To Add onto my project

 Hey guys! So, I just researched about three films opening analyzing and discussing with you all the type of genre they fall under which is thriller and mystery. Now I am researching about the same movies but this time the film credits sequences.

Film Credit Sequence

Firstly, the movie US is one of my all-time favorite movies to the visual effects and sound quality the movie US keeps the audience engaged the whole time. One thing that was interesting about the opening credit sequence. The movie Jordan Peele Us begins its unsettling atmosphere through the opening credits which establish a strange feeling that lasts throughout the film. The mystery elements use their symbols and sound which create an atmosphere of suspense that attracts viewers without disclosing too much information. The title appears through this bold yet basic design which includes music that resembles ancient rituals, which creates a depth to the whole composition. The opening credits introduce two themes that, through their duality, reveal hidden systems of dark things which exist in ordinary life. The situation connects with thriller and mystery elements because it creates doubt about everything you watch while you search for hidden details in both the visual and auditory elements.

Secondly, the movie Get out the film slows down its speed to establish an eerie atmosphere which encourages viewers to watch everything with their full attention. The potential identity twists together with the unknown elements create anticipation for upcoming events, although some parts of it feel a bit open ended. The section becomes difficult to perceive when someone does not focus on the details. In the opening credits of Get Out, Jordan Peele sets things up with this subtle approach that builds suspense without jumping into outright horror. It starts off feeling so normal, like everyday stuff people might run into, which kind of pulls you in before you realize something is off. I think that realism is what makes the unease hit harder, because you are not expecting it right away.

The tone there, along with the sounds, they sort of hint at problems lurking underneath what you see on screen. It is not obvious at first. Viewers end up questioning things, like who can you trust in these regular social moments, and what dangers might be hiding in plain sight. That doubt creeps in slowly. By layering tension bit by bit through the credits, it gets you paying attention to small details, social cues that might mean more. Some people might miss how it all connects at first. The horror feels scarier this way, developing out of what seems ordinary, not some big scary reveal. It just builds from there, leaving you on edge about the rest.

Lastly, the opening credits in Scream, that movie Wes Craven directed, just pull you right into this intense suspense from the very beginning. It sets up the whole slasher thriller vibe immediately, with all that fast pacing and building tension that makes you scared almost right away. I think that's what stands out, how it hits you hard unlike those slower starts in films like Us or Get Out, where things feel more drawn out and symbolic at first. Characters are always in danger there, like you never know when something bad will happen. It keeps everyone on edge the whole time. The credits also mix in this self-aware tone, you know, horror comedy that nods to all the usual tropes in scary movies but then twists them later. That part gets a bit tricky to explain, but it seems like its poking fun while still building real fear.

With the killer unknown and danger popping up so quick, it forces you to stay on guard. You end up suspicious of every single character, watching closely to catch any hints. That alertness sticks with you through the rest of the film, I guess, making it hard to relax.

These details are what makes an opening film more than just a regular movie it makes the audience involved in the movie and shows a sense of mystery and suspense in these films.

The start of my project…

Hey Cambridge! So, this is the start of my project my partner and I decide to do the genre thriller and mystery. We still have to come up with ideas, but we are most certainly not changing this genre. We had to research three opening films from the genre and analyze, discuss, and research the films. Here is what I picked.

Film Studies 

Opening Content:

The first thing I wanted to talk about was the overall story of the movie Us by Jordan Peele. The opening of the film shows a rabbit in a cage as if it was trapped. Us's opening title sequence uses a variety of visual and sound devices to create a scary and uncomfortable mood. The music is ominous and  the storm sound effects are used to represent the coastal environment and potential characteristics during the Universal introduction and dining scenes. The film opening introduces a main, unsettling image with a scary close-up of dozens of white rabbits in cages inside a dark underground building. The duality of the "Tethered," which is the underground copies of the people who live on the surface, is symbolized by this imagery. Since the Tethered eat raw rabbit meat, the rabbits represent their fear, innocence, and struggle to survive. Important information about rabbits includes: Opening Images of multiple rows of white rabbit cages are shown in the opening credits; it is then revealed that these cages are located in the tunnels where the Tethered live. The cute looking but wild and psychotic rabbits represent humanity's duality.

The second movie is Scream 1996 version, I personally liked the opening sequence of this movie because the Scream (1996) opens with the audience in a state of tension and uncertainty, which is essential for both mystery and thriller genres. With just one character at home at the start of the scene, there is a false feeling of safety. The danger seems closer and more obvious in this everyday environment. The movie uses conversation and sound to create tension instead of immediately revealing the threat. Questions are brought up by the mysterious phone calls: Who is calling? Why are they so knowledgeable? What are their needs? The audience is drawn into the mystery and kept thinking because there are no quick answers. The Scream Killer over the phone is the most important audio aspect. That is a piece of voice over that is crucial to the story. However, there are numerous other audio clips that serve more as eerie elements than as narrative techniques. For instance, the popcorn is always popping in the background. Tracking is the first significant example of consistent camera work. There is a lot of it, and it works very well. It creates a sense that someone is observing the main character, even though they are pursuing her. These kinds of shots help show the audience that she is not alone and that the house is not as secure as we would all like it to be. POV is another useful shot type. After about two and a half minutes, she turns to face the patio. Because they place the viewer in the character's shoes and increase their engagement with the story and the sense of unease, these shots are excellent for thriller and mystery.

