Blog Research Topic

 Prop Research (Mystery Genre)

So when me and my partner were researching for inspiration for the film opening, we decided that it was necessary to research viable props. After reseraching the type of opening we wanted to chase, we decided to start studying props. Props have a very important role in communicating the authors ideas to the audience, so it is extremely important to find props that work best for my film. And so I started looking at different prop designs and ideas for my film opening. This eventually led to to discover props used by popular mystery films; Items like newspapers, magnifying glasses, flashlights, and investigation boards are some examples of props that are able to effectively convey the authors vision.

Why Props are Important

Props are essential to film openings because firstly, they set the tone and pace for the film opening. secondly, they provide potential clues and evidence that is utilized to move the story forwards. Lastly, props encourgage audience interaction by kind of persuading them to try to uncover the mystery themselves. Props also guide the audiences attention to important details while simultaniously keeping the plot a mystery. Frequently enough, authors may create a sort of hidden coorelation between props that keep the viewers engaged and curious.

Potential Props

Below are some of the props we may or may not use:

• Mask: used to hide the antagonists identity and create a potential clue
• Empty coffee and ramen cups: used to show the portagonist's habits and obssesion with the case
• Envelopes: can be used a coded message such as from the Riddler from DC, that could be used as a clue to advance the story forward
• Newspapers: utilized to show the headline and provide the viewers with context to the opening
• Sticky Notes: used to showcase potential thoughts from the protagonist and also for character development.
• Necklace: the prized relic the antagonist strives to steal
• Photographs: used to show the physical evidence the protagonist acquired and to also guide the audience on what has happened so far
• Blackboard: used to show all the hints and to organize the every detail the protagonist has. This is also used to fit into the mystery genre trope.

Analyzing Film Openings

Film Opening 1: Knives Out

The film opening starts with an establishing shot of a dark and gloomy mansion. This shot immediately sets the tone for the opening and provides sufficient context to the viewer. Thrombey's mansion is surrounded by a dark forest as well as a dramatic lighting. The mansion itself is filled with tiny little figures make the viewer slightly uncomfortable, almost as if they are potential hints. Moving on, having the woman search for Thrombey with breakfast establishes almost a boss and employee relationship. This character development reveals the dynamics of the family to the viewer. As the viewer approches the climax, they are introduced to what seems to be a dead Thrombey. The movie ends with the cliffhanger, encouraging the viewer to go and watch the full film. 

Film Opening 2: Sherlock Holmes (2009)

This opening has a very creative way to style and list the credits. The film starts and ends with flashes of characters interacting, while also, every few seconds, capturing a "snapshot" of the character and listing the credits next to them (as exemplified in the picture). Each time the frame freezes, it illustrates a gritty and old-timeish texture. This art style is extremely clever due to, not only it being very unique, but also because it is now easier to recognize and it also how it reinforces the creative style of this movie opening. The brief interactions between characters are shown to highlight some of the charaters' personality traits and habits. The sudden pauses can also be taken as implied foreshadowing, in other words, the viewer should expect the characters to be more thoroughly developed later on in the film. The explosive music also creates a fiery tone that can be interpreted as a sign of action and mystery.

Film Opening 3: National Treasure

The film opens with upbeat music and a conversation between some guys. They are getting closer to the apparent treasure and their conversation is very light-hearted and comedic. As they get closer to the treasure, they stop and peep out to view the massive mountain terrain in front of them. This creates a mystery tone by putting out the unknown right in the open. This can also lead to hesitation and the viewers are likely lost. Having the crew scout the land by foot with metal detectors shows the viewer the passion they have for trying to find the ship. They eventually find the ship and celebrate, acknowledging their effort has paid off.

Cambridge Project Schedule

 Creating a Timeline

I am doing the timeline blogpost first because this will be the backbone of my project. Doing this blog would also assist in using my time wisely and efficiently. Furthermore, if I plan on creating a successful project, I must stick to this schedule.

