Today we learn about genres, here's my summary of the lesson.
1. Define 'genre' and 'genre convention'
Genre is the category of a media. Genre convention is a common element that are specific to one genre.
2. Choose any movie, and describe the genre and genre conventions of the movie. Describe its audience (demo/psycho). How are the audience appealed to?
Deadpool & Wolverine
The genre of this movie is action and comedy. It subverts the genre as Deadpool in the movie addresses the audience directly at the beginning of the movie.
The audience of this movie are mostly teens and adults, as the movie is filled with violence and gore.
Audience are more likely to be appealed to this movie as this is the first Deadpool movie after Disney acquired 21st Century Fox. Fox killed Wolverine, but now Disney has brought him back, which is what the audience wants. And bringing Wolverine into an adventure with Deadpool is just... perfect. That's what makes this movie has mostly positive reviews.
Avengers: Endgame
The genre of this movie is sci-fi and action. It conforms the genre as the way the plot unfolds isn't as much different as most other movies of this same genre.
The audience of this movie are from all age group, young kids to elder people, as this movie doesn't have too much violence, which most kids should be able to handle.
This movie appeals to its audience because this is the last installment in the Avengers saga. The ultimate ending to all the movies we've known and loved for so long.
Toy Story 4
This sequel movie, and the 4th installment in the Toy Story franchise is an adventure and family movie. It pretty much conforms the genre, as the storyline isn't too surprising or different from most other cartoon movies alike.
The audience of this movie are mostly kids and younger teens, though it might appeal to grown-ups as well.
The reason this movie appeals to the audience is probably because of it being one of those long-awaited Pixar movies.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
The 5th Indiana Jones movie follows the genre of the previous movies, adventure and action. It conforms the genre as this movie doesn't differ much from most movies of this kind.
The audience of this movie is most likely teens and adults, as this movie contains a good amount of violence, even though not as much gore.
This movie should appeal more as Indiana Jones is extremely popular, and fans of the franchise would love to watch this sequel.
Reflection:
We learned about genre, and what it means when a movie conforms or subverts its genre.
This ad is targeted to both genders of adventurous people who are hungry to know more about other cultures. Age range is around 18 to 60.
How is this audience usually targeted?
Via advertisements, mostly from social media.
Did this advert conform or subvert the normal way?
This advert conforms the normal way, as it shows unique locations, as typical travelling ads do. But it slightly subverts, by showing off the locations extremely quickly, leaving the audiences unable to pay too much attention to each of the locations shown, but it keeps the ad quick and fun.
What images/locations were used to appeal to the audience?
Sceneries, culture, local activities. Things that the audience probably won't get in their own country.
What sounds/music were used to appeal to the target audience?
An upbeat instrumental music, a perfect choice for a fun and appealing ad.
What people were shown in the ad? How do they appeal to the audience?
A young man, and some people in the background. All of them are having fun, and fully living in the moment. All this makes the audience feel like they deserve to travel and see the world too.
What is the message of this advert?
Despite everything you might have known and understood, there's always more out there to learn and discover. You're never too young to travel and enjoy life, and STA is the best choice out there to fulfill your travelling desires.
How was this advert distributed? What does this tell you about the audience?
This advert was distributed via youtube. This tells me that the audience are most likely adventurous and outgoing people, looking for ways to enjoy their life.
Research on Vallerret Gloves Ad used for Urban Photography
Who is the target audience?
This ad is targeted to both genders of people who are interested in photography at urban exploring sites. There is no age range for photography hobbyists, so probably around 10-100.
How is this audience usually targeted?
Via advertisements, mostly from social media.
Did this advert conform or subvert the normal way?
Being a glove-focused ad meant for urban photography, it subverts the typical travelling ad, by making the audience focus more on the advertised gloves than the location shown.
What images/locations were used to appeal to the audience?
Typical urban exploring sites and areas that appeals to photographers.
What sounds/music were used to appeal to the target audience?
An instrumental music, with fairly quick beats, a nice addition to the ad.
What people were shown in the ad? How do they appeal to the audience?
A young man wearing the advertised gloves, and some people chilling and walking in the background. All of them are taking their time to look around, breathe some fresh air, and touch some grass.
What is the message of this advert?
Even the worse-looking places can be a feast for passionate photographers. Nothing is impossible if you're passionate enough in what you do. And the gloves advertised has got you covered, from quality to efficiency, it's got your back.
