Darkest Insight: Portfolio Project Genre #1

Action Genre:

In researching for my portfolio project, I have decided to fully research two categories: action and suspense films. For this blogpost, I will be focusing on the action genre of movies with what makes them so appealing to their core audiences and common features of them.

Action films are stories where there is a clear hero/villain dynamic established through clear actions and motivations made apparent as the story progresses. These films also include goal-based plots, fast-paced narratives and shots, and assets such as CGI and stuntmen. A perfect representation of this is in the film "Die Hard," which utilizes a strong protagonist and heavy amounts of fast-paced action sequences that involve shooting and explosions.

(Die Hard: 1988)

The main target audience for action films are younger demographics, especially males, from the ages of 18-34. This is because with the intense plot lines and huge amount of action involved in these films, they are heavily entertained and engaged. Also, at movie theaters, young audiences will be heavily engaged in the strong visual and sound aspects of action films.

For my portfolio project, I will use this information along with the shortened attention spans of Gen-Z in order to continuously use fast-paced cuts coupled with engaging visuals and storyline. I will also make sure to include realistic but quick dialogue with defined protagonists so that the audience will be able to connect to my story. This is represented through the famous "SEAL Team," show, where genuine military units were used to help create realistic war sequences that would heavily engage the audience due to its authenticity.

(Seal Team: 2017-2024)

I will apply this to my own project in acknowledging what realistic actions would be taken by the protagonist and antagonist in their roles in the plot. In doing this, my film would become more realistic and appreciated for its attention to detail, heightening the engagement the audience has to the production.

For the editing of the action film genre, it is heavily reliant on quick cuts between events during a sequence of action. This allows for more attention to be given to the film by consistently stimulating audiences and moving the plot along. Additionally, loud explosions and fast-paced music are utilized by these productions to couple with the entertaining action scenes that they are trying to create.

Furthermore, for the action genre, the advertising is a very centralized and simplified structure. To be specific, the marketing of an action film revolves around condensed sequences of action, a brief explanation of the plot, and exposure for the major actors associated with the project. The marketing also includes minimal dialogue as well as the large action aspects of the film such as huge explosions and revelations in the plot of the production. This aids the movie in gaining prestige as well as attention through its engaging features, effects, and plot.

Action films also heavily market the star of their film alongside their smaller cast members. They achieve this through branding them on their major movie posters as well as trailers, teasers, and their advertisements overall. In doing this, the audience is able to develop brand recognition for the film and closely associate the production with its main character. For my project, I would be able to use this by using the major stars of my film throughout my opening, having them become instantly recognizable and synonymous with the project.

In the using of all of these resources, I will be able to create a condensed, action-filled sequence of events that heavily exemplify the action genre while keeping viewers engage. In this way, I will be successful in executing a classic action opening with an entertaining plot that makes sense.

Here are some of my favorite action films that I am hoping to use for inspiration in creating my project.