Preliminary Exercise 5: Analyzing Genre

 Introduction

What Is Genre?

Are you a big moviegoer? If you are, you are aware that the film industry may be a complex and even fascinating area, with numerous genres and subgenres to discover. While watching movies casually can be enjoyable, many of us can't help but become engrossed in the art of filmmaking, whether it's to be captivated by stunning visuals and admirable acting, or to obtain a greater comprehension of messages and concepts conveyed throughout the films we watch.

And, when it comes to understanding distinct film genres and subgenres, one of the most important notions to grasp is what a genre is. Simply stated, a genre is a category of films that have a common set of characteristics, such as story, setting, or style. In the film industry, we have a vast variety of genres to pick from, such as action/adventure, comedy, drama, and horror, to mention a few.

When it comes to understanding various genres of film and subgenres, the most important concept to grasp is what a genre is. Simply described, a genre is a group of films that have a common set of characteristics, such as story, setting, or style. In the film industry, we possess a vast variety of genres to pick from, such as action/adventure, comedy, drama, and horror, to mention a few. While genres may appear modest on the surface, they serve a critical function in the cinema industry, both for producers and spectators. While knowing the genre that you're interested in, this can assist filmmakers when creating films that effectively convey the purpose or story they want to portray while also attracting the correct type of audience. Knowing the many cinema genres can help audiences find the films they are more likely to enjoy, as well as better comprehend and cherish the films they're viewing.

But just because you understand a genre doesn't imply you're done studying - far from it! There are also subgenres to consider, which are simply genres inside genres, each with their own set of features. Consider the action/adventure subgenre. This genre includes physical confrontation, adventure, suspense, or violence. However, among this genre, we can also find superhero action films, that portray a protagonist with special talents who protects the globe or a specific place from numerous threats. You may be wondering how or why any of this matters at all. This matters because the concept about genre and subgenre helps the audience better comprehend the film that they are watching along with what they may expect, which may ultimately contribute to a more fulfilling and engaging experience with the film - and after all, isn't that the whole purpose of watching movies in initially?

Cite

DeGuzman, K., Kyle DeGuzman                                                                                                                                                                            Kyle DeGuzman graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelo, K. and Kyle DeGuzman graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Television, K. (2022) Video: What is genre - the elements of genre explained, StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-genre-definition/ (Accessed: 20 December 2023). 

Lannom, S., SC Lannom                                                                                                                                                                            SC Lannom is a screenwriter and director living in Los Angeles. He works a, S. and SC Lannom is a screenwriter and director living in Los Angeles. He works as a writer, S. (2023) 90+ film genre examples for Film & TV, StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/movie-genres-list/ (Accessed: 20 December 2023).

Preliminary Exercise 4: Analyzing Mise en scene

 What is Mise en scene?

"Mise en scène" is a term used in the study of stage and film production that refers to the arrangement of elements in a scene, including the setting, costumes, lighting, and other visual elements. The mise en scène is an important element in the storytelling process as it helps set the tone, mood, and atmosphere of the production. It also helps to create a visual context for the audience to understand the action and emotions of the characters.

The purpose of mise en scène is to create a visual and auditory experience for the audience that reflects the mood, atmosphere, and emotional state of the story or characters. The goal is to enhance the storytelling by using visual and auditory elements to create a consistent and cohesive visual language.

The elements of mise en scène are:

Setting: This includes the location, props, and any other physical objects used to create the setting of a scene.

Lighting: This involves the use of lights and shadows to create a specific mood or atmosphere in a scene.

Costumes: This includes the clothing and accessories worn by the characters to create a specific look or style.

Hair and makeup: This includes the styling of the characters' hair and makeup to create a specific look.

Sound design: This involves the use of sound effects, soundscapes, and music to create a specific mood or atmosphere in a scene.

Camera angles: This involves the use of different camera angles and movements to create a specific viewpoint or perspective in a scene.

Cinematography: This involves the use of lighting, camera angles, and camera movements to create a specific look or style in a scene.

These elements work together to create the overall visual and auditory effect of a scene and help to convey the story and emotions of the characters.

