Credit Sequences

 Credit sequences play an important role in reinforcing genre conventions and setting the emotional tone of a film. In coming of age comedies, credits often feel playful, nostalgic, or personal. My credits will be integrated into the actual setting of my film, with props, displayed in creative ways.

In Juno, the opening credits use animation and indie music. The hand drawn visuals reflect Juno’s creativity and individuality, reinforcing the theme of self expression. This credit sequence immediately tries to show that the film will be both funny and heartfelt. I like the usage of the hand drawn visuals, because it builds on he characters and their development, which is something I also want to do.

The credit sequence of Napoleon Dynamite uses stop motion visuals and everyday teenage objects. The handmade aesthetic mirrors make the playful and childish feel stronger, helping the audience connect emotionally with the main character before the dialogue begins.

                                                                                  

Mid90s features minimalist credits with grainy visuals and music from the time that the film is set in, which sets the tone of the film. While not as comedic as the others, this sequence also establishes authenticity and nostalgia, both common elements in coming of age films, as seen in the other film openings I have researched and spoken about. Across all three examples, credit sequences act as a bridge between audience and story, reinforcing genre through style and sound.

Production Schedule!!

 

This is my schedule for my project, and all of my elements I will make to lead up to the completion of my blog and my film opening!

Week 1 – Research & Planning

• Genre research and blog posts
• Narrative planning and script drafting
• Finalization of  idea for film opening

Week 2 – Pre-Production

• Finalize script
• Location scouting (school/home environments)
• Casting and costume planning
• Equipment preparation
• More blog postings

Week 3 – Super pre production

• Create costuming
• Storyboarding
• Set date for filming 
• Get friends to film with and help with production
• Buy/ make any extra needed props
• Pick music

Week 4 – Filming and production

• Filming 
• Beginning of editing
• Create soundscape
• Match chosen Music

Week 5 – Editing and finalizing production

• Final cut and color correction
• Export final film opening
• Finalize editing and make final touches

Week 6 – CCR Production

• Plan CCR responses
• Record CCR videos/audio
• Edit and finalize CCR submissions

Genre Film openings

 Film openings are crucial because they immediately introduce the audience to the tone, genre, and main themes. In coming-of-age comedy films, openings often combine humor with character info or background knowledge. Mine however is going to begin with the look of a horror film, with a comedic twist to create irony.

The opening of Napoleon Dynamite (2004) uses a montage of everyday objects such as food, notebooks, and school supplies. This simple yet quirky opening reflects the awkwardness of adolescence and establishes the film’s offbeat comedic tone. The lack of dialogue allows the audience to focus on visual storytelling and sets expectations for a character-driven narrative. I like this style because it sets the tone of the messy or clumsy/ unorganized nature of teenagers.

In Lady Bird (2017), the opening scene shows an emotional conversation between Lady Bird and her mother during a car ride. Although it's not super comedy centered or funny, the scene includes natural humor through dialogue and conflict, which kind of builds on the common funny nature of teenagers. This opening immediately introduces the strained parent-child relationship, I really love how this intro is more of a natural and universal situation that could happen or could have happened to many people, teenagers or now adults.

The opening of Booksmart (2019) begins with fast pacing and energetic music, showing the protagonists waking up and preparing for school. This creates a youthful, comedic atmosphere while quickly establishing character dynamics and social status. I enjoy the best friend part of this intro, where my intro will also revolve around the dynamics of close friendship, in a way that is kind of personal to me but also similar to other people's experiences.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

 Another genre I am considering is comedy. The typical target audience for comedy films is mostly everybody, unless they are meant specifically for adults. In my case I would be focusing on the comedy fair for all ages but mainly for teenagers and older. Some content genre conventions typically used in comedy are satirical interpretations and jokes that relate throughout the story or are part of developing a character/group. Comedy movies rely heavily on editing, with quick cuts and constant change of shots and angles to develop perspective and understanding for the viewer. One film that represents comedy that is meant for the more broad audience of people is “Barbie”, which has jokes and dialogue meant for all ages and audiences, as well as the production itself visually enjoyable for all.

Portfolio Genre #1

 One of the genres I am exploring for this project is coming of age. The typical target audience is primarily teenagers and middle aged adults. Coming of age films typically follow stereotypes and use different universal experiences in their stories to be more relatable and recognizable to a specific audience, typically within a certain social class. One content convention typically used in coming of age films is the shots up close and personal to one specific main character throughout the story, with other characters usually having a direct impact on the main character. One technique that could be used well in this film genre and is typically used is POV shots and and close ups to the character, as well as making the editing with fast paced constant shots. A film that represents the genre coming of age well is “you are so not invited to my bat mitzvah” , where it has its main focus on one teenage girl, and her life during an important turning point for her and her family. Another technically coming of age tv show is “Euphoria” where it covers more deep topics and experiences many teenagers and current adults can relate to.