I confirm that the attached assessment is all my own work and does not include any work completed by anyone other than myself and sources have been appropriately referenced.
Proposal
Purpose
My purpose for this project is to try and create a musical sequence using the codes and conventions found in film. By this, I mean that I want to create a combination of theatre elements and make them transferable to screen.
Taking into consideration that film musicals have existed for decades, codes and conventions have evolved over time. Therefore, I would like to try and create a piece inspired by the modern musical rather than something older. This is because the visuals can tend to be a lot more experimental and many musicals, released in recent years, try to deconstruct the genre, especially with its mixture of diegetic and non-diegetic elements. This combination of diegesis tend to show what is happening in the real world compared to what may be a 'dream'. These dream sequences tend to be dramatised or a juxtaposition to a mundane or underwhelming reality. Therefore, I would like to try and convey that contrast to the audience as, I believe, it is an effective way to show motivation or a difference in how a character is perceiving an event compared to how the audience views it.
In my sequence, I would like to especially draw inspiration from 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend', as one of its main themes is its deconstruction of the musical genre. Each of the songs are shown to be explicitly a perception of what is happening. These scenes are how Rebecca Bunch, the main character, sees the world, regardless of how accurate it may be. Therefore, I would like to try and use a similar technique for my project, with the 'dream' being how she interprets herself and the events around her.
In order to differentiate dream from reality, I would like to create a focus on lighting. For the fantasy, I would like to create a spotlight, with a black background, in order to show how musical theatre has influenced my piece. Also, I believe that the inclusion of this lighting will be important because I would like the musical theatre elements to be a common motif throughout the entire project. For the scenes based in reality, I think that I should mostly depend on natural lighting, as it will cement these parts in the real world. This could create a clear contrast between reality and her fantasy. Adding to this, I believe that other examples of mise-en-scene will be beneficial to further show the difference. I’ve noticed that many other musicals that use the same combination of diegetic and non-diegetic audio will have a large focus on the difference in costume, makeup and hair. Therefore, I will try and include a contrast in clothes, as well. For example, I think that having an extravagant dress or styled hair, compared to a more basic outfit will aid in solidifying my intention.
Taking into consideration that film musicals have existed for decades, codes and conventions have evolved over time. Therefore, I would like to try and create a piece inspired by the modern musical rather than something older. This is because the visuals can tend to be a lot more experimental and many musicals, released in recent years, try to deconstruct the genre, especially with its mixture of diegetic and non-diegetic elements. This combination of diegesis tend to show what is happening in the real world compared to what may be a 'dream'. These dream sequences tend to be dramatised or a juxtaposition to a mundane or underwhelming reality. Therefore, I would like to try and convey that contrast to the audience as, I believe, it is an effective way to show motivation or a difference in how a character is perceiving an event compared to how the audience views it.
In my sequence, I would like to especially draw inspiration from 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend', as one of its main themes is its deconstruction of the musical genre. Each of the songs are shown to be explicitly a perception of what is happening. These scenes are how Rebecca Bunch, the main character, sees the world, regardless of how accurate it may be. Therefore, I would like to try and use a similar technique for my project, with the 'dream' being how she interprets herself and the events around her.
In order to differentiate dream from reality, I would like to create a focus on lighting. For the fantasy, I would like to create a spotlight, with a black background, in order to show how musical theatre has influenced my piece. Also, I believe that the inclusion of this lighting will be important because I would like the musical theatre elements to be a common motif throughout the entire project. For the scenes based in reality, I think that I should mostly depend on natural lighting, as it will cement these parts in the real world. This could create a clear contrast between reality and her fantasy. Adding to this, I believe that other examples of mise-en-scene will be beneficial to further show the difference. I’ve noticed that many other musicals that use the same combination of diegetic and non-diegetic audio will have a large focus on the difference in costume, makeup and hair. Therefore, I will try and include a contrast in clothes, as well. For example, I think that having an extravagant dress or styled hair, compared to a more basic outfit will aid in solidifying my intention.
