Creeper Webisode - Why/Purpose

Why is this episode episodic? 
This is episodic because it tells the story over different episode the story doesn't end on one episode but picks up from the next it also uses single stranded narrative as its based on one character.




What makes this webisode multi-stranded?
My webisode is multi-stranded in other episodes to come in the future, because it will show what will happen to one of the main characters after she leaves the friend's house, when she falls and is kidnapped. In the other episodes it will show flashbacks of what she did in her past, as she does not know what happened (memory loss).



Why is this episode open-ended?
This episode is open ended because a range of different characters will be introduced in future episodes to come. The reason for this is to keep the audience tuned in to what they are watching, as they see future episodes.



Why is this episode non-linear?
This episode is not non-linear as it is linear. This is because it starts off with the two characters having a conversation, answering a phone call and ends with one characters leaving the house. The reason for this is to make the audience understand what is going on, as if it was non-linear it would be hard to follow.

Formats & Narrative Structure

Series
Series (also known as television programme). A series is always aired on TV online and consists of up to 13 episodes per season. For example, Pretty Little Liars has 6 seasons (and counting) with 20-25 episodes in each season and new episodes are aired once every week.


Serial
Serials is a television programme such as a soap opera. Serials have very few episodes and a storyline that starts and ends within the episodes which includes continuity and a single camera. They are usually advertised during programme breaks. An example of a serial is Breaking Bad, The Flash.


Single Drama
Single Dramas is a one off story for TV. The stories are usually based on topical or real issues. Due to different types of camera productions being out, single dramas are rare as they are hardly shown on TV anymore. An example of a Single Drama is BBC Three's 'Murdered by My Boyfriend'.



Narrative Structure

What is a Linear Narrative?

A linear narrative, which is also known as a 3 act structure, is when event are portrayed in chronological order, the film Up uses 3 act structure as it builds up emotion and shows the main characters’ past all the way to his present. The purpose for a Linear Narrative is to create sympathy from the audience and to also show the character’s life.

What is an Episodic Narrative?

An episodic narrative is used by having a cliff hanger at the end of each episode. This gives the show a new story or problem to deal with in the next episode. The purpose is to create a wider audience with the use of cliff hangers as it gives the viewer something to look forward to in the next episode.

What are Open and Closed Narrative?

An open narrative usually have many characters and no foreseeable ending. Soap operas such as EastEnders and Holy City are multi-stranded and are in chronological order or real time. The purpose of this is to show the audience it in real time.

Closed narrative films usually have a ‘tight’ reading as they’re usually 2 hours and has an end to the story. The film, About Time compresses around 20 years into just over 2 hours and has an end. The purpose of this is to let the movie have an ending and a finish.

What are Realist and Anti-Realist Narrative?

A realist narrative is a believable story that might be based on a true story. Realist narratives are used by displaying believable scenarios for example, a middle season or a man living in the city. The purpose for this is that it can cause the audience to feel emotions towards the film as they feel as if it could happen in real life.

An anti-realist narrative is an advert that is not real so it can have anything in the advert such as cartoon characters and other thigs that are not real. For example, two M&M’s talking, in reality, which would never happen so it’s not real. The purpose of this is to make the audience laugh so more people will remember the advert and talk about it to others.

What is a Multi-Stranded Narrative?

A multi-stranded narrative is when there are several narratives running at the same time. For example, in many soap operas. It focuses on one family and so does everyone in the series on each scene and documentaries. A popular narrative device is the enigma. The plot constructs a puzzle that the audience is asked to solve while the characters act out the story.

Single Camera Production vs Multi Camera Production

Single camera production in Film and TV

Different Genres

Jeremy Kyle Show (Multi Camera)
Jeremy Kyle is a multi camera production because it is a live show and is shot in a studio. Single camera cannot be used for this show because there will be need to get different shots from different angles all at the same time and you cannot do this with a single camera but its possible using a multi camera.

