Unit 22 Assignment 1 Notes

Single Camera Production

Definition: Uses one camera for specific reasons out on location rather than in a tv studio. 

*Note: However a single camera production can use several cameras for a scene but if the majority of the production is filmed using only one camera is is still a single camera production.*

Some productions are mixed together live such as news or panel shows.


WHY USE SINGLE CAMERA PRODUCTION?

• The costs are less expensive as you only have to buy one camera.
• So that you have both a production and a post-production process.
• Less issues with locations -sometimes you can only get one camera in certain locations.
• There are less crew members needed which makes it more cost effective and gives you more location options available. 

*Note: Single Camera Productions can come in several different formats however the genres are just the same as film or tv.* 

• Serial Drama -one off but may have several parts to it. 
• Series- continues over a larger space of time, a programme such as: Breaking Bad or Doctor Who.
• One-Off (film)

Narrative Structures

• Everything depends on what you think the story is!
• Most stories follow a LINEAR/SEQUENTIAL structure flowing as it tells a story (one story)
• Contrastingly some stories are of a NON-LINEAR meaning that they do not follow a clear structure, that the story doesn't always start at the beginning -'ends where it began' usually with flashbacks and/or scene jumping. An example of a Non-linear structure is the film Pulp Fiction. 
• REALIST structures are narratives that can be set in the real world.
• ANTI-REAL are narratives which are not based in the real world, they don't follow the rules and normality of what would happen in the real world. e.g. Hunger Games.
• Endings can be either open or closed. 
• An OPEN ending narrative means the story may end on a cliffhanger with unanswered questions.
• Whereas a CLOSED ending narrative means that there is a resolution and that questions are answered and outcomes/events may be final. 
• Flashbacks are used to reveal exposition -back story. Flashbacks aren't specific to one structure they can be used in both types of narrative structure.

Technical Storytelling

• Technical Storytelling means to create meaning in technical codes, things like: Camera Shots, Camera Movements, Editing, Lighting, Mise en scene and Sound. 
• We want to create an ENIGMA -a mystery used to engage an audience and help them to create emotional responses. 

Example: Creating an element of Fear

• Quick shots
• tracking shots
• dark setting and low key lighting
• creepy music creating tension

3 Act Structure

Every narrative structure will follow a 3 Act Structure this is what breaks down scripts. 

Act 1: Introduction. Introduces characters -protagonists and antagonists, introduces the setting or the world. The end of this act will have an inciting incident which sets off the NEED. 

*Note: For the whole narrative to be interesting there has to be a need -the character has to have a need e.g. a need to save someone or a need to escape.*

Act 2: Obstacles. This act features numerous obstacles which have to increase in threat to keep the narrative interesting. During this act the protagonist finds the first solution to their obstacles this then fails leaving the character at their lowest ebb, the mid point of the story where there appears to be no way out. 

Act 3: Final Solution. In this act the protagonist overcomes their biggest obstacle -the climax. In this act their is always a little twist and finally a resolution.