Interview Analysis

I gave out interviews to 10 females of varied ages from 17-51, to help me influence my film and get a better knowledge of what would keep my target audience interested and entertained. This analysis will help me break down the answers and gain a better perspective of what I need to include in my film to make it successful.

My first question I asked was “What do you like about romance films?” this may seem a simple question to ask, however this will give me a focus point, and a certain theme or mood I will need to lead my film to. Majority of the answers were; they make you feel good, they give you hope in finding true love or simply the good looking men. All of these aspects I will try and include into my short film and I think a good looking lead male is a vital part of creating a good romance film as this will be a main attraction to women. I also feel that making the watcher feel good is very important as this is a main point of watching a film, is to gain a certain feeling from watching certain films, and my intention is to make the audience feel good when watching my short film.

The next question I asked was “What is your favorite film within this genre?”, the reason for this was to just get a indication of the type of romance films these viewers watch e.g. date it is set, whether it is a romance comedy, a romance drama or just a simple romance film. The majority of results answered “The Notebook” and I think this is because it is an incredibly good film and does make you feel good. My next question was “What about this films appeals to you?” and I will look at the answers for “The Notebook” as this was the majority; one respondent commented on the fact it was set in the 40’s, another had discussed how we follow their relationship throughout the film, from the moment they met to the very end, and also the romantic scenes such as when they kiss in the rain and another respondent had said how the film makes you both happy and sad so the feelings can equal out each other. To get even more detail into why they like this film so much and how I asked the question “Are there any special techniques used in this film that makes it standout?” Two have commented on how going back from past to present is really good as it adds to the emotion as you can see them as an old couple, but also how they fell in love in the first place. You also follow their relationship throughout. The music used has also been commented on, by saying that it created most of the atmosphere and emotion involved in the film.

“What can be included in a scene to create emotion?” I asked this because I want to create an emotional and thought provoking film, all respondents have said music and lighting which is an obvious factor, which is something I will definitely add to my films. Someone had also mention adding romantic scenes such as “kissing in the rain.” Long pauses were also mentioned to add tension and build up an atmosphere.

“Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so how?” The reason I asked this was because I want to create a character that the audience will feel an attachment to, because this will create more emotion. All respondents have said that they get attached when you are introduced to their background and a story about their life. Other respondents have said If the character has a nice personality and also if you’re able to relate to them.

“What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?” I asked this just to get an idea of what sort of music to add into my short film, majority of respondents had said classic love songs, with a meaning and lyrics that link into the situation. Soft, love music has also been mentioned to create a light hearted but emotional atmosphere. Orchestral music was also mentioned, but I think this would only apply if I was creating a film that was set in a later such as the notebook that was based in the 40’s.

“Do you prefer happy endings, sad endings or cliff hangers? What are the reasons for your answer?” The majority of respondents have said that they don’t like cliff hangers as they have t know what the ending is. All have said they like happy endings as this is the purpose to a love story, to make you feel good once you have watched it.

“Do you prefer films that you can relate to, and why?” This wasn’t a very good question to ask as I will not be able to create a film that all my audience will be able to relate to as the age range is so vast. However, all 17 year olds have said they enjoy films they can relate to, as it makes it more emotional for them to watch. Whereas the respondents in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s have said they prefer watching films that can take them away from their own lives and their own reality. This will make creating my film a lot easier for character ages and situations.

“What would be a typical romance drama story line?”All respondents have said the conventional story line, of a couple falling in love, out of love and resolve the problem and fall in love again. This is completely conventional of a love story, however I may try and go against the convention or give my film a more interesting story line to make it more interesting and unexpected.

“What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?” The majority of respondents have said a busy place, or a casual place in a house. One respondent had discussed that they wouldn’t want a couple in an isolated environment as it wouldn’t seem realistic so this is something I will avoid. Many respondents had said about filming in the countryside as it has a romantic atmosphere to it, and I think this is something that would be appealing within a romance film.

