The Split screen

One of the ideas I liked from what I've researched from the beginning was incorporating a slip screen to introduce two characters. 

I watched a couple of videos to get myself familiarized. Here is what caught my interest.

Video Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDJ-q2Q2X9I

This way of using the split screen is exactly how I envision the film opening, playing with colors to show the different perspectives of each character's life, feellings and thoughts. 

This way shows the internal experience of a character. I think we could also use this technique to help the audience understand what the character is going through.

In the video is explained that this type of split screen is used to show both of the characters' connection to one another while being in different places.

I think all these different types of split screens will help us tell the context of our film in the time that we have. I don't know if combining these types of split screens will look heavy and tiring for the audience, so that is also something we have to discuss with our teacher.

Psychological Romance Genre Analyzation

This week, my partner and I decided to do a psychological romance genre film. Now that we have chosen our genre, we are going to analyze other film openings to get inspiration for our project. We already have an initial idea, but seeing these film openings opens our minds to specific elements that tell the audience what type of movie it is. 

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) film opening showed the life of the main character and how he feels miserable after a heartbreak. He seems to be traveling in a train and arriving at a beach where the female lead is introduced. The techniques used in this opening tell the audience what genre and type of film this is. Some things that were appealing to me were the use of color grading and color theory, as I said before in previous blogs, I want to integrate color into my film opening. I think this film is a great example of doing so, and it was surprising to me that they used it at the beginning of the movie to introduce the female character (Clementine). At the end of the excerpt, we can see Clementine in the distance, but even though she is far away, she is wearing an orange jacket; compared to the rest of Joel's(male lead) world, she is like a ray of color in a world of sadness. This makes the audience know that she is going to be an important person in his life, especially when Joel is narrating his feelings to the audience. I also found it interesting that the shots were not that complicated in a way, for example, some of the shots are handheld and sometimes appear shaky, it kind of feels like you are following the character's life in a documentary type of way. After doing some research on that, yes, it is intentional to mimic the idea that you are in a memory; after all, that is what the movie is all about: memories.

                                                                                                                

Soooo, guess what, Cambridge, it's really hard to find psychological romance films. But anyhow, Vanilla Sky (2001) kind of falls into this category in the sense that the male character questions nature, reality, and his feelings with a woman. The film's opening had some similar aspects in camera techniques as to Eternal Sunshine of the Spottles Mind, they both use that handheld and distortion look when the audience has to understand the charcters feelings. What was interesting about this opening was the way we can learn about who this character is without the need for dialogue or a narrative. When the male character takes off a piece of hair, which is most likely a gray hair, we learn that he wants to look perfect. We can actually see by his facial expressions that he is a little mad about that piece of grey hair. In the film's opening, we did not get to see the female character, but we did get to see a little bit about what this movie is about. At the end of the opening, we learn that the whole moment he was dreaming about waking up and getting ready to go on his day. This also leaves the audience intrigued. I can confirm for myself, I have not watched this movie, but after seeing the opening im intrigued about what is to happen next.

her (2013), the film opening for this movie was very interesting, I was interested in how it was only filmed in one location, and it looked like a single one take. With so little movement, the audience can tell this film is about artificial intelligence and love. Also, out of the three film openings I have discussed, this is the first one to include the title! and at the beginning too. The font and lowercase used for the title were a specific choice to show intimacy and softness. The font chosen gives the vibe of a person's writing, which is what the AI is trying to do: replace human characteristics. I think this film is very simple and straightforward, with its theme of this film. This is a great example to take inspiration from for my film opening.

Reflection:

Honestly, I did not expect it to be this hard to find films that are fully in the psychological romance genre; now that I compare these, they are more of a psychological sci-fi genre. But for our film opening, we don't want to do that, as it will take a lot of editing and other elements, so we want to stick to real-life situations. For me, the film I took most inspiration from was Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This opening illustrates both character problems (hence the psychological element) and the other character who is going to light up the world of the main character (hence the romance). And I think the techniques of camera work, editing, and color grading are elements that we can incorporate in our film opening to tell the audience what type of film they are diving into. 

Film Opening Project Schedule

 This is going to be the schedule we are going to use to develop the film opening.

