Saturday 19 January 2013
Monday 14 January 2013
Analysing TV Dramas: Opening sequences
Television drama, otherwise known as "Dramatic Programming" is scripted and normally, fictional TV content. Excluding the news, sport and reality, TV drama includes a wide variety of genres such as medical drama, crime drama and period dramas.
I have chosen to analyse 3 opening sequences from the TV drama genre of Crime Drama; The Bill, Sherlock and CSI. I shall particularly be focusing upon the sequences initial use of Crime Drama conventions.
The Bill:
From the 2009-2010 opening sequence of Police Procedural (sub genre within crime drama) drama "The Bill", the first shot we see, after a blur of light, is an extreme long shot or, establishing shot, of an urban area; London. Immediately, the programme uses the genre convention or more over, location of an urban city. The urban location connotes a busy, fast pace, a hard, strong story line (from the concrete buildings) and finally, grit and crime.
This is then cut to a zoom in and travelling shot, where the audience are following a police car through London's busy streets. Specifically at 0.02, the shot attains somewhat of a grey scale, portraying a tracking device, often used by police.
Conventionally, as the pace of the music increases, as do the shots. After a slow corner turn, suiting the music, quick shots of the police car follow; the police car reflection, going into a tunnel, an over the shoulder shot in the police car, busy streets etc...
The urban location allows a crime drama to foreshadow it's conventions of confusion, morals and crime. For example, the tunnel in which the car drives into is dark, grim and unknown, much like urban crime. However, the car attains lights itself and is also bathed in light in the tunnel, connoting the "bills" hard work and good nature. Also, at 0.14, we see a blurred shot of horizontal bars; the cold steelwork of London foreshadows the bars in which the criminals will eventually, after an episode, be behind.
The audience are clearly established to who they should be focused upon and who is "good". This is concluded with the strong bold lettering of "The Bill"; two clean transitions in which the lettering is in capitals, capturing the attention of the audience as well as being white, signifying the good and trustworthy, against the dark black background.
Sherlock:
Within the opening sequence of Sherlock, under the sub-genre of private detective, the programme uses the convention, like The Bill, of an urban establishing shot; again, London.
The busy night scene, increased by the time lapse of the shot, connotes the fast pace of the show, in contrast to the fade in day shot of the Thames and London Eye. The daylight location, light buildings and introduction of the eponymous hero and programme title Sherlock, connotes a sense of revelation (due to the light) and security. This again, establishes Sherlock as a "good guy". The time lapse could also suggest Sherlock's intricate and detailed way of thinking, with everything moving double the normal speed, yet "just so".
Within this opening sequence, we see the use of close up shots to reveal clues and weapons, such as a picture and a gun. These conventional objects suggest that there is something to be solved and, that more characters are involved. The quick close ups add an uncomfortable tone, particularly at 0.11; a staggered close up shot of someone's face, which could possibly be a conventional character of a victim.
The sequence ends by zooming into blood, only to see hundreds of germs. Blood is conventional within a crime drama, as many of the crimes involve murder or injury or, for use of DNA. In this particular shot the ECU connotes complexity, detail and intensity within the plot or, of the characters (Linking to the clockwork time lapse of Sherlock).
CSI:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WseRJMQf1U
The forensics drama starts with extremely fast panning and travelling shots of America at night. The shots are enough to establish the audience on location but also, like the previous clips, connote the fast pace of the show.
Within this particular opening, we see a lot more objects such as the conventional gun and, the forensic equipment; specific to the sub-genre. Also, we are introduced to several potential characters who all look determined and focused; their job is a serious one, and so is the programme. However, some of the characters turn and smile at the camera, reassuring the audience that they are the "good guys" once again.
The conventional shots of blood reiterate the sub-genre of forensics, but also the grit and potential gore of a crime drama.
The quick shots are cut in time to the fast, upbeat song. With reference to the lyrics, "Who are you" foreshadows the convention of a question, enigma or, crime to be solved. Explosions are also seen on the beat of the music, creating high action drama.
The quick shots consist of close ups but also, slow motion shots, creating a sense of intensity and detail; within the crime drama, everything must be carefully searched for clues.
Finally, the opening sequence ends with white writing of "CSI; Crime Scene Investigation". The white colour not only stands out, but connotes that the CSI team our pure, good and trusted with solving a crime.
