Task 4 - Narrative Structure, Camera Angles, Camera shots and movement

Eastenders is a soap opera; it is played 4 times a week. The narrative of Eastenders has a constant change; in each episode there will be a main storyline with sub stories intercrossing. For example Michael and Roxy’s storyline in realizing his depression towards his baby daughter left in his care. This is surrounded by other events such as Max concern on his daughter friends and their influence. 

On the other hand Doctor Who is a science fiction based genre; it has two main narratives the Doctor and his sidekick. Sometime it may look at the opposing sides story e.g. Oswin journey.

Within Doctor who each of the episodes are presented and has its own plot and ending however sometimes there will be a running theme that will build and develop to the last episode. What does however change is either the doctor or his sidekicks, the doctor changes through a transformation that will in turn introduces a new actor to replace the doctor, in addition as time progresses the journey with the sidekicks come to end and a new sidekick is introduced.

On the other hand Eastenders will have main characters and sub characters. For example from the clip you are able to see that the main characters within this narrative is Michael, Roxy and the baby and alongside Christian and Said and Danny. The sub characters of this clip for example are Max and his conflict with his daughter, in addition to business matters with Jack and Michelle and a final sub plot of Phil and his depressions with Roxy inter-crossing to different storylines. In addition Eastenders contains realism as it reflects real life situations such as families, affairs, work etc. Whereas Doctor Who is anti realist as it is fantasy and is based on an alien time lord who visits earth in a mission to save mankind. However it does hold some elements of realism through the use of relationships i.e. Rory and Amy’s relationship on earth away from the doctor. 

Eastenders is restricted as we are only provided with what the characters are seeing and going through, however there are clues that are implemented to create questioning in what could happen next for example in the clip you see said meeting a re-accruing customer whom is in the financial department and from the guilt he expresses we are able to see something will may take place with the two characters.  In the series Doctors who we are able to see it is also has restricted viewpoint, this is down to the fact that we are only provided to see what the doctor sees, this meaning that we are not provided a lot of information. This as a whole for both Eastenders and Doctor allows a mystery to be created and questioning to what may come. Furthermore Doctor Who has a mixture of being Objective and subjective, this is show in the clip above. It has this mixture down to the fact that in that the presentation is objective from Oswins's Viewpoint then towards the end it becomes subjective as we are able to see it from doctor's Viewpoint showing Oswin as a darlek. Whereas in contrast Eastenders is just objective, we are always only shown from the character viewpoint and it mainly guessing throughout. 

Overall Eastenders has open ending and at times within the episodes it has close endings but looking at the clip presented you are able to see that Christian and Said story is left with a cliffhanger and a solution as he is provided with money for his financial problems but also we are left at a cliffhanger for what will happen between Said and Danny. In addition we are able to see the reason for Michael angry and frustration this creating an end to the plot of the episode but will have an on-going plot.  In contrast Doctor who may also have both this being that some of the episodes may be left as to be continued therefore meaning they require 2 episodes to conclude in close ending. Overall each episode will have an ending but sometimes within Doctor who it will give signs for an overall ending for example last year's episodes looks at the re-occurring theme of the crack in the wall.

Prop's Theory within doctor who is presents this being that within this clip we are able to see that the villain is the Darleks in the camps and the Hero whom is Doctor Who, the Helper is both his sidekicks Rory and Amy Pond, the Done is the Tardis, The dispatcher is the Darleks Prime Minister, and the damsel in distress in Oswin and can also be seen as the helper as she pulls down the force filed for the doctor in this particular episode.  In contrast the Prop's theory in Eastenders does apply but changes within each episodes as the actors characteristics may change and they could then be the hero in one episode and a villain in the next.

Todorov's theory is present this down to the fact that in both it includes an equilibrium, disruption that causes the disequilibrium, Recognition and then this is followed by a new state of peace and harmony to allow the new equilibrium to bring the chaos to an end.Within Eastenders the equilibrium starts in the house with a calm atmosphere. Then the disruption which causes the disequilibrium with said being stressed out, Michael being angry and Phil getting inpatient with the delivery problems. The recognition this being that from the clip said is having financial problems, Phil is very lonely and depressed and Michael is depressed and frustrated that the child is left behind. And what end the chaos is that Phil is buying new wallpaper and he is reminded that his loneliness cannot be covered by changes like this, Said is provided with the money by his mother and Phil stops his angry and frustration by drinking and informing Roxy of his problems. Doctor who on the other hand begins its equilibrium with Amy in a photo shoot and the reflection of the Doctors defeat, this element of Amy and Rory's relationship at the photo shoot brings elements of realism. In addition to this it then moves to the disequilibrium where they are all kidnapped. It then moves to them recognizing the situation they are in from the prime minster informing them and the chaos ends with oswin bringing down the force field for them to get back in safety. 

