FILM RESEARCH BOOKLET

 Research Part 1: Genre, Target Audiences and Production Companies  

 

Outline 

1. Introduction Paragraph (Individual task) 

1. What is your film genre and why did you select it? 

2. What subgenres will you be introducing into the film’s narrative? 

3. Who is your target audience? And why? 

 

(Group task) 

2. Genre 

1. Film genre 

Psychological/Thriller 

2. Subgenre(s) 

Action 

 

3. Target Audience 

1. Who are the persons targeted for this film?  

                   . They advertise this movie to age 13 and above  

2. Is the film mainstream or niche? Define the target audience that you have selected and why. What audiences tend to enjoy the genre of text that you intend to produce. 

                   .This film is niche we selected this audience because we feel like all races enjoy these types of movies as they are meant to attract people. 

3. Provide examples from your research. (Add photos.)  

Market Segmentation Analysis	Characteristics
Demographics
Age group	13-34
Race	Multiracial
Gender	Males and Females
Class	Middle class
Psychographics
Interests	Crime, superhero, action, drama
attitudes	Mysterious, suspenseful,
personality traits	Fast paste, sudden violence
values/beliefs	Recover from trauma

 

4. Identifying the Primary Research conducted for the target audience! 

Research you physically carry out yourself, for example, surveys, questionnaires, focus groups (Film Pitch and Feedback Form). (Survey using Microsoft forms/ Google Docs.) Keep your audience research appropriate and focused. Ask yourself, what you hope to find out by giving your 14–18-year-old friends a questionnaire. 

• Document the findings. (Add the feedback form from your peer review.) 

• Document the findings from the questionnaire. (Media Studies class questionnaire results.) 

 

5. Identify the Secondary Research conducted for the target audience! 

Research into the work of others, for example, academic theory, collations of viewing figures. See entertainment marketing websites and film sites such as IMDB.com)  

• Document the findings and cite where you got your information. 

 

6. Accessibility to film genre.  

• Where do they usually watch movies? (cinema, online: which websites, etc.) What socio-economic group do they fit into?  

• People were able to watch in cinemas, online websites, streaming platforms. Some ways to watch the film were paid access or to rent. 

• What type of film openings do they usually prefer? (fan-based driven (famous actors), heavy editing, classic, direct address, establishing, action, etc.) 

• The type of film openings usually preferred are creative, animated, that include special effects. 

4. Production Companies that produce films 

 

Production Companies	Film Titles	Budget	Gross
1.Sony Pictures	Missing	7 million USD	48 million USD
2.20th Century Studios	Deep Water	49 Million USD	73 Thousand USD
3.Paramount Pictures	Zodiac	65 Million USD	84 Million USD

Choose a production company from the table above and a movie they produced that will be a good precedent to use for your research. E.g. Monkey Paw Productions 

 

5. Reflection: (Individual) 

The production company my team and I will be researching: (List the production and the movie that you will be researching.) 

The 4 reasons my team and I selected the movie are: (List the answers.) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Part 2: General Information of Film 

 

Outline 

 

1. Introduction Paragraph (Individual task) 

1. Document the production company and the types of films they create. Is it a conglomerate or independent production company? Define the type of production company. 

2. Document 4 characteristics of the production company.  

1. What types of movies do they create? 

2. How do they engage audiences to watch their content during production? 

3.  How do they promote their films? 

4. How do they distribute their films to their audience? 

3. Describe the film case study you will be researching. General reviews of the film and how is opening engaging to its target audience. 

 

2. General Information about the film 

1. Glass 

Document the name of the film and indicate if the title is appropriate for the movie. 

2. The title of the film is ‘GLASS’  and its appropriate for the movie because it relates to the fact that the movie is about a person with different personalities, glass can be a representation of the different faces that he sees in a mirror of his own self.  

Define what a tagline is and its purpose. Identify the tagline for the movie. 

