Genre Research

1. Genre: Science Fiction

2. Genre Conventions – Content

-Explores the implications of technology, the future, and human existence. Common themes include space exploration, dystopian societies, and the impact of artificial intelligence.

- Characters often feature scientists, astronauts, aliens, and futuristic humans. 

-Plot structure typically includes scenarios that are often set in the future or in alternate realities. Conflicts often arise from technological advancements or alien encounters.

3. Genre Conventions – Production Techniques

-Cinematography utilizes innovative visual effects, expansive landscapes, and imaginative set designs. Techniques like CGI create otherworldly environments.

-Sound design incorporates futuristic soundscapes, electronic music scores, and ambient sounds to immerse viewers in the setting. Sound effects often emphasize technology or alien elements.

-Editing often employs non-linear storytelling and quick cuts to maintain a fast pace, especially in action-driven sci-fi.

4. Institutional Conventions – How is Genre Marketed

-Trailers and posters highlight advanced technology, epic battles, or great visuals. Marketing often focuses on the film's innovative aspects and stars.

-The target audience appeals to a broad demographic, including tech enthusiasts, young adults, teens, and fans of speculative fiction.

-Merchandising and franchising for successful sci-fi films often lead to sequels, prequels, or expansive franchises, including merchandise like toys, books, and video games.

5. Film Sample #1: "Blade Runner"

Ridley Scott’s "Blade Runner" is a science fiction, exploring themes of identity, humanity, and the moral implications of artificial intelligence. Its aesthetic, characterized by dark, rainy environments and neon lights, set a dystopian tone. The film’s use of practical effects and detailed world-building immerses the audience in a believable future, while it raises questions about what it means to be human and resonates deeply within the genre.

6. Film Sample #2: "Inception" 

Christopher Nolan’s "Inception" embodies science fiction through its exploration of dreams and reality. The film’s complex narrative structure and innovative visual effects, such as the bending cityscapes and zero-gravity sequences, challenge perceptions of time and space. Thematically, it addresses the nature of consciousness and memory, making it not only thrilling but also a thought-provoking exploration of human experience. Its marketing emphasized its mind-bending premise and star cast, appealing to both sci-fi fans and mainstream audiences.

7. Genre Movie List

1 "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062622/

2 "The Matrix" (1999)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

3 "Interstellar" (2014)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816692/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_inter

4 "Ex Machina" (2014)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470752/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_ex%2520machina

5 "Arrival" (2016)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_arriva

6 "District 9" (2009)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1136608/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_district%25209

7 "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338013/

Representation

 There are many representation patterns in the film La La Land. Dreams and ambitions are represented throughout the film as a major thematic element. Mia and Sebastian are both characters who have great ambitions. Mia dreams of becoming an actress, while Sebastian has a passion for opening a jazz club. Both characters also represent the struggle of balancing their aspirations with personal relationships throughout the story. 

Mia performs her one-woman show "So Long Boulder City." The stage set up is minimalist with small and sparse props. The empty seats in the theater further emphasize the discouraging reality of chasing her dreams. These simple props reinforce the idea that her ambition exists in a world where reaching said ambitions is hard to come by. 

The film also represents Los Angeles as a land of opportunities and challenges. L.A. has a depiction in which it is the land of dreams, hence the constant mentioning of fame throughout the movie. But, also with the struggles and challenges portrayed by the two main characters. This representation is used a symbolic piece for the struggle within the entertainment industry. For example, the opening music number "Another Day of Sun" takes place on a freeway. The mise-en-scène of the freeway itself represents LA as a metaphorical crossroad for dreamers. The traffic jam symbolizes the obstacles and delays many face in LA. The bright costumes, diverse cast of dancers, and colorful props reflect each person in LA with unique dreams but facing the same struggle to move onward. 

The film also makes sure to get across the representation of jazz as an art form with cultural heritage. Sebastian views jazz as something great and artistic. He sees it as underappreciated and an art form that deserves to be preserved due to its vast history. Through his goal of opening his own jazz club, he is dedicated to spreading his love for jazz and bringing its traditional style back to LA. Sebastian gives a passionate speech about jazz’s nature improvising through each musician and its history to Mia when they visit a jazz club. The film represents jazz as an important piece of cultural heritage. 

Sound Project

 I learned many fundamental skills throughout the sound lesson in my class. We learned about various sound techniques such as synchronous sound and asynchronous sound. We also learned about diegetic sounds and more. Making sure all the ways these techniques were used to add dimension to the scene and assist in viewer perception. 

The directions for our sound project were to create a one—to two-minute film using only audio to convey a story. A black screen or still shot had to be played throughout the video to ensure that only the sound was focused. At least four Foley audios needed to be made and included in our video. 

The approach of my partner and I consisted of a planning stage and a filming stage. During our brainstorming, we thought of various scenes in which audio is heavily manifested. We came up with a scene of a public swimming pool. Then, we created a list of audios used, specifying foley and non-foley audios to put all together. This allowed our project to flow smoothly by making sure all requirements were met in an orderly fashion. 

Once we finished filming, we went to iMovie. Using the editing software, we compiled the clips and used audio layering to create our ultimate project. 

I believe the planning was very precise and that the list of audios truly pushed our project forward. On the other hand, I do believe there was room for improvement during the execution. We rushed in doing some of the audios, resulting in some that we had to re-take, wasting valuable time. But, overall I would say our project was a success. 

FariaRop_sounscape_per4.mp4