Researching Possible Genres

The two genres we've decided to further research are Action and Fantasy. Both genres over lap quite a bit with a third genre: adventure. Originally, we wanted to research Adventure and Fantasy, but found that those two were, for our purposes, the same thing. With this in mind, we have decided to largely focus on the contrasting elements between the chosen genres. Such elements include color, lighting, angles, and types of shots.

Action films are all about capturing the movement of the actors. While they still use angles to convey the mood of each scene, the camera movements are tailored more towards action. Because of this, these films tend to be less plot oriented. There are multiple ways to focus on the action. The main technique is with camera shots. Establishing shots of where the action takes place sets the scene, and dramatic close ups during the fight create an intense effect. Point of view shots can get your viewers more immersed in the action, and swapping shots from POV to watching the action gives the action a sense of importance. These shots give a clear picture of what’s happening without being boring. 

Fantasy films typically feature magical or supernatural phenomena either as physical creatures or through the plot. Generally, this genre takes inspiration from myth and folklore to become speculative fiction. The purpose for most of the camera angles and movements are to capture the vast epicness of the world the film is set in. Wide angles and crane shots are used to accomplish this. Additionally, they use forced perspective to reinforce the differences between our world the the film's. Music is also important for a fantasy film. Epic orchestral music keeps with the fantastical elements. Moreover, Foley sounds make the creatures in the film more believable. Costumes, makeup and lighting are all used to emphasize the physical differences the film has from real life. Costumes also can set the time period, like using medieval clothing and swords. Makeup like prosthesis are used to create abnormal differences in the characters, like sharper ears and larger eyebrows, making them more memorable. Lighting also can add to a character standing out. For example, they could glow in the sunlight, or have darkness lingering behind them. This technique is also good for establishing a characters alignment with good and evil, which is a common theme in the genre.

Both genres highlight different parts of film, action focuses on the character in relation with each other, while fantasy emphasizes the world using the characters. Fantasy also usually has an emphasis on plot, while usually the plots in action movies are less interesting. Both genres have aspects that would work for our final project, so our final choice must come down to what exactly were aiming for in our final project. Will it be fast-paced, or focused on the epic story the characters tell!