Developed Idea for Our Film Opening

To further explain how me and my partner plan on developing our film opening, we plan on utilizing many of the techniques seen in the films we drew our inspiration from when we initially thought of our idea. We already decided on the actress for the main character of the opening scene, which is going to be Valentina Suarez. Moreover, we deciding on using one of our houses as the setting in order to capture the concept that this “virus” can reach any individual of any social class. 

Moving on, to start the opening scene we would make use of a live news broadcast on a television in order to inform viewers of the global problem going on. The broadcast would also urges civilians to use burner phones in order to avoid the use of advanced cellular devices. Thus, with this information, the audience immediately becomes aware of the issue at hand. Moreover, we would then move on to show our main character viewing the broadcast, but like many others she is not convinced on the reality of this problem. Thus, viewers would be able to identify these feelings in the main character based of her facial expressions and on the conversations she would have on social media with her friends after viewing the broadcast. Furthermore, the conversation the main character has on social media contributes to the representation of a normal teenage girl we are trying to capture. Thus, this representation is based solely on the idea that teenagers are constantly on their phones; therefore, our plot works well with this concept because it targets individuals who always utilize their phones.

After the main character chats with her friends on social media, she receives a phone call and of course she answers the call without thinking about any of the consequences, which ends up resulting in her death.

Inspiration for Our Film Opening Idea

My partner, Sophia Jauregui, and I have put much thought into what type of horror film we want to base our film opening on. At the start of our researching journey, we looked at films that were mostly based on true stories of paranormal activities; however, we decided that we wanted to create a film opening mainly deriving aspects from films in the horror/science-fiction areas. Thus, we would be trying to capture an “end of the world” vibe through the horror genre. Of course, we would still use our previous research that we gathered; however, we would use research from the films such as Scream (1996) and Bird Box (2018) to develop our idea for our film opening.

To expand on the idea of our film opening, we plan on developing a plot in which the modern world has just recently experienced several occurrences of the same situation involving an individual answering a phone call from his/her contacts, which causes the person to kill themselves. However, since this issue is so new, many do not feel threatened by this dilemma. Thus, when our main character in our film opening, who is aware of this situation, receives a phone call from her best friend, she does not think anything of it and simply picks up the phone.

There were two films that served as inspiration for us in developing our film opening. Among these two was the 1996 classic film known as Scream, mainly due to the fact that the use of a telephone was present in serving as a signal for death. Moreover, in the opening of Scream the use of a phone was primarily used as a method of giving the audience a creepy vibe of someone watching the young teenage girl on the other line, and ultimately resulting in the death of the girl due to the stalker. Thus, we plan on using the phone as a way of communicating to the audience that the individual answering the phone is going to suffer deadly consequences.

Another film that served as inspiration to us was that of Bird Box (2018). The reason this film played a major role in helping us develop our idea is due to fact that the outcomes of the main problem is death; however, the causes that lead to death are different in our film opening. Furthermore, Bird Box (2018) is based on the idea that when you see the so-called creatures in the film, you end up committing suicide. Thus, we drew inspiration from this idea for our film opening because our plot consists of the idea that when an individual answers a phone call, they will inevitably kill themselves.

We also drew inspiration from the TV series Criminal Minds mainly because our film opening uses the same technique utilized by each episode of Criminal Minds. Essentially, this technique is that the first scene of the episode, basically sets up the main problem for the rest of the episode. Thus, we would be using our film opening as a way of giving an example of the horrifying global issue happening throughout the rest of the film.

Representation We Want to Include in Our Film Opening

In our AICE Media Studies project, in which I will be working with Sophia Jauregui, we will be focusing on representing the group known as high school students. Usually in films, this group is represented as very social individuals who always have a non-school-related activity to do after school. They are portrayed as having a very busy schedule and at the same time going through many of life’s difficulties. They could also be represented as not very social individuals; however, that would not change the general representation of students doing everything but school work after school.