I have chosen to analyse 3 opening sequences from the TV drama genre of Crime Drama; The Bill, Sherlock and CSI. I shall particularly be focusing upon the sequences initial use of Crime Drama conventions.
The Bill:
From the 2009-2010 opening sequence of Police Procedural (sub genre within crime drama) drama "The Bill", the first shot we see, after a blur of light, is an extreme long shot or, establishing shot, of an urban area; London. Immediately, the programme uses the genre convention or more over, location of an urban city. The urban location connotes a busy, fast pace, a hard, strong story line (from the concrete buildings) and finally, grit and crime.
This is then cut to a zoom in and travelling shot, where the audience are following a police car through London's busy streets. Specifically at 0.02, the shot attains somewhat of a grey scale, portraying a tracking device, often used by police.
Conventionally, as the pace of the music increases, as do the shots. After a slow corner turn, suiting the music, quick shots of the police car follow; the police car reflection, going into a tunnel, an over the shoulder shot in the police car, busy streets etc...
The urban location allows a crime drama to foreshadow it's conventions of confusion, morals and crime. For example, the tunnel in which the car drives into is dark, grim and unknown, much like urban crime. However, the car attains lights itself and is also bathed in light in the tunnel, connoting the "bills" hard work and good nature. Also, at 0.14, we see a blurred shot of horizontal bars; the cold steelwork of London foreshadows the bars in which the criminals will eventually, after an episode, be behind.
The audience are clearly established to who they should be focused upon and who is "good". This is concluded with the strong bold lettering of "The Bill"; two clean transitions in which the lettering is in capitals, capturing the attention of the audience as well as being white, signifying the good and trustworthy, against the dark black background.
Sherlock:
Within the opening sequence of Sherlock, under the sub-genre of private detective, the programme uses the convention, like The Bill, of an urban establishing shot; again, London.
The busy night scene, increased by the time lapse of the shot, connotes the fast pace of the show, in contrast to the fade in day shot of the Thames and London Eye. The daylight location, light buildings and introduction of the eponymous hero and programme title Sherlock, connotes a sense of revelation (due to the light) and security. This again, establishes Sherlock as a "good guy". The time lapse could also suggest Sherlock's intricate and detailed way of thinking, with everything moving double the normal speed, yet "just so".
Within this opening sequence, we see the use of close up shots to reveal clues and weapons, such as a picture and a gun. These conventional objects suggest that there is something to be solved and, that more characters are involved. The quick close ups add an uncomfortable tone, particularly at 0.11; a staggered close up shot of someone's face, which could possibly be a conventional character of a victim.
The sequence ends by zooming into blood, only to see hundreds of germs. Blood is conventional within a crime drama, as many of the crimes involve murder or injury or, for use of DNA. In this particular shot the ECU connotes complexity, detail and intensity within the plot or, of the characters (Linking to the clockwork time lapse of Sherlock).
CSI:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WseRJMQf1U
The forensics drama starts with extremely fast panning and travelling shots of America at night. The shots are enough to establish the audience on location but also, like the previous clips, connote the fast pace of the show.
Within this particular opening, we see a lot more objects such as the conventional gun and, the forensic equipment; specific to the sub-genre. Also, we are introduced to several potential characters who all look determined and focused; their job is a serious one, and so is the programme. However, some of the characters turn and smile at the camera, reassuring the audience that they are the "good guys" once again.
The conventional shots of blood reiterate the sub-genre of forensics, but also the grit and potential gore of a crime drama.
The quick shots are cut in time to the fast, upbeat song. With reference to the lyrics, "Who are you" foreshadows the convention of a question, enigma or, crime to be solved. Explosions are also seen on the beat of the music, creating high action drama.
The quick shots consist of close ups but also, slow motion shots, creating a sense of intensity and detail; within the crime drama, everything must be carefully searched for clues.
Finally, the opening sequence ends with white writing of "CSI; Crime Scene Investigation". The white colour not only stands out, but connotes that the CSI team our pure, good and trusted with solving a crime.
Tuesday 8 January 2013
Potential and Scouted Locations
The scouted images below consist of primary photographs, in which I was responsible of collecting from the previous table.