How was this advert distributed? What does this tell you about the audience?
This advert was distributed via youtube. This tells me that the audience are most likely into photography, and are looking for gloves to add to their comfort.
Research on urban exploration through a game of the same theme
Who is the target audience?
This ad is targeted to both genders of people who are passionate to explore urban sites with horror elements through a game. There isn't a strict age range for this game, so would probably suit best to people aged 12-40.
How is this audience usually targeted?
Via advertisements in social media, and gaming platforms.
Did this advert conform or subvert the normal way?
This advert subverts the typical urban exploring ad, as the game advertised contains horror elements. But it also shows interesting parts of the locations, conforming the normal way.
What images/locations were used to appeal to the audience?
Ultra-realistic locations, such as a hospital, abandoned buildings, and warehouses.
What sounds/music were used to appeal to the target audience?
An intense upbeat music, its vibe matches perfectly with the horrifying and mysterious atmosphere the game in the ad is giving.
What people were shown in the ad? How do they appeal to the audience?
No people were shown in the ad. Only a few body parts of the main character can be seen at times during the ad, as it is mostly shown from the character's POV.
What is the message of this advert?
The ultimate urban exploring experience has never been better than the experience you can get in this game. This adventure is specially made for those who has the true heart of an adventurer.
How was this advert distributed? What does this tell you about the audience?
This advert was distributed via youtube. This tells me that the audience are most likely into hyper-realistic urban-themed adventure game.
Camera Angles - Switzerland Tourism: No Drama
What camera angles are used?
What do they show?
Why are they used?
Why are they important?
What does this make the audience feel?
How are the locations/people being represented? (good/bad/mysterious etc)
Long shot:
Shows the villa from the outside.
Used to show the characters' relationship to their physical space.
It is important because it helps establish the setting/location a character is in.
It makes the audience feel as if they're in the character's situation.
The people are being represented in a fairly okay way, as the ad doesn't explicitly tell much about the characters' backstory.
Extreme long shot:
Shows the sceneries of Switzerland on a huge scale.
Used to create a sense of scale and largeness.
It is important because it helps establish the setting and mood.
It can evoke feelings of insignificance or grandeur.
The locations are represented in a very incredible way that captures the sweet spots of each of the locations.
Medium shot:
Shows the characters face movements as they interact with each other.
This shot is used to emphasize both the subject and their surroundings by giving them equal weight on screen.
Because it shows body language and gestures of the characters in order for us to understand them better.
It gives us the feeling of us actually being there, feeling what they're going through.
The people are represented in a pretty fine way, as we still don't know much about the characters in the ad.
Close up:
Shows the characters' visual reaction in a more detailed and focused way.
This shot is used to to convey information to the viewers about the feelings of a character, or other small details.
This is important because it's the filmmaker's way of telling the audience, visually, that a scene is important.
This makes the audience feel even more immersed into the conversation and feelings of the characters.
The close-up shots are represented in an amazing way, capturing details of each character.
Extreme close up:
Focuses on a small object or target.
This shot is used to highlight or heighten a very specific detail, reaction, or emotion.
This is extremely important for showing the most little details that can often be important for the story.
This focuses the attention of viewers to a very specific target, paying attention to the subtle details, making the audience feel more immersed into the story.
The objects in these shots are represented in a great way, adding a nice touch of detail.
POV:
Shows the audience what a character sees from their perspective.
This is used to immerse the audience in the story, create suspense, and build anticipation.
This shot is important to create an immersive and engaging viewing experience.
This makes the audience feel like they are a part of the action.
The laptop, in this case, is perfectly represented by this shot, adding more variety to this ad.
POV shot
Long shot
Extreme close up shot
Reflection:
We learned deeper on how to do research for ads, and also a number of different shot styles.
I'm good at leading the team, mainly to get work done correctly and punctually. I also excel at scheduling and making plans. I often receive compliments from my teammates and friends about my acting skill.
Here is the plan for my project, as well as weekly updates tracking my progress.