One example of this typical representation of students can be seen in the American television series, Gossip Girl (2007-2012). Moreover, in this show, the students of a private high school are seen doing non-school-related activities every single day after school. Some of these activities are going shopping in the city, eating expensive lunches with friends, or just hanging out with friends at someone’s penthouse. They also are even sometimes shown skipping school to handle unnecessary affairs. Furthermore, another example of this representation can be identified in the television series, The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017). This show represents high school students as having more things to worry about that have nothing to do with school. In addition, most of the characters in The Vampire Diaries go on quests and adventures when the last school bell rings. Moreover, both television shows represent high school students as having a full schedule after school, but of course the schedule does not include any after-school work (AKA homework).

The general representation of high school students in various forms of media is a representation that I do not support. Because I, myself, am a high school student, I am fully aware of all of the school work and studying I have to do after school. Moreover, I know that doing homework and studying for school takes up most of my time after any regular school day. Also, this is not just my personal situation due to the fact that many of my classmates go through the same instances of having to study and do homework for hours after school everyday. Thus, I do not think this typical representation depicted in many films and TV shows is either correct or fair because it gives other individuals, who are not high school students, a misconception of what it means to be a high school student. In other words, I believe the group of high school students is being misrepresented by the media.

In our AICE Media Studies project we would convey the group of high school students as they truly are. We would convey them as being studious every single day after school, and we would convey them as having a social life, but their social life would not overpower their school life. Thus, instead of being shown partying more, high school students would be shown studying more. Moreover, I think it is extremely important to fix the misrepresentation of high school students in many forms of media, especially in films and television shows.

Drama Genre Research

Genre

Drama

Genre conventions - Content

The genre of Drama can be defined as the fictional recreation of true, real life stories. The Drama genre is known for engaging its audience through the characters and worlds that they create within the film. Moreover, there have also been cases in which the worlds and characters of a film are entirely unbelievable, yet the film still is able to maintain its audience engaged. Furthermore, most films under the Drama genre portray realistic/believable characters along with a realistic setting. The characters of a Drama film are generally conveying in such a way that its audience often empathizes with them. Other important elements in the Drama genre to help develop the plot of the film are the use of steady increases to convey the tension being built up, the use of climaxes, and the use of anti-climaxes. All of these elements not only help the development of the plot, but they also are utilized to keep viewers hooked in the sense that they will not be able to stop watching the film. In the genre of Drama, one can also take notice how there are many depictions of hardships, struggles, pain, and difficulties of life. Some may even say that these depiction are what categorize a film under the Drama genre. Ultimately, films in the genre of Drama strive to make an emotional impact on their audience; they want to leave the audience with an identifiable, lasting impression.

Genre conventions - Production Techniques

In order for films under the Drama genre to excel and really be efficient in developing their narrative, the production techniques utilized must work together on a visual and oral level. Moreover, this mixture of production techniques allows for a creative and appropriate way to display the director’s interpretation of the writer’s ideas. One of the main techniques that the genre of Drama is associated with is that of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony serves as a very effective plot development device that results in the audience sensing the rising tension present in the film. The reason the audience can feel this tension is because of the fact that they can see all of the action occurring within the film, unlike the main character however. Other prominent techniques present in films under the Drama genre are soliloquies, asides, and monologues. These techniques are mainly used to reveal the inner thoughts and feelings of characters. Furthermore, in order to establish the setting and develop the atmosphere of a film under the Drama genre, the production techniques of lighting, special effects, sound, and music are utilized.

Film sample #1

• Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

• The American teenage drama television series, Gossip Girl, was aired for 6 seasons on the CW. The show depicted the lives of rich teenagers living in The Upper East Side of New York. The story of the teenagers’ lives are being told mostly through the narrator that calls herself/himself Gossip Girl, and this so-called narrator is known in the show for exposing the secrets of the teenagers. Moreover, Gossip Girl embodies a good example of a production under the Drama genre because it possesses some of the typical Drama genre conventions. For example, the idea of “the most popular girl in school” can be seen at the high school in the show. Also, the setting in the show is developed very efficiently in the sense that the audience is able to notice how rich the teenagers are, yet at the same time they can also sense the tension in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the show, Gossip Girl, is able to demonstrate the hardships and struggles that these wealthy teenagers experience in their daily lives.  