3. You Cannot Contain What You Are 

 

 

4. Year of release: 2019 

5. Cost of Production: 20MILLION  

6. Box Office: $111 million in the United States and Canada. 

7. Where is the film available for viewing?  

DIRECTV, ROW8, Apple TV, Prime Video or Vudu 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Part 3: Opening Structure of Film Analysis, Camerawork and Editing Codes 

 

 

1. Analyzing the Opening Titles of the film 

Students will outline the conventions found in the film they selected. Divide your case study movie into 9 frames and break down the conventions found in the film’s opening. 

1. Structure of the film opening 

1. Select 9 frames from the film’s opening and breakdown the key structural parts from the production company logo to the hook of the film. 

2. Add an image and write a description for each frame.  

3. Identify and analyze the camerawork used in the film opening. This includes the shot size, camera angles, framing and camera movement. 

4. Identify and analyze the editing used in the film opening. This includes if the film has continuity or discontinuity, long takes, short takes, the different types of cuts and transitions. See Preliminary Ex. 16 definitions. 

 

 

E.g.  Frame 1: Opening Frame: 

 

Analysis 

The opening sequence begins with the production company logo and a l cut off screen sound of a character addressing someone. The screen cuts from black to picture and an establishing shot of dimly lit, interior room devoid of color. Next, the director subtly introduces Crumb a multi personality character, using a pan movement set at a low angle to showcase his power in the opening scene. The shot is a long shot that then cuts to the next frame for shot reverse shot editing technique used to reveal a group of young women tied up listening to Patricia offer a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. 

Camerawork 

Establishing shot, low angle, 1 shot, pan movement 

Editing  

Continuous editing. Shot reverse shot. 

Add 8 frames and follow the example  

 

 

1. List the titles based on the order of appearance in the film opening credits: 

E.g. Production Company/Companies names: Warner Brothers, Written by, Director etc. 

2.  

Main Cast	Actor and the character name and title
James McAvoy	Kevin Wendell Crumb – Crazy Person
Samuel L. Jackson	Elijah Price – Comic Book Art Gallery Owner
Bruce Willis	David Dunn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Part 4: Marketing to Audiences 

 

How did the production market the film to their target audience?  

Research the ways below that the production company used to market the film. Find online articles from reputable websites and add still images to support your blog post. 

 

Marketing Strategies  

(Add images to support each Media Form.) List specific examples.) 

 

Media Forms used for marketing	They used previously made movies to promote this movie and tie the ends together. They primarily used the previous “Hype” to gain attention to their new movie.
Print (2)	The primary print they used were posters, but they also had billboards in some places shown here
Digital (3)	It was used as a sequel, so it generated a high audience because they wanted to know how it ends, had a Trailor, and made animated stickers on Instagram to promote the movie. (I'm not able to find a picture of the animated stickers)
Outdoor media (1)	The production company also made billboards shown here
Moving images (Tv, trailers, commercials, clips, talk shows, etc.) (3)	The production company used trailers, interviews, and popular clips of the movie are on throughout youtube.
Partnerships with other companies to produce or market the film. (synergy) (2)	The movie glass is available for rent on apple tv, google play movies, and Vudu but also is able to be streamed on FXNow or Fubo Tv. They're main partnership was with universal but thats just theyre production company
How was the film marketed nationally?	The film used posters that conveyed hidden meanings. They used a trailer which got 15 million views meaning it got a heavy amount of traffic geared towards it. Next was publicity and advertising the popularity of this movie heavily relayed to its previous two movies which was then confirmed that these three movies were in fact related which then got many fans excited.
How was the film marketed globally	The film used posters that conveyed hidden meanings. They used a trailer which got 15 million views meaning it got a heavy amount of traffic geared towards it. Next was publicity and advertising the popularity of this movie heavily relayed to its previous two movies which was then confirmed that these three movies were in fact related which then got many fans excited. All this contributed to it being advertised nationally and globally

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Part 5: Mise en scene Codes 

 

Codes 

Codes are technical techniques used to communicate meaning, for example low key lighting to heighten suspense in Thriller films or Film Noir. Use your knowledge and understanding to identify the codes in the media text(s) you are researching. For example, these may include titling, mise en scene, camera movement, framing, fonts, graphics, sound effects, and editing. When you have identified the codes post the results of your findings to your blog and explain how you might use them in your proposed production. 