“What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?”
All respondents expect a good looking male and female, as this is very conventional of a love story, because it adds to the attraction, however, one respondent commented on how they wish they would include more realistic characters as we wouldn’t feel like we have to live up to it.

Doing this analysis has really influenced my stories, how I would film that and what I would include. I have a clear image of what not to do, and what to do to create high emotion. I also know that I will have a happy ending to my film as all respondents enjoy watching romance films to make them feel good.

Film Ideas

Idea 1

Characters: Abbie. Josh. Extras

Abbie and Josh are a typical, young couple both at the age of 18, who are very much inlove and have been together for over two years. They are the very popular, friendly type of people that everyone loves and all of their friends love the relationships that Abbie and Josh share. I will show small snippets of their relationship so the audience can gain a good idea of the very strong, committed relationship that they have. However, a very rare occasion crops on when the couple have a very big argument, causing them to not talk to eachother for weeks. Josh eventually goes over to Abbies house to try and recolve the situation, but they end up arguing again and Josh storms out of the house, but is soon followed by Abbie. They get into Josh's car and as they are driving they are still arguing; makes Josh loose concentration and they crash. This causes very serious injuries to both Abbie and Josh, which leads to the death of the couple. However, to stop my short film from being too sad, I want to make the main focus of the film to be on Josh and Abbie in heaven. You see them happily in heaven together, they talk about how different heaven is to hoe they thought it would be etc. I won't have any relation of Abbie and Josh shown after the crash as this would create a lot of sad emotion and this is not something i want puruse in my film.
I want to have a voice over of Abbie through my film as I think this would add a more personal feeling to it, but i also think it would take away the sadness from the film as she can be casually talking about it and it won't be a sad subject for her. I haven't yet decided on whether i want to add comedy into my film or to keep it as a drama, this is something I will ask in my focus group.
I would really enjoy portraying heaven, and I think i could show this easily, although my idea my sound complex I think it is also doable. I believe that my idea is quite unique, because although there is death in my film it isn’t going to be sad. There are also films of one half of a partnership in heaven looking over the other half, however there are no films that include a couple in heaven together and I think this could be a nice story, because I can also give an idea that there is always life after death and I can make it a light hearted subject.

Idea 2
Characters: Rhys
Holly and Holly’s friends
Tara and her friend
Rhys, Holly and Tara all go to the same school and like all schools there is a very popular group; Holly and Rhys are part of the popular crowd at school and all of their friends think that they should be a couple. Holly is the stereo typical, snobby girl who thinks that she is better than everyone and she knows that she is the prettiest girl in the school, whereas Rhys is very down to earth, and although is part of the popular group he is the most friendly boy in the year who everyone loves. Tara is more of a quiet character who is part of the less popular group that keep themselves to themselves, she has known Rhys since she was a young girl at first school and they live opposite each other so they always end up walking the same way home so they talk to each other. Tara eventually realizes that she has developed some strong feelings towards Rhys but because of Holly, she feels that she can’t act on it, but every time Rhys speaks to Tara on the internet she feels that she still has hope to be with him. One night Tara and Rhys are talking over the internet when they begin to start talking more into their feelings towards relationships and Rhys’s feelings for Holly and he tells Tara that his true opinions of Holly are not what you would expect, and he would prefer a much more down to earth girlfriend. The conversation opens up into more depth and they being to flirt slightly and it becomes obvious to one another that they have feelings for each other without it being said. A few days pass and Tara see’s Rhys kissing Holly outside of her house and Tara is heartbroken and doesn’t talk to Rhys for a while and he tries to get attention from her over the internet, through text and even standing at his bedroom window hoping to see Tara in her window. They walk out of their houses at the same time by coincidence and Rhys convinces Tara to talk to him, they talk about their true feelings and all is resolved and Rhys chooses Tara over Holly.


