Film Openings Research

 A film's opening is like a handshake. It's what filmmakers use to establish a relationship with the audience, and how they convince the audience to sit through and enjoy the film that they've made.

In the process of creating my own film opening, I researched some comedy films and their openings. The three films I researched were the ones that resonated best with me: The Hangover Part III, Wolfs, and Red One.

1.      The Hangover Part III –

a.      This comedy starts off by showing Leslie Chow escaping from prison midst a prison riot. We then see the personal experiences of Alan, one of the three main
friends. It sets up the story in a way that shows the conflict of one of the characters, and introduces the “meds” as a the main problem of the character. This conflict helps the plot by acting as a segway into the main conflict, which was Mr. Chow's robbery.

2.      Wolfs –

a.      This comedy starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney begins by establishing the setting, being a large, urban environment, and then focusing on the room of the introduced character. It shows that something scary has occurred, and that she’s searching for help. That’s when George Clooney gets introduced as someone whose job is to alleviate her situation.

3.      Red One

a.       This comedy film stars Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) and Chris Evans starts off by providing insight which later explains the conflict of the character of Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans). The audience is then shown Santa at a mall in Philadelphia, which is used to send the message that Santa's job can get diplomatic as well. The Rock is introduced as Santa’s head of security detail, and the main conflict begins when Santa gets kidnapped in an action sequence.

My Timeline - Portfolio Project

 

The completion of my portfolio project contains 5 steps.

1.      Initial Research (completed)

a.      Research and Analyze film openings in my genre

b.      Researching plot structures and finding conventions/traditions in my genre

2.      Planning

a.      Compiling a complete plot idea for my opening and having a script ready

b.      Completing a quick storyboard

c.      Finding/creating place for music (if needed)

d.      Finding Actors

e.      Choosing filming locations and setting dates

3.      Production

a.      Filming all of the scenes

b.      Recording any foley sounds or voiceovers

4.      Editing

a.      Putting all the footage together

b.      Creating the final cut

c.      Adding titles & credits

5.      Critical Creative Reflection

a.      Understand the four guiding questions

b.      Plan and write the CCR

Week 1 (1/19-1/23)

• ·       Understand the project and understand film openings

Week 2 (1/26-1/30)

·       Finalize plot idea

• ·       Write script
• ·       Create storyboard (quick draft, just structure)
• ·       Begin planning filming dates

Week 3 (2/2-2/6)

• ·       Character development planning
• ·       Mise-en-scene planning
• ·       Begin filming

Week 4 (2/9-2/15)

• ·       Continue/finish filming
• ·       Record any voiceover/foley needed
• ·       Begin editing (if done filming)

Week 5 (2/16-22)

• ·       Begin/continue editing
• ·       Start CCR, focusing on Q1

Week 6 (2/23-3/1)

• ·       Continue editing
• ·       Continue CCR

Week 7 (3/2-8)

·       Finalize editing & CCR

Week 8 (3/9-17)

• ·       Buffer week
• ·       Finalize and submit!

I know that I personally have troubles not procrastinating, and I’m hoping that this schedule can keep me on track or maybe even ahead of schedule.

 

I will be posting updates to the progress of my project as time goes on.

Introduction to Portfolio Project

 As a part of my AICE Media Studies AS Class, I will be creating a 2-minute film opening. 

I already have developed a good knowledge base about what film openings are about through some introductory assignments completed in class.

I'm planning on doing an opening for a comedy movie, but am also considering making an opening for an action movie. 

As for my approach, once I finally decide my genre, the hardest part will be coming up with a sort of script. This will help me create an outline of what my opening will actually consist of. I will then create a storyboard, detailing the different shots and scenes that my opening will include. The next step will be finding actors that can help me in my project and filming the required scenes. The last step will be editing and perfecting my piece.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

 The second genre I researched was action. Action films have always stood out to me because of their fast pacing, intense scenes, and high levels of excitement. I enjoy how action movies keep the audience engaged through physical movement, suspense, and high-stakes situations. This is a genre I would be interested in exploring for my portfolio project because it allows for creative storytelling and visually engaging scenes.

