Thursday 25 June 2009
Goosebumps Titles Analysis
Camera: Close up of authors name on brief case- mysterious. The opening of the briefcase starts the havoc that follows-could symbolise the opening of ‘Pandora's box’. Close up of characters- scared reactions because of monsters that are also shown through close ups, shows significance, also typical of a children’s TV drama as children are known to be scared of monsters etc. Establishes genre and narrative.
Editing: Fast paced, matches on screen action and tension, will attract target audience as it keeps children engaged. More on screen time goes to the monsters than the actual characters, showing the dominance, increases fear factor .
Sound: spooky sounding music establishes genre-evil laughter , bats screech, wolf howl, screams, all connote evil and danger which suggests the direction of the narrative. The phrase ‘beware, you’re in for a scare’ also draws children in as the danger aspect could be interpreted as more adult content so they feel they are watching something that's more sophisticated that the typical children's TV drama. It is also parallel to the action on screen, the music starts of quiet and as the action/editing increases the music
Mise en scene: The CGI in the opening shot, whereby green smoke slowly covers the ground, which suggests goosebumps slowly travelling up the body-emphasise the name ‘Goosebumps’ and the typical suspense. Dark lighting and smoke add to the sense of mystery and the green slime on the text is effective in establishing the horror genre.
Even Stevens Titles Analysis
Opens with a long shot of typical homely environment-house/driveway etc. The camera work is very shakey in the style of a handheld-increases realism despite the clay animation as it is as if we are watching a real family-sneak peak into their life.
split screen-mid shot showing brother and sister in their contrasting bedrooms-the sisters being stereotypically pink in colour and the brothers being grey-establishes characters. Home environment is further established through alarm clock sound, suggests normal school morning audience will be familiar with. The scene where they run to the bathroom shows typical sibling rivalry-the mid shots showing their reactions/expressions as they fight and play tricks on each-other allows the audience to connect more with the characters as many of them would probably have this kind of relationship with their brother/sister. Throughout the titles there is more on screen time for the kids, with the occasional mid shot and credit for the other characters-typical family with mum/dad older sibling etc. The long shot of a typical family scene whereby everyone is washing the family car, also establishes each family members role as well as the nature of the narrative. The sister is the stereotypical 'goody-two shoes' whereas the brother who cannot control the hose is shown to be clumsy and more of a humorous, silly character.
The end sequence where the protagonists fight over the remote control shows a typical sibling rivalry-suggests this is central to the narrative of the show. The light-sabers also connote that they are enemies and that there is alot of confrontation between these two characters. The end shot shows the name of show-typical convention.
The sound is also very up-beat-jazzy, parallel to the action on screen. The intensity of the music increases towards the confrontation at the end.
Sabrina The Teenage Witch Analysis
The extract opens with a mid shot of protagonist - establishes the lead character
long shot of her in city environment-establishes sense of normality-wearing typical teenage clothes-bright colors.
The name of the show appears at the beginning- subverts typical convention were name appears at the end.
mid/long shots of sabrina in city environment-dancing/flashing lights-changing outfits, connotes party/fast paced lifestyle-something associated with teenagers. the long shot showing multiple sabrinas reinforces her magic ability in that she can be various places at once-can multi task etc.
Her constant changing outfits and environment reinforces her 'witch status; however the city/school campus setting contrasts with this to show that she also lives a normal teenage life.
She is also featured heavily throughout the titles sequence with very little on screen time for other characters, if any showing her to be the main protagonist-this tends to happen whereby the story-line features a set cast-with a lead male/female.
The soundtrack is also very upbeat/pop with sound-effects connoting magic/spells-twinkling sounds etc which reinforces her magical powers.
The Sarah Jane Adventures Analysis
The Sarah Jane Adventures is a British science fiction television series, produced by BBC Wales for CBBC, created by Russell T Davies and starring Elisabeth Sladen. The programme is a spin-off of the long-running BBC science fiction programme Doctor Who and focuses on the adventures of investigative journalist and former companion of The Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith.