Idea 3
Characters: Bianca Jane and David-Bianca’s parents
Liam
Bianca and Liam are two teenagers that lead very separate lives; Bianca comes from a very wealthy, upper class family that has very high values and expects a lot of Bianca. Whereas Liam comes from a less wealthy background, he doesn’t have a stable household, he lives with his mum who only has a part time job as a cleaner; there values and ambitions are very different to Bianca’s family. Liam and Bianca meet each other through mutual friends and soon get to know each other and very quickly fall in love. Bianca tells her parents that she has been seeing Liam and they invite Liam round to meet him, however, when they find out his back ground, and see his image they very much disapprove of Liam and tell Bianca that she is not to see him. This creates huge upset between the two, and offends Liam so he backs off and they become distant from one another for a long time. Bianca tells her parents how upset they have made her and ask them both to apologize and reconsider their decision; Bianca finally gets in touch with Liam and explains everything and her parents apologize to Liam. In the end we find out that Liam has been trying to turn his life around to be in Bianca’s life and they end up together, with the approval of her family.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

To help me further influence my film ideas, and how to appeal to my audience I asked 10 females these interview questions. I did this by sending them through facebook, and voice recording however I have written all results down so I am able to view these documents easily.

1. What do you like about romance films?
2. What is your favorite film in this genre?
3. What about this film really appeals to you and why?
4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?
5. What can be added to a scene to create emotion?
6. Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?
7. What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?
8. Do you prefer sad endings or happy endings?
9. Do you like films that you can relate to?
10. What would be a typical romance drama story line?
11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?
12. What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

RESULTS
Female, 17

1. What do you like about romance films?

They really make you believe men can be reasonable, for at least the duration for the film

2.What is your favorite film in this genre?

Love actually

3. What about this film really appeals to you and why?

It's funny and could be deemed to have a hint of realism.

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?

How all of the stories are entwined together

5.What can be added to a scene to create emotion?

Lots of rain and delicious men wearing white shirts

6.Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?

Yes, if they have a little 'story'

7.What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?

Powerful ballads or probably feel good love songs

8. Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?

Happy endings because otherwise I feel rubbish/unfulfilled

9.Do you like films that you can relate to and why?

Yes, more realistic

10.What would be a typical romance drama story line?

Boy meets girl, boy hates girl, girl hates boy, girl and boy fall in love

11.What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?

Schools

12.What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

Nerds/not pretty girls and fit boys... give the rest of us a chance. Oh but not fat girl with fit guy i.e. hairspray because it would never happen unless said fit guy was demonstrably blind

Female, 17

1. What do you like about romance films?

Thinking that it could happen to you one day (the good, finding your true love bit - not the sad bit where your other half normally dies)

2.What is your favorite film in this genre?

The notebook

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?

That it's set in the 40s

4.Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?

The letters, and the going back in time. I really like the structure of the film.

5.What can be added to a scene to create emotion?

Crying

6. Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?

Sometimes, if they're likeable/you can relate to them

7.What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?

Classic love songs

8.Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?

Happy endings of course because that's how you always want a love story to end... I hate cliff hangers and not knowing what happened!

9. Do you like films that you can relate to and why?

Yes because they're more realistic

10.What would be a typical romance drama story line?

two young people fall in love, can't be together for some reason or another.... go their separate ways, meet up again, some big twist, have a baby maybe.

11.What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?

In the countryside

12.What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

Pretty girl, HOT GUY

Female, 18

1. What do you like about romance films?

THE GORGEOUS MEN

2.What is your favorite film in this genre?

The Notebook

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?

You go through the ups and downs with the characters. Following their lives from the moment they met. They have the best moments and kisses in the rain!

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?

switching from past and presence

5.What can be added to a scene to create emotion?

music

6.Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?

Yes, if you learn a bit about the characters at the beginning

7.What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?

Acoustic, piano solos, pop

8.Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?

depends on what mood, I prefer the ending to be different from the rest of the film, so sad film- happy ending, happy film-sad ending

9.Do you like films that you can relate to and why?

sometimes, you understand the circumstances of the characters

10.What would be a typical romance drama story line?