Schedule

1. Research:

• Research and analyze film openings of chosen genre.
• Audience, color schemes, and how to develop a character within an opening
• Mise-en-scene and font of title and credits 

2. Planning:

• Define plot of the film and characters 
• Think about how to tell context and character development through opening
• Find music
• Scripting and storyboarding
• Prop/set design/costuming
• Camera equipment
• Find actors and crew members
• Define location and schedule time to shoot

3. Production

• Filming (check everything is checked of list above)
• Record foley
• Record voice over (if needed)

4. Editing

• Editing footage 
• Incorporate title and credits 
• revise project with partner and teacher 

5. Critical and Creative Reflection

• Research information relating to reflection
• Create the reflection
• Edit and review CCR

Timeline

Week one: (1/26-2/1)

• Make schedule of development
• Research/analyze three film openings of chosen genre
• Research/ discuss three credit sequences from films within chosen genre 
• Research how to use color in a deeper level

Week two: (2/2-2/8)

• Reflection post about group meeting #1
• Research a media theory to incorporate to film opening
• Summary of plot/main idea and major inspiration 
• Storyboard and scripting

Week three: (2/9-2/15)

• Plan character how to develop character
• Plan mise-en scene
• Plan how to do audio (foley)
• Finalize location and time to film

Week four: (2/16-2/22)

• How to develop lighting schemes
• Create company logo
• Filming
• Behind the scenes 

Week five: (2/23-3/1)

• Edit and incorporate edit techniques
• Add sound (foley and other sound effects)
• Research for first question of CCR

Week six: (3/2-3/8)

• Research for second question of CCR
• Research for third question of CCR
• Research for four questions of CCR
• CCR production ideas

Week seven: (3/9-3/17)

• Post the production of CCRs
• Post about editing of CCRs
• Post with final reflection on project
• Post CCR and film opening links

Let's begin!!

It is happening! I'm both excited and nervous, we have 7 weeks to finish this project; I will keep you updated every week with my progress. I hope you are ready to dive in into the creation of my film opening. See you soon!

Portfolio Project Genre #2

Another genre that I'm interested in is fiction, more specifically dystopian. I think these types of films are so interesting beacuse it deals with real world situation and fears of society that could happen in real life. I love the mix of real-world situations, working together with powers and technology components. 

What makes the fiction/dystopian genre?

What makes the fiction/dystopian genre special is that according to How to Write a Dystopian Movie or TV Show, they say, "Dystopian movies typically feature a government or ruling authority that exercises extreme control over its citizens." This attracts audiences between the ages of 12 and 30. People love dystopian films because the audience can see what would happen if this and that happened. 

 Content

• The person/organization in control suppresses society and manipulates citizens

• Guards, military, or some kind of surveillance that indicates that the people/citizens don't have power or freedom.

• Prohibited protest, images, books, religions, beliefs. Everything is regulated by the people in control. 

• Often shows a drastic difference and justice for the high, middle, and lower classes.

• The environment or atmosphere usually seems deteriorated and destroyed by the control group over the years, usually in a big city 

• The main character takes action and contradicts the control group

Source for convection content (more)

Technical

• A lot of low-key lighting is used to create a cold and dark atmosphere. Color schemes and grading establish the tone of the film. Dystopian films commonly use cold and neutral colors 

• Long establishing shots showcase the decaying landscapes.

• Tracking shot following the character's life in this world, showing how they see "normal" things that the audience might find peculiar compared to our real world.

• Editing techniques include straight cuts to switch from one scene to another, fades to show panic, and jump cuts show time progressing through the film

• Diegetic sounds are normally used to convey a realistic feeling, but nondiegetic sounds create suspense or action.

• Close-ups to focus on the emotion, most likely fear, and tilts to create tension.

Institutional

• The narrative image of dystopian films is demostrated trhough marketing before the film release and techniques that ensure the audience will see the stereotypes of the dystopian genre.

• The branding of the look of the movie, posters illustrate neutral color palettes of blues, gray,s and orange tones indicate the film's genre and informing the audience.

• The protagonist realises reality and wants to make a change, promising a rebellion

• Iconic brand symbols that the audience only associates with the film, for example, for Hunger Games is a Mockingjay.