Views of Norwich:
- Car park, establishing views
- Norwich Market
- Playhouse River
This location is to be included within the first frames/seconds of our thriller opening; a quick shot, yet has to establish the location.
Advantages:
As predicted, this potential location establishes Norwich very well, portraying an urban, fast paced, busy life, as well as suiting the fast pace of the shot cuts. Thisis connoted through the movement of the cars. The urban setting links well to influencial opening thrillers such Layer Cake and Essex Boys. However, Layer Cake portrays a more glamorous tone, whereas we want to achieve the grit and grime of Essex Boys. Finally, logistically, this location was easily accessible.
Disadvantages:
Although the dummy shots below capture a rewaerding view, we aim to film in the evening when it is dark. Although there will be faint, artificial lights from shops and cars, this is something to consider. However, no back light from the car park assures that no unwanted light will be in the shot.
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| Dummy shot |
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| Dummy shot |
Extended potential locations:
The location of a car park, not only for the views, presented the opportunity for a gritty, urban shot to be briefly included within the fragmented shots.  |
| Potential shot. Shows view, but also bleak tone from water and crime, from the bars. |
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| Dummy shot; tilted shot creates obscurity and confusion for the audience, while the grey concrete and water connotes a bleak tone. Becuase of the tilted shot, the low ceiling and bar entrap the audience, creating a sense of claustrophobic. |
Norwich Market:
This location is to be included within the first frames/seconds of our thriller opening; a quick shot, yet has to establish the location.
Advantages:
The Long shot establishes Norwich, in which we want to achieve a recognisable location.
Disadvantges:
This particular location has a variety of bright colours in shot. However, this is a disadvantage as we want to achieve a bleak, dark tone. Artificial lighting and silhouettes are dependant on whether shops are open. But, if we can access this, the outcome could be very good.
We must take into consideration that these will be particularly quick, fragmented shots, shot the establishment is primarily what we need from the audience.
Advantages:
The Long shot establishes Norwich, in which we want to achieve a recognisable location.
Disadvantges:
This particular location has a variety of bright colours in shot. However, this is a disadvantage as we want to achieve a bleak, dark tone. Artificial lighting and silhouettes are dependant on whether shops are open. But, if we can access this, the outcome could be very good.
We must take into consideration that these will be particularly quick, fragmented shots, shot the establishment is primarily what we need from the audience.
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| Dummy shot; Although an (extreme) long shot, the frame is filled. The harsh square building and silhouette of the tree are particulary cold and enigmatic. |
 |
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| Extended angle. For a potential shot, the slope creates and angle and a metaphor;. we taking the audience down into the dark depths of crime.... |
Playhouse River:
This location is to be included within the first frames/seconds of our thriller opening; a quick shot, yet has to establish the location. Advantages:
Advantages of this location are the accessibility of the bridge itself and, the river. The river enables us to capture a reflection of the lights which are evident against the dark backdrop. This creates a sense of enigma and also, claustrophobia, as the frame is either filled with building, or water. Also, The river location adds slight variety to the fragmented shots; still urban, but quieter and more eery.
Disadvantages:
From the shots taken, the location was very dark, with, in particular, the picture below, appearing quite dark and out of focus; is the amount of light is not enough, the location might not be clearly seen by the audience. However, from the other location shots, light is available artificially from lampposts and nearby shops.
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| This shot is particularly dark, but captures a good reflection upon the river, creating a sense of claustrophobia for the audience. |
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| Dummy shot; This close up could be used within the opening, with the light being very striking and enigmatic, and the bars hinting crime. |
Mulbarton Common:
This location is to be included within the flash-back scenes consisting of 2 shots; a man and a woman smiling and, two hands holding each other.
Advantages:
Logistically, this particular location is easily accessible, with plenty of open space and little disturbance. The flat land and distant trees create an idyllic and peaceful backdrop, making the audience feel comfortable.
Disadvantages:
Even though this location depicts the appropriate tone for the flash-back shots, the peaceful, dream-like tone that we wish to achieve is dependant on the weather and positioning of the sun.
