Research - Social Realism

We have finished the preliminary task and are starting on our coursework. We must produce the two minute opening sequence to either a Social realism or Horror film. Now I have the task of choosing which to do.

Social Realism
What are the conventions of the Social Realism genre?
Characters - They are realistic characters that the audience may be able to relate to as opposed to superheroes and millionaires that the audience may aspire to be.

Mise-en-scene - The locations are usually run down urban areas such as industrial towns and blocks of flats as the characters are usually from disadvantaged areas. It wouldn't make sense for the main character to rely on benefits but live in a gated community where everyone has a swimming pool.

Sound - The music is culturally specific. This reflects the characters background and gives the audience more of an insight into their lives and how they might react to certain situations.
Editing - Tends to be slower paced. Fast cuts are used in action sequences to create a sense of speed but when not much is happening lots of slow cuts are used. Social Drama's use loads of slow cuts because quite often not much action is present in this genre, they are more about what actions mean and how they make the characters feel.
Cinematography - Lots of close ups are used to show the emotions of the characters. Long establishing shots show the surroundings and perhaps isolation of the character. Unsteady camera work (not shot form a tripod) creates the feeling that the audience is present in the scene.

The Pro's and cons of me choosing the genre


Pro's

• The locations are easily accessible - there are plenty of places I can get to that would be good locations for me to film.
• The budget is usually low - Because it is a realistic film I will not have to pay for props, travel to locations, fancy costumes etc.
• Their is no need for special effects - Social Dramas do not tend to have any special effects, this is good because I do not have access to the technology needed, or the knowledge of how to use it for that matter.

Con's

• Must be believable - I think this would be hard for me to achieve. I would find it hard to think of an original concept that is not a cliché.  
• It will be hard to get across the genre in the first two minutes as the conventions could be confused with those of other genres.
• Locations - I would need to film it all outside because any houses I have access to are not representable of the type of image I need to create. For example it would be unrealistic to be telling a story of a disadvantaged teen and then the viewer sees the new kitchen with all the mod cons.