Portfolio Project Genre #1

For my portfolio project, I started researching different genres that I could use in my film opening. The first one I wanted to learn more about was the Drama genre. The previous genre I researched was musicals. However, a film opening based on that genre would be quite difficult to create. However, a big part of musical/theatre is drama. The two genres are similar in the way that they both either tell a story of tragedy or comedy. 

A typical target audience for this genre is broad, often including both men and women in the 15-29 age range. For more romantic and emotional drama films, the target audience tends to lean towards women. If I were to use this genre for my project, I would for sure incorporate heavy emotions to draw in the audiences' attention. Drama often represents realistic characters, dialogues, setting, and plots so that the audience can relate and reflect on the content. Films in this genre are usually representations or stories of realistic characters facing conflict with themselves, others, or forces of nature. Some common themes might include human nature and societal issues. The most common theme would most likely be relationships, since this genre relies heavily on how a character interacts with other characters in their world. There's usually a showcase of both external and internal conflict, which adds to the emotions of the film. 

The genre emphasises realistic dialogue and interactions. There is a heavy focus on character development, especially in the sub-genre of coming-of-age. Dramas usually build emotional tension rather than relying on actions. They show a character, or multiple main characters personal journey and developments as they navigate through the narrative world. 

An example of a production is the 2018 drama/romance movie of A Star is Born. The film primary targets adults age 18-45, attracting music lovers and fans of romance. This particular movie is considered a musical/romantic drama since it has emphasis on music elements and love themes. A Star is Born showcases the emotional journey of the main characters, a critical part of this genre. The themes surrounding love, relationships, and sacrifices attracts the audience by providing an interesting story that has authentic details. 

One popular sub-genre of the drama is medical drama, where the plot and storyline follows the complicated lives and challenges of medical professions. An example of a medical drama production would be Grey's Anatomy. The show primarily targets young adults aged 18-35, containing more mature themes. There are heavy themes of tangled relationships and personal growth within the lives of the characters, drawing the audiences' attention. The realistic storytelling of this show reflects the characteristics of the drama genre. As viewers continue to binge through the seasons, it's clear that the characters evolve through personal growth arcs.