• Marketing techniques: Marketing combines traditional billboards of decaying cityscapes with heavy social media engagement. One recent engaging marketing technique is having "rebel" or "government" accounts interact with fans, while media creators react to trailers and teasers.

• TikTok's trends like "survival POV" actor showing iconic hand symbols in videos, some actors have recreated dramatic cinematic moments from the film to engage the audience.

• Interactive media, like themed websites or a phone number that is shown in the movie, can include an experience or roleplay to make the audience feel they are in the dystopian world.
• Most institutions rate the film PG-13 to reach a larger audience of young adults.

MUST be included in my film opening

•  The setting, which sets the vibe/ mise-en-scene of the fiction/dystopian genre. For example, films can be set in decayed cities or a futuristic future. The goal is to see the corruption of this world, to immediately catch what is wrong and not normal in the real world.

• Costumes showing the type of world the film is set in, costuming plays an important role and can also be used to show how different the protagonist is from the rest of society, and how they adapt to the environment.

• Establish the control group and why they are in control, how ot impacts society as a whole, and relates to the main character's struggles.

• Color grading of blues, grays, and neutral cold tones to set the mood and tone of the film. (of course, this can change based on the story)

• Music that matches the environment, fast-paced/dark that builds suspense, some great examples are Skyfall by Adele and and Black out days by Phantogram, Future Islands. 

Writing Dystopia: The Keys to Crafting an ORIGINAL Dystopian Movie

 Some dystopian film examples and their openings:

 

film opening for The Hunger Games

film opening for Gattaca

These films embrace the dystopian genre, not using much dialogue and showing how the characters life is in this corrupted world. It is also demonstrated as normal or a daily routine; this is what the opening of Gattaca is about. Seeing what the male character is doing intrigues the audience because it's not a normal routine; we see all kinds of close shots of the process he is doing to get ready for the day. These suggest that the film is fiction and leaves the audience to wonder why this man is doing weird procedures. 

The Hunger Games is a little bit similar since we also see what a day in a life is for the character, but something interesting about this opening is that the establishment of the world is told in the beginning by text. This is a good technique and use of a narrative image since it establishes the world, and it's effective for the production since it might be hard to use dialogue and scenes to establish the world situation. 

For both openings, color grading of grey, blue, and neutral colors and low-key lighting are being used, which again indicates it is a cold, fictional story. 

Portfolio Project Genre #1

 To start brainstorming for my film opening project, I researched the genre of romance. I specifically love rom-coms, and I think it would not be as complicated as other genres. My partner and I discussed a little bit about a vision for a romance film opening, so here is my research. 

What makes the romance genre?

What makes the romance genre special is its connection with the audience. Most films might be seen as cliché or predictable, but according to The Romance Genre in Film and TV (Definition and Examples), they say, "its enduring popularity speaks to its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds." Though they say romance connects with everyone, it's typically women between the ages of 16 and 35. 

Content

• The audience must be able to identify the protagonist, love interest, antagonist, best friend, or sidekick who is right by the protagonist's side

• Sound and music in rom-com films are usually popular/well-known songs that complement the vibe of the film.

• The meet-cute is by far the most important element of a rom-com film, and it also introduces the main love interest.

• A unique situation where the characters have to spend more time together by choice, obligation, or anything really. This is where tropes come in, Fake dating, friends-to-lovers,s and more.

• The conflict/situation creates drama between the characters, and they part ways. Just before all hope is lost, a sweet grand gesture by one or both characters occurs; these are extreme actions of love.

• The moral of the story usually connects with the main character's conflict or a mistake they made

• Happy ending: the characters admit their feelings to each other, and they live happily ever after.

Source for convections content

Technical

• A lot of high-key lighting is used to create a bright and happy atmosphere. Color schemes and grading establish the tone of the film. Rom-coms commonly use warm and vibrant colors 

• Two-shots to illustrate chemistry, tracking shots when characters are having a conversation.

• Montages of the characters showing their time together, which is normally tied with a famous song, which makes the audience connect a certain song with the characters

• Cross-cutting to show the parallels of both of the characters' lives. (often used in beginnings) 

• Close-ups to focus on the emotions 

• Catchlights add depth and emotions, making the characters look bright and in love (more about how to use catchlights: what is a catchlight? )

Institutional

• The narrative image of rom-coms is based on posters, trailers, and press before the film comes out. Some elements might be the two leads and the visual text that addresses the trope of the film. For example, some might also include the big city in the background or the country elements to engage the audience.

