that in films, the viewer seeks to distinguish a beginning, a middle and an end.

Conventions of narratives in the following genres: 

Comedies can be based upon a variety of storylines - its the adaptation of dialogue/physical movement to make the audience laugh is what makes a film fit into the Comedy genre. There are 3 main adaptation/conventions of the Comedy Genre. These are:

• Slapstick - This form of comedy uses physical movement and gestures. Physical comedy is often influenced by clowning.
• Dark Humour - Deals with disturbing subjects such as death, drugs, rape, terrorism, racism and sexism.
• Wit/Wordplay - More intellectual forms of comedy based on clever, often subtle manipulation of language, e.g. Puns.

Comedies usually reach a climax when disaster strikes and finish with a positive ending.


Horror films usually end with the majority of characters being doomed/killed, or the villain being defeated by them - restoring peace in humanity.

• A child has an imaginary friend, but the adults don't believe in it and think it's just their imagination. In the end, the friend turns out to be real and usually a ghost/demon within an object, e.g. 'Annabelle'.
• A serial killer, typically an individual who is insane, brutally murders and tortures victims.
• A family moves into/a group of people discover a haunted house that has dark history and is possessed by a ghost/demon.

Action

Action films usually contain a specific/iconic hero who saves the world from an evil villain who aims to take control over it.  The hero is usually dressed in a distinctive way e.g superhero costume and meets and falls in love with a girl/boy who motivates them further to save the human population from eternal doom.

Narratives of Action films include/vary from:

• Marvels / Superheros / Supervillians of a large organisation
• Wars/battles between countries
• Chase scenes
• Contain mass killings/violence
• Army fighting against aliens
• A long west/mission which continues throughout the film

Drama

As the drama genre possess a variety of different films, its hard to label common narrative conventions within it. Dramas often have a serious storyline/message, therefore they do not always end how the audience wants/imagines them to. However, all dramas have to:

• Move the audience emotionally
• Should exhibit real life situations and characters
• Social interaction with other characters
• Plot Twists

Romance 

• Boy meets girl. Whilst in many films they instantly fall in love or show a romantic interest for one another, the two can also instantly dislike each other due to significant differences. Despite variations of climaxes,  a common theme of 'Opposites Attract' is shown and the film ends with them loving each other and having a happy ending.
• A boy falls in love with a girl for a long time and keeps it a secret until a situation occurs and the boy takes extreme chances to show his commitment and love towards her. They result in a mutual connection and have a happy ending.
• The boy/girl will decide that they have to leave, perhaps because they live/study somewhere else. This can happen at the end of a romance film, or when it reaches it climax & puts their relationship to the test.

Types of Narratives used in films

• Circular Narrative: A story that ends in the same place where it began.
• Episode Narrative: A chapter/event/short period of time
• Restricted Narrative: A point of view from only one character, so the audience only knows as much as the character does.
• Omniscient Narrative: When the audience knows more about what is happening than the character does.
• Linear Narrative: A story told in order of events - from the beginning, middle and end.
• Non-Linear Narrative: In contrast to a linear narrative, non-linear narratives start at the middle of a story or the height of a conflict and then double-backs to the beginning.

Narrative Theories

Vladimir Propp (Character Theory): Vladimir's theory was that characters have a narrative function by providing a structure for the text.  By studying 100 books/tales, he found 7 typical characters - The hero, the villain, The donor, the Dispatcher, The false hero, The helper, The Princess, and her Father. Vladimir also suggested the recognition scene - this is the stage of a film where the hero is recognised, the false hero/villain is unmasked and perhaps punished. The hero then attains the reward (Princess/kingdom) and they live happily ever after.


Tzvetan Todorov: Tzvetan's narrative theory states how there are 5 steps of a story that follow the same pattern/path. These are:
1) Equilibrium - This is when the story displays a happy start, and everything is in equal balance between powers and characters.
2) Disruption/Disequilibrium: A problem/scenario occurs which disturbs the happiness.
3)Realisation: When The problem that disrupted the peace is acknowledged to be a big issue.
4)Restored order: When an attempt to solve the problem & repair the damage is made.
5)Equilibrium again: A return or restoration of a equilibrium occurs at the end of the film.


Claude Levi - Strauss: Produced the theory of binary opposites. This is because he believed that using this method, certain words would be easier to understand. His theory links with ideological values and how we should feel to view the world. Examples of binary opposites found in some film narratives are:

• Hero vs Villain
• Good vs Evil
• Human vs Supernatural
• Rich vs Poor

Narration is the action and process of telling a story (narrative). This could be a monologue, a commentary or a written record displayed by a particular shot. The narrator in the film is usually one of the main characters. Narration is highly useful in indicating the audience of what is happening and is an efficient method of introducing the characters, as well as giving an insight of the narrator's viewpoint on the story. 

