And So It Begins (Researching At Least)

I began my research by looking up various characteristics of sci-fi films and came across a list of themes that I found helpful. These are a list of common themes found in a typical science fiction film:

1. Focus on Love
2. Climate Change
3. Impending Doom
4. Friendship
5. Teamwork
6. Good vs Evil

I found these interesting because when brainstorming we thought of various things to include in the outline that included these themes. Impending Doom and Good vs Evil are the themes I think we are going to be focusing on because we envisioned a kid in the middle of nowhere being watch by government people, so we'll see where this takes us. Furthermore, we also chose the sub-genre of post apocalyptic sci fi because we want to play on the loneliness of the main character. 

Also while researching I came across a Prezi presentation focusing on characteristics of science fiction films. While it did not explicitly state this, I figured, at least by myself, that these are the genre characteristics that the most popular sci-fi films such as Avatar and Her follow.

• Follows scientific principles and technology
• Exploration of social and cultural issues
• May make predictions about life in the future
• Often deals with aliens or life on other worlds

After seeing these characteristics I thought to myself, it would probably be a good idea to delve a little deeper into the definition and the whole concept behind science fiction. Based on the same Prezi where I got the characteristics for science fiction, the definition of sci-fi is the genre of fiction with imaginative content such as futuristic settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel, faster than light travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life. 

This definition is what intrigued me the most because, at least lately, I have been very intrigued by sci-fi films and tv shows such as Stranger Things, Her, and Interstellar to name a few. Personally, I just find it very interesting to see people in another world that is almost like yours, and I guess that is where the desire for this short film comes from.

Now that I know a little more about science fiction, I feel more informed and prepared going into the planning portion of my short film. I will be reporting back next week on the progress I have made with my partner.

References:

Fusaro, G. (2015, January 13). Key Characteristics of Science Fiction Genre. Retrieved from https://prezi.com/k_9hjyblcckj/key-characteristics-of-science-fiction-genre/

Popular Sci-Fi Films: What Makes Them So Great? (2015, November 14). Retrieved from https://vusf.wordpress.com/2015/11/13/popular-sci-fi-films-what-makes-them-so-great/