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Narrative structure
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These are the narrative structures that are used in different
single camera productions.
A linear narrative
This structure is a storyline that runs from start to end in
chronological order and is not broken up in anyway.
Think of some examples, films and TV series that you have
recently watched.
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Non-linear structure
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Narratives can be made in any way possible including
flashbacks. This type of narrative structure can be effective
when making a film, as you may want to reveal the end of
the story before you begin to tell the start. A lot of films
done by 'Tarantino' are non-linear.
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Flashbacks are points in narrative storyline were the story
takes you back in time to show something that has
happened in the past. There are several ways that the
director can enter a flashback such as bright flash, or
zooming right into the eyes or face.
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Think of some examples of films or TV series with non
linear storyline.
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Single strand narrative structure
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This is the narrative structure that is based on one storyline.
It can be based on one or more than one character. Most of
the films are based on one single strand narrative structure.
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Multi strand narrative structure
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Narrative that is based on more than one storyline going on
at the same time. This is the structure beloved by soap
operas where we have multiple stories going on at the same
time in each episode. Some films use multi strand narrative
structure as well.
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Think of some examples for both single strand and multi
strand narrative structure.
Endings
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Close ending
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A Closed Narrative structure is most commonly found in films
and TV. As mentioned before, films generally exist as one unique
story, and contain a beginning, middle and an ending. A story is
unraveled before an audience, and then ultimately brought to a
conclusion. A closed narrative in a TV does not necessarily mean
no sequels can be made.
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Open narrative structure
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An Open Narrative structure is usually found in television series,
in particular, ongoing soap operas. In these narratives, the story
has no apparent beginning, middle or end, in terms of the actual
events. A familiar device in open narratives, especially soap
operas, is a cliffhanger ending to each episode, from which the
next episode can follow on. The audience is made wander what
happened next.
Task:2 TV Drama Analysis
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For this task you need to show your understanding of
formats, narratives and genre.
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Select three TV Dramas, each of a different format (Series,
Serial, Single drama) and analyze and discuss how they
have been constructed in order to appeal to and entertain a
specific target audience.
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Your analysis should focus on the following aspects:
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Introduction introducing the drama and defining the target
audience.
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Which narrative structures and devices have been used?
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What genre does the drama belongs to? Is there more than
one?
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Remember to always steer your discussion back to the idea
of a specific target audience and how the expectations of a
particular experience are being either met or challenged.
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Remember to use varied examples to illustrate your points.
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Make sure to use specific terminology correctly and all
times.
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Reference, reference, reference….