FIQWS 10113

Anderson Pedro- Hernandez

Prof.Lobell

12/10/25

During my time in the course Composition for Creative Expression, I was able to grow as a student in terms of my writing. Furthermore, I was able to develop writing skills to later implement in my work. This includes citing and gathering sources, analysis in regards of my arguments and including my overall opinion on certain concepts. In doing so my writing has been fundamentally changed for the better which would later help me with my writing for future courses and help with my major of Mechanical Engineering. 

For example, my writing has improved dramatically in terms of Comprehension and Analyzing a body of work and the overall message. For instance in my Artifact Essay, I was able to understand the true meaning behind the musical “Rent” and literary device Johnathan Larson proclaims to convey his message. In which I had to analyze certain characters within the Screenplay and see how exactly they helped to portray the complex and the rising action. Through their dialogue, for instance when comparing each dialogue I was able to understand how screen plays are written but also how they form. For example with the use of “Rent” cast recording Characters use certain phrases based on tone and emotions. By doing this I was able to understand and analyze the context of the situation of each character and how this helps develop the screen play, and with this I was able to organize exactly the bases of a screenplay and the impact on the development of the plot. Based on characters dialogue, problems and plot. Moreover, when presenting this project to an audience this allowed me to focus on the structure of a screenplay and literary devices. Also the importance of individual conflict. 

Moreover, with the use of Google slides I was able to procreate a presentation regarding my work. With each slide having its own piece of information, it correlates back to the overall concept. By doing this presentation it not only helped me in terms of becoming a better writer by being able to section up my long essay. But ultimately also allows me to become a better presenter. Allowing me to practice my presenting skills such as projecting my voice and being able to talk to an audience of my own work/research and opinions. This is an essential skill to practice especially in college because of the fact, this won’t be the first time voicing my opinions and research to allow audiences to understand me and perhaps agree with my work. Furthermore, this has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and see what are some things I can approve of as well. Similar to this another important piece of work, was my research essay. More specifically the practice in citing and finding credible sources. For example with websites taught in this course such as Jstor, CCNY library and Digital Collections NYPL. In addition with the use of these websites I was able to find credible peer reviewed articles to implement in my work. Furthermore, to cite these sources as well to give both the article and Arthur credit. Therefore, there was an major transition between my Artifact essay and Research essay in terms of how I found my sources and to accredit them. This skill would be essential for me in future instances and research for other classes. And also know more about the resources provided to me at CCNY. 

Another important project throughout the Semester was a genre translation project. This project has also implemented many important writing skills but as well creativity. By being  able to create something that correlates with my Artifact essay, such as the themes, concepts of Rent. In which I chose to do a blackout poem, therefore I use specific key words to put together a poem that correlates with the theme of “Rent” which I briefly wrote in my Artifact essay, about how the community can overall overcome any struggle within. Moreover, in the blackout poem it contains a page directly from the Script of Rent. Therefore, I selected key words that also connect with the motifs of Rent such as community, dreams and New York City. With doing so the overall message that community and the desire to want better can overcome struggle for example in the play, Rent, Larson portrays a community in NYC who went through the struggle of having to pay rent because of how high prices were due to gentrification. However despite this, the community stayed together which I talked about in my poem. On the other hand in my poem I also talked about how even if you are used to being within a community and feel safe there it’s also good to reach for higher levels as well and sometimes that means leaving. In which I correlate closely especially with the transition between Highschool and College. Therefore, with the use of the genre translation project it help think more creativity and use my own experiences as well to reflect this creativity. 

All in all, throughout my time in this course, I was able to implement various skills into my writing. And ultimately grow as one as well. My most favorite project was the genre translation project or blackout poem. This allowed me to use my creativity and imagination and make it into a form of Art piece. In addition I enjoyed collaborating my ideas amongst my peers as well. Lastly, my time has opened many doors for my writing, whether that’s what questions to ask when writing, or how to cite evidence and sources and where to find these sources. I would recommend this course to those who are interested in plays, theatre and art. And take their writing to the next level.

FIQWS 10113

Anderson Pedro- Hernandez

Prof.Lobell

11/10/25

Modern Musicals are created through multiple inspirations. Whether that’s a novel, story, playwright but more in particular Films. Throughout time the creation of both Modern Musicals and Movies are more connected rather than distant. Which is why multiple Filmmakers convert Movies into modern Musicals. Whether that’s because of the expansion in target audience or the financial benefit in regards to the final product.  But why? In this paper we would touch base on why Movies turn into Musicals, and what it takes to do so. 

Movies and Films date back to the early October 1888, “Roundhay Garden Scene” by Louis Le Prince. However they were much more different then what we know about films today. For instance within the film it consisted of a Short silent clip, of a group of people walking in a circle. On the other hand, compared to Modern Films created today it has significantly changed to have a longer duration, dialogue, change in Environment but importantly due the filmmaking process of A movie. For example, according to nyfa.edu “The Filmmaking Process For Beginners” it portrays there are 7 components that go into making a film. Moreover, the film starts with the concept surrounding an Idea; this is the foundation of the film. Including the plot, the complex, characters, conflict etc. Additionally, you would have to create a script that would later on help configure what a certain character says and does. This would be a timeline of how the plot later on develops. Similar to the timeline a story board is what goes on with the film when it comes to a timeline, where you could visually see it. Which would help actually filming the film. Next is your cast and crew which would help set the whole movie up in the first place. This will bring your inspiration to life. As well as your location, where you would set your whole film up. Finally, filming and the post production of the film is where you would bring your idea to life and make the final touches. Therefore this conveys that when making a film comes with multiple aspects and details. And the Film Making process has differed throughout time.  

