Found our idea!

My group and I finally figured out what we want to do for our opening today! This has honestly been a major stress on all of us because without finding our idea it was hard to start planning or guide our research. However, this was very difficult due to the fact that there are four people in our group and it was hard to find an idea that we all agreed on and would be excited about. In order to work around this problem, we decided to put our heads together and just write it all out.

Brainstorming!

We decided to think of a couple of genres/ sub-genres or just general groups of movies that we were all interested in and were able to narrow it down to the four seen above. We definitely knew it had to be something along the lines of Drama so most of the sub-genres if not all that we wrote down fell under this. By looking at examples of movies within each group we noticed that some of them fit in more than one of the genre/ groups that we picked. For example, Gone girl fell under mystery but was also a movie that could go under the psychological group. By finding the movies we were influenced by we found that we were attracted to a film that was psychological yet also had features of a thriller. 

We then ended up ruling out some of the choices out based on our available resources and their originality. We knew that if we did a film that was based in another era it would be difficult to shoot in a normal setting and there would need to pay extreme attention to the mise en scène aspect of production. While we will still play extreme attention to detail, we did not want to have an idea that was out of our reach. It then got narrowed down to a group of movies we described as "psychological" where the main character has some sort of psychological tendency and the overall vibe of the movie is not necessarily horror but similar to that of a thriller. 

Conclusion

We ended up bringing it down to a story focused on a guy with OCD also known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who is forcibly taken out of his comfortable environment. Then we decided we would focus on how it affects him and drives him almost to the brink of insanity. We still need to refine the idea and make sure it is what we want to settle on but I'm relieved we narrowed it down! 

Drama- Genre Research

Overview

As I have already viewed several other possible genres one of the genres I have yet to thoroughly research is Drama. This seems like a very viable possibility to choose for my film opening as it does not seem to have difficult production techniques tied to it, in order to learn more I conducted the following research. First I found the definition of the word Drama described by the Merriam- Webster as "a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play." As I carried out further research I found some of its other major features included intense and serious plots, realistic characters, and realistic situations. I also found that Drama is a very general genre and that it encapsulates various other genres. Some films are even categorized as Drama if they do not fit in any other genre due to the fact the genre is so general.

Content

The plot of Drama films is often serious and emotional. These films often try to portray real-life struggles and issues and tell a story. Characters are essential to the success of these movies as their character development and emotions carry a deeper meaning in the movie. Therefore I found that the plot of movies in this genre can sometimes almost be described a simple, while the deeper meaning can be found in the inner conflict of characters. 

Characters in these movies often experience a conflict in either of three ways. They either confront a problem with themselves, with another character or with nature. As these movies are often serious they take advantage of trending subjects or issues in order to attract and resonate with a larger audience. Overall the Drama genre portrays a serious yet realistic plot with the aim of highlighting a bigger picture of a struggle of humankind.

Production Techniques

When it comes to the production techniques of the Drama Genre it often varies from movie to movie due to it being so general. However, since most of the themes surrounding Drama movies are realistic and relatable they are often not over the top or extravagant. The same could be said of the costume design for the characters. However, as previously stated there are some exceptions. Production focuses heavily on directing and scripts in order to present an empathetic and deep end result with which audiences can resonate with. 

Examples

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is a well-known classic based on a book of several adventures and even historical moments as seen through the perspective of a man with a low IQ by the name of Forrest Gump played by Tom Hanks. The movie focuses on the inner conflicts of the character. The focus of the movie is the plot as it is often described as an emotional movie. This is a perfect example of how movies in the Drama genre often have simple plots but present a deeper meaning through the inner conflict of characters.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a film that tells the story of an 8-year-old boy by the name of Bruno played by Asa Butterfield who moves to a new residence right next to a concentration camp where he starts a forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy by the name of Shmuel. This movie is yet another demonstration of how Drama films often seem to have relatively simple plots but try to show a deeper meaning or message often about mankind through inner conflicts and emotion. The set design and costume design of the movie is also important as it establishes the time in which it takes place.

