Narrative structure Emaze presentations

Task B: Section 2 and 3

Formats and Narrative Structures


Formats are the way in which the final production is presented or laid out. Single camera  productions have different formats. One example of a single camera production format is a serial.A Serial is when one main story is told through several episodes. The story continues to develop one episode at a time, never deviating from the main plot. Serials do not have a set amount of episodes, episodes are created until the main story is complete. Serials always pick up from where the story stopped. For example the second episode of a serial would start from where the first episode ended.Most serials have episode recaps at the beginning of an episode to recap what happened in the last episode. Utopia is an example of a serial that uses recaps. The video below is a season 1 recap.It tells the audience what has previously happened in all the episodes of the first season. Episode or season recaps tend to be short,this is so that the audience don't loose interest. As you can see from the video below,the season recap only includes the important events that have happened in the season. By doing this, people who have missed  episodes can be caught up without having to watch the whole season. Shows such as Game of thrones and Heroes also fall into the serial category. 

A Series creates and develops characters to tell stories. A series is similar to a serial in that it has a main plot. But unlike a serial, one story isn't told throughout all the episodes. A series uses multiple stories across episodes. Each episode will tell the story of a different character, and no episode's story will continue onto the next, unless it is a series finale or special in which case the story will probably carry onto the next episode. One reason why series often tell the story of a character is to introduce them. Episode Writers introduce characters to the story by dedicating certain episodes to them. Sometimes these dedicated episodes can be filler episodes,and are used to build another story for a completely new episode. Filler episodes are episodes in a series that are made just to fill time.This gives the show writers time to plan for future episodes.Sometimes filler episodes are used for character development. 

Friends is a comedy series that tells the story of 6 friends living in Manhattan. This particular episode is about Rachel,Joey and Ross. One thing that is typical of comedy series, is that one episode might be about more than one character. This allows the audience to understand the relationship between the characters.The clip on the left shows one of Rachel's "parts" of the episode. 








A single drama is a show that has one storyline and it is broadcasted once .The story starts and finishes, there are no episodes.Films are categorized as Singles because they have one self-contained storyline told in a specific amount of time. Films such as interstellar and King Kong are examples of singles. TV dramas are also examples of singles. Most singles  are single camera productions. This is because a single camera set up is the most suitable set up for films.Using a single camera setup means the directors and editors can go through the shots and choose which ones work and which don't. Multi- camera production may be used to shoot specific parts or scenes in a film. For example, Stunts. Different angles may need to be filmed when shooting stunt scenes. 




Here are two clips from a single film Interstellar.The first clip  is the opening of the film.The title is shown at the beginning to show the audience that it is the beginning of the film. The second clip is the ending of the film.The film concludes by fading out and showing the credits. Single dramas always have a definitive ending. 

The webisode that me and my group filmed is an example of a thriller serial. This is because it uses a non-linear narrative aswell as an open narrative. thrillers often use non linear narratives. Using a non linear narrative creates creates suspense and tension, which are essential for thrillers.





Single Camera production Formats can have different narrative structures. Narrative structures are the ways in which the story is told. Linear narratives are stories that have a beginning, middle and end. Because of this,linear narratives are also known as 3 act structure stories. Linear narratives tell stories from the beginning to the end. One example of a linear narrative is Disney and Pixar's movie,Up. The clip below from the film shows how Carl and Ellie's relationship begins.This would be considered to be the beginning of the narrative. 

A Non-linear narrative is a narrative that does not start from the beginning. Non- linear stories tend to start from a certain point and then build up. It is up to the audience to work out what has happened.Non- linear stories mostly include flashbacks or somekind of skip in time to let the audience know what is happening and what has previously happened in the story. The story must have a reason for using flashbacks or time skips, otherwise the audience will not be able to follow the story. The clip on the left is an example of a non-linear narrative. Fight club is a non linear narrative film that uses flashbacks to show that the main protagonist is in a predicament, in which he is living as someone else and not as his self. A non- linear narrative is often used to create suspense. This is typical of productions within the thriller genre.

