Introduction to Film-making #2

In the morning session of Introduction to Film-making, we created synopsis' using 'story grids'. By picking coordinates at random, we were given a character, a place and a scenario. At first, we chose randomly. Then we did another but choosing our own. I found it easier to write a story when we chose them randomly. 

We then looked at Genre and Mise-en-scene. I learnt that in early cinema, there was two genres- documentary and drama. Later, drama evolved into melodrama but without sound. Then with the invention of sound in cinema, the musical was born. Genre's depended on social, cultural and economic factors in early cinema, for example, escapism from the war. Drama offered this escapism.

Genre is often a paradox as audiences want something familiar each time, but also something different so it is not just the same film. 

http://cleowho.tumblr.com/post/74527408418/you-step-on-a-butterfly-martha-asking

• Spectator- cinema watcher
• Viewer- other media

Mise-en-scene acts as 'foreplay'- before the real pleasure of the narrative. It should not draw attention to itself (unless it is a parody).