Finally, the last movie is Get out I personally love this movie not only for the visual aspect but the suspense and tension this movie gives. A young black man strolling by himself at night in a predominantly white suburban area opens the movie. A vehicle arrives and starts to pursue him. He turns around and moves in the opposite direction out of fear. He turns to see that the door is left open and the car is parked. Then an unidentified person attacks him, drags him to the car's trunk, and kidnaps him. The character's realization that he is no longer alone and that he is being followed in this opening scene instantly creates tension and suspense. It's clear that something horrible will occur. The song "Run Rabbit Run" is softly playing in the background as the car pulls up. The song becomes even louder as the man is attacked. This creates an unsettling tension by contrasting the upbeat tone of the song with the violence on screen. The audience has no idea who the man is, where he is going, or why. His attacker's identity is also hidden because a helmet of some kind completely hides his face, and no explanation for his kidnapping is provided. You have a lot of questions about what transpired and what will happen next as a result.

Sources:

 Opening sequence analysis: Scream. (2013, November 3). South of Heaven Site.

https://southofheavensite.wordpress.com/2013/11/03/opening-sequence-analysis-scream/

Hibbs, L. (2013, November 3). Opening sequence analysis: Scream. South of Heaven Site.
https://southofheavensite.wordpress.com/2013/11/03/opening-sequence-analysis-scream/

Sandra. (2022, January 21). Aspects of the “Get Out” opening scene that can be applied to writing. Medium.
https://medium.com/@sandrayvonne/aspects-of-the-get-out-opening-scene-that-can-be-applied-to-writing-dd88bfd2c041

Project Completion Schedule

Project Schedule 

For this project a schedule is crucial in the process. My partner Camila and I have to create an end of the year project and following a detail schedule will keep both of us on task and organized. We have a breakdown of all the steps we have to follow by weekly.

Breakdown:

1. Brainstorming

• Research and analyze film openings from our genre we picked(thriller/ mystery)
• Research  and analyze three credit sequences from film openings 

2. Planning 

• Come up with a few film opening for the genre 
• Come up with a few plots as options for the film opening and where
• Create a storyboard picked from one of the film openings we decide 
• Chose a location and date to film
• Find music that goes well with the ideas 
• Find actors(if needed)

3. Production

• Choose costume suitable for each scene 
• Film scene 
• Record voice overs 
• Record foley sounds 

4. Editing

• Edit scene together make sure it’s smooth 
• Add add necessary effects if needed 
• Re record foley or voice over if needed 

5. Revision 

• Make sure everything look good and is ready for submission 

6. Critical Creative  Reflection

• Create reflection
• Edited and review CCR

Schedule

The week we started the schedule was week 2 so instead if staring with week 1 it’s week 2. Week 1 I researched genre for the type of film opening I want to do.

Week 2(1/26-2/1) 

• Research and brainstorming 
• Watch films openings that are under the genre
• Discuss move opening with panther 
• Come up with one movie opening idea 

Week Three (2/2-2/8)

• Create a storyboard licked
• Find a location 
• Plan different shots and angles to incorporate 
• Find a filming date 

Week Four (2/9-2/15)

• Complete storyboard 
• mise-en-scene element (costume, set, props, lighting, etc)
• Develop a script or plan 
• Confirm filming date with panther
• Find Costumes
• Possibly start filming 

Week Five (2/16-2/22)

• Start filming 
• Create a title for the film opening 
• Create post credits and credits for film opening  
• Create a logo for the film production 
• Production post of your choice (should illustrate production process) 

Week Six (2/23-3/1)

• Start editing if possible 
• Complete the filming
• Have teacher opinion on the film openings 
• Post-production (editing) process post
• Research for #1 question of CCR post

Week Seven (3/2-3/8)

• Finish editing 
• Research for #2,3, and 4 questions of CCR post
• Post discussing CCR production ideas

Week Eight (3/9-3/17)

• Finish CCR
• Review and edit CCR
• Review and edit film opening if needed

So Now…

I will definitely try my best to stick to this schedule and try not to be off task. I know that time management is something I struggle with so having this schedule will help me a lot. With that, I will make sure to follow it an update if needed.  If my panther and I have any set backed or if we’re able to work quicker than expected then I will update. 