Other examples include:

The Pursuit of Happiness, Girl Interrupted, Roma, Creed, and Green Book

Conclusions

Overall the Drama genre seems to be a very viable option for the opening of my film. Especially since the production techniques of the film often depend on the story that is chosen. So realistically, choosing this type of genre to produce an opening from would be the best option for the resources available to a student.

Resources

• Reich, J. (n.d.). What is Genre and How is it Determined? Retrieved from https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/exploring-movie-construction-and-production/chapter/2-what-is-genre-and-how-is-it-determined/
• Biograph Company (n.d.). Drama Movie Genre. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html

Musicals- Genre Research

Musicals- Overview 

As I embark on this journey of producing an opening for a film, I must make every decision count, and this includes choosing the perfect genre. So today I am researching the genre of a Musical. So in order to understand it thoroughly, I investigated its basic definition. According to the Merriam-Webster, a musical is defined as "A film or theatrical production typically of a sentimental or humorous nature that consists of musical numbers and dialogue based on a unifying plot." Some other common features I found revolving the genre of Musicals were that it is considered to be one of the most escapist of all genres, it incorporates extravagant sets and locations, and several songs and dance routines.

Content

Musicals are mostly known for their combination of movement and sound. Sometimes there is confusion between musicals and films which include several songs or have a soundtrack. However, in order for a film to be considered a musical it must contain performances and not just music. While in most films a soundtrack is simply added and is presented as non-diegetic sound, in Musicals the characters sing and dance and therefore presenting diegetic sound.

I also found that Musicals are considered to be on of the most escapist of all genres. It is recognized for breaking the usual conventions of realism. For example lighting and stage props can sometimes change for specific songs or performances out of the blue. Therefore conventions of these performances are often characterized as artificial, as the music and props that accompany routines are derived from "nowhere". In addition to this they seem to often be set in a fantasy land where music randomly appears and everyone can sing. 

As for the plot and the characters the music and songs are often used to progress the plot. Musicals are a sort of unification between music and plot. The stories that are told through musicals are also often happy and Utopian where good always ends up prevailing over evil. While intense emotions and feelings in melodrama are usually suppressed or otherwise expressed through stylistic means, in Musicals characters feeling are openly expressed through song and dance. 

Production Techniques

Musicals I found often have extravagant or lavish sets and locations when they are filming. On screen Musicals are often made too look like they are on a theater stage. Typically scenery can go from realistic normal setting to over the top colorful scenery. The scenery is also equally as extravagant as the costume design of the different characters. Musicals I found are very colorful and amplify several features of normal film so the visual aspect is fairly important. Therefore, the costume design makeup design and set design is very important to the production of Musicals. 

Examples

The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman is a film based on the story of P. T. Barnum played by Hugh Jack-man and taking a risk of starting a circus. Throughout the movie there are several musical numbers and dance routines that express individual characters feelings to further progress the plot. One of the Musical's most well-known song from its successful soundtrack goes by the name of The Greatest Show. The part in the film where it is performed features extravagant choreographed dance, with animal from the circus, extravagant costumes, confetti, and acrobatics. The song captures the feeling and the story of Barnum's dream. Therefore showcasing the main features of Musicals with extravagant performances, set designs, and dance routines.

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is one of the most well-known Musicals of all time and was made in 1965. The film is based on the true story of the Vonn Trap family singers which are a group of seven children united by Maria their governess, played by Julie Andrews, through their love of music. The real story took place right after World War II so costume design and set design played an important part in establishing the time at which it took place. While the movie is much less extravagant than the bright and colorful performances of the Greatest Showman it still showcases the most important features of Musicals. The film incorporates performances of songs by characters to help progress the plot and to demonstrate the feelings of the characters.

Conclusions:

Overall I found that a lot of work goes into the production of Musicals especially with dance choreography performances extravagant sets and costumes. Overall I feel choosing this genre for a film opening with the capabilities and resources available to a student would not be ideal.

