Ready, Set, Research!

This is the beginning of the actual project. The research, the basis on which my film will grow on. This is also the part, if I'm being honest, I'm dreading. I know it's necessary and that whatever research I do has to be relevant and in depth and can heavily impact the direction in which my film goes, and that's why I'm scared to take on this part of the project. It's essential and everything we do from here on out is going to be based on the step were beginning today so it's extremely important. But I can't prolong it anymore, I have to start, so here we go!

First thing's first, we researched the genre, which is Thriller and it's main sub-genre, Sci-Fi. Thrillers have certain elements that can make them great. Some of those elements include starting the film with an action scene. This gets the viewers interested in what's going on on-screen by enticing the audience. This also introduces a potential conflict that could arise in the production, or even foreshadow that something bad is awaiting. Another element of a thriller is that the protagonist is both ordinary and heroic. It's more satisfying to viewers to have a relate-able main character who experiences a stressful situation and struggles throughout it than to have an indestructible protagonist that can defy all odds. Ideally, the main character is an ordinary Joe Schmo who has to use up all his courage to overcome a struggle he faces, and throughout his struggle becomes heroic by defying some odds and defeating his opponent. A thriller should also have a lot of suspense to it. This is necessary to keep the viewers at the edge of their seats and keep them interested and in a state of high energy throughout the duration of the production. Obstacles in the protagonist's path are also a key component of a thriller. Having conflicts in the main character's way keeps the audience interested in how they are resolved and what can result because of them. This also adds to the plot by giving the protagonist more of a struggle in order to reach his goal, while also revealing more about his character by observing the way he goes about what he confronts.

Then we researched some elements of a scientific-fiction film. Sci-fi's usually include futuristic elements and technologies for the film and director to be able to explore certain issues prevalent in today's society. Heroes and villains are usually present in sci-fi's to create a conflict in the plot that the audience can follow. A sci-fi also normally includes unexplored territory which the protagonist sets out to discover. This adds a mysterious element to a sci-fi while creating an adventure for the character to take part in. Fantastical quests and advanced technology are also important elements in a sci-fi because they create a hyper-reality world in which the protagonist is now indulged in. Also, it gives the director more room to be imaginative and create a unique world in which these extreme, and often unrealistic, circumstances can occur.

We now have a better understanding of what is expected of us in this film opening and what are considered important elements of our selected genres. This knowledge will be used in our production process and will be explored and analyzed in greater depth in my next post where I examine case studies, so stay tuned!

--Blogger Buitano

Buffam, Noelle. The Script Lab. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2017.

Milchman, Jenny. "20 Essential Elements of a Bestselling Thriller, by Jodie Renner." The Thrill Begins. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2017.

"10 Basic Ingredients of a Successful Thriller." WritersDigest.com. N.p., 12 July 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2017.

"12 Ways to Hook an Audience in 30 Seconds." OPEN Forum. N.p., 11 Apr. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2017.