Genre Update and Action Conventions

After doing research on comedy films and their conventions, Hannah and I decided that having comedy as our main genre would be difficult to make clear in a title sequence. As a result, we decided to change our main genre to action and have a sub-genre of comedy. We believe that we would make a title sequence of the action genre better than one of comedy, which is the main reason we decided to change our original genre. Also, that the action genre would fit our pitch idea better.

Action Conventions:

Camera Angles, Shots, and Movements:

Angles: The angles actions movie use are eye level, high, and low. An eye level angle allows the audience to have a clear view of the characters' faces and reactions. High angles may be used to show that the person on screen has more power over the other. Low angles can be used to show that the person on screen is weaker or fearful than the other character.

Shots: The main shots used to the action genre are establishing shots and close ups. The establishing shots are often used to show the audience where the film is taking place. The close ups are usually used to better show the emotion of the characters. Over the shoulder shots are also often a part of the action genre and are used for conversations.

Movements: The main type of movement is a tracking shot. The tracking shot has many purposes in the action genre, but one of the more important reasons is to create the chasing scenes. The tracking shot also makes the audience feel as if they are a part of the chase scene.

Mis-En-Scene:

Costumes: A wide range of costumes are used in the action genre. Some of the costumes consist of business formal attire while others consist of simple casual clothing. It depends on the type of action movie and the situation. For example, if it is a spy action movie, the characters may wear nice, expensive clothing in order to get into fancy events to steal things. Another example is, if it is a superhero action film, the main character may be wearing a signature superhero outfit.

Lighting: The lighting in the genre usually consist of natural lighting and dark lighting. These films will also often use street lights as the only source of light in a scene to build suspense and more drama.

Acting: In the action genre the actors usually have to act very serious and brave because they are often put into dangerous situations. If the action movie includes a villain they would usually act threatening in order to create fear in the protagonist. If the film includes a victim they usually act scared and defenseless in order to portray someone who needs saving.

Makeup: The characters are usually wearing natural makeup; however, if the character gets hurt makeup is often used to create the illusion of them having bruises and cuts. It might also be used to enhance parts on the character's face. For example, using makeup to create dark circles underneath the eyes. Or it can be used to create scars on the characters.

Props: A range of props are utilize in the action genre. One of the main purposes for the props is to help build the intensity of the film and to make it more action packed. In order to do this props that are often used are guns, bombs, cars, knifes. Other props that may be included are files, computers, flash drives, and jewelry in order to create a more interesting story.

Set Design: The locations usually consist of well populated cities or isolated places. These cities often have very nice tall buildings with many cars in the street. The isolated locations can consist of anything from an abandoned warehouse to underground tunnels. These places are usually dirty and worn downed. Abandoned warehouses may have broken furniture and boxes inside. Other locations that can be found in action films are casinos, banks, police stations, or even fictional worlds.  

Sounds:

Action films make great use of scores and diegetic sounds. The scores' purpose is to make the scene more dramatic, suspenseful, and intense. For example, in chasing scenes the score may become louder and more fast paced to leave the audience on the edge of their seat. Diegetic sound is also often used to make the scene more dramatic. Usually, the diegetic sounds are very loud. For example, gun shots, car crashes, explosions, and objects breaking. This genre also includes dialogue.

Editing:
The editing used in the genre are action matches, jump cuts, reaction shots, and shot reverse shot. Action shots are often used during fight scenes and jumps cuts are usually used during chases. If something dramatic were to happen in the film, like a main character getting hurt, then a reaction shot may be used to show the other characters' reactions. A reaction shot may also be utilized with the shot reverse shot during character conversations.

Movie Examples:
1) Mission Impossible Series
2) Men in Black (1997)
3) Captain America: Civil War (2016)
4) Marvel's The Avengers Series