In addition to the fact that when creating both a film and Musical aren’t so different from one another, when converting A Film to a Musical isn’t as difficult as it may be projected as. For instance although it has a different concept the elements of both the Film and Musical are the same. Moreover, on the Backstage.com , Steven Edelstone conveys”; “What I did want was to give people the same experience they had with the movie, but you want to surprise them in good ways because they’re coming in with a little bit of cynicism of “ugh, another movie turned into a musical, how lazy and money grabbing!”,  Rubin says. “But it’s an opportunity to re-experience something wonderful in a new way with an audience, not in your living room. I didn’t want it to be too familiar. Sometimes I’ll take them to a familiar place and instead of giving them the familiar outcome, I’ll give them something unfamiliar so they get that “aha!” Therefore despite the two having very completely different aspects to them in terms of how they are shown. When making a Musical, producers try to not change the original script or certain key parts of the scene. To keep the audience engaged. However, try to change the elements of it, to keep the audience in awe. 

On the other hand, creating a Musical isn’t so different as well. Which is why we can see many similarities within both a Musical and Movie. When it comes to the film making process or the certain target audience that views both films. Which may be the overall reason on why they interlink both concepts. Whether that is the writers or filmmaking companies trying to reach both audiences to be able to prosper, financially. For instance, in thecoversation.com “Hollywood On stage: Why are so many Musicals adapted from Movies” Published by Trevor Jones; Jones conveys “Of course, this process can also be reversed with movie musicals like the upcoming Cats starting life onstage. The cycle completes itself when a production like Hairspray goes from screen to stage and is then filmed as a movie musical.

Adapting popular films for the stage became common practice in the 21st century as producers sought to draw new audiences into theatres to see shows with familiar titles. “ In addition, this portrays that due to the fact that people are more familiar with certain movies. In hopes of bringing in that built in audience they would want to make a “Movie Musical” to benefit both Movie and theatre industries through Subsidiary Rights and Licensing. 

More importantly the significance of Movie Musicals and how they impact modern entertainment. And bringing awareness to social issues around the world. For instance in certain Movie Musicals their plot/complex is based on certain conflicts.  For example, according to the article “The Disney Musical on Stage and Screen: Critical Approaches from “Snow White” to “Frozen.” Edited by George Rodosthenous. Rodosthenous conveys “ To understand Disney Musicals not just in terms of their influence on popular culture and  as apolitical and educational tools but also artistic innovations. The collection is organized into broad themes: “ Disney Musicals: On film,” Disney adaptation: On stage and Beyond .” And “ Disney Musicals: Gender and Race.” The thematic headings are perhaps not as helpful as one might wish.” Therefore this portrays that when most Disney Movies are converted into Musicals the intention is also to look in regards to social issues but also to gain a wider target audience with the use of the Movie popular title. 

However, despite trying to reach a wider target audience there intent for Movie Musicals are also to bring in more revenue and profit. In addition to using a popular movie title it also brings in more people. Which is why, more and more musicals are coming from Movies for the financial aspect. Especially because of the anticipation and the demand a certain audience has in regards to the Movie Musical. For example, according to NYFA.org, “Musical Theatre and their Hollywood Inspiration” Mark Olsen states” Fans waited with great anticipation to see the movie versions of stage musicals such as Oklahoma!, Brigadoon, Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, and of course, West Side Story. Many of the great musicals of that era did not just spring forth from pure imagination. They were adapted from another source. Guys and Dolls for example was based on Damon Runyon short stories, Oklahoma! is based on the Lynn Riggs play Green Grow the Lilacs and West Side Story is based on Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet. Book and play adaptations have a long and successful history in the musical theatre genre. Borrowing themes and central plot ideas from these literary sources, the creators of the musicals of that earlier era enjoyed great success at the Broadway box office.” This portrays that due to the success in the office and the demand of the audience/fans. The theatre district would publish something that’s guaranteed to bring them profit. In addition they would base the musical based off their theme and what it is that makes them special. Therefore, this can explain why it is more and more Movie Musicals are being made and sold to the public. Due to the demand and the desire to see a spin-off of some of their favourite films. 

All in all, Movie Musicals play a huge role in what we know in the Theatre Industry, due to its unique nature of entertainment. Which is the concept of converting a famous film into a Musical. This of course exposes a new target audience into the Movie Musical world. Lastly, they have a greater impact in terms of how they innovate what we know today in theatre and what goes into making musicals. 

Sites:

The Disney Musical on Stage and Screen: Critical Approaches from “Snow White” to “Frozen.” Edited by George Rodosthenous. 

