Torodov's Theory

Introduction

In this blogpost, I am going to research and explain who is Torodov and what was his theory. I will also present an example of a media product using Torodov's Theory.

What is Todorov's Narrative Theory?

Tzvetan Torodov was a Franco-Bulgarian structural linguistic philosopher who came up with a theory which helps set a definition or structure on stories and narratives.

Torodov in 1969 produced a theory which he believed to be able to be applied to any film. He believed that all films followed the same narrative patter. They all went through stages called the equilibrium, disequilibrium, acknowledgement, solving, and again equilibrium.

There are five stages the narrative can progress through:

• A state of equilibrium (All is as it should be.)
• A disruption of that order by an event.
• A recognition that the disorder has occured
• An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption
• A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium.

Example of the theory in practise

An example of the theory in practise is the film of "Shrek".

At the start of the film, Shrek is happy and content in his swamp, carrying out his daily duties of scaring the local village and attacking mobs. This shows at the start of the film, Shrek living his normal life in his average habitat. (A state of equilibrium)

A disruption then occurs when lots of fairytale creatures invaded Shreks swamp, so to regain control and ownage of his land, he must go on a quest for Lord Farquaad (the villian) to find the charming princess, "Princess Fiona".

A recongition that the disorder has occured is when Shrek realizes he is in love with Princess Fiona, but she is to be married in the morning to Lord Farquaad. Shrek tries to ignore his feelings to get back his swamp, but he has fallen for her more than he thinks.

In attempt to repair the damage of the disruption, Shrek and his sidekick Donkey go out to rescue and declare his love for her before she is wed. He crashes the wedding, by invading and fighting with the guards and knights, while the whole city is watching. Fiona reveals her secret that she too is a ogre, and they fight for their love and succeed.

The film ends with a restoration of a new equilibrium, where Shrek and Fiona are happily married, within their swamp, and Shrek makes friends with Donkey and the fairytale creatures.

The film continues on with 3 prequels, which all continue on with the end result/equilibrium.

Bibliography

http://www.slideshare.net/Die-fast-live-pretty/todorovs-narrative-theory (18/10/2012)

http://www.mediaknowall.com/gcse/keyconceptsgcse/keycon.php?pageID=narrative (18/10/2012)

Narrative structures

Introduction:

In this blog post, I am going to provide examples and explain;

• what are the different forms of narrative structures (linear, non-linear, single strand and multi strand)
• the different types of narrative structures (flashback, realist, anti-realistic and dramatic irony)
• the different endings of narrative structures (cliffhanger, open ended and closed ended).
• and I am also going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of these structures.

Forms of narrative structures:

Linear (sequential): Linear or sequential narratives are when stories flow in a chronological order with a start, middle and end. The products include no flashbacks or dream sequences. Everything happens in present time order.

The advantages of a linear structure is that the audience understands what is going on and the plot is carried out in order. The disadvantages of a linear structure is that it is quiet boring and predictable on what is going to happen.

An example of a linear media product is Coronation Street. This is because it continues its plots in a chronological order.


Non-linear (non-sequential): A non-linear or non-sequential narrative structures are when stories do not follow a chronological order and the plot is distorted due to time (past, present and future). These kind of products usually include effects such as flash-backs and reverse narrative.

The advantages of a non-linear product is that it can take the audience to the past/future tense to help them understand the situation. The disadvantages of non-linear products is that it can confuse the audience if the story is not in chronological order.

An example of a non-linear narrative is the film Inception. This is because it uses a lot of flashbacks and dream sequences to make up the story of the film.


Single strand: Single strand narrative structures is when the plot is focused on one main protagonist and his story.

The advantages of a single strand narrative is that it helps the audience to focus on one character and his story. The disadvantages of a single strand narrative is that the story would be boring because other factors are not involved to the build up of the story.

A example of a single strand narrative is Spiderman. This is because the plot of the film is focused on one main protagonist.

Multi strand: Multi strand narrative structure is when several characters are involved to create one story. So the story is shown from various points of view.

The advantages of a multi strand narrative is that it allows the audience to see all sides of a story and get a better picture, but the disadvantages is that the views may be biased, and the audience may favour one view to another.

An example of a multi strand narrative is CSI: Miami. This is because it shows plots from different points of view with the people involved.


Types of narrative structures:

Flashback: Flashback dramas are products which included inserted scenes in the present tense, which have already occured in the past tense.

The advantages of a flashback scene is that the audience understands what has happened before, and how it will affect the story in the present tense. The diadvantages of flashback scenes are that it may confuse the audience as the story is not in sequencial order.