Two people meet unexpectedly, already in relationships but fall in love, their relationship is frowned upon and they either live happily ever after or one of them dies.

11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?

ordinary, average

12.What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

A rebellious, laid back character (boy) and a more cautious and good person (girl).

Female, 24

1. What do you like about romance films?

That I can relate to them they are realistic and mirror our own lives

2.What is your favorite film in this genre?

Titanic/the notebook

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?

They make you happy and sad.

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?
The music created most of the atmosphere

5.What can be added to a scene to create emotion?

Music, lighting and sound effects

6.Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?

If I am able to relate to them or their situation I am do get attached to the character as I can feel the same emotion.

7. What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?

Sad/slow/atmospheric

8.Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?

Happy ending so that u feel good at the end of the film

9.Do you like films that you can relate to and why?

Yes because you can learn from them

10.What would be a typical romance drama story line?

Girl like boy, boy like girl... get together then have a problem but fight through it

11.What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?
A casual setting, in a house or a town
12. What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

Characters like me, an average person and some odd characters as well.

Female, 28
1. What do you like about romance films?

they're sweet, they make you feel good in side, as your watching someone else’s happiness which we get joy out of, and often u experience many emotions

2.What is your favorite film in this genre?

Dear John

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?

because of the actor channing Tatum and we can easily relate to the characters and what they experience makes them develop individually making it interesting to watch

4.Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?

It’s pretty simple love story, the letters build tension for the watcher.

5. What can be added to a scene to create emotion?

Long pauses to build tension, good actors/actresses which portray emotion well, I good plot to the scene. The composition of the scene.

6. Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?

Yes, especially the male, as we see things completely from his perspective (one minded narrative) however we do also get to see the girl’s side, making us vulnerable to liking her

7.What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?

Calm, softening music, fitting in with the piece. Not too loud either as it becomes to distracting.

8. Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?

It depends on the film. I hate cliff hangers as I like the film to be resolved and if it isn't it often means there would be a sequel which often ruins the original (not in every case however). But happy endings often leave me feeling happy.

9. Do you like films that you can relate to and why?

Yes, because there’s no point watching a film if it is not at all relatable, that is why there is a target audience used for the media industry.

10. What would be a typical romance drama story line?

One person likes another, the other one doesn't even notice them, several events happen and in the end they fall madly in love.

11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?

At home/school/work/on location

12.What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

Someone who’s quite an original person and has an individual flare or passion that makes them stand out, but not in a popular way.

Female, 17

1. What do you like about romance films?
You can get lost in the story

2.What is your favorite film in this genre?
Titanic

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?
It’s historical and romantic; it gives more of a story.

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?
Good music, dramatic, it’s on a boat (pathetic fallacy with the storm etc.)

5. What can be added to a scene to create emotion?
Orchestral music

6.Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?
I don’t

7.What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?
Typical love songs to make it soppy
8. Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?
Cliff hangers, tension, potential for a sequel

9.Do you like films that you can relate to and why?
Not really I like ones that take you out of your natural environment

10.What would be a typical romance drama story line?
Boy meets girl, boy does stupid thing, makes big effort to win girl back, and they make up, get married and have a baby.
11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?
Dramatic ones, big exciting cities for example!

12. What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

Yummy boys, girls with a bit of spunk! Not the pathetic damsel in distress type

Female, 51
1. What do you like about romance films?
How you can watch the couples get to know each other, watch the relationship unfold and watch how they fall in love.

2. What is your favorite film in this genre?
Love Story

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?
How they can from very different backgrounds and how he went against his parents’ wishes to be with her, it gives you the idea that love can conquer everything.

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?
She was a music teacher and she loved Bach, so they used a lot of his music throughout the film, and whenever I hear Bach I always think of Love Story.

5. What can be added to a scene to create emotion?
Music and lighting

6. Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?
I get attached to quirky characters quite quickly, and characters that aren’t the stereotypical type “petit and pretty, small dark and handsome” because not all of us are “petit and pretty” and that should be portrayed in films more often.