 

Transitioning into the Cambridge Portfolio Project

 

Transitioning Into Cambridge Portfolio Project!

Hi everyone from Cambridge! My blog posts going forward will be focused on the progress of my Cambridge Final Project. Up until now, every blog I've written has guided me through important subjects that contribute to the development of an engaging and well-rounded move opening. Having said that, my class and I were shown movie openings and the importance of creating a purpose within the opening using a standard approach so that we could go right into this project. 

Here is my rough draft: 

A girl who tragically lost her sister in a car accident but psychologically still thinks she’s here with her.

Since it’s a film opening, I want to start off the opening with a black screen which shows the title, actor names, director, and etc. The background you can hear the actor's voices because I want people to listen before seeing the visual. The shot will be filmed on a digital camera to showcase the memories of the actor with her sister. Then have a quality camera showcase the rest of the film. For mise-en-scene the actors will wear flowy white dresses this signifies purity because the older sister doesn’t realize the little sister is dead. As the film opening continues it is a distance dream that the older sister is thinking about in her head. At the end her friend wakes her up and it sounds muffled at first but then she hears clearly and says where is my sister and the friend says that your sister is here.

The first thing I would like to approach would be the context and the background these are importantly because it lets the audience understand the idea of the film opening and where the location is. I prefer this approach because for the film establishing a clear context is important, so it isn’t awkward or not natural.  In Addition, developing the context can create an interesting story for the audience to engaged with. The background is a crucial part of the opening because depending on where you film it can weigh on if it has significance to the opening. 

Lastly, the script is very important because psychological thriller and mystery isn't an easy execution. I have to carefully write the sprit making sure it is precise and clear to not leave the audience in complete confusion but instead make them shocked and not able to predict what will happen next. So, the script is crucial in this process and getting help from my teacher will make this process a little easier because of another opinion. With the current planning and draft I have I am confident with editing and different ideas to add onto the film opening I can make a great piece.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

Hey there again! For my second genre I decided to do mystery because it is an interesting genre and for the sub genre it will be thriller mystery because my film idea, I'm brainstorming has a concept of adolescent problem solving with suspense.

Definition: Mystery is a genre of literature whose stories focus on a puzzling crime, situation, or circumstance that needs to be solved. 

1. Typical target audience of the genre: Mystery short films ranges from 15-40 (mature audience) this is due to the scenarios and strong language also because they need to have a fear aspect to them to appeal to a mature audience so the bottom of the age range is 15 as that's normally the age rating and 50 is the top of the age range because anyone over that age may not engage with the mystery or may find it strange or confusing, obviously these aren't set in stone because short films can appeal to anyone.

2. Genre conventions with content: It is something pursued by the characters in a story, it can be something tangible like a treasure or an encoded message, or it can be something intangible like some secret knowledge. Whatever the case is, this is an object of desire of either the protagonists or other characters. A plot twist is an unexpected occurrence or turn of events in a story that completely changes the direction or outcome of the plot from the direction the audience expected it to go. Every good mystery story need suspense, this could be shown in many ways. For example, through clues, a tense atmosphere, disorienting setting etc. Clues, red herrings (false leads), and suspects Themes of trust, deception, fear, and truth are good examples of what is usually in mystery.

3. Genre conventions with techniques: In mystery thrillers, they use a wide variety of techniques to keep you engaged with the production. Like, dark lighting or low light sets this tense mood, you know, makes everything feel mysterious right away. It seems like close-ups on faces or objects help spot clues or see emotions better. That music in the background builds up the tension so much. Then there are those sudden silences that make the scene hit harder, more intense somehow. Flashbacks come in to show stuff from the past that was hidden, which adds to the surprise. Pacing switches around a lot, from slow quiet parts to fast action ones. Keeps the viewers on edge, I think. Sometimes it feels a bit repetitive with the slow builds, but it works to stay engaged. Not sure if every thriller does it exactly the same, though.

4. Institutional conventions – narrative image, marketing, etc.: They are mystery thrillers sold in a particular manner. These films and television programs are produced by major corporations like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon. They use colors and shadows on the posters to create feelings of fear and excitement in viewers. The people shown in the posters typically have a serious expression. The plot of these films and television series is not revealed in the trailers. All they want is to grab your interest and excite you. Phrases like "Everyone has a secret" are used to convince you to watch the film or television program. Surprises and secrets are central to mystery thrillers. Many mystery thrillers are produced by large companies like Netflix and Amazon.

Two film/tv productions that represent the genre:

In Adolescence: you feel the tension right away. Dark lighting, close-ups, and that edge-of-your-seat music work together to crank up the pressure, making every secret feel heavier. The story moves slow, almost dragging you along, then suddenly throws you into intense moments or flashes back to things you didn’t see coming. These tricks keep you guessing, always wondering what’s really going on, and the suspense never lets up.

