Genre Research: Drama

Traditionally, drama films include some recognisable features:

- a serious/accurate representation of real life stories/events

- representation of emotions at their true 'height' -- but can be dramatised

- a journey that the character goes on (can be emotional or physical)

- occasionally plot twists

- emotional peaks

The protagonist of a drama film may be:

- slightly unstable

- **having to make a hard decision

- easy to sympathise with

- is relatable to the target audience

Drama films can:

- challenge stereotypes

- **connect to their audience on a personal level

- **be therapeutic - show how to protagonist faces a problem

There are several sub-genres within drama:

- Social Dramas

- **Mental Illness

- Alcoholism

- Youth Rebellion

- Race Rights

- Civil Rights

- Courtroom Drama

- War Drama

- Sports Drama

- Religious Drama

- Literature Drama

Well known examples of Drama films:

Fight Club

Titanic

The Help

12 Years A Slave

**I have put stars next to the codes and conventions that apply to my short film.

Camera Angles used within Drama films

Close Up

Used to emphasise the expression on a persons face and therefore the emotions they are feeling. Can be of an object to demonstrate its importance.

Long Shot

Used to show a person or scene and its surroundings. The surroundings are usual in peripheral vision whilst the main character/scene is in the centre.

High Angle Shots

Used to gain a perspective on the scene or to imply that the characters or scene show is of less importance/is less powerful than something else.

Over the Shoulder Shots

Used in conversations, shows the point of view of a character whilst keeping them in the frame of the shot -- maintain the continuity of the scene. 

Mid-Shot

Used to help demonstrate the body language and/or intent of the character. Keep the setting/scene in the background of the shot - gives the audience a sense of the atmosphere and location.

Extreme Close Up

Used to add tension and/or intimidation within the scene, and can demonstrate a persons emotions or personality, or inform the audience of how they should be feeling. For example, an extreme close up of a persons eye's could inform the audience that they should feel as though they are being watched.