7. What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?
Upbeat music and sad music, music on its own can provoke an emotion in most of us.

8. Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?
I don’t like cliffhangers; it either has to have a happy or sad ending. We obviously all prefer a happy ending but some films are made on the fact that they have a sad ending like Titanic or Love Story.

9. Do you like films that you can relate to and why?
I like films that can take me away from my normal life

10.What would be a typical romance drama story line?
Meet, fall in love, argue, make up and get back together.
11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?
A town, beaches, I don’t like it when it’s an isolated place, and it needs to be in a normal environment surrounded by other people.

12. What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?
Late 20’s couple.

Female, 17

1. What do you like about romance films?
They’re nice to watch because they make me happy.

2. What is your favorite film in this genre?
PS I love you

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?
It’s cute and it makes me cry.

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?
The letters that they used, it added more emotion.

5. What can be added to a scene to create emotion?
Silence because it adds tension.

6. Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?
If they’re shown in a good way I’ll get attached to them

7. What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?
Typical love songs that I would know

8. Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?
Happy endings because they make you feel good

9. Do you like films that you can relate to and why?
Yes it makes it more emotional

10.What would be a typical romance drama story line?
They fall in love, they fall out of love then they fall back together.
11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?
New York, a field or a house

12. What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?
Teenagers because I can relate to that.

Female, 17

1. What do you like about romance films?
They’re nice to watch and make me feel good when there’s a happy ending.

2. What is your favorite film in this genre?
The Break Up

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?
I like that they both have their differences and they sort things out.

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?
Different camera angles and shots show the two different points of view.

5. What can be added to a scene to create emotion?
Music and lighting

6.Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?
If you are shown a story or a life background to a character I do get attached to some characters and their personality.

7. What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?
Songs that have nice lyrics and mean something.

8. Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?
Happy endings because they make you feel good

9. Do you like films that you can relate to and why?
Yes it makes it more emotional

10.What would be a typical romance drama story line?
A boy and girl are together but they think it’s not going to work out so they become far apart, but they get back together and fall back in love.
11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?
A busy place

12. What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?
A girl and a hot boy.

Female, 46

1. What do you like about romance films?
There are easy and enjoyable to watch, and they make you feel good.

2. What is your favorite film in this genre?
When Harry met Sally

3.What about this film really appeals to you and why?
I think the story line is really well done, and it shows us that you are able to fall in love with your best friend.

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?
The way Harry and Sally don’t see each other for a very long time but they end up having a very strong friendship. 5. What can be added to a scene to create emotion?
Music that creates an atmosphere for certain situations and moods.

6. Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?
If they are funny, or have a certain charm or charisma I can get easily attached to a character, such as Hugh Grant in Notting Hill.

7. What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?
Powerful love songs, or soft music.

8. Do you prefer sad endings, happy endings or cliff hangers and why?
Happy endings because they make you feel good, I don’t like cliff hangers at all.

9. Do you like films that you can relate to and why?
Sometimes, but I also like films that can take me away from reality.

10. What would be a typical romance drama story line?
A man and woman meet, fall in love, fall out of love but things get resolved.
11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?
Different places such as a house, work place, beach, garden, anywhere that can set a love scene.

12. What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

Good looking characters

I will now analyse these interview results, although the majority of my interviewee's are 17 I am pleased with the results I have recieved as most of the answers are the same.

QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS

I handed out 50 questionnaires to males and females from the ages of 16-50, I have done this so I am able to get a clear understanding of who my target audience will be. 24 Females and 26 males filled in my questionnaires.

Do you enjoy romance/romantic comedy films?

Looking at these two graphs, we can clearly see that romance films appeal to all different ages of females, so I have a clear understanding of what gender my short film will be aimed at; we are also able to clearly see that the majority of male respondents do not enjoy romance films, so I will there for eliminate male gender as I am looking at the majority of answers in my questionnaire. However, looking through my questionnaires, interestingly the 8 males that did say “yes” to enjoying romance films are single, with no children, this may be because they dislike being single, much like female watch them to make them feel happier. I think all women have said yes because all different types of women are able to relate to different romantic comedies; also, actors within females are always made to be appealing to men and women but frequently will appeal to women more so than men as it is a much more feminine genre and subject.

