In class we are currently doing a research project to help us decide which genre my group and I want to use for our film opening. Having chosen a genre that I like to watch, this is the information that I gathered.
- Genre: Drama
- Conventions: Dramatic movies are done by telling stories that present real problems to real characters. The characters presented in these films are conflicted by themselves, something or someone else, or a force of nature. Many viewers can find a way to relate to these dramatic films whether it is to the character or situation.
- Conventions (Production)- Drama can be shown in production through the right choice of lighting, pacing, and music. Casting shadows on a character can set a more dramatic mood. Not only does the angle matter but also the color of the light, different colors help set different moods. A slower pace helps make a film dramatic because it allows for everything that is said to be understood as to where an action movie would cut much quicker. Music is a huge factor in this because the wrong music can make the whole movie seem like a comedy. The right music will establish drama.
- Conventions (Marketing)- Production companies market their movies by establishing a target audience to promote movies to. Production companies spend loads of money to promote their movies from social media posts to youtube ads to playing trailers at the movies. To promote the genre of drama, production companies target people that are into drama, based on who they follow on social media, the type of videos that people watch on youtube, and what they are watching at the movies. At the movies, other trailers in the same genre will play before to bring back the same people.
- Example #1: Moonlight (Directed by Barry Jenkins). Moonlight is a good example of this genre because of the realistic characters and situations in the story. The main character is Chiron, a boy growing up in South Florida conflicted by himself. Showing three significant points in his life, the director makes this film dramatic through the choice of pace he decides to tell the story at, as well as his choices of shots and lighting.
- Example #2: Whiplash (Directed by Damien Chazelle). Whiplash is a perfect example of a drama because of the conflict that drives the characters. Based on a young drummer living in New York, the story drives the dramatic feel of the movie because of how conflicted the main character is with himself and with his instructor.
- Other examples: La La Land, First Man, Pulp Fiction, Casablanca, The King's Speech.
