Final Cut Of Our Opening Sequence

This below is our final opening sequence. I am very proud of the work me and my team has produced.

Audience feedback on rough cut.

Here are some of our questionnaires based on the feedback for our rough cut. We aimed to use a majority of closed-ended questions in order to gain an overall collated decisive research results to analyse. 

Narrative in our opening sequence.

Narrative in our opening sequence:

There are various narrative techniques in which we will use in our opening sequence. An example of a technique we will use is following Todorov’s narrative structure theory; this allows a clear and structured narrative to flow throughout the opening sequence. This helps the narrative to develop and engage the target audience more effectively, connoting the storyline is interesting. We have followed this theory due to the fact that at the start of our opening sequence it is calm and collective while it builds-up the ‘atmos’ within the room for the first minute and a half. This represents the first stage of Todorov’s theory, which is the equilibrium element. The stage progresses into the disruption aspect of the theory as the fight scene occurs in our opening sequence. Again, this helps the demographic to understand the narrative better because it follows a similar structure.

Furthermore, another narrative technique we have incorporated into our opening sequence has been the use of Vladimir Propp’s character types theory. We have mirrored this theory because we want to reiterate the fact that audiences are more comfortable with media texts that seem familiar. This links in with Steve Neale’s genre theory because it suggests that audiences enjoy specific texts as they represent repetition of genre elements. And this is exactly what were doing by offering our target audience something to relate to by implemented particular narrative techniques. We have included Vladimir Propp’s character type theory due to the fact that we have represented the protagonist very clearly because the build-up revolves around him. He is considered as a ‘hero’. In addition we have connoted the antagonist of the opening sequence (the opponent boxer) as a ‘villain’ because they have an intense fight during the boxing match. Also, the coach denoted in our opening sequence is represented as a ‘donor’ and ‘helper’ because he offers the protagonist advice and support. Therefore, we have followed this theory as we connote these particular character types.

Accordingly, we have made these character types clear within our opening sequence throughout because of generic elements of what these character types roles are conventionally. For example: the ‘helper’ offering advice and the ‘hero’ being connoted as the protagonist. Ultimately, the use of narrative techniques has helped the audience to gain a better understanding of the narrative itself in order for the opening sequence to appeal.

Communicating the genre of our text.

Communicating the genre of our text:

The genre will be communicated to our audience through the use of genre signifiers and technical elements. The genre will be signified by incorporating various codes such as, action and enigma codes. Also, technical elements, for instance: camera angles, sounds, editing transitions and the mis-

en-scene.

Signifying the genre to the audience can be achieved by using particular codes like action and enigma codes. Action codes help signify the genre because they aid the dramatic element in which our opening sequence is connoting. An example of an action code we implemented was the stage directions of the protagonist shadow boxing. This builds-up the atmosphere and action aspect of the opening sequence, which in turn communicates the genre to the audience. Also, the use of enigma codes as well, will assist the communication of genre to the audience. For instance: in our opening sequence dialogue was used in order to connote an enigma within the narrative and signify an enigma code. The coach said to the protagonist, “you know what you’re fighting for”. This connotes what happened in the past and audiences ask themselves, what his he fighting for? Therefore, this links in with Roland Bathes Code theory which suggests media texts contain certain codes that guide the audience into understanding the narrative and genre. Accordingly, the genre was communicated through the use of codes signifying specific elements.

Furthermore, the implication of technical elements has indeed helped communicate the genre to our target audience. The use of the camera can connote the genre through the various types of angles shot. Considering our genre includes a biographical aspect the camera angle used to shoot the ‘silhouette’ scene connotes the real life element.  This is due to the fact that the scene is so impactful it makes the active audience think about the protagonist’s journey and story. Moreover, the dialogue included when the coach says to the protagonist, “you know what you’re fighting for”. This signifies the biographical aspect because it is relating to his past. Also, the over the shoulder shot of the protagonist looking in the mirror connotes the dramatic element of our genre because the facial expressions on the protagonists face signify the determination and ambition he possesses.

In addition, there is one crucial diegetic sound effect during the fight scene. The intense breathing of both the protagonist and antagonist; this signifies the immensity and intensity of the action codes implemented within the opening sequence. Therefore, this simple sound effect communicates the action aspect of the genre. This does potentially link into Roland Bathes Code theory because it suggests that codes, such as action, helps audiences interpret a better understanding of the narrative. Also, the non diegetic music featured in the opening sequence is an outstanding track due to the fact that it intensifies and builds-up the atmosphere within the room for the audience. In a way, this does communicate the genre to the audience because it adds a dramatic element to the opening sequence and signifies the drama part of this hybrid genre.

