Category: Thesis Proposal

Introduction 

This week, I focused on defining a research topic and elaborating a tentative abstract and research question to explain my investigation. I also established which authors I will include for my thesis and which I am looking forward to expanding by next term.  

Research Proposal 

Abstract:   

The following paper will discuss to what extent do film semiotics play an essential role in world building and characterization within the horror genre. It will specifically focus on some of Tim Burton’s most iconic animated and live action films (Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, apart from Sweeney Todd and Beetlejuice). The aim of this paper is to analyze Tim Burton’s distinctive style in order to help other animators to understand how to create the visual language of horror films.   

Tentative Title:   

To what extent do film semiotics play an essential role in world building and characterization within the horror genre?  

Tentative Subtitle:  

A semiotic analysis on Tim Burton’s animated and live action movies: Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, Sweeney Todd and Beetlejuice.   

Bibliography:   

Semiotics in Film:  

• Edgar, R., Marland, J., and Rawle, S. (2010) The Language of Film. London and New York: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.   

Semiotics:   

• Peirce, S. P. (1991) Writings on Semiotic by Charles Sanders Peirce. Second Edition. North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press.  
• Saussure, F. d. (2013) Course in General Linguistics. London: Bloomsbury.  

Horror Genre:  

• Sipos, T. M. (2010) Horror Film Aesthetics. Creating the Visual Language of Fear. Jefferson, North Carolina and London: McFarland & Company, Inc.  

Tim Burton:   

• Kempf, H. C., Gallo, L. Burton, T. (2009) The Art of Tim Burton. China: Steeles Publishing.   

World Building:   

• Nelson, M. A. (2019) Fantasy world-building: a guide to developing mythic worlds and legendary creatures. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 

Introduction 

This week, we went over the structure of the literature review, and we also had a brief introduction on understanding methodology.  

Qualitative vs Quantitative Methodologies 

• Qualitative: Explores peoples’ perceptions, ideas and feelings, and therefore, it can be considered more subjective.  

• Quantitative: Investigates the hard numbers and statistics, and therefore, it can be considered more objective.  

For my personal investigation, I will most probably rely on a qualitative methodology since I would like to explore the visual elements of the horror genre and the emotional impact it has on the audience. 

Introduction 

This week, we focused on how to develop our investigation and which techniques can help us to elaborate our literature review.  

Tips on Elaborating our Literature Review 

Evaluating Information Resources 

In order to evaluate the validity of our information resources, such as books or websites, we should first analyze if the content is up to date and make sure if the authors and publishers are trustworthy.  

When it comes to my research topic, Tim Burton is one of the main referents within the horror genre and for this reason I would like to explore his animated films to draw my conclusions.  

Literature searching and locating information sources  

In order to gather information for our investigation, we should consult in library catalogues, search engines and databases.  

As regards my investigation, I will use reference books from the UAL library and JSTOR, a digital library with peer reviewed papers.  

Conceptual frameworks and mind mapping 

We were advised to create conceptual frameworks and mind maps to structure and understand the relationship between our concepts.  

Once I define better my research topic, I will surely create some mind maps to help me structure the chapters of my thesis.  

Introduction 

This week, apart from sharing our research topics, we also went over the assessment criteria for the literature review. Furthermore, we also analyzed some literature reviews from former students, which clarified some of our questions.  

Assessment Criteria for the Literature Review 

• Establishment of research potentials and objectives 

• Relevance of Literature and referencing 
• Writing style and communication 
• Use of citation and referencing conventions 

Further Comments  

Even though I still have not decided on a specific topic of interest, I started researching which bibliography I will be using for my thesis if I want to explore the horror genre and Tim Burton’s animations.  

Bibliography on Tim Burton:  

• Kempf, H. C., Gallo, L. Burton, T. (2009) The Art of Tim Burton. China: Steeles Publishing.    

Bibliography on the Horror Genre: 

• Sipos, T. M. (2010) Horror Film Aesthetics. Creating the Visual Language of Fear. Jefferson, North Carolina and London: McFarland & Company, Inc.   

Introduction 

This week, Nigel sent us a document to help us establish our research topic and understand the steps of the research process.  

Establishing A Research Topic  

Even though I still have not decided yet which topic I would like to explore, I am starting to ask myself some questions that were given to us in class:  

• Have you chosen a topic which will hold your interest for a sustained period? 

The general topic that interests me the most is the horror and gothic genre as it resonates with my own personal artistic style. I would like to develop my own visual language within that genre, so I would like to explore that field in depth. In the following weeks I will need to narrow down my focal point of investigation, as the topic is still extremely broad.  

• Have you found out who the leading experts / key writers are in this field and what reviews of the topic already exist? 

One of the most emblematic directors that inspires me within the horror genre is Tim Burton. If I were to explore the horror and gothic genre, I would probably use his animations to analyze his visual language and characters.  

Further Comments  

My task for the following weeks is to not only narrow down a specific topic of interest, but also come up with a new perspective on Tim Burton’s movies which has not been analyzed yet.  

Introduction

This week, our session focused specifically on exploring experimental animations by watching some short films.

Experimental Animation

We went over some emblematic experimental animations by Oskar Fischinger, Norman McLarren and Len Lye and we also watched and analyzed some contemporary short films within that genre. However, the animation that caught my attention is named Six to Six directed by Neta Cohen.  

Six to Six – Brief Analysis

Categorization: The animation can be classified as an experimental horror short film, that visually narrates the story of what happens when darkness falls at home.  

Form and Function: The story is presented in a cyclic way since the animation starts with the blinds going down (representing night fall) and ends with the blinds going up (referring to sunrise).  

Process: As regards the animation technique, the director uses 2D animation to showcase different elements and sequences at home. In addition, the textures also help to create the look and feel of a horror environment.  

Formal Elements: The use of black and white plays an essential role in creating a horror setting and helps to set day from night apart. It is also worth mentioning that the director uses color to highlight some elements in specific shots.   

Reference List:  

• Neta Cohen (2019) Six to Six. Available at: https://six-to-six.com/ [Accessed on: 03 March 2023].  

Introduction

This week, we got a brief introduction on how to organize our research proposal and which common mistakes we should avoid when writing our thesis.

Common Mistakes

• Being too wordy.
• Failing to cite relevant sources.
• Focusing on minor issues.
• Failing to make a strong argument.
• Grammar and spelling.

Defining a Topic

Even though I have not decided yet which topic I would like to explore, there are some questions that may help me find an answer:

• What environment of production do you wish to focus upon and why.
• What skills will you need to attain the standards required for vocational practice.

Since I would like to work as an 3D animator in a film or videogame studio, I would like to research a topic that can help me consolidate the knowledge on that area. The general topics that interest me are storytelling, semiotics in film and the gothic/horror genre, as the latter inspires me to develop my own personal artistic style.