In The Residence: dim lights and dramatic camera angles set a mysterious, serious mood. The quiet background music adds to the tension, pulling your focus to the characters’ reactions and those little clues you don’t want to miss. When things heat up, the show speeds through investigation scenes, but it also knows when to slow down and let emotions breathe. Flashbacks pop in at just the right moments. All of it keeps you guessing—and watching—right up to the final reveal.

Sources:

Literary Terms. (n.d.). Mystery: Definition and examples. https://literaryterms.net/mystery/

 

  Capellini, A. (n.d.). Genre conventions:  Exploring a genre, murder mysteries. AS Media Studies Blog.  Genre Conventions: Exploring A Genre, Murder Mysteries – AS Media Studies Blog || Alexia Capellini

 

Elsey, F. (n.d.). Target audience of mystery genre. Prezi. https://prezi.com/p/target-audience-of-mystery-genre/

 

Portfolio Project Genre #1

 Hey blog! Today is the start of my portfolio project, we have to research different genres and pick two genres and a sub genre as well. For my first genre I chose is thriller and sub genre psychological.

Genre: Psychological Thriller

 Definition: Psychological thriller is a genre that focuses on characters unstable emotional or mental states, creating tension and suspense through psychological conflict. Which  explores themes of the manipulation of the mind.

1. Target Audience: The audience for thriller is active and enjoy solving mystery and puzzles. Majority of the audience are teenagers and adults 18–25. The characters as they’re usually developed and have their own stories which are revealed to the audience, and the storylines because they involve the audience as they have to figure out the storyline along with the characters and unravel it themselves, which makes them want to watch more. Thriller targets people who enjoy suspense, mystery, and stories that make them think outside the box. Viewers who like plot twists, and emotional tension rather than action. Often gravitate to audiences interested in psychology, crime, and the human mind. 

2. Genre conventions with content: In psychological thrillers, the story mainly follows a protagonist who struggles with an emotional or mental issue that affects how the story is presented and how the audience understands what is happening. Some themes to keep in mind are obsession, trauma, fear, guilt, and identity, which are mainly included in psychological thrillers that add to the suspense and tension. Unreliable narrators are commonly used in psychological thrillers films, which makes it difficult for the audience to trust what the character is saying or seeing, adding to the anxiety and confusion. Events like crimes, secrets, or trauma that go unresolved serve as the source of tension in the story, and which are often included in psychological thrillers.

3. Genre conventions with techniques:  The use of shadows combined with low-key lighting is the to key for psychological thrillers. These techniques heighten suspense and often symbolize the hidden darkness within a character’s psyche. Mise-en-scene most of the time villains typically wear casual yet smart attire, portraying the modern, urban environments where most psychological thrillers unfold. The neutral color palate emphasis the mood of the story. The setting plays an important role, with the majority of the genre's openings taking place in city and modern settings. Landscapes or rural settings are uncommon because they run the risk of being confused with settings from horror movies. Sound plays a major part in psychological thrillers because they often rely on unsettling and suspenseful music to heighten the atmosphere of the film. This type of sound design intensifies the mood. Camera movements lastly are crucial. Quick moves develop tension and panic, making the audience share the character's feelings.

4.Institutional conventions – narrative image, marketing, etc.: Psychological thrillers use, major studios or streaming services like Netflix, HBO, or Amazon Prime to put them out, and are known for making serious stuff that feels high quality. The marketing plays a huge part as well, for example posters commonly use dark colors and faces looking intense that hint at secrets or danger but doesn't give away the plot. Psychological thriller trailers usually build up the tension without spoiling everything. Oftentimes posters have just one main person in it, surrounded by shadows or broken images, or even reflections. That represents the confusion and identity stuff going on inside. Sometimes it feels a bit overdone, but it works for showing the psychological side.

5.Two film/tv productions that represent the genre:

In Fractured (2019), psychological thriller conventions are shown through the main character’s mental struggle and the mystery surrounding his missing family. The film uses doubt, realistic storytelling, and themes of trauma and guilt, leading to a shocking twist that changes the audience’s understanding of the story.

In The Price of Confession, the genre is represented through secrets, guilt, and suspicion surrounding a murder case. The characters face emotional conflict, the story includes flashbacks and twists, and the marketing and visuals use dark tones and serious expressions to highlight psychological tension.

Sources:

Amplify XL. (n.d.). The target audience for thriller films: Who enjoys thrillers? https://amplifyxl.com/the-target-audience-for-thriller-films-who-enjoys-thrillers/

Ejazfilm. (n.d.). Audience expectations from thrillers. https://ejazfilm.com/audience-expectations-from-thrillers/

Vaia. (n.d.). Psychological thriller: Themes & analysis. https://www.vaia.com/en-us/explanations/english/literary-genres/psychological-thriller/