Examples of the use of narration

Horror 

Films within the horror genre are usually set in urban environments as they tend to connote isolation and uncanniness. It's typical that a character/group of characters live in/visit a house or abandoned hotels/alyssums that have a unique and dark history. Horror films aim to scare to audience, therefore editing and specific camera angles are highly important technical codes within the horror genre. Handheld shots and using depth of field in frameworks aids the difficulty for the audience to make out what is happening, thus causing fear and confusion.  Certain sounds also help the audience to distinguish a film belonging to the horror genre, such as scratchy/high pitched music and exaggerated ambient diegetic sounds, e.g. footsteps. Lighting is expressive and significant as it can build a sense of fear by creating dark shadows and unfamiliar shapes. Additionally, the iconography of the monsters helps to connotate extreme terror and anxiety - these can variate from ghosts, possessed humans, werewolves, vampires, frankenstein etc. Props/weaponry helps the audience to identify the horror genre, and wether the character holding them is a villain or a hero (e.g. knives, guns, masks, costumes, wounds). 

Who is the target audience of each of these genres, and what do film companies do to attract these audiences in terms of marketing?

Horror films tend to attract people aged between 15-25. This is because young audiences are less susceptible to being put off violence and unnatural images in films, and horror films give them senses of thrill and excitement. Horror films also target couples on a first date or have been together for a while, as they seem to be good conversation starters after the film, and are therefore a popular choice. Males are more likely to watch horror films than females because they are more able to interact with the characters and handle disturbing scenes.

Sci-fi

The sci-fi genre use props/objects of futuristic technologies that possess scientific elements. This is because sci-fi films are set in the future or an alternative timeline - this targets audiences who are imaginative and enjoy films that allows the viewer to see the narrative from a more neutral perspective.  Sci-fi films are set in a range of locations, depending on the story line - for example, if the film contains elements of extra-terrestrial life, it may be set in outer space of an alternative version of earth. Therefore, futuristic props, costumes and setting represent the scientific advancement at the centre of the movie.  Narrative elements tend to consist of conflict between good and evil, which leads to violence using efficient and surreal technology e.e spaceships and robots. This is a technique that comments on conflicts within society, especially on the relationships between different countries/cultures that can therefore symbolise real life scenarios and create a connection between fiction and reality. 

Who is the target audience of each of these genres, and what do film companies do to attract these audiences in terms of marketing?

Sci-fi Films attract both genders as they posses engaging material which can put viewers 'on the edge' and feel uplifted. However, as sci-fi films contain scientific, technological and action-packed scenes, the genre tends to attract more males than females, despite being popular in both genders. Sci-fi films have a range of content that can be family friendly but also result in their target audience portraying a higher minimum age rating.

Comedy

Comedy films always occur in bright places or social events. This is because sunlight symbolises a happy sensation and humour usually occurs when two or more people exchange dialogue.  The camerawork used for most comedies is naturalistic and the characters are filmed in a way that shows everyone is equal. Diegetic sound is highly significant convention of the comedy genre as the dialogue needs to be clear. This will favour the audience to understand the joke so they can laugh at it. Non-diegetic sound is usually used to place emphasis on certain scenes, such as modern day/chart/pop music. This is because comedic films are aimed towards teenager - young adults and stereotypically, they include clubbing, drinking and women. Props are usually included in comedies  as they are a good strategy to make the audience laugh if a character falls over one/hurts themselves because of it. They are especially useful in slapstick comedy. The main characters of the comedy genre are usually idiotic people who are ones that are laughed at - this is because their personalities in contrast to 'normal' people emphasises their stupidity and clumsiness. As well as this, highly intelligent people are used as a factor of humour as they are stereotypically socially awkward and unaware of social boundaries. A common attribute within characters is sarcasm.

Who is the target audience of each of these genres, and what do film companies do to attract these audiences in terms of marketing?

Most comedy films are rated 15 or 18 due to their high level of explicit dialogue which is unsuitable for children to witness. This shows that most comedies are aimed towards teenagers/young adults. However, comedy films can attract families to watch them, but those that do usually possess another genre, such as adventure, and are not always comedic throughout the film's duration. 