New York Film Academy: “Modern Musicals based on Movies and TV Shows”. Published 05/2024 

Trevor Jones: “Hollywood onstage: why are so many musicals adapted from movies?” Published 09/2019 

Steven Edelstone:”How a films becomes a broadway musical”. Updated 01/2018 

New York film Academy: “The Filmmaking Process for Beginners”.published 05/2022 

New York film academy:” Musical Theatre And The Hollywood Inspiration”. Published 05/2014

In Musicals, we can identify an overall message to take away from what we have watched based on the conflict of the characters. Some key elements that help the audience better understand are the dialogue and the music. For example, the screenplay “Rent” by Johnathan Larson helps picture the story of Two Individuals who struggle with Addiction and Rent, through the perspective of the Main Character, Mark. In doing so, Larson uses the literary device of Imagery through dialogue and helps the audience better understand the environment of the Musical. Furthermore, by using music, Larson can target a specific audience. Especially because this play took place during the HIV epidemic, the use of key elements such as Dialogue and Music better allows Larson to convey his message through the play. By being able to compare both videos of the cast recording (tune up 2 and tune up 3 ) we can understand the plot of Rent through just dialogue between each character.

 

One key element that Larson uses in the musical, “Rent” is dialogue. By using the element the audience are able to characterize and be able to further understand the conflict in the musical. For example when listening into the conversation between characters we visualize how they are  impacted by both external and internal conflict of not having enough money for rent but as well as struggling with addiction. Due to the fact that the author uses specific dialogue to convey this.

 

For instance, in the cast recording Tune up 2, with the use of dialogue in specific the script and what is being told. We are able to identify the internal conflict that Mark, who seems to be the main character, is going through. In addition with the use of the phone call between him, Roger and Collins. Throughout this conversation we find out the friendship between Roger and Mark, but before them was Mark, Collins and Maureen. Whereas they all live in the same apartment together however we find out that Collin’s is their landlord and Mark and Roger are behind in rent. And may be evicted if they don’t pay. Moreover, Mark has been affected and feels bad because of his recent break up with ex girlfriend Maureen. Therefore with the use of this conversation between each other and the dialogue spoken, we can identify that Mark is going through a lot whether that’s his breakup, rent. However he does have friendships that help him during these difficult times.

 

Moreover, through the use of dialogue we are also able to understand external conflict through dialogue as well as music. For example the tone that each character expresses when talking also helps the audience characterize and have a better understanding of the external conflict. In addition, in the cast recording title, tune up 3 it conveys Mark tone has a shift in tone and sounds dramatic and seems to have a cry for help rather than his energetic voice in the first recording. Therefore through the use of speech and dialogue we can identify that he is mentally not okay. Moreover the audience finds out that due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic Mark and Roger find out they have aids. Lastly with the help of the instruments and music, we can identify a shift in mood which brings more of the sadder theme of the musical then per usual. Which portrays how with the use of dialogue and the tone of character we can identify their emotions but with the help of the music in the background it helps picture the environment and get a grasp on who and why is feeling that way.

 

Throughout the screen play the use of dialogue we are able to hear and characterize who is a part of the play and what it is there going through. But also what exactly helps the characters overcome their difficulties. However dialogue not only consists of just speech but also the script and what exactly are the actors saying. On page 10-11, Larson conveys “WHAT BINDS THE FABRIC TOGETHER WHEN THE RAGING, SHIFTING WINDS OF CHANGE KEEP RIPPING AWAY BENNY DRAW A LINE IN THE SAND AND THEN MAKE A STAND ROGER USE YOUR CAMERA TO SPAR MARK USE YOUR GUITAR (ALL) WHEN THEY ACT TOUGH-YOU CALL THEIR BLUFF RENT( MARK & ROGER) WE’RE NOT GONNA PAY (MARK, ROGER & HALF THE COMPANY) WE’RE NOT GONNA PAY (MARK, ROGER & OTHER HALF OF COMPANY) WE’RE NOT GONNA PAY.”

Therefore, with the use of dialogue within the script, the audience can understand what helps the protagonist go through their struggles, but it also shows the overall message Larson is trying to convey, which is community. For example, in the dialogue we can clearly see that because of the fact that Mark and Roger struggle with the rent. Other people in the community struggle together, but instead of trying to solve the issue on their own. The community decides to go through the issue together and instead revolts against the company. And the importance of sticking together to be able to undergo social injustice that everyone is facing, and to be able to bond over similar conflicts. Which could eventually also help solve it.

 

All in all with the help of dialogue the audience is able to identify conflict within the characters and how they are impacted by it. For instance by comparing 2 recording cast videos of the Musical Rent. Not necessarily by being able to visually see the screen play we can identify the theme of the play. But also by hearing it and the dialogue communicated. Therefore through the use of this we are able to undertake the Larson message that no matter the conflict someone is going through, it’s not everlasting but temporary but who you are surrounded by and how you go through the conflict itself is how it would impact you. For instance, Mark is seen as a character that is going through a lot and nothing is ever going his way whether that’s having aids, addiction, behind in rent, or going through a breakup because his community is strong and supportive and his friendships he has. He never gives up and continues to push forward.