Camera Shots and Movement

Within music videos there are a range of shots and angles used, this includes extreme wide shots, long shots, medium shows, Close up and extreme close ups.

The shots used are used for different reasons, this being that the extreme long shot is mainly used to show and establish the setting or location of the production. In addition the use of long shots are used to show the scene in the full this will allow a better feel for the audience and create an atmosphere for the setting used.  The mid shots are used to show the artist being filmed and have focus on them and what they are doing this can be used for example when recording them when they are showing their musical abilities as you will able to see the musical object and the artist. The use of close up is used to express emotion and allow better connection between the audience and viewers. Furthermore extreme close ups allow specifically to show feeling and create more awareness to it for example a close up of the eye dropping a tear creates more emphasis in the pain that someone is going through and creates better understanding.

Camera Angles

Within music Videos there is use of camera angles and these include, Bird’s eye View, High Angle, Eye level, Low angle, canted angle also known as oblique.

The use of Birds Eye View is used to create and establish the location; in addition the high angle shots are used to establish shots or give a better feel to the atmosphere, or even create focus to a specific element. Eye level shots are used to show the artists face, and allow a better connection to be made between the audience and artist. And finally a low angle shots is often used to allow things to appeal larger or more important I.e. the shot that shows people and focuses on them.

Task 3 - Genre

Within the media industry there is the use of genres that allows a segregation to be made from the different styles that may interest individuals. Some examples of this are: Period drama, Soaps, thriller Comedy sitcoms and many others. Some of the genres presented may even consist of sub-categories. Within each genre the styles and conventions will differ to allow the specific genre to be presented to the audience. Furthermore meaning that the elements presented such as - costumes, Lighting, Location, props etc may have to change or are adjusted to a specific genre.

Great Expectations 

The serial great expectation is an example of a Period drama; this is a fictional story that is set in the past. It is a serialization from the Charles dickens Novel consisting of 3 main episodes as you are able to see below the trailer for the serial:

Great Expectations fits in well with the genre of period dramas as it is portrayed in the Victorian era grasping the elements of the setting in the past. In addition this is re-enforced from the type of clothing worn, we are able to see that the old fashioned style of clothing in contrast to the modern style of today. As you are able to see that Pip's Clothing is fitted to the genre and the use of old fashioned cloths allows the actors to be portrayed in the scenery well for a period drama.

The different types of locations are shown below:

The location supports the genre as there is use of old building and homes, this creating the old traditional look of the setting being in the past. The genre of Period drama location tend to be rural areas in this case Great expectations settings are in the countryside , villages and in some cases areas that have houses located. Overall it is mainly a portrayal of fields and greenery, the purpose of this is to grasp the elements of the traditional era and make the past setting more realistic.  The opening of Great expectations begins with Pip in the graveyard, this being portraying the dull colors of black and grey to portray the emotions being presented by the character pip. The use of colors in general is brown, black, yellow and grey. These are a few of the on-going schemes of colors this is to blend in well with that period of time and allows a more perceivable setting and also reflects well with the narrative being provided. 

The use of props within period dramas will make sure no use of today's technology is presented as it will instantly remove the image of the setting and make the presentation look very un-tidy. Within great expectations the main use of props is the carriages that Pip takes his journey on.  Alongside this looking at great expectations you are able to see the presentation of language is being used from the Shakespearean language with no use of slang at all, this allows the genre period drama to be successful as elements like language support the image the past.

The typical story-lines of period dramas will consist of issues that may have arisen in that era this being love, wealth, torture, deceit, family and many others. Within great expectations it explores the themes of wealth and the yearning of love for Estella. This allows better connection to the audience as some elements can be related this being the love and the form of relationships but other it may be an opportunity to be drawn away from everyday life in interest of the past and the stories presented in a genre of period drama. 

