A Theory?

    Every piece of media has some sort of meaning and identity behind it. Theories, represent and satisfy the narratives that characters portray. One specific theory that follows this, is the Binary Opposition Theory by Levi Strauss. 

    This theory reflects the experience and roles within oppositions like good vs. evil or birth and death. It creates a juxtaposition between two things that are so far from each other but similar in their own way. By incorporating this theory elements in a story are built up by the comparison and contrast between two polar opposite ideas. 

    As my groups story becomes more polished it's become apparent that the kid who gets mentally and emotionally put down and is seen as this smart, caring individual, faces many challenges with good and bad. The second kid whose main focus is to demean the other kid, plays the role of a bad, evil person, and is portrayed as the driving factor that turns the first kid into a psychopathic killer. The good within the first kid is characterized by his eagerness to always be educated, but struggles to keep the composure by being fueled through hatred from the second kid. It works in a way that makes the audience wonder how and why the first kid is so mentally disrupt. This disruption accelerates the kids need to kill the other kid, which is slowly built up through the movie itself, but can be identified through the opening. Most of what this theory creates is the protagonist facing obstacles between two different entities that are polar opposites of each other. Due to this it makes it a hard but interesting theory to incorporate in the film as the protagonist (first kid) and semi-antagonist (second kid) are both evil in their own ways, but only the first kid has good inside. 

    Overall, this theory will be essential to the outcome and approach the film is taking itself in. The theory will grant a perspective that drives the narrative into a more in-depth idea. By using this theory correctly, the opening/film will have value and meaning that creates an impact to the audience, sending a message of the difficulties faced by the protagonist and the mental tolls taken by him. 

The First Meeting

    When creating a piece of art it's always important that you take time to reflect on your ideas. This can be alone or with a group of individuals that are creating something in the same space. Ideas from other people can help inspire yourself and others in the group. Just a few days ago me and a few other people from class went in a little group and discussed  our ideas for the opening. Here we tried our best to bring in new concepts to those lingering on what to do. It was a place where we saw different perspectives on peoples approach on the project, which to me was a really cool thing to see, because it reminded me that we all see things in a different way and we have our own thoughts, that can create a completely different outcome. 

    This difference in concepts is immediate by our first group member Carolina. Both my group and Carolina did thriller, but the difference was in how we approached the thriller itself. Carolina wanted to create a film that focused on a person that was falsely imprisoned and named "insane." She wanted to include several flashbacks that would develop the protagonist, which was something I noticed was very recurrent between most people's ideas. Carolina was not in much need of help, and had a structured plan and direction. Although, she did ask ways in which her flashbacks could be more effective, and this was something that as a group we tried to help her with.  

    Now, we have Andrea who focused on a post-dystopian society. She wanted to show a women walking around this new broken society in search for food. Then wanted to show flashbacks to society before all the chaos. Andrea also wanted to incorporate a scene with a family where it shows how the family is accustomed to all the dictator like government. Andrea was hesitant on who was going to be the protagonist, so we helped her reach the conclusion that the women at the start of the film would be the main character. This appeared to be helpful to her and allowed her to develop the story just a bit more. She also decided to give a website where you can get permission to use certain copyright songs (copyrightalliance.org).

    After, Andrea, Arantza talked to us about her coming of age film. In this film two best friends would be on their way to college, but through sickness one of the friends would die, leaving the other friend to live and experience college alone. Arantza had little doubts but wondered what was the best way that she could show the best friend was dying in the opening as a form of foreshadowing. We pondered and came to the conclusion that having her either cough blood or show any symptoms would be the best choice. She also shared a website that teaches ways that color can be used in a film. 

   

    Another person that focused on a coming of age film was Amanda. She wanted her film to focus on a girl that is heavily entertained by her sport and goes through a devastating injury, it also showcases memories that lead up to the injury. While, her idea to incorporate these memories was set in stone, she wondered what was the best way to add these memories in a way that help build up to the memory. We discussed this, and came to the idea that the memories should incorporate younger and older versions of the protagonist, where the memories become more and more serious. 

    Lydia was up next, trying to develop a film focusing on Sci-fi. Lydia wanted to show a scientist that is able to put on special glasses and see 5 days into the future. Where this becomes even more interesting is when the scientist looks into the future the special glasses malfunction and he sees himself dead, and the rest of the film is the scientist trying to avoid his own death. Here Lydia, was struggling on how to show the scientist emotions and reaction after finding out about his death. We advised her that the scientist should almost jump as a way to show the characters shock and confusion. 

    Then after Lydia, Eli, who also wanted to make a film involving thriller, began talking about her idea. Compared to the others she was not as solidified, but had a broad idea where it would focus on a therapist that would treat many different people that all went through a very traumatic event. The whole films idea is to showcase how the therapist would be affected and hurt through all its patients. Eli was a little hesitant on how to showcase that every patient had gone through this event, but we suggested that she would show common attributes between each patient. 