Long shot of normal suburban environment, low angle of child walking showing her to be an independent and confident individual. long shot of daughter with father shows them to have a close and loving relationship-establishes a sense of equilibrium. high angle shot of monster used connotes danger, suggests the characters within that scene are in danger, long shot of explosion again connotes danger ahead and disruption to the equilibrium. These shots give the opening a more dramatic edge, and implore the audience to keep watching having establishes the characters. mid shot of the protagonist Sarah Jane shows her to be working with some kind of technology-suggests she is very intelligent however this contrasts the homely surroundings and her demeanor with her son, shows her have the role of the heroin and the motherly figure that the children look up too.
The CGI used in the titles establishes the sci-fi-TV drama hybrid, as the swirling colours connote time travel and space and most children's TV drama's open with an animated title sequence. The soundtrack also connotes science fiction, the audience would possibly associate many of the sounds with UFO'S, aliens etc. As the theme tune is very similar to the series Doctor Who, it establishes it as a spin -off but also may draw audiences in as it predecessor is so well established. it is also an indexical symbol of the content of the show as the audience would be familiar with the characters and the plot lines, with sarah jane taking on the role of the doctor and the younger characters, in particular her son being her companions.
Long shot of normal suburban environment, low angle of child walking showing her to be an independent and confident individual. long shot of daughter with father shows them to have a close and loving relationship-establishes a sense of equilibrium. high angle shot of monster used connotes danger, suggests the characters within that scene are in danger, long shot of explosion again connotes danger ahead and disruption to the equilibrium. These shots give the opening a more dramatic edge, and implore the audience to keep watching having establishes the characters. mid shot of the protagonist Sarah Jane shows her to be working with some kind of technology-suggests she is very intelligent however this contrasts the homely surroundings and her demeanor with her son, shows her have the role of the heroin and the motherly figure that the children look up too.
The CGI used in the titles establishes the sci-fi-TV drama hybrid, as the swirling colours connote time travel and space and most children's TV drama's open with an animated title sequence. The soundtrack also connotes science fiction, the audience would possibly associate many of the sounds with UFO'S, aliens etc. As the theme tune is very similar to the series Doctor Who, it establishes it as a spin -off but also may draw audiences in as it predecessor is so well established. it is also an indexical symbol of the content of the show as the audience would be familiar with the characters and the plot lines, with sarah jane taking on the role of the doctor and the younger characters, in particular her son being her companions.
Children's TV drama codes and conventions research ('Doctor Who' case study)
(reference from 'Teaching TV drama'-Jeremy Points)
'Doctor Who, at least in the eyes of its fans, can lay claim to being a phenomenon rather than a mere TV drama.' suggests there is more to making a successful TV drama than the content of the show. It first broadcast run from 1963 until 1989 made it, until recently the longest running drama. it has a vocal and committed fan base, its official fan magazine, 'Doctor Who Monthly' has been published since 1979 and its official website, www.gallifrey.com, attracts a considerable amount of users. In keeping with former incarnations Doctor Who reinvented itself once again in 2005, with average viewing figures of 8.08 million compared with 11.09 million of the most highly rated program, coronation street making it the second most popular Tv drama. It was the subject of an unprecedented marketing campaign, which included a Doctor who evening, major exposure in trailers, promotion in a broad range of publications and a whole sequence of Radio Times covers to maintain viewers attention. It has since spawned rapidly released DVD's-some of which were released while the season was till being broadcast-as well as many publications, merchandising and a spin-off drama, Torchwood.