Due to the fact that all women I asked said yes, I will not need to look further into the different categories e.g. Marital status, children etc as I know this genre appeals to all so I have no need to eliminate any others.

To help me get a better understanding of how to layout my short film I have asked the question of:

Do you prefer films that are told using, Linear Narrative or Non Linear?

Majority of respondents have said they prefer Linear Narrative, and for the reason that I am looking at the majority of answers this has influenced me to tell my short film using the linear narrative. I think this is because it makes films much easier to watch, keeping the audience more relaxed when viewing the film.

I asked this question to get an idea of what type of story women enjoy and have seen before, which will influence my story line, whether it will be a light hearted, humorous story line or to create a more serious story with the main theme being love.

Which if the following films have you watched?
Titanic, PS I love You, Notting Hill, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle.

Looking at this graph, the most popular film out of all 5 is “Titanic” however; this is a classic love story that almost everyone has heard of, and is a “must see”, so I will also look at the second most popular, which is Notting Hill. Luckily, I have asked two questions in my questionnaire, asking the respondent to discuss their likes and dislikes about Notting Hill and Titanic.
Many of the likes to Notting Hill is the character “Spike” who adds a lot of the comedy to the film, and having a comical, peculiar friend of the main character is very typical of a romance/romantic comedy. Many also had said they liked the twist of the story, with Julia Roberts playing the celebrity that falls in love with a middle class British man.
Many women had said they liked Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic, this highlights that a good looking man is a main factor that makes a film appeal to them; which I think is essential for a romance/romantic comedy. Many had also said they liked the music, and the actual story line itself. Romance films do obviously appeal to women of all ages, however I will need to find exactly how and why this genre is so appealing to help me narrow down and influence my story.

Media Questionnaire

Please circle your answer

Gender: Male Female

Age: 12-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 30+

Are you currently employed?

Full time Part time Full time student Part time student

Marital Status:

Single Engaged Married Divorced Widowed

Do you have children, if so, how many?

.........................................................................................................................................................

How often do you go to the cinema?

Once a week couple of times a month once a month not very regularly

What is favourite genre of film?

Horror Action Thriller Drama Chick-flick Comedy Romance

Do you enjoy romance/chick flick/ romantic comedies?

Yes No

What are the reasons for your answer?

.........................................................................................................................................................

Please circle any of the following films if you have seen them.

Titanic PS I Love You Notting Hill When Harry met Sally Sleepless in Seattle

What is your favourite romance/romantic comedy?

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What stereotypical aspects would you expect to see in a romance/ romantic comedy film?

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What type of characters would you expect to see in this type of genre?

......................................................................................................................................................... Do you prefer films that are told using:

Linear Narrative Non-Linear

(In a chronological, step by step order) (Not told in a straight line, skips to different times)

Have you watched Titanic?

Yes No

If so, what did you like and dislike about the film?

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Have you watched Notting Hill?

Yes No

If so, what did you like and dislike about this film?

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What aspect would you add to a romance/chick flick to make it unique and appeal to you?

