Group research into our genre (Jennifer Skeel)

Group research into our genre

Plot

Two people usually meet which develops into a relationship. Normally a happy ending where romance would develop, hit crisis pint and then go back to a good relationship. The drama element is obstacles that occur during the film. The audience have a sense of escapism when the characters deal without similar problems as the audience.    

Camera shots

The typical camera shots used in romantic comedies are close ups and over the shoulder shots. 

Close ups- these are most commonly used to show a characters emotions in a real life situation either good or bad news. This allows the audience to make a connection with the characters because the audience can relate to them. 

Over the shoulder- this allows the audience to feel part or a conversation as if they are there and overseeing it and they get a better knowledge of a relationship as the conversation develops. 

Editing

Editing in romantic comedies varies depending on the technique used. Editing helps show the mood during a film. Fast editing emphasises the drama element of the film is happening but slow implies a calm nature such as the relationship developing.

Sound

Non diegetic sounds- shows the mood of a film 

Slow music- for the romantic side which creates a laid back atmosphere

Small amount of dialogue shows there is tension building  which shows that trouble is occurring or about to occur. 

A voice over- this tends to me a female character because stereotypically they have more thoughts.

Mise-en-scene

Wedding bells/churches- weddings often occur in romantic dramas and this signifies love.

Flowers- flowers are often used at weddings and symbolise love, a rose may be used as a stereotypical flower used to represent love

Photos- this can show memories of a character happy or sad and this may show a previous or present relationship.

Clothing- this may be warm and comforting to show romance and may be certain colours to emphasise the romantic genre.

Lighting- high key lighting to show light and comfort highlights the romantic genre but the low key may be used when events turn to the worse which is more related to the drama genre.

Settings- beach/sunset/parks/restaurants these places are seen as stereotypically as a romantic places and places like parks are surrounded by nature, the audience can relate to these situations going on in the film. Then in restaurants this allows the characters to talk and allow the relationship to develop.  

Characters 

Contrast in characters, they change in looks some may dress well and look well but sometimes they may look slightly rough. Then characters usually come from two different social statuses but this makes the relationship more special and cuter to the audience.

In our film opening we intend to use close ups and over the shoulder shots to clearly show the emotions of the characters and to get the audience more involved in the film opening. Fast and slow paced editing to make it clear to the audience that things are going to take a bad turn. We will also use non-diegetic sound of music to clearly show the change in the storyline. Within mise-en-scene we will use a range of props like cutlery, plates, a menu and a bill to set the scene and add realism and costumes to show the clear characters being portrayed in our opening. With our film opening we have planned to use a sunset and base the film mostly at a restaurant to emphasise the romantic side of the genre. Lastly our characters will be well dressed and smart to highlight that the characters are all highly sophisticated and to set the scene for the audience.