Other Examples include:

La La Land, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, Into the Woods, and Hairspray.

References:

• Clapp, J. (2014, May 7). Codes and Conventions of Film Musicals. Retrieved from http://facweb.northseattle.edu/jclapp/HUM%20110/Handouts%20and%20Lectures/Musical%20Genre%20Conventions.pptx 
• Film Reference (n.d.). Musicals. Retrieved from http://www.filmreference.com/encyclopedia/Independent-Film-Road-Movies/Musicals.html
• Hoffman, M. (2013, April 1). The Musical Film Genre: Capturing the Magic of the Stage on the  Screen. Retrieved from http://www.cinemablography.org/blog/the-musical-film-genre-capturing-the-magic-of-the-stage-on-the-screen
• Tikkanen, A. (2008, August 13). Musical Film. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/art/musical-film

Music Marketing Campaign

Eight Hours Marketing Campaign

Project Summary

This project was entirely based upon Music Marketing. One of the most complicated yet thriving industries in our world today is the Music industry. This project acted as a much smaller scale replica of all the work that goes into successfully introducing an artist or a band through marketing and distribution techniques. Before I embarked on this project me and my group gathered research on a specific genre of Music, Indie Rock. After gathering research on the genre we created our own band by the name of Eight Hours. Based on our research we then formulated a set of steps to take to introduce the band that we thought would be fit for our specific target audience and music genre. Our plan consisted of the following: starting with a Social Media Presence, followed by teasers, music videos, and song releases, and opening for larger artists to gain exposure. 

Research

Throughout our research, we narrowed our focus down to a few Case Studies. Specifically, we looked into SubPop, an Indie Rock record label founded in 1986. We looked into SubPop specifically because it was a part of the Grunge Movement and has been associated with several renowned bands and artists. Artists including Nirvana Kurt Cobain and Mudhoney were all under this Company. We also looked specifically into the Arctic Monkeys and Frankie Cosmos two of their most well known Indie Rock artists. 

Frankie Cosmos- Case Study

Arctic Monkeys- Case Study

After taking a look at their websites, their social media, and their history, we found several techniques that worked in their favor. For one we found that their target audience ranged from 16-25 year-olds and that Social Media presence was imperative in their success as well as a strong interaction with their fans. We also found that their music was always easily accessible whether it was from their social media page or their website. Some other important techniques we found were, merchandising, constant brand establishment, and personality. What I mean by personality is that both the Arctic Monkeys and Frankie Cosmos both showcased their personalities whether it be through the means of their albums cover artwork their website their clothing or their social media. They had an overall constant theme that made their brand strong.  Taking advantage of various mediums of marketing was also important including social media, radio interviews, and live shows. A variety of distribution techniques were also used such as physical copies including CD and vinyl and streaming on applications such as Spotify and Apple Music.  

Marketing Creations

Our merchandise displayed a variety of products for our target audience and featured our logo in order to build and establish our brand. 

We created a website based off of the style that we wanted to give our band and incorporating some features that we thought would be fitting in order to provide easy access to our music and provide an easy platform to interact with fans. You can click on the link below to get a better look:

Eight Hours Website

We also created a profile following our general theme and style for the band on various platforms including You-tube, Twitter, and Instagram.

Analysis

Throughout this project I learned various things. One of the main things I learned was how to manage my time efficiently in order to successfully accomplish goals. The time constraint was fairly difficult to work around but by spreading the tasks out evenly among my team members and assigning specific tasks to specific days it wasn't as difficult as it seemed at first glance. This marketing project was only a small scale replica of how real marketing campaigns are structured and the time constraints they are in so this gave me a real idea of how tight time is in the music industry and in many others. With such a small time constraint we also chose a fairly difficult idea to portray through our sample music video. I believe if I were to have chosen a more realistic option for our budget, skill, and time frame, it would have turned out much better. Now that I have learned the importance of setting goals, organizing my time efficiently, and choosing realistic ideas, I feel my work on my portfolio project will greatly improve.