A narrative that is episodic is a story that is told through a series of segments or episodes. A episodic story is often linked together with each episode. Episodic narratives will also have recaps at the beginning of each episode and a cliffhanger at the end of each episode, Like a soap opera. The main purpose of this narrative is to keep the audience hooked on the show and to leave them wanting to find out more. One example of a episodic narrative is Gotham. 

Realist narratives are stories based on real events that have happened.A Bio pic also known as a biographical film is an example of a realist narrative. 42 is a Biographical film based on the brooklyn dodgers team and racism in 1946. Anti- realist narratives such as doctor who and The flash are fictional stories. Unlike realist stories,They are not based on real life events and are made up purely for entertainment.

An Open Ending Narrative is usually found in TV soaps. In these narratives, the story does not have a final ending. The ending of open narratives will always be somewhat ambiguous, allowing the audience them self to ponder the conclusion of the story. By using an open narrative, a sense of mystery and suspense is created. A Closed Ending narrative is one in which the story has a definite ending. All the events that build up the story end and there are no cliffhangers. The audience will have some idea as to how the story will end. Single dramas and films tend to use this kind of narrative. A closed narrative is similar to a linear narrative, but differs in some aspects. 

A Single stranded narrative is when there is one main character of who is surrounded by other supporting characters. A narrative that is multi stranded is telling a story from different characters point of view or telling the story of multiple characters,which then come together to make one main story.One example of a multi stranded narrative is Skins. Skins tells the story of a group of teens and how they survive the pressures of sixth form life. The group of characters are introduced as the shows goes on, and all their stories create the main plot of the show. 

Task 1: B) Section 1 Comparing Single Camera Production and Multi- Camera Production

Comparing Single camera production and Multi- camera production 

Single camera production uses a single camera for all the various shots. Productions that are used with a single camera are usually low budget. Music videos, adverts and TV dramas tend to use single camera production. When using this kind of production, scenes are filmed altogether. So if there’s a dialogue scene, all the lines of one person will be shot together and the same will happen for the other person. The scene will then be edited so that it looks like the two people are having a conversation. Unlike Multi- camera production,Single camera production gives the directors more control of each shot.

There are many advantages of using single camera production. One advantage of using Single camera production is that it is low budget. This is because you are using only one camera instead of using multiple cameras. Another advantage is that it is easier to sort and edit shots because all the footage will be on one camera; this allows the editing team to have more flexibility. Single camera production can easily be linear as well as non linear.This is because the scenes are normally filmed in sections rather than continuously flowing which is very typical of multiple camera production. Using single production means a single camera set-up has to be used. A single camera set-up is when one camera is set-up to film a whole series or a whole film. The camera is constantly being moved to get various shots and angles for scenes. A single camera set-up allows the film-maker to capture shots and build a scene in more detail. This is because the camera can be moved and placed in different positions to create certain angles and shots. However this can also be a disadvantage because moving the camera could possibly break continuity. Which could result in the scene having to be filmed again.

 There are disadvantages in using single camera. One disadvantage is the editing time involved. Using single camera production means that there are going to be lots of shots to edit and put together, this can be very time consuming. Another disadvantage,probably the most noticeable is that it is shot at one angle at a time. Unlike multiple camera production which allows you to capture several things happening at once from different angles. 





Doctor who is sci-fi drama serial which is filmed using a single camera set-up. a single camera is used for doctor who in order to create drama and suspense. These are vital aspects for productions in the sci-fi genre. The clip below shows a scene from doctor who. In the clip at 0:15 it shows the Doctor in a passive position. This effect is created by using camera angles (low angles & high angles). The purpose of this is to show that the woman is in control. This is one of the reasons why Dramas typically use single camera set-up. To build on the character development on screen by using various camera angles. at 0:53 the woman says "you can trust me". The camera then cuts to a medium shot, letting the audience know that she is a "good guy" and is relevant to the story. Again, camera angles and shots are used to make the audience understand  character status. This is the purpose and advantage in using a single camera set-up for dramas.