By using lighting, costumes, props, sets, sound design, and camera angles, the mise en scène can create a specific aura and mood that reflects the emotional and psychological state of the characters. For example, using dim lighting and slow camera movements can create a sense of tension and suspense, while bright, warm lighting and fast camera movements can create a sense of excitement and energy.

General Information of Film
Film Title: Cruella	Media Institution Name: Trailer/movie
Film Studio (s): Walt Disney Pictures, Marc Platt Productions, Gunn films	Director: Craig Gillespie
Year released: 2021	Genre and sub-genres: adventure, comedy, crime
Cost of production (Budget): $200 million	Box Office: $233.5 million
A brief synopsis of the film. Three lines max. in your own words:  Cruella or Estella is a young fashion designer who becomes obsessed with a high-end fashion house and will stop at nothing to become its lead designer. The movie takes place in the 1970s, during London's punk rock era, and is filled with amazing costume design, fashion, and action.

Setting
Definition: The time and place of a story
	Setting is…………………….(describe)
	Message:
	Cruella is making her debut at the baroness’s party.
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence:
	Shocking and eventful.
Location (Where and geographic description): at the baroness’s party.
Time Period: 1956
Time of Day:   night
Culture/moral values of the setting:
Acting
Definition: The performing art in which movement and gestures are used to realize a fictional character for a film.
	The acting is………
	Messages
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence:
Character portrayed: Confident and graceful
Character appearance: Feminine and Tall
Character actions: Showing off
Facial expressions and body language: Competitivity and confidence
Voice quality/ tone: positive and Smug
Set Design: Décor and Props
Definition: the backgrounds and objects seen in film.
	Set design (décor and props) wooden floors, green walls, green door, sofa. lamp, cabinet painting
	Message:
	old and fancy.
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence:
	old fashioned clean and uptight.
Décor: wooden floors, green walls, green door
Props: sofa. lamp, cabinet painting
Job title: The Set Decorator: Alice Felton
Costumes, hair, and make-up
Definition: Used to change appearance.
	The costume is a school uniform   The hair and make-up is that she is using hair dye to have white and black hair and she used foundation.
	Message:
	fitting in with the rest.
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence:
	uptight and neat.
Costumes: school uniform
Hair: white and black hair dye.
Make-up: foundation
Job title: The key makeup artist: Nadia Stacey
Lighting
Definition: The direction, quality, source, or color of light to create an atmosphere. Ex. Warm lighting, back lighting.
	The lighting is warm and somewhat dim
	Message:
	very sophisticated
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence:
	fancy and neat.
Light Direction: top lighting
Light Source: chandeliers to light up the room
Light Quality: somewhat low
Job title: The gaffer: Chuck Finch

Reflections

The mise en scène is also an important tool for the filmmaker to control the narrative and guide the audience's attention and understanding of the story. By carefully selecting and arranging the visual and auditory elements, the filmmaker can create a certain impression and meaning of the scene and help to convey the message of the film.

Preliminary Exercises 2: Barthes' Theory of Semiotics Analysis

Barthes' Theory of Semiotic Analysis

Who is Roland Barthes and what's his theory?

Roland Barthes was a French literary theorist, philosopher, and semiotician who made significant contributions to various fields, including literary theory, semiotics, and cultural studies. He made important advances in literary theory, particularly in the study of signs and symbols and their interpretation. He is known for his development of semiotics, which is the study of signs and symbols and their interpretation. His approach to semiotics involves analyzing signs to uncover the deeper meanings embedded in cultural artifacts. Barthes distinguished between the denotation (a literal meaning) and connotation (a cultural or symbolic meaning) of signs.

Reflection

One of Barthes' most influential principles is the concept of the "myth." He argued that everyday objects, media, and cultural practices are not neutral but carry ideological meanings that are often hidden or naturalized. He explored how cultural myths are created through the process of signification, shaping our understanding of the world. These myths not only shape our perceptions but also have the power to determine our actions and decisions.

