Friday, April 17, 2020

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Reflection

   Through out the duration of this portfolio project many changes had to be done. In the beginning, before the world had started going crazy, things were all figured out. Everything was planned out to happen smoothly. However, after disaster struck everything took affect. Schools, jobs, entertainment, and everything else other than hospitals and places that sell food. Since then, as a Cambridge student working on their portfolio I have had to adapt and change  in order to complete my  project. Personally, the whole change was necessary because originally I had started out with a plot that was not going to work during quarantine. My first plan had a lot of outdoor scenes and school scenes.I have had to change my whole plot and start from the beginning.
    The setting got changed to being indoors through out the whole duration of the film. The time period changed from the 90's to present day because it was going to be difficult to shoot without the right props. It is difficult completely forgetting about what I have already created and planned out. It got stressful at times because coming up with a new idea was time consuming and hard. In the end, we ended up deciding to change the genre to a drama. Technology was the most important factor in this film opening since we are in an era of full technology. We looked at it as something to relied on in these times of social distancing. The use of computers and phones became my best option to use in this film. Despite this pandemic crushing many plans I still take into consideration that it is best to do what ever it takes to stay safe and healthy.
         

Drama Genre Research

Drama is a genre that relies on the emotional and relationship development of realistic characters. While Drama film relies heavily on this kind of development, dramatic themes play a large role in the plot as well. Often, these dramatic themes are taken from intense, real life issues. Drama films can often relate to the human struggles faced daily. Usually the main character is dealing with either an internal or external problem. Some examples of drama films are, The Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

Dramatic themes often include current issues, societal ills, and problems, concerns or injustices, such as racial prejudice, religious intolerance, drug addiction, poverty, political unrest, the corruption of power, alcoholism, class divisions, sexual inequality, mental illness, violence toward women. These films have successfully drawn attention to the issues by taking advantage of the up to date interest of the subject. Although dramatic films have often dealt frankly and realistically with social problems, the tendency has been for Hollywood, especially during earlier times of censorship, to absolve society and institutions and to blame problems on an individual, who more often than not, would be punished for his/her transgressions. 

Drama sub-genres include that of Biography, Courtroom, Dramedy, Historical, Melodrama, Period Piece, Political, Romance, and Tragedy 

Biography
This drama uses dramatic elements within a biography. These films are based on real people and stories therefore, they are serious and intense. These films tend to be accurate and truthful. An example of this sub-genre is Bohemian Rhapsody (2018).

Courtroom
In this drama, the justice system is used as the main factor of the plot. A huge part of these films is the tension through out the whole film. Tension is created between characters or just situations. They plot usually takes place in a courtroom. Life or death can be dealt with. Ex. 12 Angry Men (1957).


Dramedy
Dramedy is a genre composed of dramatic tones and elements of comedy. In these types of films both the drama and comedy element are at a balance. Therefore, people can have comedic relief while being presented with serious situations/issues. Ex. Green Book (2018).
Historical
Takes place or is about a specific time in history. It can also examine a specific group of people in history. The purpose of these films are to represent true events and people. However, most of these dramas tend to gear focus to important people in history such as royals,  Romans, Athletes, important political figures, etc. Ex. The King (2019).
Melodrama
These dramas are mostly targeted towards the female audience and tell a story that focuses on a main problem and a protagonist. This genre appeals to the heightened emotions of the audience. The plot and characters are usually more unrealistic than a typical drama film. Ex. Gone With the Wind (1939).
Period Piece
As explained in the title, this genre focuses on a specific period in time. Everything revolves around the era(plot, problem, characters, costume design). Many Period Pieces are based off of books and tend to last longer than traditional dramas. Ex. Little Women (2019).
Political
In this genre the plot, characters, and themes all revolve around politics and the political scene. The protagonist usually faces the harsh reality of corruption in politics. These films are often based on or explore conspiracy theories. Ex. Bridge of Spies (2015).
Romance
In this genre the audience is exposed to the complex side of love. The plot is usually about two characters and a problem that keeps them from loving or being with each other. Many of the obstacles faced between both characters usually involve family disapproval, forbidden love, or even one's own psychological restraints. Many of these dramas end with the separation of partners because of the obstacle in between them. Ex. Call Me by Your Name (2017).
Tragedy
In a tragedy drama the defeat of the character is usually caused by the own character's flaws. The self-destructive behavior of the character usually brings the character to death. Ex. The Great Gatsby (2013).


Taking a Turn

         After spending some time figuring out where to go with this film opening my partner and I have decided to finish our filming together. However, because of quarantine and social distancing we are working from home. We are filming at home and sharing information with each other through face time. Since filming options are very limited in quarantine we decided to change the plot and character's personalities. In order to to make use of in home filming, we changed the setting of the film to present day. This film will mostly be taking place indoors and actions will mostly happen on the computer. The romance story we had originally created was not possible to film during quarantine because we had a bunch of scenes that were out doors and scenes at school. Therefore, we changed the genre to drama.
          During this filming process technology has been incredibly beneficial. Our new plot is about a  girl that pretends to be someone she's not by taking upon different characters. She uses this as a form of manipulation online. She communicates with boys online and her main purpose is to try and get money. Stories like these use a lot of sound and shots that promote tension. Along with this film being a drama it will also have a hint of suspense because our main character has strange hobbies.