Chapter 1 - Narrative

Question 1

Name all production elements

Answer 1

Camera, Acting, Mise-en-scene, Editing, Lighting, Sound

Question 2

Name all Story Elements

Answer 2

Character, Closing, Cause & Effect, Opening, Plot, Point of View, Setting, Structure of Time.

Question 3

Name all Audience elements.

Answer 3

Consumption, Reception, Engagement, Expectation, Target Audience.

Question 4

Define character.

Answer 4

A person in a media product who has mental and moral qualities distinctive to their own character.

Question 5

Define Cause & Effect

Answer 5

A narrative function that helps the audience understand how character motivations, decisions and actions drive the story. The effect that a cause has in a narrative.

Question 6

Define Closing.

Answer 6

The climax of a media product, generally bringing the narrative to a conclusion.

Question 7

Define Opening

Answer 7

The initial platform from which narrative is first launched, usually establishing the quest.

Question 8

Define Plot

Answer 8

The main events of a media product, designed and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence. Usually comprised of conflicts, quests and possibilities.

Question 9

Define Point of View. Give an example.

Answer 9

The position form which a media product is being observed from. This could be from the view of multiple people.

An example is in Psycho the primary point of view is Marion however we also see it from Norman’s, Lila’s and Abogast.

Question 10

Define Structure of Time.

Answer 10

The compression of time and the occurrence of time within a certain time period.

For example in Psycho time is skipped when Marion is driving her car, to progress the narrative.

Question 11

Define Setting.

Give an example.

Answer 11

The place or type of surroundings where a media product or an event within it takes place.

Psycho is set in 1960 Arizona city.

Question 12

Define Camera.

Give an example.

Answer 12

The use of camera shots and angles can contribute meaning and and aspects of the character.

For example on psycho a low angle is used on Norman Bates to make him appear more menacing and dominant.

Question 13

Define Acting.

Give an example.

Answer 13

The art and occupation of conveying a character through the use of body language, tone of voice and other subtle hints.

For example Anthony Perkins bites his finger, to make Norman Bates appear anxious and worried.

Question 14

Define mise-en-scene.

Give an Example.

Answer 14

The arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a media product. The visual composition of specific element s and how they are arranged.

For example in Psycho the parlour scene there are stuffed birds, birds of prey. Making Norman appear himself like a bird of prey.

Question 15

Define Editing.

Give an example.

Answer 15

The assembly and art of arranging images and sound into a coherent sequence to tell a story.

For example in Psych shower scene we get rapid cuts to the knife, Marion and the murderer to tell the scene, as well as the audience of the knife tearing through flesh.

Question 16

Define lighting.

Give an example.

Answer 16

The arrangement and effect that lights have within a media product.

For example the half shadow on Normans face, giving the idea that there is something darker going on.

Question 17

Define Sound.

Give an example.

Answer 17

Diegetic sound, whose source is on the screen or whose source has been implied by the film.
Non-diegetic sound, whose source is not visible on the screen nor has been implied by the film.

For example internal diegetic voice of Marion crane in the car.

Question 18

Define Consumption

Give an Example.

Answer 18

The reception of information or entertainment by a mass audience as intended by the director.

For example Wes Craven intended Scream to be watched at home during sleepovers by teenagers.

Question 19

Define Reception.

Give an example.

Answer 19

The way in which a person or group of people react to a media product.

For example Psycho was the first “Slasher” film so it was terrifying at the time and it was also based on a real serial killer.

Question 20

Define Engagement

Give an example.

Answer 20

A strategy to engage consumers within a media product, that invites and encouraged the consumer to participate in it’s release.

Scream was aimed at teenagers many of which stereotypes were represented so the audience could feel represented within the film. But it also had many references to older films so the more mature audience could feel represented in that aspect as well.

Question 21

Define Target Audience

Give an example

Answer 21

A particular group at which a product or advertisement is aimed at. Usually depending on age, gender, location and culture.

Scream is for instance targeted toward the early and late teens.