Stress And Representation

Hey blog readers! So right now I am about to go to the chorus concert. I’m really excited, but I know it’s going to be super stressful… DEEP BREATHS :) But before I go I wanted to talk a little about representation.

In my film opening I really want to portray a story that can touch the audience. My goal is to evoke emotions within the audience so that they either want to make a change within themselves or they appreciate whatever the film is about more. I plan on doing this through the use of representation. Something that I thought about making my film about was how technology is used for bad reasons by teens. More specifically, cyber bullying.

The theme of cyber bullying would obviously fall under the genre of drama. This issue is represented through many media platforms such as movies and tv shows. In the movie, “Cyber Bully”, starring the well-known, Emily Osment, the main character undergoes a generous amount of cyber bullying to the point where she attempts to take her own life. When she fails at this, her friend and mother find her and they try to help make the situation better for her. I feel that this film is represented well as it portrays cyber bullying as a bad choice that can cause victims of it to go to drastic measures to make it end. On the contrary, the Netflix Original, “13 Reasons Why”, also discusses the topic of bullying and touches cyber bullying in a much different way. The main character in this show is a girl named Hannah, who has already taken her own life due to bullying. She serves as the narrator of the show through the use of tape recordings she left explains the 13 reasons why she did what she did. Some people find that this tv show romanticizes teen suicide, but I personally believe it tells the story of a young girl who was pushed to do something drastic because her peers did not handle situations correctly.

These two examples of media both discuss the matter of cyber bullying by making their target audience teens. Since both media’s are about teens, this causes teens to be more drawn to them. I think using teens as the choice audience is a smart choice and when making my film I would definitely do the same. Even though some people do not agree with how 13 reasons why was conveyed, I really enjoyed the way in which they represented bullying and I would like to come up with way similar to this if I chose this topic for my film.

Until next time,

Shelby 😊🎤📽

Explore Some More

Hey Blog! So this week has been CRAZY. The worst part is, it’s not even over yet. I am in chorus and theatre, and this week is when our Winter Concert is taking place. This concert is the biggest performance of the year that we put on for chorus, and being an officer means I have to help ensure everything goes smoothly. On top of this I have district thespians on Saturday, which I am pretty nervous for. However, the show must go on! And so must this blog. So, here you will see the next genre I researched and am considering for my film opening which is Action.

What is the Genre Action?

An action film is classified as a film with  fast-moving plot, usually containing scenes of violence. The protagonist of the film will be thrown into a series of challenges that are seen as thrilling and frantic. These films can include chases, races, fight scenes, stunts, etc. I found that most action films can include sub-genres such as adventure and comedy.

Conventions of an Action Film: Content and Production Techniques

The last genre I researched was Drama. In a dramatic film, the plot revolves around some kind of conflict. This is similar to the content of action film in that the plot does revolve around a conflict or problem, however, in an action film, a fight of some sort will usually occur. When it comes to the content of an action film it will feel like the fast-paced, energetic scenes never stop. Some people find action films to be a bit overwhelming, but when produced in the right way, the film should include to perfect amount of action while still keeping the story on track. The production techniques for action films includes a great amount of Mise-en-scene. This deals with costumes, lighting, make-up, props, and setting. The costumes range depending on the plot and characters, but the hero and villain tend to have the most “dramatic” and “extensive” costumes. Natural lighting is typically used in action films as most of the scenes do take place outside. However, when the villain is present the low-lighting is generally utilized. The make-up for the hero of the story is usually natural until they experience some type of fight in which they will have to use makeup to make the character appear to be bloody and or bruised. Lastly, setting is extremely important when it comes to action films. The story will usually take place in a grand, well-known place with a lot of room for stunts and action scenes.

Film Example #1: Mission: Impossible Series

The Mission: Impossible series is one of the most well-known action series of all time. It is a series of American action films based on the television series of the same name. The series is co-produced by and stars Tom Cruise, whose character is Ethan Hunt, a special agent of the Impossible Missions Force. Throughout the series, Hunt embarks on journeys with his team that most people would consider “impossible”, but for him are more than capable. This film perfectly embodies an action film with its fast-motion scenes that include violence, chases, and escapes, and tons of stunts. This series is one of my favorites and if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it!

Film Example #2: Avengers Infinity War

The whole Avenger series is about the superheroes known as, “The Avengers”. In this film, the whole team consisting of: Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their enemy, Thanos. On a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones, Thanos plans to use the artifacts to inflict his twisted will on reality. The fate of the planet and existence itself has never been more uncertain as everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment. This film is one that incorporates its action qualities through the use of special FX. These are utilized in scenes to make the characters and setting become realistic. Just like the Mission: Impossible series this film embodies an action through the use of fast-paced scenes, stunts, and special FX.

Other Action Films

Wonder Woman

Skyfall

Kill Bill: Volume 1

Jurassic Park

Terminator

Until next time,

Shelby 😊🎤📽

Exploring Genre

Hey there blog readers! Welcome back to my blog.

Recently, I've been kind of stressing. As you'll come to find out, I am a perfectionist. I can’t help it, but sometimes (most of the time), the OCD in me just takes over. I really want this film opening to be perfect and I honestly have NO IDEA what I want it to be about yet. My group and I have gone over a few ideas, but nothing is really speaking to me. You know? The first place we’re supposed to start while creating this opening is picking a genre. Now, while we haven't decided on a specific genre yet, I personally am leaning more towards the genre of drama. To understand more about this genre and what it entails I did my research.

What is the Genre of Drama?

Drama is the genre that consists of real life situations and realistic characters. A dramatic film will show the journey of its characters through the use of climatic, and heartfelt scenes. In my research I found that most drama’s contain sub-genres. Some common drama sub-genres are: melodrama, courtroom drama, and romance.