Film sample #2

• The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

• The show, The Vampire Diaries, is an American supernatural drama television series that was aired for 8 seasons on the CW. Moreover, The Vampire Diaries tells the story of a group of characters living in a supernatural town named Mystic Falls. The group mostly consists of high school students, one of which being the female main character. Furthermore, the storyline of the show mainly revolves around the inhabitants of Mystic Falls. In addition, one reason this show could be considered a drama is because it displays the troubles and situations the group of characters go through. Also, even though this show deals with supernatural phenomenons, it still manages to establish the real life setting of a high school as well as set the tension-filled atmosphere.  

Other Productions Within Drama Genre

• Wonder (2017)
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• The Shape of Water (2017)
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• 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
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• The Greatest Showman (2017)
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• Mudbound (2017)
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Horror Genre Research

Genre

Horror 

Target Audience

The typical target audience of the Horror genre is individuals from ages 15 to 25. Moreover, it can be concluded that teenagers and young adults enjoy watching thrilling films filled with suspense and terror. These young people are seeking a “good scare” from watching terrifying films. Also, the typical target audience of horror films is about 42% women and 58% men.

Genre Conventions - Content 

Usually within horror films, there are characters with specific roles to execute. Furthermore, a form of a protagonist/hero is generally present in horror films, and he/she must solve the problems faced in the film. Usually to “solve” the problem means to kill/stop the evil, monster, madness, or torture presented in the film. There is also always a victim to the problems faced in the film; he/she usually ends up dead, unfortunately. The villain or antagonist in horror films can often be seen as the murderer, the creator of evil, or the actual evil itself. The antagonist can also be depicted as a monster, a serial killer, an insane scientist, or even a demonic force. Finally, children can be considered an element of many horror films. They can be featured in horror films to play a sinister role, and children being depicted as the so-called monster are usually little girls because they are said to be creepier than little boys.

Genre Conventions - Production Techniques 

The mise-en-scene of films under the Horror genre can be characterized by its isolated setting that usually indicates that the protagonist has no hope in finding any sort of help. The setting also consists of the use of thunder and rain, which contributes to the dark and gloomy setting of horror films. The use of thunder and rain can also enhance the isolation of the setting. The mise-en-scene of horror films can also be characterized by its use of various props. Such props can include weapons, antique objects, paintings, photographs, bibles, crucifixes, and candles. Some props, like the bibles and crucifixes, hint at the relationship with religion and the devil that some horror films may have. Furthermore, the props add to the frightening atmosphere portrayed in horror films. Another component that contributes to the mise-en-scene of many horror films is lighting. Lighting utilized in horror movies generally gives the audience a clue that something bad is about to occur. It is able to create a sense of fear and suspense in the audience. Also, shadows and flickering lights can be used in horror films to bring fear and anxiety upon the audience. Moreover, lighting may also create an overall mood for a scene. For example, when a character is scared, the setting will most likely be dark and may even include rain outside. Finally, the use of costumes and color is another one of the elements in horror films that contribute to the mise-en-scene. Moreover, the common colors that can be noted in most horror films are red and black. These colors are consistent with many horror movies because they indicate danger and death. Additionally, costumes must be in correlation with the stereotypical depiction of certain characters. Moreover, the costumes play a significant role in developing the personality of specific characters.

Films in the Horror genre also rely heavily on sound. Moreover, the use of Foley when creating sound in horror films builds suspense. Tension within horror films can be  developed through exaggerated diegetic sounds. Also, fast and loud non diegetic sounds are present in order to contribute to the audience’s fear. These non diegetic sounds add to making the audience jump from fear (AKA jump scares).

Institutional Conventions - Marketing 

The narrative image of most horror films can be associated with always ending with a suspenseful scene that calls for a sequel. Generally, horror films begin with the victims traveling to a frightful and scary environment. The victims then face the antagonist of the story, and violence is usually present around this scene. Moreover, the characters who survive are the ones to go to a form of authority, but usually do not receive help from them. Later on comes the climax of the film, which consists of action between the protagonists and antagonists of the story. Finally, the ending of the film concludes with a resolution and suspenseful end that hints at a sequel.