Establishing the Phases

        1. Starting the research 

• Analyzing various movie and film openings to gather inspiration.  
• Researching different plots to help with brainstorming.

        2. Planning        

• Coming up with potential ideas for the film opening. 
• Start scripting.
• Create a storyboard.
• Find actors and/or production team.
• Find music/music effects.
• Find an available time and a location to start filming.

        3. Production

• Start shooting films (create a variety scenes to have options when editing).
• Record foley sounds (if needed).
• Record voice over (if needed).
• Finalize filming and make sure clips are accessible.

        4. Editing

• Start editing the footage together to create the film.
• Add all the potential sound effects, foleys, voice overs.
• Include the title and credits.

        5. Revision

• Review the film and make proof-check everything
• Make final edits and finalize the film opening

        6. Critical Creative Reflection

• Start on researching information that relates to the reflection
• Start and finish the reflection
• Finalize and review CCR

There is a total of around 6-7 weeks to create this project. My teacher recommended that we leave the last week as a buffer week for if anything goes wrong and we need extra time to finalize, so, I will be leaving the last week for that and try my best to finish the project one week before the deadline.

Timeline

Week 1 

• Research week

• Start planning for the opening and potential ideas

• Create a potential plot

• Start creating a script

Week 2 

• Finish planning

• Create a Storyboard 

• Find a location and time to film at

• Find actors

• Set filming day
• Possibly start filming

Week 3

• Start producing
• Continue filming

• Record voice overs (if needed)

• Start recording foley (if needed)

Week 4

• Editing commences

Week 5 

• Continue to edit 

• Analyze the first scenes

• Proof-check everything

Week 6

• Revisions
• Compare the clips and choose the ones I like the best
• Creative Critical Reflection

• Research information in relation to the CCR

• Create the reflection.

• Edit and review CCR.

Week 7 

• Buffer week.

• In case there are any delays.

Finally

Well, I realized that my time management has been awful the past couple projects. So, I want to really stick to this to not only prove to myself that I can do it, but to also ensure that I will have a successful project. I will hold myself accountable for this and honestly, I'm going to just try my best and hope for the best.

Transition to Portfolio Projects

                            Transitioning into the Cambridge Portfolio Project

To be honest, getting into the transition to the portfolio project seems kind of nerving. Creating a film opening from scratch would be, im sure, very hard. This is why I have to be fully present during this phase of the class. Moving forward, from this point onward, all of my posts will be focused around building the foundation for my Portfolio Project. Going forward, everything I have learned in AICE media will be directly used to create the film opening I have been tasked with. 

For my ideas, I wamt to do a mystery genre. I choose this one because partly it appears to be very flexible with the conclusion and partly because I enjoy the build up to the climax. I was thinking about doing an opening where the viewer is introduced to the detective of a complex case. The viewer is then taken through some sort of exchange of information between the detective and say a bartender who is his old friend. This would lead to the developing context approach, and this idea stands out to me because it seems like the most natural one. This is due to it being very adaptable, meaning the actual film (if produced) would have no trouble further developing the plot. All of this would be shot in the same location and include lowkey lighting and a quiet diagetic sound.

Another approach I could consider is developing character. This could include the character going through a flashback or some sort of character development. This approach is appealing to me because there are a lot of ways I can incorporate different ideas. This is also a very creative apporach since I could take this whatever direction I choose. This apporach is also somewhat difficult since it relies very heavily on costume design, setting, and dialogue. These effects help amplify the personality of the given character to further reinforce the audience's impression of the character. Developing the character properly can also give me and my team certain ideas regarding on what to continue the possible film with.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

 Genre: Mystery

For my second genre i choice, i decided to go with mystery. This is partly because I personally really enjoy the long build up to the climax, and also how mystery films have that unknown variable that gets revealed at the end or left for the audience to theorize about. This is also partly because I think it would be very interesting to produce and go through the experience of creating a mystery film. Films that fall under the mystery genre usually have a ton of suspense and unexplained moments, a long buildup with an unexpected climax, and possibly a a plot twist to add an unpredictable effect and leave the audience shocked.  Films such as "The Sixth Sense", and "Sherlock Homes" are great representations of mystery films.