The editing transitions are an important aspect of this opening sequence as they control the flow of the narrative. During the stages of the opening sequence building-up (through the use of music, mis-en-scene and camera work) we incorporated cross dissolves in order to not only slow the pace down but to enable the audience to connect with this opening sequence. This potentially allowed the genre to be communicated because it contributes to the drama aspect of the opening sequence by enabling the audience to feel its impactful features. Also, through the duration of the fight scene, frequent short takes were implemented in order to speed the pace of the narrative up and make it more dramatic and exciting for the audience. Cutting from one shot to another rapidly allowed the fast-paced editing to take place and ultimately encourage the active audience to feel the intensity. Accordingly, this does communicate the genre of our text to the audience because it adds to the action-packed dramatic element of our opening sequence.

Furthermore, the mis-en-scene creates the visuals for the audience and this is extremely important. The make-up of the mis-en-scene consists of various elements, such as: locations, costumes, font etc. The location is crucial as it sets the mood and environment of the film for the audience; but not only that, it does indeed communicate the genre to the demographic. Our hybrid genre includes the sporting category in it and a sub-genre of boxing. Conventionally in boxing films a boxing ring and changing room is featured, therefore we chose these locations in order to develop our understanding of the generic conventions according to the representation behind this. It represents the genre aspects and communicates that with the audience in our text. Also, the costumes as well are an important element to consider as it represents the personality of certain characters and could possibly relate to audiences. According to Vladimir Propp’s character types theory because it suggests audiences relate to particular characters; whether it would be the hero (conventionally the protagonist) or the villain (typically the antagonist). These costumes do in fact communicate the genre to the audience because, through the representation of personalities, this demonstrates specific themes within the genre and therefore it is easy to identify what the genre could be.

Font is another potential aspect of an opening sequence whereby you can establish what the genre could be. For example: the use of modern, block capitals connotes the genre is based around aggressive yet determined behaviour possibly. This signifies an action-packed sporting genre which is exactly what I have done with my opening sequence. Therefore, this communicates the genre to the audience effectively. In fact using this type of font is a generic convention of these film categories, for instance: both Raging Bull and Rocky both contain block capitals in their title credits.

Representation in films of that genre

Representation in films of that genre:

Our opening sequence is a hybrid genre with a combination of a British biographical drama and an action-packed boxing sub-genre. The stereotypical representation of certain characters within our opening sequence are represented and connoted through various technical elements, such as: the narrative, camera, editing, sound and mis-en-scene.

The differentiation in gender stereotypes is connoted through the use of various camera angles and movement. In our genre males are represented as the masculine, powerful and brave characters because conventionally men are the only boxing characters in this genre. This is signified to the demographic through potentially the use of a low-angle shot in order to connote the stereotypes surrounding this figure – often the protagonist. Whereas women, in terms of the context, are conventionally represented as weak, submissive and subservient in this particular genre. This links in with Laura Mulvey’s Feminist theory whereby women are only represented as ‘an object to be cared for’.

Another important aspect of representation in films of different genres is a different ethnic group. White people are stereotypically represented as the more dominant and powerful characters which in turn, connotes they will always win - in our case the boxing match! This is executed through the use of the mis-en-scene and the facial expressions directed at these ethnic minorities in this genre. What the ethnic minorities costume set up may connote them as being subservient. However in our opening sequence we challenge these conventional boundaries due to a character categorised in an ethnic minority group knocking out the white, male protagonist. Therefore, we have incorporate unconventional elements within our opening sequence.

In addition, different social classes are very dependent on the genre. Working class people are represented in this type of genre through the narrative and possible enigmas. The reason behind this is because the stereotype surrounding people from this social class are often aggressive. They express their anger in the boxing ring. The narrative is conventionally connoted through the use of sound and dialogue. For example: our script illustrates the coach saying to the protagonist, “you know what you’re fighting for”. Accordingly, social class does reflect the genre.

Furthermore, the ranges of ages within this genre are conventionally younger as they are stereotypically viewed as possibly aggressive and very fit and healthy. The age bracket is represented through the use of potentially editing. Including a fast-paced editing technique when representing young people will reflect their lively and active stereotypical behaviour, especially when doing sport like boxing.

Moreover, when shooting a film in a sporting genre, when it comes to disability more ‘able’ characters are conventionally represented in this particular genre; because it connotes them as more competent, equipped and cut out for the role when playing the part.  