Week
Start Date
Task
Blogpost Title
Content
Deadline
W1
22 July
W2
29 July
Pre Production
Research
1
Brief
Description of the brief, embed powerpoint
W2
2
Plan & Weekly Progress
Plan for the whole project, Weekly diary
W2
3
Team
Your team + Links ot their blogs
W2
4
Research
Research into documentary openingsof the same genre
W4
W3
5 August
Plan
5
Statement of Intent
Plan for the product
W4
6
Storyboard
Scene by scene storyboard
W5
7
Location Scout & Risk Assessment
Possible shooting locations, risk assessment table
W5
W4
12 August
W5
19 August
Production
Produce
8
Behind the Scenes
Images of the shoot
W8
W6
26 August
W7
2 September
Post Production
Edit/Reflection
10
Editing Process
How did you edit? Challenges, solutions
W9
11
Self Reflection
Self Reflection Presentation
W9
W8
9 September
Edit
W9
16 September
Submission
12
Final
Final ad
W9
Week 1
Loving media so far. Nice teacher, too.
Week 2
What we did?
This week we began delving into the theories of media. We also did research on a travel video ad, and a few trailers. Really looking forward to doing the big ad project.
Problems
No problems, all good :)
Solutions
No problems = no needed solutions.
To-do
Homework
Defined the genre of 4 movie trailers
Research
Research on a travel ad
Week 3
The classes have been pretty fun, and I've been enjoying it. Probably my favorite subject by far.
What we did?
We learned about camera angles and movements. I also did my team's Statement of Intent, and did some ad research.
Week 4
The classes have gotten even more interesting, with more media theories being introduced. Though, I've had disagreements with my teammates about the project.
What we did?
We learned about diegetic, non-diegetic, and trans-diegetic sound and their effects. We also learned 3 of the non-diegetic tones: melodic, discordant, contrapuntal.
Problems
I initially thought our shooting location for the ad, Taman Festival Bali, is too creepy. Especially the stories that I read on the internet about that abandoned theme park.
Solutions
After second thought, I think we should just give it a go anyway. With my fingers crossed, of course.
Week 5
Another nice week with nice classes. I've gotten busy with assignments and assessments lately, which leads to me not able to focus much on the project.
What we did?
We learned about different types of camera movements and angles. We were also told to make a filming schedule to structuralize the whole project. We also learned about mise-en-scène, which is the arrangement of scenery and the atmosphere it gives in a scene. We also learned the benefits of using clappers, which makes shot management easier, and sound management as well.
Problems
Mostly just scheduling problems between myself and my teammates.
Solutions
I've been discussing with my teammates, which hopefully will help.
Week 6
What we did?
This week, my team did the shooting for the project, at Taman Festival Bali. My teammates are in charge of recording and lighting, while I'm the sole actor. We had fun recording and exploring the site. The site matches the theme we picked for our media project perfectly, which is urban exploring. We will soon begin video editing.
The teacher taught genre theories, including Steve Neile's and David Buckingham's.
Problems
We haven't totally completed our storyboard, which is the responsibility of a teammate of mine.
Solutions
Time is running out, so we need to shoot even without the storyboard completely finished. We will shoot according to the current plans we have on our storyboard and follow our instincts.
Week 7
Got even busier, with more assignments than ever.
What we did?
We learned the little things that might effect the outcome of our project. Though this week, we weren't told as many theories as the previous weeks.
With the submission date only 2 weeks away, everything depends on my teammate who's responsible for editing all the shots we've taken, into one ad.
Problems
We're still dealing with scheduling problems, and one of my teammates continuously delaying getting his editing job done. This has led to heavily slowing down the progress of the whole team.
Solutions
We've had a few debates within our team, but this problem has remained unsolved. For now.
Week 8
This week, we're to focus heavily on our project. Hence, no theories will be taught.
What we did?
My teammate who's in charge of editing, Jeremy, has finally shared the final ad to us. In my opinion, some of the scenes' lighting are too dark, but he disagreed. We showed the final ad to some friends and we received compliments. We also had the teacher watch, and he too complimented us. Though, he also noted that our ad didn't show anything that suggested the urban exploration themed ad is in Bali, as the project's main topic should be about Balinese tourism. He suggested that we add a text on the outro saying along the lines of: "Explore Bali's hidden side."
Problems
We didn't experience major problems this week, fortunately. Minor disagreements within the team still occur at times.
Solutions
As the project is coming to an end, and without many tasks left to do, there isn't much to disagree about, anyway. Throughout this project, I've learned so many valuable things, so I consider this project of ours a success.