Barthes' work has had a profound influence on literary theory, cultural studies, and semiotics, and his ideas continue to be widely studied and discussed in academic and intellectual circles. The "Death of the Author," which seeks to free the interpretation of a text from the biographical facts of an author's life, remains a fundamental concept in literary criticism and scholarship today.

In addition to his work on literary theory, Barthes also explored the role of popular culture in shaping our understanding of the world. In his work "Mythologies," he applied semiotic analysis to contemporary cultural phenomena such as cars, advertisements, and popular media. He argued that the meaning of these cultural artifacts cannot be reduced to their literal content but is shaped by broader social and historical contexts.

Preliminary Exercise 1: Saussure's Theory of Semiotics

 Saussure's Theory of Semiotics

What is semiotics?

Semiotics is the study of meaning in culture through signs. It includes both theory and analysis this can enhance our understanding of things, to improve our appreciation of cultures, and to increase empathy for others. Semiotics can help us look at things in multiple different ways, allowing us to better interpret cultural norms, symbols, and even language. It can be a powerful tool for understanding the world around us and connecting with others on a deeper level. Furthermore, semiotics can help open up new perspectives and allow us to explore different cultures, ideas, and experiences, leading to greater personal growth and development.

Reflection

Ferdinand de Saussure, a prominent Swiss linguist, made many significant contributions to the field of semiotics with his groundbreaking insights on the nature of signs and symbols in communication. Saussure's theory on the signifier and the signified, in particular, has revolutionized our understanding of language and meaning. According to Saussure, a signifier is the physical form of a sign, such as a word or an image, and the signified is the mental concept or meaning associated with that sign. Essentially, the signifier represents the outward expression of a sign, and the signified is the inner content or idea it represents. This distinction highlights the arbitrariness of language, where there is no inherent connection between the sound of a word and the concept it represents.

Saussure's theory about signs and symbols in communication has changed the way we study language. He showed that the connection between sounds and their meanings are man-made and based on cultural conventions. His theory is still impacting how we study languages and other fields today. The idea that words and symbols are arbitrary opened up new ways of thinking about how things shape our understanding of the world and how we communicate with others. Saussure's theory of semiotics has had a lasting impact on understanding the complexities of human communication and culture.

Welcome to My Aice Media Studies Blog!

 Welcome to My Blog!

So, What Is Media Studies?

    Media studies is a term used to encompass almost every aspect of modern media. It could be creating video games or analyzing journalism, the range of modern media studies is almost limitless. In today's modern digital age, everything may feel like it relates to back to the media. You could be just scrolling through your favorite social media apps, texting friends or family, possibly just reading the news feed.

     The growing prevalence of modern media is the reason why it is greatly important for passionate and critical thinking students to pursue and thrive in this type of growing field. The field of media studies is an academic inquiry that explores the cultural, historical, political and social dimensions of technologies, including both traditional and digital media. Media studies students investigate the production, distribution, and reception of media content, and to analyze its impact on society and culture. This discipline draws on several, including sociology, history, psychology, political science, and much more, to produce a comprehensive understanding of media and its role in the social and cultural landscape.

MY Film Idea.

      An idea for a film would be a heartwarming drama film might be interesting to those who like that type of content. But I believe that a film that touches the themes of friendship, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice, with plenty of humor and touching moments. This could be suited for a general type of audience who are looking for a light- hearted, entertaining, and moving theme. The themes could possibly resonate with a broad audience, but this greatly depends on how the script might turn out. The purpose of the theme or film would be to provide the audience with an uplifting tale that they could possibly connect to and learn from it. It could inspire the audience to be more open, understanding, and empathic towards others. this could be presented to others through a variety of ways such as character development, emotional scenes, and thought-provoking dialogue. Ultimately, the message is importance would be a reminder to how these values could make a profound impact on our lives and all of those who surround us.

My Strategies To Success.

In order to be a good filmmaker, I know that it takes dedication, self-discipline, creativity, and growth to be successful in these fields. By setting aside time each day to work on my projects and holding myself accountable, I can stay on track of my goals. I also allow my imagination to run wild and come up with unique ideas for my films I also take note of feedback from others, allowing me to improve my work and reach new heights in my crafts.