Conventions of Drama: Content and Production Techniques

When researching about the conventions of Drama I saw from multiple sources that when it comes to content, the heart to every drama is conflict. A conflict does not necessarily mean there is a physical fight. Conflicts within most dramas revolve around the inner/outer struggles of the protagonist of the film. The protagonist of a drama tends to be someone who generally, is easy to relate to. To ensure that the film evokes emotions from that of its viewers, writers make the protagonist someone who is also easy to sympathize/empathize with. The protagonist of the film mainly depends on the target audience, as it will most always be someone who the specific target audience can relate to most. Some important production techniques found in drama’s are sound, location, and mise-en-scene. All of these technique add to the overall development of the film. By the end of most drama’s, the character will come to some form of realization and resolution. The endings of dramatic films are usually grand so that they will create a lasting impression on the viewers.

Institutional Conventions: How is Genre Marketed?

Another big aspect to ANY film is how it is marketed. In my research, I found that, like most films, drama's are marketed through the use of trailers and teasers. Trailers use bits and clips from the film to give a short preview of it, while not giving away TOO much about the film. Doing so causes viewers to hopefully want to see more of the film. Teasers, are very similar to trailers in that they do give previews of the film; however, they tend to be short, but more lengthy scenes from the film as opposed to bits of clips from it.

Now that you are drama experts I am going to share with you some of my favorite dramatic films...

FILM #1: Fight Club

Not only is this 1999 film one of my all time favorites, it is also a perfect embodiment of a drama. To begin, you’ll find that the main characters of the film are very easy to sympathize/empathize with. Not only are the characters easy to feel for, the heart of this film is definitely conflict. When I say this, you'll assume because of the title having the word “fight” in it that I am talking about a physical conflict. However, the main conflict of the story is internal and revolves around the protagonist. The first character you will meet is the unnamed protagonist who is played by Edward Norton. The protagonist suffers from depression and insomnia. Throughout the film, the protagonist struggles with dealing with insomnia and his own internal problems. The character is advised by a doctor to attend a support group to help deal with the insomnia, and although the support group does start to help it isn’t until the unnamed protagonist meets the character Tyler Durden that he inevitably ends up dealing with his problems by the end of the film. This film deals with much of what you would see in a drama such as affairs, heartbreak, sadness, and even the much needed—friendship. You'll learn from this wonderful drama, “what happens in fight club, stays in fight club”. If you haven’t seen this movie I HIGHLY recommend it!!

FILM #2: Forrest Gump

This movie is probably in my top five favorite movies of ALL TIME. It has so many amazing moments throughout the whole film. The film will leave you laughing, crying, and feeling everything that a drama should make you feel. The main character of the movie is Forrest Gump who is played by the infamous, Tom Hanks. Similar to Fight Club, this films main character is also very easy to sympathize/empathize with. Forrest is a former Vietnam fighter who only has an IQ of 75. Although Forrest is not the most intelligent, it is his childlike optimism that melts the audience's heart. The conflict of this film is internal as Forrest deals with his childhood love, Jenny.  This film, like every great drama, has a climactic storyline that will teach you— as Forrest says, “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”. This film is definitely a must watch!

Link to clip from movie: https://youtu.be/egkrxkiUnoo

Other Dramas:

Titanic (1994)

Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

A Star is Born (1976 & 2018)

The Help (2011)

In my opinion, a drama film opening is the best choice so far, but I'm open to other ideas. I'll discuss with my group members what we are all thinking so far and get back to you all soon!

Until next time,

Shelby 😊🎤📽

An Introduction

Hello everyone!!! Welcome to my blog! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you, and give you an idea as to what this blog will include.

My name is Shelby Segarra, I am 18 in just a few months (finally legal!!), and I am currently enrolled in AICE Media Studies. Most people look at me and just think, “white”, but much to their surprise, I am actually Puerto Rican, Italian, and Irish. I view myself as an intuitive person; I find that it's very easy to read people and situations. In my friend group, I am overwhelmingly known as the “therapist” friend because everyone always seems to come to me for advice (even though sometimes my own life is a disaster). The MOST important thing to know about me is I LOVE to perform. For as long as I can remember theatre and all things music have been the root of my existence. The stage has always been a second home for me. It’s a place where I find comfort and confidence. The only thing that makes me happier than being on stage singing is sleeping! LOL! All jokes aside, performing is the way I release the toxicity in my life. Because of this and my natural intuition, I hope to go to college to study Musical Therapy. This will be a way in which I can pursue two of the things I enjoy most: Music and Psychology. If all goes well, I will attend FSU in the fall of 2019 (fingers crossed😁)! Along with singing, I thoroughly enjoy writing. Whether it be a song, poem, or journal entry, I find that writing helps me cope with my emotions and allows me to put them in a safe place. Being a performer means I can understand what it’s like to put on a show; however, I’ve never really been on the other side of the camera before. I signed up for AICE Media Studies to help expand my knowledge on media production. Performing has always been something that’s come very easy to me.  Although I understand what it’s like to make someone else’s story come to life, being behind the camera and watching other people make MY story come to life is going to be challenging. I hope that this experience will help to not only make me a better performer, but also will help me find my voice as a filmmaker/writer.

Now to cover exactly what I hope this blog will consist of! As our portfolio project for AICE Media Studies, we have to create either a film opening, or a magazine spread. My group and I decided that we could all show off our talents and creativity best by choosing to do a film opening. We haven’t quite decided what we are going to do the film opening on yet, but I know whatever we decide will be great! Throughout the journey of creating this film, I’m going to utilize this blog to share with you the process of creating the film.

I hope that you all enjoy my blog posts and continue reading!

Until next time,

Shelby 😊🎤📽