SWOT Analysis
This SWOT analysis highlights exactly what I need to improve on, during my project. By this, I mean that I've noticed some trends in my previous work that has hindered my progress. Therefore, by taking note of these, I can focus on what actually takes priority, so that I have plenty of time to complete the project to a standard that I can be satisfied with.
Specialist Study
In my specialist study, I researched the history and evolution of film musicals, notably how they've adapted in recent years and how they suit a modern audience. Therefore, in order to meet my target audience, I will try to create a musical segment inspired by the codes and conventions of the modern musical. In doing this, I've looked at how stage, TV programmes and films were able to portray a story, in comparison to the classic versions.
Contextual Analysis
These examples all show a difference between reality and a dream, with the non-diegetic sequences being a lot more dramatic and exciting, in contrast to a relatively normal reality. Also, these examples are from different genres, so I think that it shows how this contrast is a trend with musicals released from the 2000s onwards and how it can work with a large array of genres, as long as there is a clear view of what the character(s) is longing for, feeling or motivated by.
They each have different ways to transition between reality and the 'dream'. For example, in 'After Everything I've Done For You', it really only uses cuts to show the change, so it is a bit more simple to replicate. Although, the stylised sequence was introduced with lighting and with cues from the music, of which I might like to try and replicate. However, in the 'Cell Block Tango', the transitions are a bit more 'interactive', for the characters. By this, I mean that, at the beginning of the song, Roxie's cell opens and introduces her to the sequence and the murderesses. Also, in 'Money, Money, Money' she is thrown out of her fantasy using an in-camera transition, where she is draped in fabrics, before her real self emerges from laundry.
They each have different ways to transition between reality and the 'dream'. For example, in 'After Everything I've Done For You', it really only uses cuts to show the change, so it is a bit more simple to replicate. Although, the stylised sequence was introduced with lighting and with cues from the music, of which I might like to try and replicate. However, in the 'Cell Block Tango', the transitions are a bit more 'interactive', for the characters. By this, I mean that, at the beginning of the song, Roxie's cell opens and introduces her to the sequence and the murderesses. Also, in 'Money, Money, Money' she is thrown out of her fantasy using an in-camera transition, where she is draped in fabrics, before her real self emerges from laundry.
Influence & Inspiration:
General:
Something of note that has inspired me for this project is the implication of how much of the music is diegetic or non-diegetic. Unless it's stated otherwise, it could be up to the viewer's interpretation of whether or not these elaborate segments are dream or reality. Therefore, with more musicals experimenting with that concept, I think that I would like to also try and tread the line between what could be considered part of a character's 'delusion' or 'wishful thinking' and what is reality.
Something of note that has inspired me for this project is the implication of how much of the music is diegetic or non-diegetic. Unless it's stated otherwise, it could be up to the viewer's interpretation of whether or not these elaborate segments are dream or reality. Therefore, with more musicals experimenting with that concept, I think that I would like to also try and tread the line between what could be considered part of a character's 'delusion' or 'wishful thinking' and what is reality.
Carrie, 1976 & Jennifer's Body, 2009:
One of my major inspirations, especially for costume, are 'Carrie' and 'Jennifer's Body'. This is because both of these films feature a bloodied prom queen, near the climax. From this, I may be able to use what makes these scenes effective, in my final piece. Considering these scenes are known for being the most recognisable and iconic, in their respective films, their most well-known scenes only occur later on.
Therefore, I believe that if I would like to achieve something similar, I should build up to that final moment. By this, I mean that, I should establish the original appearance and dress, before introducing the more recognisable version, later on. Also, one thing that is very notable about these costumes, is that the original dresses were white, before being coated in blood. I think this is effective and something that I would like to emulate because the red stands out strongly against the plain white, so there is more emphasis and easily noticeable. The colour white can also be a symbol of purity, so it can be seen as an intentional contrast or corruption of the original meaning. |
Form
For my final project, I intend to create a musical segment, using both a 'reality' and 'dream' sequence. If I can, I would also like it to contain some parodies to teen movies, alongside my prominent inspiration of 'Chicago'. This is mostly because of both the recent surge of stage musicals centred around high school life and how both 'Heathers' and 'Mean Girls' were both adapted for Broadway in the past decade. It will roughly be around 5 minutes as it will have, hopefully, a full narrative in its lyrics, so that I can create a sequence that doesn't feel incomplete or rushed. Therefore, I would like to find a song that can be disconnected from its production or one that was not written for any existing musical.
