Research 1
Thriller Conventions
In class we watched Episode 1, Season 1 of the Apple TV Show ‘Severence’. This show is classified as a thriller and follows the narrative of a man, Mark. S who works at Lumon Industries, where employees undergo a procedure to separate their work and personal lives, creating two distinct identities.
In this episode, we see key typical thriller conventions of suspense, mystery and psychological tension. These are shown through Mark’s unsettling work environment, the eerie atmosphere of Lumon Industries, and the growing sense of mystery surrounding the disappearance of his colleague, Petey. The constant surveillance, the secrecy about the severance procedure, and the sense that something is wrong but cannot be fully understood all contribute to the thriller-like tension. In our coursework, we will have the option of producing a thriller film opening, therefore we are researching the genre to help us with our decision.
My Document
Here I have inserted my word Doc worksheet analysing the conventions of the TV show
Research 2
Impact of technology and audience on Genre. This is my essay on Crime genre
We have been studying Macro Element Genres in class. Although genres evolve over time, both Steve Neale (Genre Theory) and Nick Lacey (Repertorie of Elements Theory) concur that a set of shared standards makes a text easier for readers to relate to. According to Neale, what keeps writings fresh and engaging is a blend of well-known components and novel, unfamiliar norms. This is my study on how audience preferences, technology advancements, and sociocultural influences have shaped the genre of crime over time.
Research 3- Film Opening Conventions
Although there are many different ways in which to start a film, film openings often include a set of typical conventions for specific purposes such as:
| Production Logo and Film Title | The production logo is shown to establish the company behind the film, set the tone, and signal the start of the cinematic experience. A film name and the way it is presented is chosen to reflect the film’s genre, themes, and mood, while also capturing the audience’s attention and creating a memorable first impression. |
| Establishing the genre | It is important to establish the genre of the film right at the start so that the audience knows what to expect in terms of tone, style, and narrative conventions, allowing them to become quickly immersed in the story. |
| Character Introduction | Introducing the main characters early in the film allows the audience to form a connection and understand their role within the narrative. This often includes hints about their personality, goals, or struggles, which helps establish emotional engagement and sets up the character’s development throughout the film. |
| Topic/Theme | The topic or theme of a film refers to the central ideas or messages explored in the story. These are often introduced subtly in the opening scenes through visuals, dialogue, or setting. Establishing the theme early helps frame the narrative and encourages the audience to think critically about the film’s deeper meanings as the plot unfolds. |
In class we have analyzed a range of film openings to consider their conventions and how the film opening works to engage the audience. Here are my film opening analysis sheets:
This was an inspiration for our coursework because it uses elements such as sound, effects and lighting to add suspense to the beginning which is the kind of effect we want to have on the audience in our film opening.
This was another inspiration as the character is in a room with the television on with low-key lighting use which is similar to the idea we want to create in our original film opening. I also enjoyed the suspense that was in this one which is another connective we want to create in. our opening.
I liked this film opening as inspiration for ours because there are elements of dead bodies looking like meat and foods which is kind of the idea we want to create with a commercial kitchen being the cause of disappearing people in the area.
A24
- A24 Films, is an independent entertainment company founded on August 20, 2012, by Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and John Hodges in New York City. The A24 mission statement is “We believe in the power of cinema to inspire, provoke, and unite people from all walks of life” (Canvas Business Model) A24 made its debut with A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III in 2013, and quickly gained critical acclaim for championing innovative and unconventional storytelling. The company is now known for producing award-winning films such as Moonlight, Hereditary, Lady Bird, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, solidifying its place in the film making industries.
- They have no parent company
- A24 is known for producing bold, character driven films in genres like indie drama, psychological horror, and surreal sci-fi. Their stories often explore identity, trauma, and relationships, appealing to younger, culturally aware audiences seeking original and thought provoking content. The sleek, minimalist A24 logo reflects this, with its modern, changing artistic design depending on the style or genre of the film
- They’re 2024 revenue was 211.55 Million US dollars (Statista)
- A24 had some major wins in the last 3 years. In 2023, Everything Everywhere All at Once swept the Oscars, winning multiple major awards including Best Picture, which was a huge deal for an independent studio (Oscars 2023). Then, in 2024, they released Civil War, which is their most expensive film to date, with a budget of around $50 million. Civil War performed really well at the box office, earning over $127 million worldwide and proving that A24 can successfully handle bigger projects while still maintaining their unique style. (Civil War Statistics) But not everything’s been perfect. People have called them out for uneven promotion and some great films barely got any marketing, which annoyed fans. They also got a lot of hate for using AI art for Civil War, which felt off-brand given how much they promote creativity. (News article )Plus, as they take on bigger projects, some worry they’re losing the indie vibe that made them popular in the first place.
- The A24 logo is simple and modern, designed to match the company’s creative and unique style. Its clean look shows that A24 is different from big Hollywood studios because it focuses more on artistic and original storytelling. The minimalist design also appeals to younger audiences who like things that feel fresh, stylish, and authentic.
- The A24 logo hasn’t changed much since the company started in 2012. Its simple, modern look is part of what makes it so recognisable. Sometimes, A24 tweaks the logo slightly in films—changing the color or animation—to match the style of the movie. This keeps it creative and fresh while still staying true to their brand.