X-men days of the future past is a single film that was also filmed using a single camera setup. A Single camera was used to film this so that it would be easier to edit and put scenes of the film together. The way that scenes and shots are put together in films and movies are different from tv shows. Camera angles and Camera shots are essential in films and other single camera productions. Although films are often shot using single camera production, scenes including stunts sometimes are filmed using a multi-camera setup. For example if a character was jumping out of a burning building,a multi- camera setup will be used to film different angles simultaneously. This allows the camera operator to capture the character jumping from different angles. 

In my single camera production (on the left) i filmed with my group, we were able to use different kinds of angles and shots to create suspense. Because i was creating a thriller, i needed to use a single camera setup. My group and i were able to create suspense in specific scenes by using close ups and camera movements.

 the screenshot on the left,shows a close up we used in the production. A close up was used to show the audience that the main character was having a text conversation with her mother. It was also used to foreshadow the events that were going to happen. 









Multiple Camera production is when multiple cameras are used to film different shots. Using multi camera production is often more expensive due to the amount of cameras being used. This type of production is used to shoot live events such as concerts and live sports. Multi camera production is often used to make editing easier and to cover as much of an area as possible, which is why this kind of production is used for live sports. Multi camera production also looks a bit more realistic compared to single camera production. This is because with multi camera production, you can shoot from many different angles and narrate from different perspectives. Multi camera production can also capture more emotions and reactions. One main advantage of using Multi camera production is that the transition from one person to another is a lot smoother. This is because the production is being filmed together rather than being filmed one at a time like single camera production. Though Multi camera production may seem like the better set up to use, it can be very expensive and can take long to set up. Also using multi camera production means that there is a possibility or risk of cameramen getting in the shot.  Another advantage with multi-camera production is that if something goes wrong with one camera, the cameraman can easily switch to another camera and film from a different angle. 

This Live Arsenal vs Stoke City Match is an example of Multiple Camera Production.There are multiple cameras filming the match from different angles. The purpose of using multi- camera to film the football game is to cover everything that is happening. 

The BBC Glastonbury concert was also filmed using a multi-camera setup. The concert was shot from different angles. All the cameras were placed in specific places to capture certain things happening in the concert at once. For example, in the clip on the left, you can see that one camera is on the main singer,another camera is filming the crowd, and there is also one camera which is filming the rest of the band. The camera operator can choose to cut to different cameras.

Task 1: A) Single Camera Techniques Commentary and Class Guide

Single Camera Techniques 

The 180 degree rule is a rule that states that the camera must not be moved more than 180 degrees from its position. The rule also states that the camera should always stay on the same side of the line of action. The purpose of the rule is to keep continuity in a single camera production. The 180 degree rule helps to understand where everything in the scene is. The disadvantage of using the 180 degree rule is that it is very easy for the rule to be broken. And once the rule is broken, it effects the continuity of the production. The production will look unrealistic.The rule is usually put in place when filming a conversation between two people. The video below (0:10- 0:22) shows an example of the 180 degree rule being used. 

Match on action is when the camera cuts from one shot to another that matches what was in the previous shot but from a different angle. Match on action is used to create continuity and realism in a single camera production. An example of match on action would be if somebody was walking towards a door. Once the person places their hand on the handle to open the door, the camera would cut and go to the next shot, which would show the door being opened but from a different angle. The video below (0:10- 0:22) shows an example of the 180 degree rule being used. 
  