I am aiming my project at mostly 13-25 year olds that have an interest in both movies and musicals. This is because of my inspiration of 2000s teen movies and the modern film musical. Taking into consideration that modern musicals have entirely different themes and structures to the classic ones, I think that younger people would be more used to the formula and codes and conventions.
I will post my final piece on YouTube as there are typically demand for film scenes to be posted, individually, musical or otherwise. YouTube is also used mainly by younger people, therefore my target audience will be able to find it, if I post it on a commonly used platform.
I am aiming my project at mostly 13-25 year olds that have an interest in both movies and musicals. This is because of my inspiration of 2000s teen movies and the modern film musical. Taking into consideration that modern musicals have entirely different themes and structures to the classic ones, I think that younger people would be more used to the formula and codes and conventions.
I will post my final piece on YouTube as there are typically demand for film scenes to be posted, individually, musical or otherwise. YouTube is also used mainly by younger people, therefore my target audience will be able to find it, if I post it on a commonly used platform.
Themes
Nostalgia:
I would like to include a small theme of nostalgia, as I would hopefully like to centre some of my costume or mise-en-scene around teen movies, mostly the ones created in the 90s and 2000s. This could also have an impact on my target audience, as those films were what they may have grown up watching and now some have been adapted to Broadway musicals. Most notably, I have been inspired by how the costumes in 'Mean Girls' have changed between film and musical and how they can catch the attention of the audience who had watched the original years before. |
Contrast:
One of my major themes for this project is contrast. This mainly means that alongside the dream and reality, I would like to consistently show the difference in what is happening and how the main character perceives her surroundings. One of the ways I could show this is through colour. If I wanted to show reality, the colours may be faded and dull, but something embellished could be a lot brighter. Also, I think that I may be able to use the concept in the dream sequence, as well. By this, I mean that having a light costume against a dark background will help the main character stand out and emphasise how in her dream, she's centre-stage. Also, I think that contrast could relate to speed, as well. For example, some scenes playing rather slowly, then snapping to a faster paced shot. |
Vanity:
A smaller theme that I would like to include is vanity. Taking into consideration that one of the common tropes surrounding prom is physical appearance, I would like to try and show the obsession that it could potentially cause. Therefore, in order to show this, I would like to film some shots using mirrors and general reflections to try and show this obsession.
A smaller theme that I would like to include is vanity. Taking into consideration that one of the common tropes surrounding prom is physical appearance, I would like to try and show the obsession that it could potentially cause. Therefore, in order to show this, I would like to film some shots using mirrors and general reflections to try and show this obsession.
Initial Pitch Presentation
Pitch
Survey:
For my primary research, I decided to make a survey to find out the general public's response to them. For all of my previous primary research, I've surveyed the rest of my class, however, this time I wanted to reach a fairly larger audience. Therefore, I decided to post my survey to a few different websites, one with a clear fanbase around musicals and to another with a more mixed audience. Therefore, I can find out what appeals to an avid fan and also what a regular viewer what find interesting or off-putting, in contrast.
Question 1:
Question 2:
Question 3:
I believe that figuring out which scenes are memorable for the audience, will be an effective way of trying to implement these techniques into my project. By recognising what makes these sequences good, I can determine which direction to take. For example, both 'Defying Gravity' and 'World Burn' are rather climactic pieces of their respective shows where the music builds and there becomes a larger emphasis on the impact they have on the plot. Therefore, if I chose a a song that has a large focus on narrative, then I may be able to create more of a stylised piece and be able to portray a clear narrative.
Question 4:
Question 5:
Question 6:
It was noted that codes and conventions had changed, in order to fit the tropes of the modern day. The 'traditional' broadway sound had been essentially removed from original film musicals, instead opting for a sound that modern viewers would be more accustomed to. Therefore, if I would like to try and create a sequence based on a modern musical, I need to take into account the structural differences, in order for it to resonate with my target audience.