Period dramas presentations will vary depending on the era set in as the cultures and society will be different. Within great expectation it represents two types of classes this being the rich and the poor. Furthermore Pip whom is from a poor background will be represented in that manner i.e. he wears very ragged old cloths and his physical appearance is very dirty as in mud is on his face and he does have very scruffy hair. This appearance portrays an instant stereotype, in this case we see a contrast of this class as Pip achieves wealth and immediately has a drastic change in appearance this for example being that his appearance is well maintained and the use of clothing is change this being more formal as pip has a suit in addition to his own hat. Looking at the higher class this being the rich of the social classes, they have more polished appearance and are very formal, however one character does not take a role in neither within this specific Period drama and this is Miss Havisham, she remains in her wedding dress and the props used are clocks as they are all kept at a specific moment in her life. The main reason for this is to remain her from a moment in the past therefore not changing anything allows an image to shown of her yearning. The rich will also present themselves by having props such as pocket watches and wear suits and more presentable clothing in contrast to the poor. 

Hollyoaks

Hollyoaks is one of many soaps that are presented on television; it comes on for 30 minutes, 5 times a week.  Soaps in general will tend to portray elements of day to day life; in support of hollyoaks as in example this is true as it explores real life situations such as families, affairs, work etc.

As you are able to see above there is more than one character and as each new episode takes place the main characters will differ with different story-lines and may include sub characters and present small aspects of their daily life. In addition to this Hollyoaks allows the opportunity in having new characters to be introduced and can also bring re-accruing character from the past within the set. In addition the structure of soaps and for example Hollyoaks may include cliff-hanger or a built up of a gradual end of the plot.

Within Hollyoaks and other soaps there is also an input in the social class this being a variety from the lower to the very rich. Some example of this is the homeless children that stared in Hollyoaks, in addition the rich is Riley the footballer. The location of which Hollyoaks is filmed at is in homes, schools, Supermarket, Pubs, clubs, these elements allow a realistic perspective to be made to the typical story-lines  Within Hollyoaks their also new locations being added in such as Cafe's, some may be outdoors.

The lighting of Hollyoaks will have a constant change depending on the emotion wanting to be presented as within Hollyoaks there is a mixture of story-lines and plot therefore the lighting and camera shots will vary. The clothing of characters will be modern and in some cases may differ to allow presentation of individuals in today society this being:  dresses for outing or clubbing, the typical hoodies, Casual outfits, School outfits and many others. 

Merlin

Merlin is a great example of a Fantasy based genre, it has elements allowing it to successfully fit in well with this genre. These elements are the Location, Props, Lighting, Costumes and many other features.

Looking at one of the episodes you are able to see that the main use of props within Merlin is the use of candles, old furniture, Armour this including the shields and weapons this allows the element of the elder generation.  The use of horses and riding on them allows a re-enforcement in the setting being presented.  The location of fantasy based genre is mainly in rural areas, within Merlin there is use of Castles and forts and mainly greenery.  In addition to re-enforce this look there is clothing that establish the social classes in that era.

Within the Episode above you are able that the setting is divided into the social classes, this is a constant dived provide a contrast in the cultures and species. There tends to be very recognizable stereotypes. This being for example Merlin as he is a servant, this stereotype is re-enforced by the use of customers as Merlin just wears a red neck scarf, brown coat and a blue top whereas for example the upper class such as the prince and Kings and noble people wear amour made customs and Arthur in particular wears a jewellery to present his wealth with his gold chain. 

The lighting within Merlin presented has a constant change in lighting this being indoor and outdoor lighting.  Also the colors used within Merlin take a drastic change depending of the climax  of the scene, for example looking at the clip in the beginning as it is very dramatic dark color are used such as black and are more warm use of colors. Whereas when Arthur is sitting down at the feast table, the lighting and color are brighter and cooler and this repressing the cheerful atmosphere at hand. The language of Merlin fits in well with the fantasy as there are use of modern English terms to allow humour and entertain viewers but another example of English presented in the more formal and in that era the use of "My lady" to segregate the upper class from the lower. The final use of language is for the magic and supernatural this being that the use of language is not understandable for viewers but is understandable from the actions taken.

Overall within fantasy there tends to be Prop's theory in the use of heroes and villains, damsel in distress and so on. Within Merlin we are able to see this placed in action as the villain in Merlin tends to be Morganna however at times can adjust to different characters such as the drewed child. Within Merlin there is a typical use of the good and the evil characters and a main conflict at hand, in some fantasies it may include magic and the supernatural within Merlin is a common theme. With these other elements there is the use of a romantic entanglement between the forth coming King Arthur and one of the servants. 

