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.