Romance 

Romance  films are typically set in a well known city/area, depending on the film's storyline and the character's occupation. This helps to create a realistic atmosphere and can connect the audience to the film. A voiceover/narration by one of the main characters is usually included in order to inform the audience about the theme of love.  The iconic action of 'boy meets girls' is very typical in a romance film, and they usually end in a happy ending.  However, within a romance film a crisis forms that damages the quality of the couple's relationship - for example, an individual (typical the female's father) who does not approve their status (e.g Endless Love). This helps to convince the audience that it's possible for a relationship to work out/last, no matter what it goes through. Romance films also show and emphasise the character's emotions for each other and how the quality of their relationship is making them feel. The romance genre also aims towards different sexualities, and financial/social statuses.

Who is the target audience of each of these genres, and what do film companies do to attract these audiences in terms of marketing?

Atypically, Romance films tend to attract an audience of first world citizens such as teenage girls between ages 12-16. This is because girls prefer films with a light-hearted storyline which tend to finish with a 'happy ever after', and therefore find them likeable  Romantic films can also target some young couples on a date to get them in a passionate mood. Traditionally, less serious film fans go to Romantic films due to their less artsy and more relaxed nature. 

Teen 

The teen genre atypically consists of cliques in a high school/educational setting, that relate to modern day stereotypes within the proclaimed age group. For example, groups of teenagers who have a high social status sit on separate tables from people who are less popular, and are also titled to have a bitchy and manipulative reputation. Other typical cliques in teen films are the emos/goths, geeks/nerds, loners, and stoners. These types of stereotypes are easily recognised by the audience, through the style of clothing they wear. In most teen films, the main character find themselves to not fit into any clique and appear to break stereotypes. Despite that a high school is a popular setting to be possessed in teen movies, they can also be set in houses (usually a bedroom),at university (e.g, Pitch Perfect), in the shopping mall or a large city, such as NYC. The teen genre also highlights feelings and issues felt by the majority of everyday teenagers and how they deal with them. These can include of feeling peer pressured to smoke/take substances, feeling like an outcast/alone, and hating life. This helps to target the genre's specific audience so they can relate to the character's emotions.

Who is the target audience of each of these genres, and what do film companies do to attract these audiences in terms of marketing?

Action

Action movies are usually set in cities and other urban areas. This helps the film to relate to the audience if they live near the area of the setting. Action films are also set in urban places intentionally as when rushing past a building you get a better sense of speed and energy then you would in the countryside. Specific locations can include on motorways, skyscrapers and underground tunnels. Close up shots, establishing shots and tracking shots  helps the audience to experience the action and feel more involved in it. Sound also plays a huge part in the feeling the audience gets - during the violence, any diegetic sound are amplified to make it more exciting e.g. gunshots. As well as sounds, props also help to identify the action genre due to their enigma codes (e.g guns, grenades and tanks). The main protagonist is usually the hero (and have a sidekick) and the villain is iconically distinctive through their accent or a specific physical feature. Most action films result in humanity being restored by the hero and falling in love with a female character who was a victim of the villain's master plan. 

Who is the target audience of each of these genres, and what do film companies do to attract these audiences in terms of marketing?

The target audience for action films are usually aimed towards a wide range of age groups, but males aged between 15-25 are a large proportion of the genre's audience. This is because it's stereotypical for men to be drawn to violent and lively films. Many action films are set at a 12/12A age rating as they usually attract younger groups of people who like a good adrenaline burst. Many action films are sequels, which therefore attract their fan bases to see the other films. 

Crime/Dramas

Crime films/Dramas tend to focus on serious and accurate issues that occur in reality. This implies that many dramas have climaxes and anti climaxes to keep the audience emotionally attached, and that they do not always happily end the way the audience wanted it to. Plot twists are highly effective as the audience would not predict certain things to happen (e.g. Shutter island). Dramas are usually set in places where everyday people live, e.g flats, towns, rural places etc. They portray journeys of character development and lots of social interaction. Typical props tend to include drugs, guns, knives, handcuffs, alcohol and mobile phones. Clothing-wise, period dramas behold old fashioned clothing as costumes for the characters, depending on the era its set in. This showed the depth dramas to to make their films seem as realistic as possible. 

Who is the target audience of each of these genres, and what do film companies do to attract these audiences in terms of marketing?

Dramas/Crime films aim to have a dramatic and factual storyline to move the audience emotionally. Because of this, many dramas are unsuitable for children as they contain drags, nudity and violence. This genre also attract teenagers as they are more intrigued in discovering more about issues that commonly affect their age group. Older adults also watch crime/dramas as many prefer senses of realism intend of fiction/imagination.