The Office 

An example of a sitcom is "The office" which is broadcasted on BBC 2; it began on 9 July 2001. The setting of this sitcom is mainly limited this being that it is an office placed area as it looks at individuals whom work.  This in contrast is different to other comedy sitcoms such as Citizen Khan as it is based in a mainly in a home.

The Sitcom "The office" camera shots are presented from clip to clip and constantly changing, allowing the presentation to be entertaining and interesting, the use of the format is Single camera use which works well creating the realistic environment and engaging individuals better with what is being presented. The location is not always in the office and at times is outdoors i.e. when they are going to look for sales or other day to day elements in work.

The main purpose of having this programme is to for many individuals take them away from their stressful days lives at work and create humour, this can be based at a wide range of individuals but it will have most effective response to those whom work as the relationships and dislikes in colleagues is familiar in day to day lives.  The typical presentation of Comedy sitcoms concentrates in relationships, problems, affairs this elements in this specific sitcom are taken and put in the office and work living. 

The costume of this specific sitcom is mainly suits as it is creating the office look in work, in addition to this it also has props such as desks, Computers, Offices, Stationary and others to create this look that is in businesses to make the setting realistic to individuals watching. The language used within this sitcom is formal and informal, this is mainly to create entertainment as it gives the contrast of how the characters should be acting in work and how they really are which create an element of humour.

The Sitcom has main characters so that individuals can be familiar, in addition has one main plot this being the lifestyle in the office with sub plots this looking at things that take place in work, for example from the clip above you are able to see the relationship in dislike between two individuals which is relatable to viewers.  

Task 2 - Camera Formats

Single & Multiple Camera Format

Single Camera format is done by the use of one camera for all the TV shots taken, the director will have the choice to pan between subjects. There is also availability in the use of taking longer shots, stopping the camera and you are also able to film from another or new angle so that you are able to gain the shot that you require. The single camera setup allows scenes to be filmed in a non-sequential order, this is done by shots of 1, 3, 5 and 7 that will be for one actor and the second person will be 2, 4, 6 and 8. This filming will be done for both actors and then edited to appear fluent and will aim to show a sequence.

Whereas a multiple camera shots can have as many as five cameras at use that will simultaneously gain the same action taking place. For a multiple camera format the shots that are required are then selected to be put together during the editing process of the production. The camera will be connected to a video mixed which will then be mixed to a single. Multi Camera setup is done by recording in an order to the scrip this being less time consuming to do on the multi camera, therefore meaning that the same actors and sets will be filmed at the same time.

Advantages of Single Camera Format

The use of a single camera format provides a variety of shots as you are able to stop the camera but also the fact that you are able to film from new angles allowing a range of shots in selection for the editing process. The use of a master shot plays well as an advantage as you are able to have wide shots of a scene this focusing on the elements as a whole. This will be used as a master shot before the use of closer shots are implemented. In addition to this a single camera format is more realistic for viewers this allowing a better feel for the audience as they are able to connect better.

A advantage for the use of single camera format is that there is a greater creative control over each shot as you are able to have a wide range of shots from the non- sequential order in addition being able to record at different angles allows editing to be more creative as there is a wider range to work from.

The use of a single camera shot also means that the crew and actors will not always be required to be on set as the use of doubles can be implemented, this is a great benefit to the production in the single camera format as it will provide a restriction in amount of costing and will be cheaper. Lookalike doubles can also mean that there will be fewer complications for both the actors and the producers as they will not be required all the time. This shot will be constructed by an over shot of the shoulder. This also allows the scenes in different locations can be done at the same time as the actors required in the scenes may vary. On the left hand Side you are able to see Robert Pattinson Stunt Double.

Advantages of multiple camera formats

The advantages from the use of a multiple camera format is that it is quicker shoot as the use of more than one camera will mean that you are able to capture the events taking place more efficiently, this also including different camera angles.

In addition the use of the multi camera technique may be less expensive this will be down to the fact that the production will require less shooting hours from the crew. The shots taken in a multi camera format will be easier to edit as they are done in sequence therefore limiting confusion in the editing process.

The set up for a multi camera format in terms of the lighting will not be difficult as it is being recorded at that one time therefore will not need continuous adjusting in lighting that the single camera technique may require.