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| Haze created by the sun connotes a dream like state; idyllic and peaceful. |
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| Dummy Shot; an extreme long shot establishing the location. Shots like this could also be the backdrop to close ups. |
Blackout room:
CNS Drama Room:
This location is to be included within the "femme fatale" flash back scene, where we are first introduced to "Miss River".Advantages:
This location poses many advantages such black out blinds, reel curtains, and artificial spot lights; creating focus and power upon the character and a dark, serious tone on the audience. Back lights can add definition upon the character if needed. The drama room is also very accessible for booking and use. There is also plenty of space for filming equipment.
Disadvantages:
Noise disturbance may be heard from other rooms, especially as these shots are silent, accept for the dialogue, which is extremely important for the decision Damien makes, and, the plot. Logistically, initial organisation as to when actors and film makers are free may be a problem.
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| Dummy shot; low angle shot looking up into the spotlight, with dark background, connoting the characters power on the audience. |
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| Dummy shot; Long shot with centred black curtain (shut the black out blinds) and centred spot light. |
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| The spot light links to the image of the femme fatale; a dark lustrous women (black background), but seen as a glamorous and pure figure (white spotlight). |
Because of the controlled lighting and blinds, the drama room could also be used to express the moral ambiguity of Damien Crowe (close up's). However, this may affect the continuity of our thriller, as this part of the opening takes place in an alley way. We would not want this transition between locations to be noticeable, which it could be.
Sunday 6 January 2013
Potential Locations
Locations
This table shows the potential locations for our thriller opening. The table consists of the location needed, the advantages and disadvantages of that particular location and, who will be responsible for scouting photos for the location.
This table shows the potential locations for our thriller opening. The table consists of the location needed, the advantages and disadvantages of that particular location and, who will be responsible for scouting photos for the location.
Essex Boys
Essex Boys
Influence:
I particularly like the meanings and connotations behind the locations within the opening; gritty derelicts, unwanted. This has influenced our choice of locations for our thriller. For example, we will take into consideration the tone we want to achieve, and how this can be portrayed through our location; dark, wet, empty streets or open, light spaces.
How do Thriller's tap into our fears and our everyday lives?
By using familiar, everyday locations, thrillers such as Essex Boys create a sense of danger, often quite sinister due to the plot taking place in such an "every day" location. It therefore makes the crime and violence happening within the thriller seem somewhat closer to the audience's experiences.
Other thrillers also tap into the audience's fears. For example, in "Se7en" and "L.A Noire", the victim or, culprit, is often unknown and, at the start, quite ordinary. This unsettles the audiences by making them aware that it could happen to anyone. Also, as analysed in "The Thrid Man" Sewer Scene, claustrophic spaces and extreme lighting/shadows poses a sense of confindement and restraint on the audience; the rather undesriable situtaion makes the audience feel trapped and as a result, scared.
How might our Thriller do the same?
When considering our thriller opening, we aim to tap into the fears of the audience by highlighting crime (even more so murder), within an extremely recognisable and relatable location of Norwich. Although this takes places in a dark and dingey alley way, the audience are fully aware, from the establishing shots, that the alley way is in Norwich. "Welcome to Norwich. A fine city." or is it....?
Influence:
I particularly like the meanings and connotations behind the locations within the opening; gritty derelicts, unwanted. This has influenced our choice of locations for our thriller. For example, we will take into consideration the tone we want to achieve, and how this can be portrayed through our location; dark, wet, empty streets or open, light spaces.
How do Thriller's tap into our fears and our everyday lives?
By using familiar, everyday locations, thrillers such as Essex Boys create a sense of danger, often quite sinister due to the plot taking place in such an "every day" location. It therefore makes the crime and violence happening within the thriller seem somewhat closer to the audience's experiences.
Other thrillers also tap into the audience's fears. For example, in "Se7en" and "L.A Noire", the victim or, culprit, is often unknown and, at the start, quite ordinary. This unsettles the audiences by making them aware that it could happen to anyone. Also, as analysed in "The Thrid Man" Sewer Scene, claustrophic spaces and extreme lighting/shadows poses a sense of confindement and restraint on the audience; the rather undesriable situtaion makes the audience feel trapped and as a result, scared.
How might our Thriller do the same?
When considering our thriller opening, we aim to tap into the fears of the audience by highlighting crime (even more so murder), within an extremely recognisable and relatable location of Norwich. Although this takes places in a dark and dingey alley way, the audience are fully aware, from the establishing shots, that the alley way is in Norwich. "Welcome to Norwich. A fine city." or is it....?
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