Conventions of the science fiction genre

Science fiction genre is usually set in the future. The most common conventions that you see in this genre are futuristic vehicles and weapons, for example in Star Wars, there are things such as the death star, and weapons like lightsabers. Most science fiction films have two sides, almost like the good guys and the bad guys. A good example of this is in Star Wars again. These are the jedis and the siths, and the jedis are the good guys and the siths are the bad guys.

At the end of most science fiction genres, the leaders of the each side usually battle it out to create the final scene within the film. This happens at the end of star wars revenge of the sith when darth maul and obi wan konobi have a battle. In most cases of science fiction, the final result is usually the good side overpowering the bad side to finish the film.

Conventions of Action/Adventure genre

Advemture is usually an exciting genre that introduces new and impossible experience's. Action is usually paired up with the genre of adventure and adventure makes the film more exciting. The action/adventure film we have analysed is Finding Nemo. Finding nemo is an action/adventure. We have given it this genre title because the film as about a clownfish getting lost and captured, and the dad goes on an adventure to try and find his son. The action comes from various fights with sharks and other types of fish, and the fast paced ending to the film where he succeeds in finding his son. The main part of the story comes from the dad on an adventure trying to track down Nemo, by crossing the whole ocean and dangerous activities, and dangerous encounters with with other sea creatures.

Opening sequence analysis of Toy Story

Within the opening of the film Toy Story, many different conventions are portrayed. One of them being typical background music throughout the opening sequence. This follows the code of the specific genre being that of jazzy and upbeat. The sound also increases when woody comes onto the screen, and it becomes louder and bolder because woody is a main character, and they aim to show the audience this straight away. There are also sounds that have been put in that are digetic, which adds to the realism of the film. There is also a quiet level of music in the background when the begininng credits are shown.

Also shown in the opening scene is a mention of the production company, as well as brief credits including the name of the producers etc. Shown on top of the opening to the film are also typical of childrens film shown through the conventions is that of an insight to the main characters such ass that of woody buzz lightyear andy and others. Another obvious one that is shown is the big title of the film being shown on the screen. Another is the location which is made clear straight away when it is shown at the beginning of the film. It is shown straight away when it shows andy in his house playing with his toys. This sets the main location for the rest of the story. This also shows the viewer where the majority of the film continues and gives them an insight as to what to expect. The sub genre of this film (within childrens film) is action/comedy because it has a fast pace opening and with the jazzy music boasts a comedy element.

Preliminary Task

We really enjoyed this task. Nevertheless, we wish that we had a longer time to expand on the sound which we did as we believe we had the potential to make it better through various other stages of sound including various transitions and extra sound effects. We hope you enjoy watching.

Evaluation:
In our preliminary task we learnt a lot. We learnt properly how to use the camera, and how to use different types of camera shots to make our task better. We also learn how to use different pieces of equipment, such as using trolley's for a steady movement for creating the shot type pan. Also, having use of props to make shots more effective added to the mise en scene and overall effectiveness of our task.

Overall we enjoyed this task and learnt a lot. There are a lot of things we have done well in our task, but there are also things that we can aim to improve with our full opening sequence. One thing I believe we have done well is using a different variety of camera shots. For example, using the pan shot type by using a trolley to steady the camera and also using an over the shoulder shot to show that James is in power when he has Toby defenceless on the floor. The continuity is also done well, as the timing of the camera jumps cuts were perfected and the timing was done well. One thing that we can improve on is our audio track, as it was slightly rushed, and is mainly the same throughout the whole task, other than the slight change in tune once Toby has gone through the door. We are also now more experienced in the camera work and editing fields, and our opening sequence should reflect this.

preliminary story board 1

How are the conventions constructed differentley in your two chosen film opening sequences?

Monsters Inc has an introduction of jazzy music. This fits in tune with the opening credits of which fit to the genre of "childrens film" as it spruces up the typically boring title credits. It also sets the scene of being in the kids bedroom. This was conveyed in an establishing shot. From the opening scene, you can also establish that the sub genre is that of comedy. Also, the main characters and story and introduced. This is pretty much the same as that of Agent Cody Banks in which you can see once again, an establishment of the family being that of the main characters as well as the location.