ANALYZING THE CREDIT SEQUENCES OF DIFFERENT FILMS

I did some research and analyzing on different movies sequences and these are some examples:

1. Se7en (1995)

Opens with a sequence showing the meticulous preparations of the antagonist. Close-up shots of handwritten notes, disturbing images, and the removal of fingerprints. 

2. Psycho (1960)

Features a title sequence, utilizing horizontal and vertical lines that goes across the screen, revealing and foreshadowing the credits.

3. Taxi Driver (1976)

Begins with a scene where you can see many visual disturbances like neon light street and rain while waiting for a taxi. This shows how psycho the person is. 

These sequences show how different effects can determine the theme of a movie.

THREE FILM OPENINGS FOR THRILLER GENRE

 Hey blog, recently I’ve been doing some research to get inspired and mostly understand with real examples what the concept of a film opening is. As I already did some research for thriller, it was easier for me to find some great examples. 

1. Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele Get Out begins with a scene in a rural neighborhood at night. A Black man is walking alone when a car ominously follows him. The tension escalates as he gets kidnapped by a masked person. This opening establishes a sense of fright and foreshadows the films exploration of themes. The scene clearly shows and transmits a sense of horror and suspense including the settings and the characters used. 

2.Cache(2005)

Michael Haneke’s Cache opens with a prolonged shot of a rural house. At the beginning, it appears to be a simple exterior view, but as the scene goes on, it’s revealed that this media is a tape sent to the protagonists. This approach creates a feeling of guilt in the main characters.  Making the protagonists question their environment surrounding them. 

3. Scream (1996)

Directed by Wes Craven, Scream starts with a high school student, receiving a numerous phone calls while home alone. The person on the phone makes questions that gives a threatening sense, leading to a deadly game. This opening is a classical opening of horror and suspense of a dialogue.

These openings show how thriller movies can implement different techniques to captivate audiences from the very beginning.

TWO POSSIBLE GENRES FOR MY PROJECT

 THRILLER OR ACTION?

Hey blog, I’ve been recently brainstorming on what genres should I consider for my project. I feel like thriller or action are the best options I can choose because are genres where I can have more ideas for the creation of my short film and I can develop with more facility my scenes. I made some research on both genres so I can compare on which one benefits more to my resources and ideas. This is a project where I’m very nervous and I feel a lot of pressure on the development of my short film, I want to make the best choices for my project from start to finish because I really want to do good on these project. 

From the research I made, this is some information I obtained:

WHAT IS THRILLER GENRE ABOUT?

Thriller is focused on suspense, tension, and excitement. They keep audiences on the edge of their seats with critical situations, psychological twists, and unexpected plot developments. 

The most common themes include crime, espionage, psychological manipulation, and survival.

(In my opinion that’s really interesting and engaging to watch. Makes it easier to develop different ideas)

Key Elements: Suspense, mystery, unexpected twists, high tension

Subgenres: Psychological thriller, crime thriller, political thriller, techno-thriller

I also researched for some examples of thriller movies: Gone Girl, Se7en, The Silence of the Lambs. 

WHAT IS ACTION GENRE ABOUT?

Action films are more guided by physical feats, intense sequences, and adrenaline-pumping moments. They often feature battles, car chases, explosions, and heroic protagonists taking on powerful enemies. (I think this characteristics are really interesting but I don’t feel this would be the best option for my short film project because I cannot think of some good ideas to develop)

Key Elements: Fast-paced action, combat, high-energy sequences

Subgenres: Spy action, martial arts, superhero, military action 

Some movie examples I found: Mad Max: Fury Road, John Wick, Mission: Impossible

TRANSITION TO POSTING PORTAFOLIO PROJECT

HELLO CAMBRIDGE PORTAFOLIO PROJECT!

Hello everyone! I want to let you know that from now on all my blogs are going to be about my Cambridge Portafolio Project. Here, I would be documenting every single step I make on my project from beginning to end. For this project I’m going to be working on for about seven weeks and I’m going to use the different techniques and tools my teacher have taught me on my Aice Media Class. Through these blogs you have seen some of the research work I have made during the year in order to prepare for now (the actual elaboration of my Cambridge project).  

As I mentioned before, through this blogs I have documented some research and my opinion of different topics. One of them was a research of Horror genre, where I talked about the content of the genre as well. For example, the common settings, themes, characters, story elements, etc. I also talked about the production techniques and the marketing used.

