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.