Research Into Genre

Research Into Genre:

The genre me and my group intend on working with regarding our opening sequence is an intense, action-packed biographical drama. The reason behind this is due to the fact that it is based on true story signified through the motivational speech at the start of the opening titles from the boxers (the protagonist) point-of-view. It is also extremely dramatic because the backing track featured builds the atmosphere in the room. Accordingly, it is a biographical drama. In addition, our opening sequence could perhaps be a sub-genre as well due to the fact that it revolves around boxing. Therefore, the sub-genre would be boxing and the genre would be sport. Combine the two together and you have a boxing biographical drama. Due to this information, our opening sequence is therefore a hybrid genre – a mix between the biographical drama and the sub-genre of boxing.

The generic conventions of the sound used in these types of films include the aspect of perhaps breaking the fourth wall by incorporating dialogue aimed directly at the audience. This is exactly what we plan on doing through the use of a motivational speech at the start to not only connect with the audience but also connote that the opening sequence is based on a true story and therefore biographical – hence the genre chosen. In addition the fact that potentially breaking the fourth wall through the use of the speech can encourage the audience to sympathise, empathise and possibly relate to. This therefore links in with Rick Altman’s genre theory because considering the syntactic elements, the emotional themes of empathy enables the audience to relate. Also, the music track we are going to use is called ‘State Of Mind’. It is an intense, tension-building and atmospheric track that enables the ‘atmos’ within the room to build up suspense to what is going to happen next. This allows for the narrative to progress and the flow of the opening sequence is enhanced. 

Another convention of our chosen genre is what is displayed in the mis-en-scene. There are various elements that are incorporated into the mis-en-scene, for example: props, costumes and the colour on screen. The conventional props used would be boxing equipment such as, gloves, boxing shoes, water bottle etc. Accordingly, boxing equipment should be used in our opening sequence in order to make the sequence appear professional and legitimate. Also, costumes are a big focus because they give each character their sense of style and audiences really pick up on that. Generic costumes found in a boxing film would be fairly dark colours in comparison to a comedy, connoting the ruthlessness signified in competition. Costumes may consist of robes when warming up, the proper shoes used by boxers; including shorts and boxing gloves. This breaths life into any piece of media text if it looks professional and that is exactly our aim. Furthermore, the location must reflect your genre and narrative; conventional locations of a boxing genre would obviously include a boxing ring but potentially locations like changing rooms, gyms etc. This really sets and determines the mood of the film because it represents the characters in a certain way. Therefore, we have to choose the correct location for our film. In addition the font used could be modern, block capitals in order to connote the resilience and strength boxers need to maintain. The font incorporated represents the characters in a particular light and must be done accurately, for example: ‘Raging Bull’ is a renowned boxing movie and features block capitals for its title. Furthermore, character types within the film our crucial into representing and signifying what genre it is. An example of a stereotypical boxing character would be either the boxing him/herself or even the coach. All the major characters must be represented as tough, strong and purposeful. These characteristics are generic traits of character types within this specific genre of movie. It sometimes even comes down to what their hobbies are, for instance: a group of characters may go to watch a match or go down the pub. Character types are extremely important regarding the representation of the genre.

One conventional director that often films in the sport / drama genre that works in symmetry to our film is Noel Clark. Noel directed films such as, ‘Kidulthood’ and ‘The Anomaly’ which are very similar to our opening sequence because of the British drama genre appeal. He is an inspiration to other directors in this genre category because he knows how to represent different aspects in different and effective ways. Also, conventional actors are important when representing genre. An example of a conventional actor who is typically associated with this genre is Jason Statham, due to the dramatic fighting elements he is in that could be considered a sport. He is a good actor when playing a certain role in this genre because he’s so good on camera when connoting the genre. He can represent the mis-en-scene in a particular way and really set the atmosphere due to his props and costumes but most importantly his facial expressions. All these elements can reflect the genre well and represent any connotations behind the film.

There are certain conventional themes that are tackled in this genre such as, avenging and revenge. Characters seem to know what they’re fighting for, whether that be physically fighting or fighting something that has been put upon them. Either way, there are unanswered questions at the start in order to engage the audience but characters are often out for revenge because of something that the audience don’t yet know about. These themes are typically connoted in this genre and are represented through enigma codes. Therefore, these conventional themes appeal to particular audiences due to the repertories of genre element used. This links in with Steve Neale’s Genre theory due to the fact that it suggests that audiences enjoy specific media texts because of the repetition of genre aspects. Thus audiences may enjoy these films because of conventional themes often used like avenging and revenge.

Specific audiences enjoy watching these types’ films because they often gain gratifications from the genre. According to Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications theory audiences would enjoy watching these types of genres because they mainly fulfil two ‘functions’. The audience would receive the sense of entertainment and identification because of the engagement aspect regarding the entertainment function. And identification because audiences who watch these types of genres could be able to relate, as it sparks interests and possibly memories.

There have been various famous examples over the years of films in this genre. Potentially one the biggest franchise of films is ‘Rocky’.