For action films, the typical target audience is teenagers and adults, usually between the ages of 13–40. Viewers are drawn to action movies because they offer adrenaline, entertainment, and escape from everyday life. Many people enjoy the thrill that comes from chase scenes, fight sequences, and dangerous missions, making action a popular film genre.

Content-wise, action films usually include intense physical movement, such as fights, explosions, chases, and stunts. There is a clear hero and villain, with the main character facing high-risk challenges. Some themes include survival, justice, bravery, and good versus evil. The protagonist is usually placed in dangerous situations and must overcome obstacles using strength, intelligence, or determination.

In terms of techniques, action films rely heavily on fast-paced editing to build tension and excitement. Camera movement includes tracking shots, quick cuts, and dramatic angles being commonly used. Sound design is also important, as loud effects and intense background music help heighten the emotion of scenes. Lighting is often darker or high-contrast to create a serious and intense mood.

When it comes to marketing, action films are usually promoted using high-energy trailers that showcase explosions, fight scenes, and suspenseful moments. Posters often feature the main character in a powerful pose, emphasizing strength or danger. These films are commonly produced by major studios.

One example of an action film is John Wick (2014), starring Keanu Reeves. This movie focuses on revenge and survival, and is known for its stylized fight scenes and fast pacing. The film uses dark lighting and intense choreography to keep viewers engaged throughout.

Another example is Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). This film features large-scale action scenes, complex stunts, and high-risk missions.

Portfolio Project Genre #1

 The first genre I researched was comedy. I've always had a special connection with comedy films, and loved watching them. Comedy is a genre that I would be interested in.

For comedy, the typical target audience are kids, teenagers, and adults, usually ages 13-40. People tend to watch comedy movies mainly to relax, escape from their everyday lives, and to entertain themselves.  People are drawn to comedy films due to their relatable humor, awkward situations, and social commentary.

Content-wise, comedy shows/movies usually contain lighthearted and humorous storytelling. Situations that involve misunderstandings and irony are common, and exaggeration is commonly used. Dialogue is often filled with things like sarcasm, quick and snappy comebacks, and ironic moments.

These productions typically use fast pacing that help keep the jokes engaging and making sure they land. Close up shots are also utilized in order to capture facial expressions/interactions. Background music is sometimes used in order to enhance humor. 

In marketing processes, they are usually marketed using trailers which include some of the best jokes, bright posters that show silliness of characters or catchy punchlines. These films usually rely on popular actors and comedians.

Some examples of productions include Anyone But You (2023), starring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney. This was a romantic comedy that was centered around misunderstandings. It targets young adults and fans of modern romance and also combines humor with relationship development.

Another example is Superbad (2007). This starred Jonah Hill, Seth Rogan, and Emma Stone. It was a teen comedy that was focused on friendship and coming-of-age, and uses exaggerated situations.

Music Marketing Project

 Today marked the end of the music marketing project I created with my friends. This project went extremely well. The song that we chose to make the project was Something from Nothing by Foo Fighters. When creating the project, we built creative ideas about how the music video was going to represent our "band" as a whole, how it would serve as a marketing tool, and how we would use other marketing tools to make our campaign more well rounded. Attached is a "behind-the-scenes" which consists of the work that went into the creation of our project. I hope you enjoy!

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG67GfgCB4/VJTrVxZiaIkgxFPxxY4CUA/watch?utm_content=DAG67GfgCB4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb5f9148b20

Music Research and Upcoming Project

 In my Media Studies class, we're learning about the role of music in the world of media. I conducted research about key players in the rock industry, Maneskin and The Strokes. In conducting this research, I studied the company that represents these two groups (Sony Music Group) as well as the groups themselves. I looked at history of the groups, each group's target audience and how they develop their brand identity, and the digital and non-digital methods of marketing and distribution. My research not only helped me learn more about these groups, but also introduced me to methods and strategies that are normally used by rock artists in the industry.

Following this research, I'm working with other students to create a marketing strategy for a brand new artist. We're basing the marketing strategy based on key information that we collected while researching. We're also developing a music video, using a song that was previously released and tying it into how it would market this new artist. The song we've chosen to market our artist is Something from Nothing by Foo Fighters. Our group is working on preliminary planning, like what our project will reflect and how our music video will tie into the marketing plan. I look forward to seeing what we create.