Independent Study #3

Production Check #3

 Rest of script (continuation from previous script post):

As sound designer, when putting my input in the script, I tried to think of locations of actions that would allow for various sounds. I believe that background audio can add (or detract!) from tension within scenes. One of the most tense moments within this film is when June is speaking to her mother about her goals in life. By having it be oppressively silent immediately after the talk, believe that emphasizes how trapped the character feels. To then include the portion with the clinking plates, I think this parallels the distress June then feels once she registers her mother's words. I could analyze the various other places in which I have incorporated sound, but the overall sense I was going for is music or sound effects that parallel the mood. I am excited to begin collecting these sounds so I can get an idea of how they mesh with the film when edited. Hearing Ali and Pranava's ideas thus far for the areas they are specializing in has given me a bigger and better image of how to make the sound utilized stand out and be memorable in our film.

In terms of which microphones I will use, I will likely be using the shotgun mic. In terms of the background sounds (those that will be heard, but the source will not be directly on the screen) I will probably use a standard microphone to collect the sound for that.We may end up needing to use lavalier microphones for parts in which characters are a bit more soft spoken, but that will have to be in shots that they can be hidden. For some sounds (i.e. footsteps) it may be easier to use my portable phone mic. It may be easier for me to collect necessary sounds after each scene is filmed just so I know what will sound most realistic with the footage provided. If an actor is walking slowly, I would not want to have loud & obnoxious footstep audio to go over top.

For music, I am going to have a release signed by Alex Finn who creates his own original music. Other songs may come from mashups from Garage Band or perhaps Incompetech. If that is the case, the portions when those last two sources are utilized will be minimal. In this film, music seems to be needed less than sound effects. Of course, this is only pre-production so come editing time my vision may change. Most music though will be slow & calming, for this is not a film that requires lots of face paced music simply due to the content of the story.

Genre Selection

     In class, various interesting genres were presented that I had only (previously) had minimal information about. The three that I found most intriguing were mafia films, road films, and science fiction films (specifically those about alien invasions).

MAFIA FILMS

•  Within this genre, there are prominent elements of camaraderie amongst characters. This, of course, leads to loyalty due to family oriented dynamics. Unfortunately,  due to corruption within law enforcement some characters may betray others in order to help another character get the revenge they desire.

• In regards to location, these films generally take place in gritty or urban areas. 
• By the end of the film, the overarching message generally seems to be that "crime pays".
• Notable examples of these types of films are Goodfellas (1990), Scarface (1983), and The Godfather (1972).  
  

 SUPERNATURAL COMEDIES 

•  Generally, supernatural comedies are centered around unrealistic situations (hence the classification of supernatural). In some films, there is one antagonist, whereas in others there many various obstacles -- the more prominent example would be zombies. Many storylines utilize folklore or perhaps even religious traditions with supernatural elements to explain the film's happenings.
• Many of the conventions within this genre are also of the horror genre. There are isolated areas in which scenes occur and also shadowy lighting. Exaggerated digetic sound can be used to build suspense of emphasize comedic points within the film.
•  Two of the most notable films within this genre are Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Evil Dead (1981).

 HEIST FILMS

•   This genre focuses on heists, just as the title suggests. There always seems to be a stereotypical squad that the movie centers on - each with their own specialty. Plots generally take place in three acts. In terms of themes, the idea of "honor among thieves" tends to lead to important bonds and friendships throughout the duration of these types of films.
• Heist films have similar conventions to action: amplified sound, life-threatening situations, and fighting and/or chase scenes.

•  Notable films of this genre are Oceans Eleven (2001), Reservoir Dogs (1992), and The Usual Suspects (1995).
  
  
  The genre that most interests me is heist films. While I find that many of these films tend to go down in the same manner, I think twists could be put on the regular "formula" to make them more intriguing. I love that this genre intertwines friendship with both crime and potential violence. Two contrasting themes come together to make films rid with tension but also underlying messages about friendship and loyalty. These types of movies keep me personally on the edge of my seat, so I would love to be able to emulate a director like Steven Soderbergh who worked on Ocean's Eleven. Filming a short on this would be so much fun, especially when casting characters in "stereotypical" roles.

Inglourious Basterds Review

           By definition, a Spaghetti Western, is a movie about the American Old West made cheaply in Europe, typically by an Italian producer and director. The conventions of this genre are black humor along with melodrama. There are generally elements of economic issues present, which is largely due to the heavy influence of civil war within films of this genre. That aspect alone makes it quite clear as to why Tarantino would deem this genre fitting for a World War II movie, considering this film category is inspired by a war that was a precursor. Spaghetti Westerns fits with war due to the raw nature of the scenes and character types. Violence is generally present, something that can easily be seen in ample amounts within the film Inglourious Basterds. 

           One of the three ways in which Tarantino subverts the expectations of the genre are introducing characters that seem important, but are killed off shortly after. For example, Michael Fassbender's character is given a role within the film that presents itself as significant but is killed off a scene or two later. Furthermore, the manipulation of history allows Tarantino to surprise audiences with events that have not truly happened. Most can figure out how events will occur given true historical events to compare it to, but the writer completely shifts them in order to suit the film. Lastly, the third way in which expectations are subverted is the use of words to create tension more so than weapons. Within various scenes in the film, an exchange of dialogue between to characters causes much more anxiety than the fight scenes themselves. It is as if words are equated to bullets or knives, causing conflict and potentially leading to violence just as a physical attack would.

Film Script

Independent Study #2