Use of Single & Multi Camera Formats

The use of a single camera format may be dramas this being for example Samantha who. It is an American television sitcom that has a running of time of 22 minutes. It has a total amount of 2 seasons. Other examples of the use of single camera formats in dramas are misfits, come fly with me and the office.

The use of single camera format may also be used in commercial this being for example for the Compare the Market.com. In addition to this it may also include in some music videos and could also be used in some documentaries. They are recorded in this manner as the director will have more control in each shot taken.

The use of multi camera formats may be used for programmes such as the news a main common one being the BBC News or Channel 5 News, this being down to the fact that the camera is just placed in front of the presenter which then provides the daily information for individuals. In addition it can be used for Talk shows such a Jeremy Kyle, these types of talk shows are made to seem more realistic from the format of the multi camera technique. In addition Football games and concerts that take place such as T4 on the beach.

Task 1 - Serial, Series and Single Drama

Serial
A serial is a show that has a story-line  it is often described as a serialisation from a book or a specific event. A serial is only broadcasted once and it does not end at each hour, it evolves around installments this usually tends to be 1-3 episodes however can vary.

An example of a serial is Pride and Prejudice, which is set in Netherfield Estate in Hertfordshire; it is a romance set in the early 1800's.  The serial consists of six hours - long episodes, which are adapted from the Jane Austen Novel of the same title. The serial consists of the following main characters: Mr& Mrs Bennet and their five children Elizabeth, Kitty, Lydia and Mary. It also includes Mr Darcy and Charles Bingley.

In addition to this the BBC great expectations is another example, this on the other hand consists of 3 episodes that are adapted from Charles Dickson’s Novel. The serial consists of the following main characters: Pip, Estella, Magwitch, and Miss Havisham.

Another great example of a serial is Prime Suspect 3 and it consists of the genres of crime, drama and mystery. The serial is tailored from Lynda La Plante Novel; it has a run time of 3 hours and 28 minutes. The serial Prime Suspect 3 includes character such as DCI Jane Tennison, Vera Reynolds and many others.

Series
A series is a programme broadcasted regularly; this usually tends to be once a week.  It will consist of a story that is separated or split down to a set amount of episodes. It will consist of the same characters and a basic situation will be used to tell a different story in each episode. A series will contain the same title but this will only take place after all the episodes meet an end.

An example of a series is Doctor Who; it is a Science fiction based genre. The setting of this series is often around in the universe, earth and usually the location of London. Doctor who is a series of 1 hour and originally began in 1963.  The main characters are the Doctor and his sidekick this for example being (Amy pond & Rory Williams.) Sometimes the sidekick's friends and family members are involved. The main characters will also have some of the re-accruing villains such as the Cyberman and Daleks.

Another example of a series is the ‘Merlin’. The series started in September 20, 2008. The genre of Merlin is fantasy and drama. The main characters in this series are Prince Arthur, Merlin and Guinevere. Merlin is aired in BBC for 45 minutes.  

Another example of a series is 90210; the genre of this series is teen drama. The setting of 90210 is based in America.  90210 is aired for 1 hour and the first episode of 90210 started in September 2^nd 2008.  The main character of 90210 is Naomi Clark, Annie Wilson, Liam Court , Erin Silver and others.

A final example of a series is ‘The vampire diaries’. This series has recently started in September 10, 2009. The genre of this type of series is fantasy, horror and teen drama. The airing time of the vampire diaries is also 1 hour. The main characters in the vampire diaries are Elena Gilbert, Stefan Salvatore and Damon Salvatore and many others.

Single Drama
A single drama is broadcasted but only once, it provides a presentation of real life.  It is often based on topics or issues that are more appropriate for television than in contrast to cinema based.

 An example of a single drama is My Murder; this is based on true events. The single drama was released in Tuesday 17^th April 2012; it was aired for 1 hour.  The main character of my murder was Shakilus Townsend. Dirty war is another example of single drama which is about a terrorist attack on London. This was released at the later dates of 2004.

The final example of a single drama is See No Evil, this is about a Housewife, 49, Prime Suspect, The Road to Guantanamo and Death of a President.  This single drama was watched by 6.2 million on ITV1. The estimated starting date of See No Evil was 26 September 2007. The genres of See No Evil are slasher, thriller and horror. Some of the main characters in See No Evil are Kira, Christine, Jacob Goodnight and many more.