An example of a flashback drama is Family guy. This animation product shifts scenes back and forth in past and present tenses to complete the story.


Realist: Realist dramas are products which are based on real life plots or stories. These plots are made to be believable towards real situations.

The advantages of realist dramas are that the audience can relate to the plot as it is believable, but the disadvantages of realist dramas are that they can be boring and repetitive as the same stories are shown with no imagination.

An example of a realist drama is Eastenders. This is because the plot uses real life situations and products to create a story.


Anti-realist: Anti-realist dramas are media products which use surreal ideas or dreams to help create a story. These products use a lot of CGI (computer generated images) and special effects to create the product.

The advantages of a anti-realist drama is that it is more exciting and intreguing to the audience as it is more creative and contexts can happen which happen in the audience's wildest dreams. The disadvantages of a anti-realist drama is that it may not be believeable and can look fake/unneffective.

An example of a anti-realist drama is Doctor Who. This is because they use a lot of special effects and unrealistic scenes to create a plot.


Dramatic irony: " Dramatic Irony occurs when the reader or spectator knows more about the true state of affairs then the characters themselves." (1) Dramatic irony is when the audience knows what is happening, but the plot characters dont know.

The advantages of a dramatic irony drama is that the audience has a more indepth knowledge on the situation and will be interested in how the story will resolve itself back to the state of equilibrium. But the disadvantages of a dramatic irony drama is that it is frustrating for the audience in the sense that the characters are so naive in what is happening and the story is not completing.

An example of dramatic irony is Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. This product uses dramatic irony because the audience follows tha protagonist, sees what he gets up to behind his family's back and then shows how he resolves the situation.



Endings of narrative structures:

Cliffhanger: A cliffhanger drama is when a media product finishes, leaving the audience in suspense for a longer period of time. The types of products to use cliff hangers are films and games.

The advantages of a cliffhanger drama is that it keeps the audience engaged within the story till the end and keeps them talking and wondering what happened. The disadvantages is that the audience will never know what happened, which will frustrate them.

An example of a cliff hanger product is Harry Potter. This is because audiences have to wait a longer time for the next sequel to be released which leaves the audience in a more prolonged period of suspense.


Open ended: An open ended product is when the drama finishes with the audience guessing what will happen next. They leave the audience in suspense by cutting off the end of the story and leaving no clue on what will happen.

The advantages of a open ended drama is that it keeps the audience guessing and eager to watch the next episode. The disadvantages of an open ended drama is that the audience may get frustrated because they dont get a complete story.

An example of a open ended drama is Revenge. This drama is open ended because it contains episodes which continue the story on from where it lasts finishes.


Closed ended: A closed ended product is when the drama shows a complete and finished story. The product has a start, middle and end or uses Torodov's narrative theory of equilibrium to show a full story.

The advantages of a closed ended product is that it satisfies the audience by showing a full story and they dont have to wait for the next part.  The disadvantages of  a closed ended product is that the story does not continue over a period of time and it decreases tha amount of viewers if aired again because most of the audience knows what happens.

An example of a closed ended product is Evan Almighty. This is because the film shows a start, middle and ending to the story.

Bibliography:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliffhanger (22/10/2012)

(1) http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_dramatic_irony (22/10/2012)

http://stramsbottom.edublogs.org/narrative-structures/ (22/10/2012)

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_single_strand_narrative (22/10/2012)

Genre and technical examples of single camera productions

Introduction:

In this blog post, I am going to provide examples of different drama genres which use single camera techniques and I am going to analyse the technical uses of sound, lighting and camera angles used within the media product.


Genre examples

Sci Fi - Doctor who (2)

Single camera techniques: Doctor Who has shown examples of single camera techniques used when The Doctor is having a conversation with his sidekick, Rose. This shows proof of the use of single camera techniques as there are edits of over the shoulder shots showing the conversation.

Sound: The sound includes lots of sound effects to help the scene match the sound (diegetic sounds), and there are use of sound tracks to emphasise emotions within the shot. E.g slow music for sad scenes and energetic music for fast/hyper scenes.

Lighting: The lighting included within Doctor Who were natural and background light for normal/outside frames to help set the scene, but in action scenes there is use of special lighting, such as coloured lights, filler, key and back lights.

Camera angles: The camera angles that were mostly used in a Sci Fi drama using single camera techniques are long shots and high angled shots. This is so the drama fills the scene and all of the effects and action is shown in the frames.


Comedy - Miranda (3)

Single camera techniques: Miranda shows use of single camera techniques because when the protagonist is making a joke, she talks directly at the audience to engage them in the program. To signify that she is talking to the audience, the camera angles shift to show that she is jumping out of the context she is in, to talk to the audience. This effect uses editing and single camera techniques.