Utopia



Thrillers, like Utopia also use single camera production due to shots being filmed from different angles that are single camera techniques. examples of this are close ups. these are to bring importance to a certain character or object. two shots are used to show relationship. for shows, it is not suitable to use multi cameras because the camera ill have to be shot from 3 different angles and cameras. this will waste more time and will have the same footage. i have had expericne in filming a short thriller, and found that it was easier to use a single camera than multiple, also there are less people in the crew i had to there was no hassle we had a range of footage and coverage shots to use that were shot with one camera.

Come fly with me


Single cameras production are used in comedy shows such as come fly with me, it is generally used in talk shows (comedy), so it can get different shots from other angles. in come fly with me, there are a wide number of close ups used in this clip above. 

Advantages

The advantages of single camera production is that it allows you to film one shot with one camera, also with a single camera, close-ups, long shots and wide shots are generally used to show relationship between characters. Furthermore, single cameras are used for productions that are on a budget as only one camera needs to be purchased or hired, and is also an easier way to organise shooting. Documentaries are shot with single cameras as they have become more useful. Single camera production (or techniques) are used for small spaces and is better to scout for locations. Another advantage is that the final sequence of scenes are always arranged when editing that scenes, and do not have to be shot in a sequence. 

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of single camera production is that when shooting, you are only able to shoot at one angle at a time. This means that more time will be spent in the editing room which leads to more money being spent if the production is on a budget. Due to all of the footage being filmed on one camera, all of the mistakes and out takes will have to be sorted out which wastes time, only two actors/characters can be filmed with a single camera. Lastly, the quality of the camera wouldn't be that clear or pragmatic.

Advantages

The advantages of multi camera production is that it uses uses more than the one camera. It allows people to cover more area (and location) because there are multiple cameras and many other different shots can be used for each camera; so emotion and reaction can be seen with different angles. It is quicker to film as the scenes do not have to be repeated to get every piece of footage.  The alteration from one character to another will be effortless as it will be filmed together rather than one character being filmed at a time and having to repeat the process. Lastly, with multi camera production, it is possible to light unfamiliar shots with different cameras and angles.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of multi camera production is that it takes a very long time to set up cameras due to there being a wide amount of equipment. Lastly, the cost for multiple cameras are more than single cameras because there will be more than 2 cameras being used for filming.

Single Camera Techniques Blog Report - week 2

Close up - close ups were used in this webisode to add importance. e.g who is calling the phone to let viewers know who is calling the phone. An advantage of using a close up is to show emotion and importance. 

We used this shot in our webisode to show or add importance to the phone and the person calling it (in this case, is her mum).

Shot reverse shot - this is used to show the back of one character then shown from the front. this is used when people are having conversations. An advantage is to make viewers think that the character is looking at a certain objects, but the viewers cannot see it.
We used this shot in our webisode to show that two characters are having a conversation.

 Mid shot - this is used to highlight a character, in this case, the character walking into the room and the camera is filming the character from waist upwards. An advantage of using a mid shot is to show the character in more detail as she walks into the room. We didn't use this shot because we didn't need to establish any character.

Over the shoulder shot - this shot is used to show two characters having a conversation, one of the characters faces are shown to show facial expressions and the other character's face is not shown due to the camera filming them from the back. An advantage of using a over the shoulder shot is that it sets the position for two character. We used this shot to get a different angle of the two characters.

 High angle shot - the camera is tilted from a high angle top show that the character is smaller and intimidating. An advantage of using this shot is to make the character vulnerable. We used this shot to make the character look weak and vulnerable.

Wide shot - this is used to give away a certain location, as it also shows relationship between both characters. In this case, it shows a character walking out of a door; this shows the location or object. An advantage of using this shot is to give viewers a sight of the location. We used this to establish our shots.

Master Shot/Depth of Field tutorial

Master Shot is a shot that captures all the characters and the environment for the purpose of continuing the story.

Depth of field is shallow focus revolves around a smaller depth of field.

SCT Techniques -Movement and Shot types

Using movement in your shots gives you more of an effect on the shot and it makes it look more interesting.

1. Pan - Pan is a horizontal camera movement therefore the camera moves left and right in a central axis. we never used this in our webisode however it would of created tension and meaning.

