Genre research (Sci-Fi) 3

        Continuing with preliminary genre research, it's best to be well rounded on greatly different genres so, on the other side of Biographical memories, lies Fiction and the world of fantasy. Thus, the next genre we'll focus on is Science Fiction, or more famously known as Sci-Fi. Nypl.org's 'Beginner's guide to Science Fiction' goes into detail about the structure and range of Sci-fi. The guide states, "science fiction either explores mankind's relationship with technology/scientific advancements, or uses science fiction frameworks to present social commentary". 

Jurassic Park (1993) (Mankind's relationship with science)

        One of the simplest ways to explain the troupe, mankind's relationship with scientific advancements, is by watching Jurassic Park, specifically by watching the extract above. For some background context, the film is about a theme park where genetically cloned dinosaurs are brought back to life, however, the park fails due to arrogance of trying to control nature/science. This plot directly relates to the troupe because it:

1.Propses an ethical question about science (shown in extract)

2. Relied on technology to stay safe

3. Shows innovation gone wrong

The Empire Strikes Back (1980) (science fiction frameworks to present social commentary)

        The other type of Science fiction troupe is when a film offers frameworks that present social commentary. Meaning that the main focus is critiquing real-world social, political, or cultural issues using fictional worlds. This is shown in the extract because we see the Empire having a large military force while the rebels are outnumbered. This represents military suppression that was relevant at the time (Nazi Germany and the United States). This is done all while presenting fiction elements like lasers, being on a planet (Hoth), and alien species.

        Overall, science fiction either centers around the consequences of scientific advancements or it uses hypothetical settings/periods to critique existing structures.

Genre research (Biopic) 2

         Genre. The act of describing setting, narrative, and conventions to viewers in many different styles. In order to have a successful film, it's vital that I preliminary research on genre types so I can understand what to include. In hopes of making this insanely broad category more specific, lets take a look at my personal favorite genre and films within that genre. By doing this, we can see the styles and techniques commonly used to accurately convey a specific genre. The genre we'll be focusing on today is Biographical Pictures, better known as Biopic's. Nofilmschool.com, an educational site written by filmmakers, states that a Biopic "is a film that tells the story of the life of a non-fictional or historical person." The limits for this genre are extremely vast and can include the story of presidents, athletes, and my personal favorite, musicians. However, there are some key characteristics of Biopic's repeated throughout them all. These can include flashbacks, relevant music/soundtracks, and rise to fame.

Walk the Line (2005) (flashback)

As shown in the example above, flashbacks used in Biopics are most commonly found in the beginning of the film and set the stage for the life to come. These flashbacks show details from a persons early life prefiguring the events they will soon be known for. This is exemplified in "walk the line" when young Johnny cash is shown grieving his brothers death. If you're familiar with the film, you would know that this event racked Johnny with guilt, which he escaped through playing the guitar and writing music.

Braveheart (1995) (rise to fame)
The 'rise to fame' troupe is extremely vital in a biography because it builds the emotional peak that was caused from previous trauma or hardships. In the extract above, William Wallace is starting to get recognition for his excellence and he is spreading his wisdom. Future events build off of his bravery and impact the rest of the story.

A Complete Unknown (2024) (relevant music/soundtracks)

The addition of specific songs/melodies at specific moments in a biopic can be crucial when accurately describing a scene. Nofilmschool.com also explains how including a decade appropriate soundtrack can elevate the films representation of the figures era. This is displayed in the extract above when Bob Dylan performs his new song, 'The Times They Are A-Changin'. Before this, he was considered a niche folk singer, and after, he was known as Bob Dylan, a mainstream icon. This is also shown through the lyrics of the song rather than the performance. Though the audience in the film may of not known it yet, Dylan was actively changing the face of folk music by including the message of social change.

Overall, I now understand the troupes and conventions needed to accuracy convey a Biographical genre. 

Hello World! 1

        Hello and welcome to Maverick Media, a blog where we discuss my personal experince while directing a film opening. Together, we'll go through the ups and downs of creating original media and what it really takes to direct a high school film project. But before we jump straight into research, lets take a step back and discuss how I got here. 

        When I was 6 years old, my dad placed the movie Labyrinth into our DVD player. That day, I sat there watching David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly act in one of their most well known productions. Labyrinth was one of the very first films I watched as a kid, and it ultimately led to my love for film and other forms of media. I enjoy media mainly because it impacts every aspect of my life. When it comes to other types of media besides film, I’ve always loved photography. In 2016, I went on a family vacation in Alabama. On this vacation, my dad handed out bright pink cameras to all the kids and said that “whoever takes the best pictures wins candy!”. And yes, I won. So, even though the only incentive was a lollipop, I looked for every single angle and object that caught my eye and took pictures. Ever since this one vacation, I’ve grown very fond of photography and everything that comes with it.

Image I took on vacation