Sound: The sound effects that are included within a comedy sitcom that uses single camera techniques are canned laughter when the protagonist does/says something funny. The other sound is regular voices that are included within the scene (diegetic).

Lighting: The lighting used are normal background and key lighting to let the audience know that they are with the characters in the program and the program is not staged.

Camera angles: Most of the camera angles included are mid shots, to capture the motion and emotion of the characters, so they can fully understand what is going to happen.


Crime - CSI: Miami (4)

Single camera techniques: CSI: Miami shows use of single camera techniques when it uses editing and takes in showing a surrounding environment in a crime scene. There are different camera angles and shots taken to show the surrounding of a scene and they are joined together using editing techniques to show the audience what is happening.

Sound: The sound used are natural diegetic sounds that are included within the scene and it included backing music tracks to create emphasis on the situation created. It includes dramatic music to build suspense and fast music to create excitment in action scenes.

Lighting: The lighting used is darker and mainly back and filler lights. This is because it will create tension and suspence, which is the type of emotion they wish to portray.

Camera angles: The camera angles used are close-ups and mid shots to show the emotion of the scene to the audience.


Period Drama - Downton Abbey (5)

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 program 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.


Teen dramas - Hollyoaks (6)

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

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.


Thriller - Revenge (7)

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.

Bibliography:

(2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxXAY7LyjcM (18/10/2012)

(3) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00wh2z7/Miranda_Series_2_Lets_Do_It/ (18/10/2012)

(4) http://www.cbs.com/shows/csi_miami/video/595417256/mia30-1119-promo (18/10/2012)

(5) http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=326395 (18/10/2012)

(6) http://www.channel4.com/programmes/hollyoaks/4od (18/10/2012)

(7) http://www.channel4.com/programmes/revenge/4od (18/10/2012)

What are single camera techniques? and examples

Introduction

In this blogpost, I am going to explain and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of single camera techniques and provide examples of different formats of media products which use single camera techniques.

What are single camera techniques?

Single camera production is a mode of production where one camera operates at a time and the shots are done in the most economically efficient order. Single camera productions are not live and include a lot of editing and takes.

"The single-camera setup, or single-camera mode of production, is a method of filmmaking and video production. A single camera—either motion picture camera or professional video camera—is employed on the set and each shot to make up a scene is taken individually.

As its name suggests, a production using the single-camera setup generally employs just one camera. Each of the various shots and camera angles is taken using the same camera, which is moved and reset to get each shot or new angle. The lighting setup is typically reconfigured for each camera setup." (1)

The advantages of single camera techniques are;

• the use of single camera techniques look like the creators used different cameras because of the different shots and with the techniques of editing.
• the cost of filming the media product would be cheaper, as many cameras and operators are not needed, so the budget would be cheaper.
• as there is use of only one camera, the director has more control of what is filmed and what happens in the scenes. This is an advantage because the director can choose what is selected and filmed within the scenes.
• the quality of the scenes would be the same, as only one camera is being used, so the quality would not be altered in sound and visual material.
• Also, with the use of only one camera, the mobility of the camera crew and resources is easier, as there not as many materials to carry around.

The disadvantages of single camera techniques are;

• the scenes have to be taken repeatedly, so there are more takes and clips to record
• the use of single camera techniques takes longer to edit, as there are more clips to gather and filter through.
• The camera must keep changing angles when shooting, so they can capture the full scene
• as there is only one camera, there are no back up shots to replace scenes that have gone wrong, so the crew must be more tentative to capture the correct shots.

Different formats and examples:

Series: A Series is one that has a set number of episodes and gives during certain times of the year. Even though a series may have a definate end to it. The story might continue into series two.

A few examples of series dramas are, Skins, Desperate Housewives and Waterloo Road.


Serial: A serial is more like a soap, where stories are continuous and it doesn't run for a set amount of episodes, but continues all year round.

A few examples of serial dramas/soaps are, Neighbours, Eastenders, Coronation Street and Doctors.

Single drama: Single dramas are media products which run in one single time. These types of dramas have a start, middle and ending and dont continue through episodes.

A few examples of single dramas are, Appropriate Adult, The Road To Coronation Street and Toast.

Bibliography

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-camera_setup (18/10/2012)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure (18/10/2012)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_(radio_and_television (18/10/2012)

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090222072616AA8ovhb (18/10/2012)

http://www.slideshare.net/jontowlson/tv-drama-formats (18/10/2012)

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/about-us/awards/best-single-drama/5037377.article (18/10/2012)