Heroes Cheerleader Scene

Watching the Heroes programme was a first for me, but it gave me an in-sight to the techniques in which they use, and how actually, they are really effective. Though it is hard with Dramas to notice the effects of their camera shots, some were reasonably easy to figure.

For instance, at the opening of the scene, many camera shots were used together; Tracking/tilt/pan/focus, these were used to follow the movements of the character, and show how he Is somewhat confused/spaced out, as around him it is blurry. It then focuses onto the picture which it looks like he has painted, then going to the next scene with that character, so you begin to see that he then has some importance, almost him painting future events.

Tracking is used to follow the movement of a character, set behind him so that you can almost feel like you are there following him. It then zooms onto the cheerleader which he begins to look towards. This signifies that they have some connection between each other, and also that she is an important character.

There are several shots which jump, for instance close-ups, which were used to show their reactions to what others say, and their emotions, which from the scene are anger, and some sadness.

Close-ups of the car’s gear stick, the speedometer and the wheels have been used, to show how the car is in charge of the next set of events, and it’s importance in this scene.

Before the end, it shows a close-up of the cheerleader’s face, expressing her anger to what the man in the car has said, it then jumps to a long/reverse shot, to show the crash and impact of it.

A two shot, from the car’s bonnet has been used to show realism, and the conversation between each other. A focused profile shot is later used, to show how he is happy that he has upset her, and expressing how he has no regret for what he has done to her.

The use of a high angle long shot was used when they were in the stadium. This was really effective, as it showed how they were isolated, and to show the setting, of a dark stadium, just them two on their own.

I can therefore see that, in Heroes, they use a wide range of camera shots, all with a detailed meaning, which then creates a lot of drama to the viewer. The most effective shots in this scene were the high angle shots, and the close-ups, as they were used a lot, and seemed to be very effective in what their purpose was.

Shameless Camera Shots Analysis

During this short clip of a Shameless episode, many different camera types were used, all for different purposes. To the naked eye, you wouldn’t think too much about it, but when you analyse this area in depth, you begin to understand about the shots which the directors have chosen to use, and what effect it actually has on the viewer when they watch it.

At the beginning, a use of a Deep focus shot is used, to set the main attention to the man at the front/ in the foreground, and as the other man walks off, it then shows him to be on his own, as if he is somewhat distant from the man and woman, as they walk off around the corner, then a use of a medium close-up and a two shot were used to show how they were being secretive to ‘Marty’ and also having an intense conversation between each other.

A high angle shot is then used to show how it was almost spying on ‘Marty’, as he was alone in his room, when it was all dark, almost looking down on him, showing how he is inferior, and isolated from everyone else. It jumps to a medium close up, to express his anger.

Tracking and pan shots have been used for a long time in this clip, mainly to follow the movements of both the car, and Marty. Following the car to show that those inside it are of some significance to the events to come, and ‘panning’ was used on Marty to follow him as he is walking towards the car, the same effect which was used on the car shot, so you then know he is going the same way, following the car.

A low level shot is used from underneath the car, showing only Marty’s feet and petrol can, which signifies that he is of some threat to those which are inside the car, and that something is about to happen. As Marty begins to throw the petrol onto the car, the camera becomes unsteady/ jumpy, to signify how there is a sense of panic as each splash also shows Marty’s unstable state of mind as he acts before thinking and splashes the petrol onto the car, about to light it and kill those inside.

As Marty brings out his lighter, ready to drop it onto the petrol, there are switches between over the shoulder, and two shots, to show everyone’s reactions as he is about to set light to a car, and how the fire of the lighter was constantly set into the foreground, it shows the importance of it, as it will set the scene to the rest of the clip.

A master shot has been introduced, to show where everyone is in the scene, and to show those coming in also, with the car in the foreground, which signifies that something is therefore about to happen to it. A close to extreme close-up was then used onto the lighter, showing its’ importance and how it sets an important part to the scene, with its’ central placing, showing how significant it is.

So therefore, Shameless has used several shots in this clip, which have caused to become very effective in the sense of creating drama, and making the viewer attached to watching the rest of the episode. The most effective in my opinion are the deep focus shots, and two shots. Reason for this is that they are used often, and they create a lot of drama also, and show the conversations between the characters.

Coronation Street Deconstruction

Coronation street is a drama which focuses on everyday situations through several different types of characters with totally complex personalities. Each character will have a certain attitude and personality, which will be to relate to someone in reality, and to also help create more drama in the 'soap'. Their ages are not limited, as they are of all age groups, so anyone could easily relate to a certain character's lifestyle or situations they go through, this programme is a very effective and popular soap.


Coronation Street uses editing alot to show a character's emotions. For instance, in this episode below, transitions are made to show a woman's anger to the people who are having a party, as it is heard from her house, it seems to be louder than what is on the television when she is watching it. Shoulder shots are a common camera type in this soap, as there are many conversations between people, and can also show people's emotions and reactions to eachother, with the help of a few close-ups and quick transitions to each of the characters.

The camera pans quickly, following the woman as she 'struts' across the road with a sense of anger, and then pushing someone out of her way, you then begin to realise that she has become very angry from the party going on.

What makes all of these fit within the TV Drama genre?

Several areas will be considered when thinking which genre the programme will be, when looking at one for Drama, you will have to look for ;


- Characters


Each character will have a certain role within the drama, which will all play a part in creating drama at some point. They will be easily identifiable for what their role is, and the part they play.


- Story


In every story within the dramas there will be an event which will be in some way dramatic to the viewer, as somethign will happen which they could possibly relate to, or it will become that the viewer has been 'reeled' into the programme, then halfway through the drama will occur, causing an impact/reaction to them.


- Camera work


Certain shots will be taken, which will make the scene played create a certain effect. The camera shot is an important part as if you choose the wrong one the effect will not end up being as strong as if it was used. Some common examples of camera shots include;


Over shoulder shot (to show the conversation between the characters)
Close ups ( to show emotions/reactions)
Voyeuristic (to show almost stalking/spying on the character)


- Sound/music
Ambient sounds will be used to create a certain emotion to be shown, and also certain music to create an impact.

What is TV Drama?

There are several programmes which fit into the theme of TV Drama. The theme is basically a type of media, in which create a certain effect in which will make a certain reaction to the audience. Some of the programmes include;

Hollyoaks

Eastenders

Doctor Who

Spooks

Coronation street

Scrubs

ER

Shameless

Desperate housewives

Lost

24

Media Concepts

When looking at deconstructing a piece of media, there are several concepts in which you will need to consider;

- Acting

- Editing

- Framing

- Lighting

- Mise en scene

- Sound

- Shot types

- Conventions

The signification means that everything carries a meaning, so it will assume that all signs are interprital and the same.

The representation is how things will want to be seen, some will be seenin a similar or different way to another.

The audiences are what the media creates for the audience, who the drama is based towards.

Introduction

During this course i will be studying 'TV Drama'. This will be considering the aspects to which programmes for instance such as Casualty, are actually recorded onto video for us to watch when we sit at home. I will be focusing on the technical areas which are important for the effects and impact they aim to give, such as;

- Camera angles

- Slide transition

- Sounds and voices

- Editing

- Mise en scene

It will be more in-depth however, but this is just an introduction to the project. I will be looking at the TV show 'Casualty' as there are several effects in which they use. Reason i know this is that i enjoy watching the programme, so looking at how they make it so entertaining will be useful for me to investigate.