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Question 7:
Question 8:
The responses to this question help me because the majority of the people who took this survey were my preferred target audience. Therefore, I could find out if they related more to modern musicals, due to the subject matter and the updated codes and conventions. However, it was noted that some modern musicals have a different approach to the music, where they are much more likely to include pop and rock-inspired songs; especially when compared to the original broadway sound of older variants.
Question 9:
Question 10:
One of the people who answered said that they enjoyed how bringing social media into the musical was a concept they liked. Therefore, I believe that incorporating modern life into media is a way to make the content more relatable for a younger audience. Also, another said that they liked how the music added to the story, rather than having the plot paused for a song. I believe that making a video for a song that is purely narrative, or setting up a scripted scene before the musical segment starts would be a decent way of incorporating this.
Question 11:
Considering that in one of the earlier questions, the majority of them said they preferred modern musicals, it seems that a lot of the appeal is how the music is able to advance the story. According to some of these answers, the plot is more necessary than the actual musical numbers. Also, one of the younger participants said how they liked musicals based in a school setting, as they're easier to relate to. Therefore, if I want to appeal to my target audience, I believe setting it in an environment that they can associate themselves with, it'll be more effective to convey my story and themes.
Potential Video Effects
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Despite these effects being intended for music videos, I think that I could use the silhouette for segments for backing vocals or for an introductory scene before the dream is revealed. This is due to COVID guidelines, where I wouldn't be able to use a large cast to play the role of the ensemble. Therefore, by using silhouettes, I might be able to have a bit more variety in the dream sequences, as well.
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Music Videos:
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Even though these videos aren't related to musicals, I wanted to include them in my research, due to the subject matter. Considering that the song I'm using is about the pressure a girl puts herself under to become prom queen, I found some songs also about the same subject.
These songs have similar approaches to the topic of prom queen, where it's seen as almost tragic to young women. I believe that these songs could help me understand the tone of 'The Ballad of Sara Berry', as they all seem to take the same thematic response towards the concept of prom queen itself. These two songs, in particular, can be seen as quite critical towards what pressure young women can face, in order to be beautiful and popular. Even though The Ballad of Sara Berry's narrative goes in a very different direction, I would like to include some shots that can implement these themes into the narrative, as, I believe, these struggles are rather relatable to a modern audience. |
Conclusion
Going forward, I believe that my research will help solidify my concept. By this, I mean that my research has given me a clearer idea of how to adapt a musical's song visually, while also implementing and maintaining different themes. Also, an answer of which stood out to me in my survey is that someone became interested in musicals, due to a company who releases all of their original shows on YouTube for free. Therefore, I believe that I will be able to reach both my intended audience and people who would previously have not have been interested in the genre, if it is easily accessible. While I still am inspired by the 'Cell Block Tango', I would like to try and expand my influences, so that I can implement my own style into the project, rather than essentially copy an existing scene.
Focus Group
After I had finished the rough cut of the final half of the song, I decided to show it to a small audience. They thought that the switch between getting ready for prom an the pinboard was effective and the most interesting part of the sequence. Also, the reference to Carrie was noticed and they though it suited the context of the song. Therefore, I think that I was able to convey the inspiration I had, that weren't just musicals, decently. They thought the pacing was decent and liked how many of the shots were cut on the beat and enhanced the emphasis of the shots.
Even though the response was mostly positive, I did receive some criticism. Notably how the colours were very muted, so it could make the reality sequence look dull, rather than contrasting to the dream. Also, in the final chorus, I added in some flashing red and blue lights, in the background. However, one of the people watching didn’t notice them until I explicitly pointed them out, so I may need to make some adjustments, so it’s more easily noticeable.
Even though the response was mostly positive, I did receive some criticism. Notably how the colours were very muted, so it could make the reality sequence look dull, rather than contrasting to the dream. Also, in the final chorus, I added in some flashing red and blue lights, in the background. However, one of the people watching didn’t notice them until I explicitly pointed them out, so I may need to make some adjustments, so it’s more easily noticeable.