    Finally, we have Mateo, who wanted to create a crime/mafia like film, which was my personal favorite but that's because I'm a big fan of mafia movies as whole genre. What he mentioned about his film was that it was going to have a family eating dinner almost like in parts of The Sopranos, where they are extremely expressive of themselves, showing the importance of their family. What Mateo was uncertain about was his way of introducing the family, which we recommended to focus on colors and dialogue. This would create a better scene in terms of how the family structure would work in developing more of the story. 

    To me this meeting, between everyones opinions and advice, was very helpful in understanding ways that other people develop different ideas. People's way of creating is very fascinating, not just because it gives us content, but because it gives us different perspectives of how people see life. Personally, that's something that I appreciate about media in itself. It's honestly a great way to see that we all have a different lense and we can use it to express our thoughts. This was proven to me especially, when I presented my idea to the group and received feedback. For example, when talking about my idea involving a kid who kills his bully after being constantly harassed, and mentioning that my group was having a difficult time on how to show the kids murder, I was given different ideas. Amanda, told me that the screen should go black and then use shadows to show the death, as well as, a voiceover. Then, Carolina, said that the scene should involve the kid just killing the bully with a rock. These were good ideas and made me realize a lot ways that people have their own perspectives. Personally, I'm not sure what me and my group will do since we haven't really discussed the what we'll do for this part yet. 

    Through everything, I felt the experience was great as a whole. Focusing on ways that our thoughts can help develop others ideas, was a needed exercise that I hope to practice more, in and out of class. 

Bringing it to the Board

     During class last week, me and my group were trying to organize our film's introduction. The only times' I've done this was for my music video and one word film and while it was effective I don't think I truly did the best job. So, what I want to try and do for this project is research more of how to create an effective storyboard. While, organizing the broad drafts of the storyboard last week, I felt that there was not a lot of detail and focus on what the film's introduction was going to include. It felt like there were random shots that didn't hold much meaning. This is something that I want to improve on so it becomes more of a helpful tool rather than just images on a piece of paper. 

Storyboard Draft

    Storyboards are used as a way to give directors a guideline of what and how the films shots are going to be taken. They contain important visual information that acts as a blueprint when filming. It all begins by creating a shot list, which is a list containing all of the shots you want to capture. These shots are then listed in order, containing important information like the description of the shot: angle, subject, shot, etc. This list is then transitioned into the actual storyboard itself. The storyboard is what I previously mentioned to be the guideline of the film. This is the part where you actually introduce the visual aspect of the blueprint and bring your shots into eye. 

Storyboard Template

    By bringing the shots to "life" you can say a lot just from the drawing. Since, majority of films include movement it becomes difficult to introduce and shape these thoughts onto a piece of paper. But, by using several squares and arrows you can indicate the type of movement that the shots is using. Another way, movement can be portrayed is by adding text under the square to describe movement, shot size, and action. Meaning that while limited through single frames it is still viable way in which storyboards are used to guide imagination.     

    Although, I've only began a rough draft, I don't want to finalize one on my own and will try to continue to improve my storyboard throughout week 3. Through week 3 I hope to finish the storyboard just so I can stay on schedule. Also, I think it'd be a better idea to do it as a group since it becomes a source of different ideas from members. Just wanted to say that this is one of the reasons why I decided to be in a group; the ability to have different people work together and have different opinions can be a  valuable source that to me is very important when creating a piece of art. 

Heckmann, C. (2025, March 30). How to storyboard a short film — Examples and templates. StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-storyboard-a-short-film/

The Credits

     From what I've experienced in the film industry as of lately is the lack of opening credits. Many films don't incorporate opening credits and it takes away from how film's are supposed to be felt. This lead me to wonder and analyze opening credits to several films and see how they work set the films tone. 

MEMENTO: 

    While, I've already analyzed and discussed this films opening I did not take into consideration the films opening credits. This film begins by introducing the production and other companies associated with the film, it then introduces who the film is by which in this case is Christopher Nolan, then it transitions into the leading actors. All of these introductions allow the audience to understand that the film has credible/big names, this makes audiences have more of a connection that can easily be developed with the films plot. After, theses credits are shown the films title Memento is shown and then the films black background fades into the scene. As the scene begins we are given even more credits telling us who is in charge of casting, costume design, editing, mise-en-scene, etc. This continues right up until the end where we are shown who directed and produced the film, which informs us of what the film may be like. Then as the credits stop we are given valuable information from the scene itself telling us that the film has officially begun. 

