Preliminary Exercise 5: Analyzing Film Genre

Understanding the concept of genre is critical to understanding the vast expanse of filmmaking. In the context of film, genre refers to the classification of works based on stylistic, thematic, and narrative elements that are shared. For several reasons, this classification is critical for both film producers and audiences. For starters, it gives filmmakers a framework for communicating the intended tone, style, and content of a film, which aids in the production process. Second, genres serve as a guide for audiences, assisting them in navigating their preferences and making informed decisions when choosing films. There are four major film genres, each with its own set of conventions: drama, comedy, action, and horror. Furthermore, subgenres refine classifications based on specific elements within a larger genre. For example, within the horror genre, the subgenre of horror-slasher focuses on a specific storytelling style. Identifying subgenres is critical for a more nuanced understanding, allowing filmmakers and audiences to delve deeper into thematic and stylistic variations. For example, one could investigate the horror-slasher subgenre. Romantic comedy is my favorite film genre because it combines the warmth of romantic narratives with the lightheartedness of comedy, resulting in a delightful and entertaining cinematic experience.

The purpose of this assignment is to design a poster that dives into the complexities of a selected film genre and its corresponding subgenre, providing a visual representation of key elements. In this case, my partner and I have chosen the romance genre, with a special focus on the romantic comedy subgenre. Our mutual appreciation for films that seamlessly blend romance and humor results in an engaging and lighthearted viewing experience. The romance genre, with its emphasis on love and emotional relationships, frequently investigates the complexities of human relations. The romantic comedy subgenre, on the other hand, injects humor into romantic narratives, adding a sense of playfulness and charm. We aim to highlight three specific mise en scène elements that are unique to romantic comedies in our research, providing an insightful exploration of how visual elements contribute to the genre's overall appeal.

Genre: Romance

Setting: Urban landscape with cafes, parks, and iconic landmarks.

Iconography: Roses, love letters, engagement rings, city skylines.

Narrative Themes: Love and self-discovery, lucky encounters, second chances, and the transformative power of love are all explored.

Characters: Romantic leads, quirky best friends, wise mentors.

Tone and Atmosphere: Heartwarming, whimsical, emotionally resonant.

Rain Kiss Scene: Film Example: "The Notebook" (2004)

Wedding Proposal with a Ring:"Pride and Prejudice" (2005)

Reflection

The objective of the task was to create a bubble diagram poster that visually analyzes the elements of mise en scène in a chosen media text. In the above example, the media text is a romantic comedy film, and the poster's objective is to breakdown and express the major aspects contributing to the film's overall visual composition. To accomplish the task, I reviewed the chosen film, identifying and categorizing elements of mise en scène such as setting, props, characters, and atmosphere. A large piece of construction paper, sharpies, pencils, and other creative items were used to explain me and my partner's point. In terms of expertise, I consider myself as intermediate, with a decent understanding of the tools and applications but a desire to constantly learn and improve. This exercise helped me gain a better understanding of the complex details that contribute to the visual storytelling in a romantic comedy, as well as the importance of mise en scène in conveying the genre's tone, atmosphere, and narrative themes.

Work-Cited

What is a genre? definition, examples of genres in literature (no date) Writing Explained. Available at: https://writingexplained.org/grammar-dictionary/genre (Accessed: September 2023).

Shawn ManaherShawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager (2023) Subgenre vs genre: When to use each one? what to consider, The Content Authority. Available at: https://thecontentauthority.com/blog/subgenre-vs-genre#:~:text=A%20subgenre%20is%20a%20category%20that%20falls%20under,literature%2C%20music%2C%20film%2C%20or%20other%20forms%20of%20art. (Accessed: 20 December 2023).

Preliminary Exercise 4: Analyzing Mise en scene

"Mise en scène" is a fundamental word in cinema that refers to the arrangement of visual elements within a frame. It includes everything from the placement of actors and props to lighting, set design, and costume choices. Mise en scène is a crucial aspect of storytelling, as it allows filmmakers to convey themes, emotions, and messages effectively. In this assignment, I choose to analyze the movie "Into the Woods." This film, belonging to the fantasy genre, intricately ties together various elements of mise en scène to communicate its central theme to the audience. We will examine how the filmmakers introduce and use mise en scène components to set the tone for the narrative in the film's opening scene. Through this analysis, we will interpret the mood, feelings, and primary message that the director conveys to captivate and engage the audience. 

Reflection

In this assignment, the objective was to analyze the opening scene of the movie "Into the Woods" using the concept of mise en scène, which involves the arrangement of visual elements in a film frame. The task required completing a Graphic Organizer to dissect elements like lighting, set design, and costumes, aiming to understand how these components contributed to the film's theme. I created a presentation using digital media tools like Microsoft PowerPoint to convey my insights effectively. The purpose of this presentation was to showcase my understanding of how mise en scène influences audience perception. I used intermediate-level skills in these digital tools to create the presentation, gaining a deeper understanding of the nuanced artistry behind filmmaking. Through this exercise, I learned to critically analyze visual elements, enhancing my appreciation for the intricacies of cinematic storytelling.

