Background research #4 Genre Conventions

I will research the genre conventions of a spy film so that I can see what we should do in our scene to make it like a spy film therefore it will make the film more appealing to the audience as it will be like a spy film and therefore will be more enjoyable for the fans of the genre to watch.

Narrative-

The hero or heroes are fighting against the villain whilst trying to complete a mission or quest. Also another narrative convention is that the danger that is faced by the villain will always be shown.
4 things that are usually created are excitement, adventure, suspense and tension. Finally they also will work in some sort of institution e.g the police.

Sound-

It give the film more meaning and helps to create suspense. The soundtracks are usually long and fast paced. They also include some silence before something bad or some action happens, this is done to create tension.  Voice overs are something that usually occurs which are done to build suspense. Ambient sound is used to create panic in a scene and sound bridges are also common.

Setting- 
Dark schemes are used to create mystery in a scene, and normal environments are used to create suspense as they are unexpected.

Lighting-

Lots of lighting is used in the genre as it will create an eerie atmosphere.
Shadows or darkness on a character connotes to the audience their darkness or evil
Back lighting is also a common occurrence and is used to create focus on the main character.

Editing-

Slow motion is used to show clearly a characters action or reaction suggesting that it is important.
Lots of fast paces shots are put together/matched to imply fast paced action.

Camera-

Tracking shots are used this is because when the action is fast paced it excites the audience.
Close ups or extreme close ups are used to show detail in a persons face (facial expressions) or a props details. Wide shots are used to emphasize what is in the middle of the shot. When a two shot is used it is done to portray the relationship between the two characters. Finally high angle shots are used to show that a character is vulnerable.

Costume-

In a spy/action genre the costume a character is wearing is used to display what  their mood is. Characters who work in an institution/ important job usually wear a suit. Costumes are used to also clearly show who the hero and villains are.

Props-

A prop is usually used to create a realistic feel to a film. Mirrors are also used to show the darkness or evil in a character and can also make the audience feel nervous or uneasy. Guns and knives are used to create a violent tone or imply violence.

From this research  I have found many things that I will try to encourperate into my part of the opening scene. First I know that the hero/main character usually works in some sort of  institution. I will also try to use ambient sound to create a sense of panic. Low key lighting is a key part as well as back lighting so I will used both these techniques in my part of the opening scene.
In relation to camera work i will try to get the important character to always be in the middle of a shot to show they are key. The hero and villain will be easily distinguishable due to their costume as  the villain will wear more dark and sinister clothing compared to the hero who will be brighter. Finally props will be key so I will try and uses props to help create the tone of the scene.