The Master Shot is the shot that keeps all the characters on screen and captures most of the action.A master shot also captures the setting. The master shot is considered to be the foundation of a scene.This is because it is the main camera shot that is filmed before adding or inserting coverage shots such as close ups. Without a master shot it would be hard for the audience to follow the story because there would be nothing but coverage shots, which do not make sense without the master shot to give the audience a general sense of what is happening.This is the disadvantage of not starting with a master shot when filming. The purpose of the Master shot is to introduce the scene by showing all the characters and action included in the scene. The advantage of using a master shot is that it allows the audience to understand what is happening in a particular scene. Using a master shot also tells the audience where the scene is set.

The beginning of the video on the left shows an example of a master shot. The audience can work out that the two boys are having a conversation on a school campus. This is how a master shot would normally look like.

The screenshot below from the webisode i filmed shows how a master shot would be used in single camera production. As you can see, the master shot i filmed has captured the location and character of the scene. A Master shot can sometimes be a extreme long- shot, long- shot or mid-shot. For example the master shot below is a long shot. It is easier to include the characters and location of the scene by using these types of shots, which is why i have included one in my webisode. However a master shot is not limited to these kinds of camera angles.














A Coverage shot is footage which is filmed using different camera angles, that are added in after the master shot is filmed. The benefit and advantage of using a coverage shot is that it makes the story more interesting and exciting to watch. Coverage shots often help emphasize the details of the characters in a particular scene, Such as facial expressions and body language. Sometimes,coverage shots might even emphasize the motive or actions of a character in a scene. For example, the webisode i filmed (0:31) below shows a girl standing near the entrance of the woods (master shot) this scene is followed by a close up of her phone. This is the coverage shot. The reason i used the coverage shot was because it is showing the audience that the girl is texting her mum. By using the coverage shot, the text conversation between the girl and her mother is being included in the scene. This leads to the audience getting a better understanding of the scene. Using a variety of coverage shots also keeps the audience engage and interested.This is why i used coverage shots in my webisode. Some camera angles are better suited for coverage shots in specific scenes. For example, if two people were about to face-off in a duel or battle. using an extreme close-up of their faces would be very effective. This way, the scene would become more dramatic and tense. this would lead to the audience being in suspense, not knowing who was going to strike first.

The rule of 3rds is a rule in which the frame is divided into sections.This creates points that the cameraman can refer back to. The reference points act as guides for framing what is on screen.where the reference points cross,are where our eyes are naturally attracted to on the screen. People or Objects that are in or near the points are more likely to draw the attention of the audience watching. The video below (0:22- 0:26) shows an example of the rule of 3rds being applied to a scene.

Framing is how the camera is set up and how the image is composed before filming. Framing allows the cameraman and film maker to plan how each shot will look when filmed. When framing the actor is known as the subject. There are different types of framing. Head Room is a type of framing.This is when space is created between the actor(s) head and the top frame of the composition. Another type of framing is called lead room. Lead room is where space is left in front or in the same direction of moving subjects.This is often used to create a dramatic effect in the scene. For example a car chase scene. The video below shows examples of the different types of framing.

Camera angles and shots are put together to create a sequence or scene. Camera angles are used to show a person or an object from a different perspective. The video below shows examples of different camera angles and shots.







Establishing shots are shots that are used in the beginning to open up a scene. They are designed to show the audience where the action is taking place.Establishing shots normally show the location of the scene using either a extreme- long shot or long shot. This allows the audience to get a sense of the setting of the scene. The screenshot below shows an example of a establishing shot.

Building a sequence of shots is using different shots and angles to create and build scenes. Building a scene with a sequence of shots makes the scene more interesting. The video below shows an example of building a scene, 

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Fractured (Linear edit)

The Last Text (Webisode)

Music used:

Royalty free Thriller Music- detective

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YfFqugNT_w


Thriller Movie trailer royalty free music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy-eZBqsRRw

Detective music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8TI4Bo8w9U

Mr. Barton colour correction tutorial

SCT practical assignment Master Shot and Building a sequence (Google Doc link)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cXFm4AXzT8T5ccb4LOJ_9amq2gFFf4JXktdQ7HuYGyU/edit