2. Tilt - Tilt is a vertical camera movement in which the camera moves up or down, for example the camera takes a shot from over the shoulder of a character showing the events happening from the characters point of view.

3. Dutch Tilt - Dutch tilt is a camera is deliberately slanted on one side, used for dramatic effects distortion.

4. Dolly Zoom - Dolly Zoom is zooming in and out of the subject while simultaneously adjusting the zoom angle to keep the subject the same size

5. Follow Shot - camera follows the subject of action

6 Trucking -side to side camera movement

7. Dolly -moving in and out of the subject

Using shot types gives you more meaning in your shots

1.

 Close ups- are to show facial expressions with detail and also so show the importance of an subject 

2. Long shot - to show the area that the subject is surrounded in an that it might be important to the subjects upbringing

 3. Extreme wild shots - it shows the scene that they are in, this shows that the audience where the action is taking place. It’s useful for scenes when the action is spread out.

4. Mid shot - is from the waist up showing their body language

5. 2 shot - is when two people are in the shot and this shows the relationship between them both

6. Over the shoulder shot - from behind the person looking at the subject, shows the position of each person's point of view.

7. Point of view - shows a view from a subject prospective

8. Cut in shot - showing some part of the subject in detail, for example hard movements

Thriller Single Camera Techniques

Single Camera techniques practical assignment

The Master Shot is the shot that keeps all the characters on screen and captures all 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 and mid- shots. 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. 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.

SCT - Long shot, Mid shot, Over the shoulder

Kiera Head room,Lead room and framing

1. Head room:

Head room is the space between the top of the subjects head and the top frame of compositions. Your subject eyes should be placed in the top 3rd of the compositions.

2. Dead Space:

dead space means there is too head room

3. Lead Room:

Lead room is the space where the dramatic energy is directed. For close up shots lead room id often referred to as 'nose room'

If you don't leave space for head room it will look like you are looking into the corner of the frame. This is an incorrect way of filming.

4. Anticipatory Framing:

Establishes that the camera needs to anticipate the movement within a scene rather than react to it

Single Camera Techniques - Midshot, Extreme Close Up, Wide Shot, Pan, Zoom, Tilt, 180 Degree Rule, Rule of Thirds

SCT Practical - 180 Degree Rule, Master Shot, Shot Reverse Shot, Rule of 3rd

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180 degree rule - the 180 degree rule is a rule that states 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 rule of third - The rule of third is when you align the subject inside a grid of nine lines in order to center the subject. Subjects are often in line with the vertical lines whereas the horizontal lines are used for the background. The rule of third gives enough headroom for a shot, this will make sure that the shot is balanced.

Match on action - A match on action occurs when the editor cuts from one shot to another that is the same as the first shot. An example is a man walking through the door (one shot is on the man walking towards the open door, and another shot is of him walking inside).

SCT Practical

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Web Serial

 

Creeper- Web serial by Eunice Gardiner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LENrFNsMp8

Recce (Location Scouting) - Woodland Walk, Downham/Bromley

Transport/Access

There are two types of public transport; two bus stops. One going towards Bromley and the other going towards Lewisham. There is also Beckenham Train Station, which is 15 minutes away (if walking).
Car parking is also available as there is no set time for how long you can park your car for.


Camera/Sound
The Woodland is near a busy road and a quiet road. We will be shooting from the quieter side so viewers are able to hear what the characters are saying. If they cannot be heard, we can use voice overs.
There will be no supply of power there as we will be in a small forest-like place.

Food
There are many shops on the high street, such as an Off License, Supermarkets (M&S, Co-Op, Tesco Express) and Fast Food (McDonald's, KFC, Favorites Chicken, etc.).

Communication
There will be mobile signal where we are so we are able to communicate with our team.

Emergency/Aid
If we are in a emergency and need aid, there is a secondary school near by (approx. 5 mins) to help.

Lighting
The lighting varies, as the woodland walk is full of trees and still looks dark during the day. This is just what we need because one of scenes has/needs a 'dark and lonely road surrounded by forest'. Additional lighting will not be required.