The drama was targeted at a Saturday-evening, family entertainment audience, they also provided an opportunity to carry viewers over to BBC3 with additional behind the scenes programs. The drama, originally developed by Sidney Newman in 1963 as an educational program, where issues could be raised through the Doctors time traveling, has always been closely associated with the BBC'S public service brief. In the run up to the BBC'S charter renewal, the program's ability to draw in younger audiences, as well as committed fans and family viewers. it is clear from researching the ways that doctor who has become a franchise, that certain when certain components or aspects of tv drama are combined for example the sci-fi feel to doctor who mixed with human emotion and a possible love story between the doctor and rose, as well as CGI and aliens ect. caters for a wide range of sexes and ages.
mise en scene:
>CGI effects
>Alien creatures
>The Tardis interior
>Doctor who's costume
>mixture of real locations (iconic shots of London)
Characters
>Polarisation of heroic and evil- most TV drama's, children's in particular have a hero and a villain, good always triumphs over evil. This is a key convention i could consider.
>Narratives will frighten and surprise
>Narratives that make you think
>raise issues relevant to target audience, how to overcome them the right way.
'Doctor Who, at least in the eyes of its fans, can lay claim to being a phenomenon rather than a mere TV drama.' suggests there is more to making a successful TV drama than the content of the show. It first broadcast run from 1963 until 1989 made it, until recently the longest running drama. it has a vocal and committed fan base, its official fan magazine, 'Doctor Who Monthly' has been published since 1979 and its official website, www.gallifrey.com, attracts a considerable amount of users. In keeping with former incarnations Doctor Who reinvented itself once again in 2005, with average viewing figures of 8.08 million compared with 11.09 million of the most highly rated program, coronation street making it the second most popular Tv drama. It was the subject of an unprecedented marketing campaign, which included a Doctor who evening, major exposure in trailers, promotion in a broad range of publications and a whole sequence of Radio Times covers to maintain viewers attention. It has since spawned rapidly released DVD's-some of which were released while the season was till being broadcast-as well as many publications, merchandising and a spin-off drama, Torchwood.
The drama was targeted at a Saturday-evening, family entertainment audience, they also provided an opportunity to carry viewers over to BBC3 with additional behind the scenes programs. The drama, originally developed by Sidney Newman in 1963 as an educational program, where issues could be raised through the Doctors time traveling, has always been closely associated with the BBC'S public service brief. In the run up to the BBC'S charter renewal, the program's ability to draw in younger audiences, as well as committed fans and family viewers. it is clear from researching the ways that doctor who has become a franchise, that certain when certain components or aspects of tv drama are combined for example the sci-fi feel to doctor who mixed with human emotion and a possible love story between the doctor and rose, as well as CGI and aliens ect. caters for a wide range of sexes and ages.
mise en scene:
>CGI effects
>Alien creatures
>The Tardis interior
>Doctor who's costume
>mixture of real locations (iconic shots of London)
Characters
>Polarisation of heroic and evil- most TV drama's, children's in particular have a hero and a villain, good always triumphs over evil. This is a key convention i could consider.
>Narratives will frighten and surprise
>Narratives that make you think
>raise issues relevant to target audience, how to overcome them the right way.
Final decision/Research into genre
Having looked at different samples of work for each of the briefs i have made my decision and have opted to go with the opening titles for a children's TV drama. I will start by researching various examples of Children's TV drama so i full understand the codes and conventions and wether i am going to subvert or break them. Firstly i will need to research generic codes and conventions so i have a good grasp on the style of narrative, editing ect.
Children's television series are television programmes designed for, and marketed to children, normally broadcast during the morning and afternoon. They can sometimes run in the early evening, for the children that go to school. The purpose of the shows is mainly to entertain and sometimes to educate the young audience about basic life skills or ideals. Programmes vary in their intended age group audience and style of presentation. Some take the form of game shows or comedies, and many take the form of animated series, although early animations were often intended for an adult audience.
Children's television is nearly as old as television itself, with early examples including shows such as Blue Peter, The Magic Roundabout, Clangers and The Flower Pot Men. In the United States, early children's television was often a marketing branch of a larger corporate product, such as Disney, and it rarely contained an educational element. Though there is some debate on the intended audience, later non-educational children's television programs included the science fiction programs of Irwin Allen (most notably Lost in Space), the fantasy series of Sid and Marty Krofft, and the extensive cartoon empire of Hanna-Barbera.