• One of the most used marketing strategies is showcasing good chemistry between the main characters in social media, interviews, and press. This makes the audience excited to see their banter on screen.

• Some streaming platforms are using AI to change narrative images by analyzing consumers' behavior and recommending films that correlate with the consumers' likes. Robinson, J. (2025, December 23). Brand storytelling for 2026: Evolve, evolve, evolve. Adcom.

• Marketing techniques: billboards and social media. One recent engaging marketing technique is that media creators react to the film's trailers, teasers, and behind-the-scenes footage.

• TikTok's of romance audios, trends, and so many actors have recreated the iconic Titanic scene whenever they get a chance, which always creates a lot of audience engagement.

MUST be included in my film opening

•  The setting, which sets the vibe/ mise-en-scene of the romance genre. For example, films can be labeled as country-romance or big-city-romance.

• The audience must be able to identify the protagonist, love interest, antagonist, best friend, or sidekick who is right by the protagonist's side.

• Establishes an obstacle/conflict either between the characters or one of them.

• Usually starts showing the main character's life and shows their struggles and demonstrates that something is missing or rather someone... (wink, wink)

• Catchlights add depth and emotions, making the characters look bright and in love (more about how to use catchlights: what is a catchlight? )

• A lot of high-key lighting is used to create a bright and happy atmosphere. Color schemes and grading establish the tone of the film. Rom-coms commonly use warm and vibrant colors.

 Some rom-com film examples and their openings:

(click here to see the film opening)

(click here to see the film opening)

 

These films embrace the rom-com genre by using bright, warm, and vibrant colors. Upbeat songs are used to represent the vibe and tone of the film. The openings also establish the setting, and the audience learns a little bit about the character. For example, in Dirty Dancing, the main character narrates her life before the following events that will happen in the movie, letting the audience know that she is now a new version of herself. However, in the opening of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, the audience infers that the main character is a journalist due to the magazines and big letters demonstrating her name in the articles. 

Transitioning into...... Cambridge Portfolio Project!

 We are now transitioning to our portfolio project!!! From now on, my blog post will be about the development of my film opening. I will be posting about my research, planning, production, reflections, and more! I am excited to create this piece and put all my knowledge to work. Stay tuned for the next few weeks to see how I develop my ideas into life. These posts will also help me to keep track of my progress, and I will reference them as I'm working on the final project.  Ps: I will be working with a partner.

Let's start with what the purpose of a film opening is and what it should establish.

• Tone
• Main characters
• Conflict
• Setting
• Mystery/engagement
• Develop vibe/aura through technical elements

My initial plans after analyzing other film openings in class are:

• Playing with colors: color theory and schemes are such a wonderful way to tell a story. I am very much inspired by LaLa Land's expressive use of color in its opening and throughout its film. I could use color to establish tone and genre. I also think mise-en-scene is a very important element to incorporate context.
  
• McGovern, J. (2016, December 21). La La Land director breaks down the movie's amazing opening. Entertainment Weekly.

• Another important component of a film opening is the development of characters. One way I can develop character through color can be using colors to show their mood, which also helps me to reduce dialogue. Conflict can also be addressed to develop a character; what current situation they are in, the setting and time.

Baker, L. (2016, September 13). Manipulating the audience’s emotions with color. PremiumBeat.

A great film that I'm inspired by is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This film opens up with a cold hue and cold tones. One of the main characters, Joel, seems to be in a period of sadness and loss. The screen later shows Clementine wearing a vivid orange sweatshirt, this contrast the grey, sad world that Joel is experiencing. Telling the audience that she is someone important, and the vibrant colors portray her as the light in the void that Joel's character is living in. This film's opening establishes tone, character development, setting, and intrigues the audience to wonder how the story develops from there.

Link to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind film opening

Having all this into consideration, I will be researching what genre I will be doing for my film opening and how I can incorporate color into it. After choosing my genre, my partner and I will discuss our ideas together and develop an overall idea/plot of what the story is going to be about, and how to establish it in a film opening.