Problem
Inside of the Woodland Walk, are ditches on two sides that run through the whole chain. This could be a problem for filming, when the camera person wants to get a good angle, they may fall into the ditch and hurt themselves. A way to prevent this is to try and film different angles on the pathway.

Pictures of Location

This is the front of the Woodland Walk, which is right by the main road and shops.

These two images are the back of the Woodland Walk, which is near the secondary school and is better for filming as the road is quiet and empty.

Google docs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tKwpHeWPWRnbMxOY_YDEIdb06r50N3GWcCvIl6kmoaM/mobilebasic?pli=1

Production Requirements

 Type of Production

My webisode pilot production will be a web-serial because there will only be one or two parts to discover the mystery in my show. Another reason is because the pilot is aimed at teens because is a teen drama.

 Finance

My source of finance for the pilot will be funded by National Lottery. The reason why I have chosen the National Lottery is because there are 12 Lottery funders who independently decide which projects have successfully applied for a grant. So this means if 1 lottery fund does not decide to help us finance for our pilot, we can always ask another lottery fund to help pay for the things we cannot afford.

Budget requirements:

 Equipment –

A camera from the media department or a mobile phone with good camera quality can be used because it will not cost for it to be rented or borrowed. If we was to buy a good quality camera, the price of cameras varies so it will most likely be from over £90.00 to at least £40,000. For my pilot, I will be using a single camera, but I will also be taking different shots from different angles to make it seem like I am using multi cameras.

 Transport –

The budget for transport will range from £50 up to £200 because we will need to travel to different destinations to shoot scenes due to the fact that the pilot cannot be shot in one place.

Facility hire –

To hire an editing suite it will be: for a dry hire, from £150 for half a day or £250 for a full day of editing. So the budget for this will range from £450 to £600.

Time

Availability of equipment –

We will use the equipment given to us from the college to shoot the pilot and use a booking system to keep track of what pieces of equipment has been borrowed, and not to make any mistakes of equipment being misplaced or stolen.

Availability of personnel –

I will use call sheets to determine and decide which actors deserve what role in the pilot. The call sheets have the number of scenes there will be and what the scene names are. It also shows the location of where each scene will be filmed.

Facilities 

 Post- production equipment

The editing suite we will be using is the Mac Suites in the college as it has Final Cut X and is free to use and is an easy access because we do not have to travel far to use it to edit our footage.

 Availability & costs

It will cost around £16,000 for filming equipment in the industry but it will not cost a thing for our pilot because we are going to use the college resources such as the cameras (which will be around £9,000 in the industry), tripods, etc. For the editing suite, it will cost up to £300 for a full day hire, in the college it will be free of cost due to the fact that we have easy access to the Mac Suites to edit any time of the day.

 Materials

Sound library materials

What is copyright free music?

Copyright free music, also known as Royalty Free Music, allows the purchaser (us) to pay for the music license only once and to use the music for as long as we want to.

Paying for clearances is a good thing because it allows us to use and pay for footage, actors, radio stations (that are heard in backgrounds). It ranges from £50 upwards, so it will not cost much to use in the pilot.

 Locations

For my pilot, I will need a letter of confirmation or a permit that will allow me to film inside of shopping centers, such as Westfield, Intu Bromley, Blue Water etc. and stores, such as New Look, Hollister, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. because most of the scenes that I will be shooting will be shot inside of shops and the shopping center (of people walking and the crowded spaces).

 Limitations and risks

The limitations are that the distance may be too far for people to travel to, and for the equipment to be carried to. It will be difficult to set up the camera and tripod in the shopping centers because it will be busy as people will be barging and rushing past us; they will pay no attention. But at the same time it will be a good thing because of the background (people walking past).

The weather and lighting may also be bad because in shopping centers the lighting may be bad and as for British weather, you can never depend on the weather so risks will have to be taken on the days we start filming.

The background sound will prevent us from hearing what the actors will be saying because it will be noisy. A way to sort this out is by using voice overs so when it comes to editing, the actor can record their voice over the noise.