In film studies GCSE you will be asked to write your own genre-based film idea and either complete a finished screenplay extract with a well thought through shooting script (more on that later) or make a filmed extract from your idea which will be 2-2.5minutes long.
But how do you start?
Well, it all begins with the idea. The spark of a story can come from anywhere but you will need some of the tools of a good writer to turn it into something which grabs the attention of the audience.
The genre and in particular the codes and conventions of the genre can help. These are the things we expect to see and hear when we watch a film of a specific genre. For example: a teen or coming of age film will have a mainly teenage cast of characters, amongst those character you might well expect there to be recognisable stereotypes - for US films this might include: the jock, the nerd, the outcast etc. but it will also include types of story - first love/break-up, rebelling against parents, bullying etc. What will make it engaging will be the way these characters are written (and filmed) which takes a fresh look at well known issues.
Use what you have already learned through studying Attack the Block and Let the Right One In, Hitchcock's The Birds and ET to help you develop your film ideas. remember that you MUST worj within one of the specified genres:
In you film idea - either the opening sequence OR a scene/series of scenes developing suspense and tension - you will need to establish the genre quickly through visuals and sound, character and narrative.
Tip: don't try and tell the whole story in a scene or two, better to establish the genre and some narrative hooks while creating an appetite for more in the reader.
But how do you start?
Well, it all begins with the idea. The spark of a story can come from anywhere but you will need some of the tools of a good writer to turn it into something which grabs the attention of the audience.
The genre and in particular the codes and conventions of the genre can help. These are the things we expect to see and hear when we watch a film of a specific genre. For example: a teen or coming of age film will have a mainly teenage cast of characters, amongst those character you might well expect there to be recognisable stereotypes - for US films this might include: the jock, the nerd, the outcast etc. but it will also include types of story - first love/break-up, rebelling against parents, bullying etc. What will make it engaging will be the way these characters are written (and filmed) which takes a fresh look at well known issues.
Use what you have already learned through studying Attack the Block and Let the Right One In, Hitchcock's The Birds and ET to help you develop your film ideas. remember that you MUST worj within one of the specified genres:
- Crime
- Teen
- Horror
- Sci Fi
- War
- Musical
In you film idea - either the opening sequence OR a scene/series of scenes developing suspense and tension - you will need to establish the genre quickly through visuals and sound, character and narrative.
Tip: don't try and tell the whole story in a scene or two, better to establish the genre and some narrative hooks while creating an appetite for more in the reader.