Here are some notes of tips and techniques my teacher has taught me in class in order to success in my Cambridge exam where I learned on how to evaluate, explain, analyze, explain, etc when writing a response. 

Behind the scenes music video

 https://youtu.be/VX5YMzVNzNo?si=fO7Hu-x1ljvsbs7s

Music Marketing #1 Process

Hey blog! Today I'm going to tell you how was the proccess of creating a marketing music plan. The market music plan entails aligning the artist's objectives with specific techniques for efficiently promoting their music. In this case I had to create a marketing plan for a sub genre of rock band. The process starts with identifying the artists brand and target audience, which includes learning about their preferences, demographics, and listening patterns. This information helped my group to identify the music style, visual themes, and the message they want to trasmit.Setting release dates for singles, albums, or tours is critical, as is finding outlets such as Spotify, YouTube, and social media to maximize visibility. A well-rounded strategy could also incorporate live performances, interviews, and partnerships with influencers or other artists to increase attention and legitimacy. We all researched about the best option for the band and came out with a successful marketing plan.

Next, the promotional campaign is created to increase the music's reach. Social media participation is essential, with regular posting schedules, hashtag techniques, and interactive initiatives such as fan competitions or Q&A sessions. We designed a website where we sell merch of the band and also created a logo for the band. The plan guarantees that an artist's work resonates with consumers and achieves long-term growth by combining organic and paid efforts, as well as continually analyzing data to alter techniques. Ending in the creation of a music video where we had to select a song of the band and followed to it, record the music video where we chose a half promotional and half storytelling video. The last part was just editing it and posting it, making the publicity so it gets more engagement. 

Horror Genre

Genre: Horror

1. Genre Conventions: Content.

• Themes: Horror films frequently explore terror, death, the supernatural, isolation, the unknown, and the human psyche.


• Setting: Typically situated in gloomy or abandoned locations, such as haunted houses, forests, or basements, to heighten the eerie atmosphere.

• Characters: Usually a mix of innocents, villains, monsters, and antiheroes.

• Story Elements: Horror films frequently include jump scares, tense music, paranormal phenomena, and scenes that gradually build tension. 

2. Genre Conventions: Production Techniques

• Cinematography: Dim lighting, unsteady camera views, and tight framing can create a sensation of discomfort or captivity.

• The sound design relies heavily on creepy soundtracks, abrupt loud noises, and frightening silences to heighten suspense and produce startling moments.

• Make-up and practical effects are often employed to enhance realism in animals, blood, and wounds. CGI is employed for supernatural elements on occasion, but it is usually kept to a minimum to create a raw, gritty atmosphere.

• Quick cuts are used during intense scenes, while longer editing creates tension.

3. Institutional Conventions: Marketing

• Trailers use suspenseful scenes, glimpses of antagonists, and limited conversation to establish mystery.

• Dark, dark posters generally show the antagonist or unpleasant imagery, hinting at the film's themes.

• Horror films frequently use viral marketing campaigns, teaser clips, and internet challenges (e.g., "don't watch this alone").

• Horror films are typically released around Halloween, capitalizing on the season's heightened interest in eerie content.

4. Film Sample #1: The Conjuring (2013).



The Conjuring represents the horror genre with its use of supernatural themes, dramatic buildup, and focus on a haunted house. To keep the audience on edge, the film uses jump scares and creepy sound design. Handheld camera views and gloomy lighting create an intimate, disturbing mood, while the limited use of CGI heightens the authenticity. The film's marketing centered on true tale claims and creepy posters depicting the haunted area, effectively attracting horror enthusiasts interested in paranormal storytelling.

5. Film Sample #2: Get Out (2017).



Get Out is a contemporary take on horror that incorporates social critique into its plot. It combines suspense, psychological horror, and thriller elements to discuss racial concerns in America, engaging with audiences by reflecting real-world fears. The film creates tension through tight framing and creepy quiet, while subtle editing decisions accentuate major psychological terror moments. The marketing concentrated on its distinct social message, making it appealing to a larger audience interested in horror with intellectual depth.

6. Other Film Examples Within the Genre

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

2. Hereditary (2018)

3. The Shining (1980)

4. Halloween (1978)

5. It Follows (2014)

6. The Exorcist (1973)

7. Midsommar (2019)