1. Setting 

1. Define setting in film? 

The time and place in which a story is told. 

2. Where is the story set? 

City of Philadelphia at night  

3. Describe the setting of the film? 

Raven Hill Memorial Psychiatric Hospital, this setting also elaborates the state of mind of the main character. 

 

 

Elements	Denote each element noticed in the film opening.	Indicate connotations that support the genre. How does the setting elements indicate or support the genre and storytelling of the film opening? Provide codes to support your answers.
Time of day	Night
• Time period	20 century
• Location	Psychiatric Hospital
• Climate / Season	Winter
Geography• Landscape or Outdoors / City / Country / Sea / Land / Desert.	City
• Culture / People (Moral attitudes/ core beliefs.)	American culture, violence involved.
• Social and Economic status	Middle class.

 

2. Set Design 

• Define set design in film. 

Set design in film refers to the process of designing and creating the physical environments or sets.T 

.The opening scene of "Glass" sets the tone for the film and introduces the audience to the primary setting. The opening shot of "Glass" features a psychiatric hospital, this serves as a significant location throughout the film, symbolizing both captivity and the human mind. 

 

 

• What connotations do you read from the décor? 

the décor of the opening scene carries connotations that set the tone for the film and provide hints about its themes and narrative. 

• How does the set design illustrate support the characters, story, and/or connect audiences to the film’s genre? The set design illustrate supports things like the characters and the story etc, by the tension and anxiety that the thriller genre is created when commonplace settings meet with unusual persons and situations. Similar to this, the film's dramatic tone is enhanced by the use of dark, moody lighting and foreboding images, which draws spectators into its mysterious and intriguing universe.  

• Indicate the signs and connotations that support the genre.  

Some of them are: Dark and Ominous Lighting, Character-driven Drama, and Ambiguous Morality. 

3.Props 

1. Select props that are genre significant to the film opening of the film. Document how they support the genre and storytelling.  

Things like the film camera, the computer, and the tap water turning on helps to establish the tone, atmosphere, and themes of the film, while also providing essential context for the audience to engage with the story and characters. 

 

 

7. Acting  

1. What is the acting in the film? 

The acting in "Glass" is the cast delivering strong performances that enhance the overall impact of the film 

2. What are the elements of the acting?  

In order to communicate David Dunn's power, resiliency, and drive, the portrayal of the character in "Glass" mostly relies on physicality. Bruce Wills (actor who plays as David) is depicted as an imposing figure, with Willis using his body language and posture to communicate Dunn's sense of authority and presence. Dunn, for instance, exudes confidence and resolution when he stands straight and wears a determined expression. Willis's physical prowess lends credence to Dunn's extraordinary qualities, including his remarkable endurance and strength. 

 

 

Elements	Definitions	How do the acting elements define meaning from the character and support the film’s genre?
		Document the acting elements of the chosen character.	Indicate the signs and connotations that support the genre.
Appearance
Facial expression
Body Language: Gestures, posture, and body contact.
Vocal qualities: Tone of voice, accent, the pace of speech.
Personality
Role
Actions	The role of the character determines expected acts.

 

3. Based on your understanding of casting, do you think the actors selected to play the film's characters were good choices? List (2) actors and (2) reasons why? (Support your answers using the appearance, facial expressions, body language, voice quality, fan base.) 

 

8. Costume, hair, and makeup. 

1. What is costume in a film? 

In film, costumes refer to the clothing and accessories worn by actors and actresses to portray their characters. 

2. What is hair and makeup in film? 

Hair and makeup in film refer to the styling, grooming, and application of cosmetics to actors and actresses to enhance their appearance and contribute to the overall visual aesthetic of the film. 