Films under the Horror genre have specific marketing techniques to follow in order to be considered a successful film. One of these techniques consists of not revealing everything in the trailer. Igniting a sense of mystery and a sense of “what will happen next?” in the audience, will lead them to want to watch the horror film. Moreover, concealing details in the trailers of horror films will hook potential spectators. Another marketing technique is to identify some of the characters in the trailer. By giving a bit of background information on a character, the audience will care about whether he/she lives or dies. Another marketing technique that is consistent with most horror films is including viewers’ ratings and comments on the movie. In addition, credible testimonials are present in most trailers of horror films because they add to the likelihood of individuals watching the film. Furthermore, the genre of Horror is one of the largest genres, and it is considered one of the more profitable genres. Some of the most profitable horror films consist of The Blair Witch Project ($244.5 M), The Exorcist ($232.9 M), Jaws ($260 M), and The Sixth Sense ($293.5 M).

Film Sample #1 

The Human Centipede (2009)

• The Human Centipede is a good representation of the Horror genre because it follows most of the genre and institutional conventions. The obvious antagonist in the film is Dr. Heiter. He could also be identified as the “mad scientist” in the film. Also, in the film he lives in a house located within the woods, which plays into the concept of being isolated. Moreover, in the beginning of the film, two girls that seem to be in their late 20s, Jenny and Lindsay, are introduced. They are away from home, and one of the girls actually has a daughter, which creates anxiousness in the audience of whether she will live or die, from watching the trailer. Jenny and Lindsay are looking for a fun time, and they are portrayed in the film as typical party girls. Later on, Jenny and Lindsay are on the road when their car stops working. They decide to get out of the car to go get help, and it starts to rain and thunder extremely hard; the rain and thunder contribute to the atmosphere of the scene, and they hint at the danger that will occur soon. Furthermore, the girls make it to a house deep in the woods. Of course, the house is Dr. Heiter’s house. What the girls don’t know is that Dr. Heiter is a crazy scientist that experiments with joining humans together, and they were about to become his test subjects. Also, throughout the film, sound is utilized to help build suspense and contribute to jump scares. Furthermore, the trailer of The Human Centipede uses some of the marketing techniques I mentioned earlier. For example, it does not reveal many details about the film, but it reveals just enough to get potential viewers to watch the movie.

Film Sample #2 

The Conjuring (2013)

• The Conjuring is another great representation of the Horror genre because it follows most of the genre and institutional conventions. In this case, the antagonist of the film is a supernatural, demonic force. With that being said, props such as bibles and crucifixes are present throughout the entire film. These props are used by the protagonists in the story, Ed and Lorraine Warren, to fight against the demonic force. Moreover, children are also present in the movie because of the fact that the film involves a family, which consists of the parents and their five daughters, moving into an old house in the middle of nowhere. In the beginning of the movie, the mother is really the only one who suspects that something is not right in the house, and at the end of the movie, she is the one who becomes possessed. Moreover, lighting and sound were key elements in this horror movie. An example of the use of lighting can be when one of daughters was sleeping in her bedroom, with the lights off of course, and she feels something tug on her leg. She believes it is her sister, because they shared a room, but it was actually the evil spirit messing with her. The tugging happens again, and this time the daughter gets up because she is unaware of who or what is pulling on her leg. When she gets up, one of the camera shots of the scene reveals the dark lighting in her bedroom; however, it is especially dark in the corner of her bedroom, behind the door. This dark lighting creates a sense of fear so strong in the audience that it makes them want to hide underneath their fingers to avoid seeing the demonic force lurking in the shadows. Along with this lighting is the use of sound. The use of sound intensifies the sense of fear inside the audience, and it exaggerates what the audience is observing while watching the film. As for the institutional conventions of The Conjuring, I noted that it utilizes many of the marketing techniques I identified earlier. For example, identifying some of the characters, such as the mom and dad, so that potential spectators grow an interest of who lives and who dies.

Other Films Within Horror Genre 

• Hereditary (2018)
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• Get Out (2017)
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• The Ring (2002)
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• A Quiet Place (2018)
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• Scream (1996)
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• Paranormal Activity (2012)
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• Insidious (2010)
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Let Me Introduce Myself!

Hello, my name is Giuliana Ribas. I am 16 years old, and I am currently enrolled in Cypress Bay High School as a junior. I was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and I moved to Florida when I was 2 years old. Moreover, I am creating this blog for my AICE Media Studies class. Even though this blog is a forced task, I would like to believe that I am creating it to inspire others. I would like to encourage others into commencing their own film projects. I wish to make an impact on the creative and imaginative minds of others.