Work-Cited

Crawford, M. (2023) What is mise en scène in film: The Complete Guide, Filmmaking Lifestyle. Available at: https://filmlifestyle.com/what-is-mise-en-scene-in-film/ (Accessed: 20 December 2023).

Into the woods (no date) Disney Plus. Available at: https://www.bing.com/rebates/welcome?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneyplus.com%2Fmovies%2Finto-the-woods%2F1YYWziMOrDdq&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fdisneyplus.bn5x.net%2Fc%2F2003851%2F1242160%2F9358%3Fsharedid%3DEdgeBingFlow%26u%3Dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.disneyplus.com%252fmovies%252finto-the-woods%252f1YYWziMOrDdq%26subId1%3D&id=disneyplus&name=disneyplus&ra=%2413&hash=766d3b9418a36ec0c08bbf1995d8d6095d7189053c13a65cfc00e1af1ada7486&network=ImpactRadius (Accessed: 20 December 2023).

Preliminary Exercise 3: What is Mise enscene?

The French word mise en scène refers to the arrangement of visual elements in a film scene. It includes everything from actors and their movements to the placement of objects and the use of lighting and color. Essentially, it's how filmmakers create a specific look and feel for a scene. The purpose of mise en scène is to enhance the storytelling, setting the tone and mood of a film. Key elements include setting, costume, lighting, and actor performance, all working together to convey the intended atmosphere and emotions. To illustrate this concept, let's consider the drama film "Mean Girls,". The mise en scène effectively portrays the world of high school, with its vibrant colors, fashionable attire, and carefully designed sets, contributing to the film’s comedic tone. Understanding mise en scène is crucial for filmmakers in the comedy genre as it helps create visual gags, enhance comedic timing, and establish a coherent and engaging world for the audience, ultimately reinforcing the genre’s intended message and entertainment value.

Reflection

In this exercise, I explored the concept of mise en scène, dissecting its elements and importance in filmmaking. Through the analysis of "Mean Girls," I learned how lighting, set design, and character placement contribute to a film's tone and message. I created a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint to demonstrate the impact of visual elements on storytelling. While skilled in media tools, I continue to improve my abilities, recognizing the critical role of mise en scène in increasing audience engagement and understanding of film narratives. This exercise emphasized the power of visual storytelling and deepened my appreciation for the artistry that goes into effective filmmaking techniques.

Work-Cited

lutes, alicia (2023) What is mise en scene? definition + examples | backstage, Backstage. Available at: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/mise-en-scene-definition-examples-75967/ (Accessed: September 2023).

 

Preliminary Exercise 2: Roland Barthes' Theory of Semiotics Analysis

In Media Studies, Roland Barthes is an important name. He talked about how symbols have different meanings in our society. For example, a sign might mean something obvious, but it can also mean something deeper or emotional. Barthes also talked about how our beliefs and ideas shape these meanings. Understanding these ideas is super important when making movies. Filmmakers use signs to tell stories and convey feelings. This exercise applies Barthes' theory to a YouTube clip from Mockingjay Part 2, analyzing four codes: the Hunger Games Ceremonial Stage, Katniss’ emotionless expression, the Wedding dress on fire, and the Crowd angrily yelling. The Semiotic Analysis Table below reveals how these symbols carry nuanced connotations, illustrating the power of Barthes' theory in enriching our comprehension of media language and its storytelling impact.

Reflection

The goal of this activity was to delve into Roland Barthes' Semiotic Theory and apply it practically to a media text, in this case, a presentation. The objective was to understand how signs and symbols carry deeper meanings, and to illustrate this understanding through the analysis of a video clip from Mockingjay Part 2. For this task, I used PowerPoint, a tool I'm moderately skilled in, combining text and visuals to explain Barthes' theory and showcase its application. Me and my partner both had specific responsibilities. My partner focused on researching the theorist and his theory, while I worked on the analysis table, dissecting the chosen signs from the video clip. Through this exercise, I learned how signs, like the Hunger Games Ceremonial Stage or Katniss’ emotionless expression, could symbolize complex ideas and emotions, enriching the storytelling experience. It emphasized the importance of visual and symbolic language in media, teaching me how to interpret and convey meanings effectively, a valuable skill in the field of media studies.

Work-Cited

Fansite, T. (2014) The hunger games: Catching fire movie clip #6 - the Mockingjay appears (2013) movie HD, YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM1ABOZQ8Po (Accessed: September 2023). 

