Portfolio Project Genre #1

 Romantic Dramas

Romantic dramas have always caught my attention because they are always so heartwarming or have a deep connection or understanding towards the message of the movie. The majority of my comfort movies or shows are romantic dramas because of how they manage to portray the difference  or similarities between two or more characters within the movie. 

Target audience 

Romantic dramas mainly target teenagers to young adults around the age of 15-35 as these types of movies show what could happen when experiencing love around a younger age. For example, there's many movies such as The Notebook, where it shows how their love progresses from when they were young and how then their story falls and ends off once they are much older. This genre appeals a larger female audience for those who are interested in relationships, dramas, conflicts and love. There are many fans of romantic dramas that enjoy seeing how different relationships grow old or are able to reach up until a certain point until a turning points affects the bond two characters once had. 

Genre Conventions (content)

In romantic dramas, the focus is on a romantic relationship or a connection certain people have that could progress into a romantic bond. There are several conflicts that cause the emotional climax into these movies or shows. Such as unrequited love; love triangles, class, family, cultural barriers, timing issues as right person, wrong time. Characters in this genre of film mainly face "internal struggle" with either themselves or with something that carries heavy importance to them as a person; like vulnerability or past trauma. Themes within romantic dramas contain love vs duty; sacrifice, identity, loss and healing. A big factor that appeals a large audience is how complex the ending could be. They could be bittersweet, happy, sad, or simply disappointing.

Genre Conventions (techniques)

These types of movies mainly consist of close-ups to show emotion and intimacy, long shots to show physical and deep connections, soft or warm lighting to create a romantic and passionate tone. They also use slow pacing in order to create a clearer understanding of the plot, character's emotions or overall emotions moments. Soundtracks or music played in the background or simply during eventful times for the characters are typically played at slow tempos that bring emphasis to feelings or indirect messages. Sometimes they try connecting the lyric to what is being shown or felt on screen. They can also use lightly toned or instruments that color a lightweight picture such as piano, acoustic or emotional vocals.

Institutional Conventions 

Love is shown in a realistic or romanticized way, with more focus on emotions than action through different dialogue or physical movements. The characters are the main focused on than the plot. Forms of marketing such as posters involve the main two characters close together or almost reaching physical touch to add tension. These posters normally use pinks, blues or other warm tones that create soft, light looks. Trailers focus on dialogue as these types of movies aren't heavily based on actions unless it is something like romantic tensions that also is included in trailers. Romantic comedies are heavily promoted through social media, streaming platforms or film festivals.

Two popular romantic comedies would be: 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)  

Me Before You (2016)