3. List 3 genre factors that influenced the costume design in this film? 

Superhero  

Thriller  

Physiological drama  

 

4. Give a general description of the costumes used in the film in the table below.  Select main character. 

Images	Document visual signs by observing the time period, character’s station (social standing), sense of place, color, tone, style, etc.)	What does the costume indicate about the character, setting, and purpose of the story?
Hair and makeup
Costume

 

9. Color 

1. What is the definition of color in the film? 

color refers to the use of shades and tones to create visual compositions that convey mood, atmosphere, and meaning. 

2. Indicate how color was used in the opening of the film. E.g., setting, lighting the scene and characters, costumes, etc. In the opening of the film, color would likely have been used strategically to set the tone, establish the mood, and introduce key themes and characters. 

Codes	Meaning
setting
lighting
The set design (décor and props)
Costume, makeup, and hair
Character

 

3. How does color support the film genre? (Look at the tone of the setting, characters, etc.) 

Color plays a crucial role in supporting the genre by setting the tone, enhancing the atmosphere, and reinforcing key themes throughout the film.  

 

10. Composition 

1. Define composition in film. 

Composition in film refers to the arrangement of visual elements within the frame of a shot. 

2. Define blocking in film. Document an example in the film opening and why did the producer direct the characters.  

Blocking in film is the exact choreography of actor’s movements within a scene, In the opening scene of "Glass," blocking is used effectively to establish the tone, atmosphere, and themes of the film. 

An example can be found when one of the characters can be seen hitting someone from the air. 

 

 

•  Define framing in film. Document an example in the film opening and why did the producer direct the characters.  

Framing in film refers to the process of composing the visual elements within the camera frame's boundaries, In the opening scene of "Glass," the producer directs the characters with precise framing to establish the tone, atmosphere, and themes of the film. 

 

3. Define depth of field. Document an example in the film opening and why did the producer direct the characters. 

Depth of field in film talks about the range of distances within the scene that appear acceptably sharp and in focus, the producer likely directed the characters to utilize depth of field to enhance the visual storytelling and create specific effects. 

 

11. Lighting 

1. What is the lighting in the film? 

The film has different types of lighting like ambient lighting, symbiotic lighting, and atmospheric lighting.  

2. Document if the film opening established low-key or high-key lighting. 

The film opening establishes very low lighting. 

3. Select an image from the film opening to analyze. What type of lighting is used? How is lighting used in the opening of the film, and what tone does it communicate meaning? 

 

The film opening starts with very low lighting, the light is showing our first character and the tone of it communicates the characters intensions/state of mind. 

 

 

12. Tone  

1. What is the tone in the film? 
   The tone of the film can be described as suspenseful, dark, and psychological. 

2. What type of tone was created in the film, and what mise en scene elements were used to make it and does it support the story and genre of the film opening? (Color, lighting, camera angle, setting, etc.) 

 

The tone created in the film "Glass" can be characterized as tense, and psychologically charge, the director utilizes various mise-en-scène elements to enhance this tone and support the story and genre of the film from the opening scene like, visual composition, set design, and sound design. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Part 6: Sound Codes 

1. Introduction  

2. How would you describe the sound in the opening sequence and what were the decisions made by the sound engineer to support the genre of the film. 

3. Provide examples from the dialogue, music and sound effects in the sequence. 

Sound Techniques and definitions	Document sound	Meaning established by sounds to support the genre.
Dialogue	“Who would like a PB&J sandwich? You do.” “Oh sh*t, oh no…” The first line shows the psychotic and sick nature of the main character, with the second line showing the fear in his victims.	It makes the tone tense and scary to add to the thriller tone.
Sound effects	The footsteps of the main character and the thud of the guys body onto the wall.	It emphasizes the unnerving side of the movie’s thriller genre.
Music	The title card has a suspenseful beat that leads into the next scene	It is very tense, but colorful at the same time, adding to the nerve-racking tone of the psychological thriller genre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulation!  

You have completed Research Part 6: Sound Codes  

 

 

Add the blog title. 

Research Part 6: Sound Codes  

Posting date. 

02/07-02/08/2024 

 

 

End of Research