I think mystery films have an age range of 15-50 since there are certain aspects that can make films hard to grasp to younger audiences, or confusing and strange to older folks. These films are somewhat gender equal, meaning they are directed at both male and female audiences. Mystery films mostly appeal to those who enjoy using critical thinking, problem solving, and being mentally challeneged. Additionally, people who enjoy these movies prefer interacting with the content and actively trying to predict the outcome.

The mystery genre focuses on the protagonist, who is usually a detective, an investigator or some undercover worker, trying to solve a central puzzle. These puzzles may be a murder, an unsolved case,  or even a missing story. The protagonist strives to try to uncover these mysteries and most of the time does so through the use of intellectual skills and clues left behind by the antagonist. The side cast is also very important, poeple like suspects or poeple in relation to the mystery can give very valuable dialogue that can advance the plot forward. There are also "tricks" left behind by the antagonist to make the film more interesting; and to also decieve the audience, which at the end of the day, makes a film more enjoyable.

In terms of techniques, elemements that stand out the most are sound and lighting. Suspenceful music and deep sound effects are used to build an uneasy atmosphere and to create tension. Lowkey lighting is also a big part of myestery films, this is because lowkkey lighting creates an uncanny vibe, this is because the audience cannot fully make out the subject, therefore it left up to the viewer to try and fill in the information that is missing. Close-ups and tight close ups are used to illustrate reactions and also important clues or hints based off the characters' reactions. Mystery films are usually slow paced with very careful editing that prioritizes precision over speed. Foreshadowing and flashbacks are chosen to develop progress in the story while likewise suggesting possible outcomes for the viewer. 

                                                                              

Portfolio Project Genre #1

Genre: Action

I chose action movies because it is a very popular and interesting genre. Movies that fall under the action genre usually involve aspects of high stakes and taking big risks. This includes but is not limited to: impressive stunts, high-stakes fights, a battle between two opposing sides, and overall a feeling of danger. Some good examples of action movies are "Tom Cruise: Mission Impossible", and "Avengers Endgame". Movies listed above include very intense, explosive parts and also some cool plot-twists. Action movies are also very fast paced which adds additional suspense and hype.

The target audience for action movies are typically teens and older adults with the range ranging from 13-40. Additionally, these types of genres are typically more aimed towards male viewers, but more recent movies have been trying to bridge that gap. Also, People who watch action films tend to favor fast-paced stunts instead of slow, boring talk. 

Action films follow a standard convention and include a strong, main protagonist with an evil antagonist which the protagonist strives to defeat by the end of the film. The main plot is driven by conflict that involves fast-paced fighting, aggressive shootouts, and explosiveness. The films usually have higher stakes than most genres so the plot has to stay relevant throughout without losing the cool action scenes. Most action films include evil vs. good, and the protagonist usually overcomes the conflict through mental skill, physical ability, or some other type of relevant skill that allows them to win. The dialogue is also pretty straight forward and functional, dialogue exists to advance the plot further.

The techniques include quick and jump cuts to emphasize the chaotic and fast-paced environment, along with a handheld camera for shots that need extra chaos. tracking shots and low angle shots are also utilized to establish power or movement. Moving on, CGI may be used for extreme, high-detail dynamic shots that require very extreme visuals. This includes explosions, dangerous stunts, and also energetic fights. Lighting usually plays out so it focuses on the particular subject such as a fight. Sound techniques represent the vibe of the scene, for example, high energetic, upbeat music can be played to foreshadow a potential fight. Sound effects can also reinforce the idea for a given scene (bones breaking for example). Moving back to the shots, close ups and extreme close ups can be used to showcase extreme emotion such as determination, pain, or victory.