Unit 22 Assignment 1 PART 2

Genre - Period Drama - Downton Abbey

Single camera techniques: Downton Abbey shows proof on the use of single camera techniques by taking repeated shots of a group conversation that a couple of characters have. The camera angles are individual mid shots of the group and the scene changes from each character as they are speaking.

Sound: There is regular diegetic sounds included within the scene as well as delicate and small sounds to help create the tension within the frame. It includes sound tracks like deep dramatic music and uplifting music for emotion.

Lighting: The lighting used are low dim tones to represent the era in which the programme is representing (old, Victorian times). This is because there was no electricity and the creators wanted the program feel authentic. There is use of filler lights to help make the scene a little clearer and to help the natural light surroundings.

Camera angles: The camera angles that are included mainly in period dramas are over the shoulder shots and mid shots, so it can capture the drama happening between two protagonists and capture the emotion being shown.

Genre - Teen dramas - Hollyoaks 

Single camera techniques: The use of single camera techniques are shown in a teen drama when they switch from different story-lines This is proof of single camera production because the camera uses editing to switch characters/settings/story-lines.

Sound: There is use of diegetic sounds included within the frames to make the scene sound natural and they include use of music in the background which relates to the mood of the environment. e.g. slow music for emotional scenes.

Lighting: The lighting used are natural lighting to help the audience feel as if they are within the drama and scenes. This helps the audience get into the story and get the full emotion trying to be portrayed.

Camera angles: There are various camera angles used within teen dramas as they try to capture all the emotion and action happening in the scene. Some examples of angles used are over the shoulder shots, mid shots, long shots, panning and tracking, etc.

Genre - Thriller - Revenge

Single camera techniques: Thriller dramas such as revenge shows proof on the use of single camera techniques by using a lot of editing and retakes when doing fast chase or suspense scenes. There is use of different camera angles and constant scene changes to create the build up of tension for the audience.

Sound: The sound used in the drama are diegetic sounds of people talking, machinery, animals, sea waves, etc. but it also included dramatic sound tracks to build suspense and an atmosphere within the scene.

Lighting: The lighting is very dark and dull to create a sense of mystery and tension within the scenes. it is mostly natural light and filler lights to help light up the scene, but to make sure it creates shadows.

Camera angles: The camera angles mostly used within this thriller genre drama are close up shots and over the shoulder shots. This is to create drama and tension, and to show the conversation between the protagonists.

Narrative Structure 

Most stories follow a linear narrative which means it tells a story and starts from the beginning to the end in order. The reason that the linear narrative is a popular story telling method is because it reaches out to the largest mainstream audience and gains a lot more viewers, because people are able to understand the story very easily.  The story happens in chronological order from the beginning to the end. Also the plot of the narrative is normally told without the need to include flashbacks of certain events in the story.

A non-linear narrative structure means that the story doesn't follow a simple pattern. The story isn't shown in chronological order and nonlinear narratives often use flashbacks in which past or future events are revealed through memory or other methods during exposition of a current event. Flashbacks also reveal exposition/backstory to help tell the story. Also hallucinations, narration, twist endings, the bookend technique and reverse chronology.

An example of a non-linear narrative is 500 Days of Summer

In this film the story doesn't start at the beginning till the end, we see different parts of the story in a non-linear order, counting down the days of their relationship. Title cards are employed in this non linear narrative film to explain the current position of the narrative as the plot jumps from one sequence to another. The story is about a man’s failed relationship with a woman and the relationship lasted 500 days. The films narrative jumps between different days of the relationship out of chronological order – simply titling the day of the relationship e.g. “day 290”. In this film the technique was used to juxtapose different stages of the relationship between the two characters. As it would jump from different days of the relationship it would pair a good and a bad moment together. Title cards are also used in Pulp Fiction but differently, to identify the seven narrative sequences of the three story lines in the film. 

 Realist narrative - A realistic narrative based in the real world, the narrative follows the world. rules and life that we live. For an example This is England or 12 Years a Slave. It is a story using the representation of reality. And it shows what happens every day to middle of lower class without romantic idealization or dramatization.

Anti-real narrative - An anti-real narrative isn't set in the real world, it's set in a fictional world where monsters/superheroes exist etc. Something has came from outer space and landed on planet earth or Harry Potter for example. It's set in a fictional place called Hogwarts, where young wizards go to study and obstacles get in their way throughout the film series.  

Open/Closed - A closed ending leaves the audience knowing how the story has ended and they've been given the full story of the characters, it gives you a resolution. A open ending is for example a Cliff Hanger, it leaves the audience guessing what could or did happen to the characters and leaves us guessing. This is used in TV shows so that the audience will keep engaged in watching the show and will want to know what happens next, also is used in film trilogy's etc.

Technical Storytelling

Single camera productions use technical codes such as 

1. Shot size
2. Long shot
3. Mid shot
4. Close
5. Extreme close up

By using these technical codes whist filming, the audience is able to feel more of the characters/location of the story, it tells the story in an artistic way and it helps us to be able to see the expressions of the characters which helps us understand what they're going through in the story. 

Lighting

• Low Key - Dramatic, moody
• High Key - Bright and exciting
• Low contrast - Not many different colours, everyday
• High contrast - Dramatic, volatile

Camera Focus

• Deep - Wanting the audience to look at everything
• Selective - Looks at most important subject
• Soft - When edges blur together