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Interview Questions

1. What do you like about ROMANTIC DRAMAS/ROM COMS

2. What is your favorite film in this genre?

3. What about this film really appeals to you and why?

4. Are there any special techniques used in this film that made it standout?

5. What can be added to a scene to create emotion?

6. Do you get attached to characters quickly? If so, what techniques are used to do so?

7. What type of music do you prefer to hear for films in this genre?

8. Do you prefer sad endings or happy endings?

9. Do you like films that you can relate to?

10. What would be a typical romance drama story line?

11. What type of environments would you like a romance film to be set in?

12. What type of characters would you like to see in a romance film?

SHORT FILM ANALYSIS

The Picnic
A short film about a boy named Geoffrey who likes a girl named Sofia, and has a connection to her through his sister who knows the girls brother. The boy tries several different things to try and impress Sofia however none of these work. The sister and brother of the two organize a picnic for them, and they arrange for Sofia to meet her “brother” however, it turns out that Geoffrey is waiting for her with the picnic. She turns him down and walks away so Geoffrey suggests that his younger sister and Sofia’s brother have the picnic instead, and they are the ones that fall in love at the end, unexpectedly. This is shown in linear narrative.
No music is used in this short film, so it doesn’t add much emotion or atmosphere to it, different scenes are made obvious; such as the library as we are shown a librarian in the back ground, bookshelves and tables with students who are studying. A simple kitchen is used and bedrooms are also made obvious as in these scenes we are only ever shown the actor sat on the bed, we are not shown any other part of the room, this keeps focus onto the character and makes it simple. When texts are sent, close up, high angle shots are shown, so it is obvious to the audience what’s happening. When the younger brother and sister of Sofia and Geoffrey are packing the picnic, the film makers have edited this scene so it is short, still shots of the two; this gives a nice effect as it doesn’t make the process of it seem long, it’s quick and to the point and we are shown that the two do like each other and it is shown very quickly, which is necessary for short films.
Most of the camera shots are close ups or medium shots, this keeps it simple and it doesn’t make the scene too fussy and again, keeps a focus on the actors and what they’re doing. Over the shoulder shots and long shots are used in the scene when they are waiting for Sofia once they have packed the picnic; it makes us feel more involved in the scene.
This was a good example of a short romance film; it has given me ideas of what to do and what I can do to improve my ideas.


Retail Romance
Just like “the picnic” this short film is purely about a guy after a girl, however we don’t find out their names, background etc this keeps it a fast paced film and we have no connections with the characters. We are first shown the boy throwing a card into a bin and putting a pink bag with name “Amaze” we are then shown his routine of eating his tea alone, by showing us one table matt, one plate, and one set of cutlery. This is shown by short shots of him doing these things, si we are not shown the full thing so the scene isn’t too long. This then cuts to him being and work and after this it goes back to him putting a different card into the bin and another pink plastic bag into a draw full of the same bag. The routine is shown over again but the shots are shorter than before; a camera shot of the girl is merged into another shot of the boy which shows us he is obviously thinking of this girl. His routine is then repeated again but even faster, so it is obvious he has a specific routine, a shot is then shown of him at work waiting at the counter and looking up at the clock he then smiles when he sees that it is 5:10 so we assume this is when he finishes work. We see him leave work and walk into a card shop which is obvious that is the one he regularly visits; however we can see that he is looking over at the girl who is at the serving counter and there is a mid view shot of her so we are able to see what the boy is looking at. The camera shot then blurs showing us the boy’s thoughts and his thoughts of the girl making innuendos to him which is quite comical. However this soon changes back, and he goes and buys a card off her, again. The clip of him shown at work is used again and him looking at the clock and he goes back to the card shop, however the girl is talking to another costumer about a party that was going and this boy writes down the location and we then see him buttoning up a shirt and putting on a tie. He enters the party and the girl comes up to him and they start to dance. Different shots of close ups of peoples feet, and people drinking etc makes it obvious that he is at a party, the music also changes from slow music to upbeat music. This is shown in a linear narrative. The editing is done very well as we can see his every day routine but it is shown very quickly and the repletion can also highlight the amount he tries to get this girl.
The locations are set in very simple places, the card shop would have been a card shop because of the amount of cards and wrapping paper that was displayed however it was very small and obviously local to them. The restaurant he works in is also a restaurant so the people filming may have had a connection to this. A kitchen and a hall are used which will be easy to get hold also. Disco lights are used for the party and all the actors are dressed up and dancing. The boy throughout the short film is wearing casual clothes for work and dresses up for the party.
All the scenes were done well, however the ending was a bit confusing. I really liked how they edited the repetition and how they showed this.