In my last posting I had placed emphasis on the 4 main traits all films in the musical genre must follow.
Singing.
Dancing.
Pertinent Songs.
Songs are so exuberant they make the viewer (or even the character) forget about their world.
Although this is the content evident in every musical film, what are some universal production techniques used in these films?
Obviously, loud and catchy soundtracks are included in the film. These songs can either be original to the movie (High School Musical, The Greatest Showman) or can be something previously produced (Bohemian Rhapsody, West Side Story).
Another production technique utilized frequently is long shots. These shots are frequently used in group numbers when the ensemble is present to express unity and cohesion of the cast. It is not only used just to fit the ensemble into the frame, but this is usually before the climax of the film to show the protagonist facing the problem head-on.
Long Shots are used not only in ensemble shots but also during dance numbers in general. This is to show the full movement of a character (or group of characters) to see the choreography. If every dance number was shot in close up, there would have to be a plethora of cuts between each appendage as it shifts to hit a movement.
These are the two primary production techniques used throughout films of the musical genre. Close-Ups and Two Shots are used as well, but long shots and soundtracks are used most frequently from beginning to end of the film.
In my next post I'll discuss some marketing techniques used to promote these types of films.
I also hope I'll figure out how to add pictures to my posting because that'd be
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