Educational Children television series aim to develop children's personalities and social life by exploring many aspects of life. For example, Barney & Friends, a worldwide popular children program explores many different life situations to help the child build better self esteem. Since the mid 1980s, there have been teen comedies and teen dramas such as Byker Grove and Grange Hill and that are geared toward older children (typically between the ages of 12-17).
Children's television series are television programmes designed for, and marketed to children, normally broadcast during the morning and afternoon. They can sometimes run in the early evening, for the children that go to school. The purpose of the shows is mainly to entertain and sometimes to educate the young audience about basic life skills or ideals. Programmes vary in their intended age group audience and style of presentation. Some take the form of game shows or comedies, and many take the form of animated series, although early animations were often intended for an adult audience.
Children's television is nearly as old as television itself, with early examples including shows such as Blue Peter, The Magic Roundabout, Clangers and The Flower Pot Men. In the United States, early children's television was often a marketing branch of a larger corporate product, such as Disney, and it rarely contained an educational element. Though there is some debate on the intended audience, later non-educational children's television programs included the science fiction programs of Irwin Allen (most notably Lost in Space), the fantasy series of Sid and Marty Krofft, and the extensive cartoon empire of Hanna-Barbera.
Educational Children television series aim to develop children's personalities and social life by exploring many aspects of life. For example, Barney & Friends, a worldwide popular children program explores many different life situations to help the child build better self esteem. Since the mid 1980s, there have been teen comedies and teen dramas such as Byker Grove and Grange Hill and that are geared toward older children (typically between the ages of 12-17).
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Introduction to coursework
In todays lesson we were given the outline as to what our A2 courseowrk is and our options. There were 6 different briefs to choose from including...
Brief 1:A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, no longer than five minutes duration, together with:
* a cover for its release on DVD
* a magazine advertisement for the DVD
Brief 2:A promotion package for a new film, to include a teaser trailer, together with:
* a film magazine front cover, featuring the film
* a poster for the film
Brief 3:An advertising package for a new product or service, to include two TV advertisements, together with
* a radio advertisement
* a web pop-up
Brief 5:A promotion package for a new soap opera, to include a TV trailer, together with:
* a listings magazine front cover featuring the new soap
Brief 6:A selection of materials related to an original children's TV drama, to include the title sequence to the TV programme, together with:
* the front cover to a magazine for the series
* a DVD cover for the series
Brief 10:A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animation or a combination of both, together with:
* a poster for the film
* a film magazine review page featuring the film
* a poster for the soap
My first impression is to avoid the options which will envolve skills with programmes i am unfamiliar with such as Flash, so the best option for me would be brief 6 (childrens titles) this is something i feel i could take on effectivley as i can draw from previous experience with the title sequence we made at AS. I am still undecided however this is the one that appeals to me the most.
Brief 1:A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, no longer than five minutes duration, together with:
* a cover for its release on DVD
* a magazine advertisement for the DVD
Brief 2:A promotion package for a new film, to include a teaser trailer, together with:
* a film magazine front cover, featuring the film
* a poster for the film
Brief 3:An advertising package for a new product or service, to include two TV advertisements, together with
* a radio advertisement
* a web pop-up
Brief 5:A promotion package for a new soap opera, to include a TV trailer, together with:
* a listings magazine front cover featuring the new soap
Brief 6:A selection of materials related to an original children's TV drama, to include the title sequence to the TV programme, together with:
* the front cover to a magazine for the series
* a DVD cover for the series
Brief 10:A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animation or a combination of both, together with:
* a poster for the film
* a film magazine review page featuring the film
* a poster for the soap
My first impression is to avoid the options which will envolve skills with programmes i am unfamiliar with such as Flash, so the best option for me would be brief 6 (childrens titles) this is something i feel i could take on effectivley as i can draw from previous experience with the title sequence we made at AS. I am still undecided however this is the one that appeals to me the most.
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