FARGO:

  Fargo is a film I've watched several times and have not really given its opening credits much thought. Now, that I'm researching opening credits I thought it'd be a interesting idea. The film's opening credits begin by telling us how the film is based on a true story, this continues for around 20 seconds. Once finished the screen turns from black to white and the true story text fades away. Now, that there's just a white background we are introduced to the films production company, associated companies, and then leading actors. All of these credits are being faded in and out to show that the names are changing. While, these credits are going on the background is slowly introducing the film itself with weird music in the back. The credits work as a way to introduce the film in a steadily manner. Then to continue this introduction the credits stop for a little bit to develop more of what's going on and then we get a title card. The title card fades in and out like all previous credits and then finally introduces us to where the film is going to. 

SE7EN:

    Se7en is a film I've been wanting to watch for a long time and why not watch the opening to see if it's something I think should watch or not. Off the bat, this is already a very different type of opening compared to Fargo and Memento. The text of the credits are weird and jittery and it tells the audience that this film is taking a different more personalized approach. The credits specifically, begin by presenting production company, associated companies, and leading actors. Then in between credits the title is introduced and then it comes back to introducing the credits. Something I noticed when rolling the credits is that each time one plays it alternates to an object then goes to black. This algorithm is broken a few times but is still followed throughout. The opening credits, at least in this film, are essential to set the tone for the film and what its vibe will consist of as a whole. The weird text and jittery movement is what keeps the audience engaged right up until the end of the opening where the director is credited with a loud noise. Considering all other opening credits this was my most valued one and definitely creates reason for me wanting to watch this film. 

It's Such a Thrill

     The best way to reach creativity is by inspiration. Not everything creative comes from a blank mind, there are times that the work of others can inspire or create something new and that's what I'm trying to accomplish with my opening. I've decided that it'd be best for me to watch film openings associated with films I've never watched, just to have a more broad source of inspiration. 

VERTIGO:

    The opening for Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo  is very interesting to say the least. It starts off with intense music that makes the audience know there's something going on. Which is then followed by two hands going holding up to a bar, straight into a police chase where the officers are jumping over roofs. As the last officer tries to jump he nearly falls but luckily saves himself by catching on to a ledge. This causes the other officer in front to stop chasing for the culprit and try and save the falling officer. Unfortunately, the rescue takes a bad turn, as the officer who is trying to save the other officer falls down to his death, concluding the end of the opening. 

    Now, the reason why I wanted to summarize these events is to explain how effective and engaging this opening was in the span of 1 minute and 30 seconds. It gives me the realization that a lot can be done it in a small amount of time, but besides that it also shows Hitchcock's genius. Hitchcock used elements like synchronization to bring the viewer into the near fallen officers world at that very moment. This specific moment, at least when I was watching, made me feel anxious on whether or not he was going to fall or not, but it also makes me wonder how he is able to survive after the opening. Overall, Hitchcock creates a wonderful opening that causes viewers to already be attentive and interested in a limited amount of time. 

THE PRESTIGE:

    The Prestige by Christopher Nolan starts off with an opening title with a background that fades in from black to a field of magic hats. It then goes straight into narration describing the 3 acts of a magic trick. There is a back and forth between two different sets of magic tricks where one is a more serious life threatening act and the other a more friendly, childish act.  Both acts are played through, but just as the more threatening acts is about to enter its 3rd act it is revealed that the magician is struggling to escape a water tank. This pretty much concludes the scene and creates a cliff hanging.

    Personally, I thought that the way this opening scene was constructed was genius. The calm narration describing the 3 acts of magic then having two polar opposite acts simultaneously works tremendously. It gives the viewers the extremes people go in order to create intensity. Something else I found to be very interesting was the lighting of the scenes following a warm but fulfilling atmosphere that makes the audience want to continue to watch do to the lightness on the eyes, which doesn't overwhelm whoever is watching. I also wanted to add on to my previous summary of the opening scene by talking about the man who becomes curious on how the magic is done, which breaks magician's code of not revealing secrets. By breaking this code it could be a reason why the magician ends up drowning as a form to tell the audience that the world being shown is something out of the ordinary. Although, this could potentially be a reach, I find it to be a very interesting idea. 

MEMENTO:

    The film Memento directed by Christopher Nolan, begins through opening credits in blue text. The background then fades in from back into the hands of a man holding a polaroid. The person shakes off the polaroid every few seconds and the polaroid begins to lose its color. When it fully loses its color the man inserts it back into his polaroid camera where he takes another picture and the camera cuts to blood, a bullet, and a dead body. Then all of the sudden the film reverses and it shows the man with the polaroid was the man who killed the person lying dead.