Preliminary Exercise 1: Ferdinand de Saussure's Semiotics Theory Analysis

Semiotics, a foundational concept in Media Studies, revolves around the study of signs and symbols and their role in conveying meaning within various forms of communication, including film. Ferdinand de Saussure is a central figure in semiotics, known for his structuralist theory. In Saussure's theory, a sign comprises two essential components: the signifier, representing the physical form like words, images, or sounds, and the signified, denoting the underlying concept or idea. In film study, Saussure's theory is essential because it highlights the arbitrary nature of the signifier-signified connection and allows researchers to analyze how different signifiers contribute to narrative, themes, and messages in order to analyze the layers of meaning in film. Here, the goal is to illustrate how Saussure's semiotic theory may be used to analyze films. To do this, a table will be used to explain how signifiers and their matching signified meanings can be found and analyzed, shining light on the film's semiotic aspects and their storytelling influence.

Reflection

Our objective in making the media text was to examine Ferdinand de Saussure's theory in order to understand semiotics in film. Microsoft PowerPoint was used to create the presentation. Even though I consider myself an intermediate user of these programs, the project gave me the opportunity to improve. The main content of the slides included an analysis table with indicators from a video and information on Saussure and his theory. The task was completed by me and my partner. My responsibilities included researching Saussure's theory, analyzing specific signs of my choice, and compiling the presentation content. Through this exercise, I gained a deeper understanding of semiotics in cinema and honed my presentation and research skills, learning how to effectively convey complex theories using multimedia elements.

Work-Cited

Hearth, S. (2022) What does the heart represent in the Bible?, Wellbeing Port.

Therapy, P. (2023) How Emotions Are Created, Processing Therapy. Available at: https://processingtherapy.com/how-emotions-are-created/#:~:text=Because%20our%20hearts%20sometimes%20beat%20more%20quickly%20when,of%20this%20strong%20emotion%20resonate%20in%20our%20brains. (Accessed: 30 September 2023).

Cavaliere, C. (2021) Should You Bandage a Cut or Sore or Let It Air Out?, Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cover-wound-air/#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20healthcare%20professionals%20usually%20apply%20a%20topical,feel%20more%20comfortable%20than%20leaving%20a%20wound%20open. (Accessed: 30 September 2023).

LaBissoniere, J. (2015) Bandaging Spiritual Wounds The Missing Component, Beyond Today. Available at: https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/bandaging-spiritual-wounds-the-missing-component (Accessed: 30 September 2023).

Jordan, E. (2017) The Butterfly, Symbol of the Soul, Tradition in action. Available at: https://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/f036_Butterfly.htm (Accessed: 30 September 2023).

Rose, H. (2017) Butterflies: The Ultimate Symbol of Freedom, odyssey. Available at: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/butterflies-ultimate-symbol-freedom (Accessed: 30 September 2023).

Welcome to My AICE Media Studies Blog!

Studying media studies can be important because it allows me to examine the relationship of communications with culture and society. Now a days, people use the media almost all day, every day for many different reasons. The media can be used for entertainment, schoolwork, or it can even be a main factor of a job. The most popular media outlet is social media. Many people use social media outlets at least 5 hours a day. Personally, I've witnessed the significance of this field through my media consumption habits. One of my favorite media products is a popular streaming series that caters to my age group. I spend most of my time throughout the day on my phone scrolling through TikTok. TikTok is one of the biggest media platforms used by people, especially teens and young adults. Many find lots of interest in apps like this because it offers relevant content that resonates with the challenges and interests of people in my age group, providing relatable characters and storylines. By studying Media Studies, I can gain insights into why my favorite shows and movies are so successful, helping me understand the nuances of media production and audience engagement. Three aspects that I find interesting about Media Studies are media representation, the impact of media on society, and the evolving digital media landscape. Analyzing how different groups are portrayed in media, the influence of media on public opinion, and the ever-changing platforms and technologies used in media production are all fascinating areas of study within this field.

For my blog, Chanels Insights, I will be documenting the creation of an opening film. The type of film I aspire to create is a thought-provoking documentary aimed at a young adult audience. The purpose behind this film is to raise awareness about a pressing social issue relevant to my age group, such as mental health struggles among high school students. I believe that visual storytelling is a powerful medium to convey such messages effectively. To create this film, I need to learn various aspects of documentary filmmaking, including scripting, shooting, editing, and sound design. Additionally, I'll need to develop research skills to gather relevant data and interviews that support the documentary's message. I plan to release the film in approximately 7-8 months, allowing sufficient time for pre-production, filming, editing, and post-production phases.

To successfully create my film and document my blogging journey, I will employ several key strategies and success skills. First and foremost, time management will be crucial. I will create a detailed production schedule with milestones to ensure that I stay on track and meet deadlines. Effective communication skills will also be essential as I collaborate with others during the filmmaking process, such as interviewees and crew members. Research skills will play a vital role in gathering credible information and statistics to support the documentary's message. Additionally, I'll need strong storytelling abilities to engage my target audience emotionally and intellectually. Lastly, I'll employ critical thinking skills to analyze and reflect on my own work and the media landscape as a whole, which will enhance the quality of my blog and film. These strategies and skills will contribute to the successful completion of my Component 1 blog and ensure a high score by demonstrating my proficiency in media production and analysis.