    What I find to be very interesting about this opening is the reverse at the very end. I've looked into the movie and found out it relates to a man who is trying to find his wife's murdered, but the man loses his memory every 5 to 7 minutes. Now, this takes me back to my interest in the reverse at the end because to me it resembles how the protagonist is constantly losing his memory. It's a fascinating way to showcase the plot in a very simple way. It also acts as a source of confusion for the audience as it uses an unusual technique. I also found that the opening was very simplistic and did not have a lot going on compared to Vertigo and The Prestige right up until the end. This gives viewers a sense of eeriness that then gets answered. Additionally, I wanted to discuss the sound which intensifies the eeriness and gravitates that feeling.  To end things of with Memento, the overall feeling just from the opening is one of a kind and gives a lot of important context with barely any dialogue. 

The Timeline

    In order, for this portfolio to be properly done, time will be very valuable. Time is defined in this work as a tool that guides how me and my team are going to face this opening. It's value comes from the fact that it will allow us to stay organized and focused through the next two months. This leads me to showcase the schedule that will be referenced for these two months:

THE SCHEDULE:

• Week 1 (1/16-1/23) - Research
• Discuss plans
• Identify specific genre (learn about chosen genre)

• Week 2 (1/26 - 2/1) - Research 
• Analyze different film opening & credit scenes
• Begin script and storyboard

• Week 3 (2/2 - 2/8) - Research/Planning 
• Media Theory linkage
• Finalize script and storyboard
• Hold first group meeting

• Week 4 (2/9 - 2/15) - Planning
• Character development 
• Plan mise-en-scene
• Organize audio

• Week 5 (2/16 - 2/22) - Production
• Begin film production
• Audio development
• Company 
• Week 6 (2/23 - 3/1) - Production/Editing
• Finalize filming
• Begin editing process

• Week 7 (3/2 - 3/8) - Editing/Research (CCR)
• Begin researching CCR
• Finalize/revise editing

• Week 8 (3/9 - 3/17) - CCR
• Post-production CCR
• Revise everything

WILL WE OR WILL WE NOT?

    Now that my schedule is done the most important aspect is to follow it. As someone who procrastinates a lot this will definitely be a challenge and I'm very much so hoping to prioritize this project in order for me to have a good product. It's also cool in a way because it'll help me see how college will be in terms of constant work and pressure, but besides that I know it's going to be hard especially knowing the length and I hope to stay on track and enjoy what's to come. 

Portfolio Project Genre #2

    While exploring different genres that could best represent my films style I've come across the genre of thriller, but another genre that I believe could create an interesting atmosphere is drama. Drama focuses on serious realistic events that develop the character. This is something that can intensify the retaliation from the bullied kid. Overall, creating a more realistic conflict that the thriller genre may not portray in my film. 

CONTENT RELATING TO DRAMA:

Forrest Gump - 1994

    The drama genre is frequently associated with an audience between ages of 25-40 which have a deeper understanding of films relating to personal struggle. They value societal issues that allow them to have a more meaningful understanding of people's hardship, and that is something drama films normally portray. These types of situations are important towards the drama genre and could help develop my films conflict. 

    Drama films are usually in relation to another genre like family, war, or social problems. My film is yet to be categorized in any, but if it were it would most likely be associated with social problems due to my film focusing on a kid that retaliates against someone who's an intimidator.

    Forrest Gump is a great example of a drama film that faces issues between society. It argues the psychological backlash of the Vietnam War and questions racist ideologies from the 1960's. This film also used specific camera techniques to create a more dramatic ambience that helped develops Tom Hanks character.

TECHNIQUES RELATING TO DRAMA: 

The Godfather - 1972

  Similarly to Forrest Gump, The Godfather was very successful in grasping the drama scene by the use of camera techniques. Some of these techniques include extended takes that help create tension between characters; this can be seen during the Don Corleone cat scene. Another technique is the gradual zoom to emphasize a serious moment that the audience should be focusing on. Drama films also use lighting to shape the atmosphere, like using low-key lighting to highlight shadows which contrast a more dramatic scenery. The Godfather relied on low-key lighting a lot and became one of the reasons why the film had such an intense and eerie feel to it. This film also used practical lighting in to create depth and accentuated a more realistic tone to the overall result of the film. 

Fiveable Content Team. (2025, September). Cinematography techniques for dramatic films [Study guide]. Fiveable. https://fiveable.me/cinematography/unit-12/cinematography-techniques-dramatic-films/study-guide/mCoqaVetIZ0jqKR5

FilmGrail. (2024, April 1). Cinema audience demographics analysis: Insights & data. FilmGrail. https://filmgrail.com/blog/cinema-audience-demographics-analysis-insights-and-data/

DeGuzman, K. (2024, December 3). Drama: A guide to the genre. Backstage. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/drama-genre-guide-78027/

Hellerman, J. (2023, December 6). Explore the drama genre in film and television. No Film School. https://nofilmschool.com/drama-genre