GCSE Film Studies: Technical Revision - WJEC

Question 1

What is industrial context in film?

Answer 1

How film funding, budget, main production stages and production companies involved have impacted a film and/or are reflected in a film.

Question 2

What is cultural context in film?

Answer 2

How aspects of culture, ways of living, beliefs, values of groups of people, aspects of society/societal structure are reflected in a film.

Question 3

What is historical context in film?

Answer 3

How aspects of society and culture, at the time when films are made and/or set, are reflected in a film.

Question 4

What is political context in film?

Answer 4

The way political issues, when relevant to the chosen film, are reflected in a film.

Question 5

What is technological context in film?

Answer 5

How technologies are reflected in a film’s production and/or narrative.

Question 6

What are the 5 stages of Todorov’s narrative structure?

Answer 6

1. Equilibrium
2. Disruption
3. Recognition (of the disruption)
4. Repair
5. New Equilibrium

Question 7

What happens in the first stage of Todorov’s narrative structure?

Answer 7

Equilibrium - Life is just right. The main character’s life is their sense of normal/balanced (not necessarily positive). No disruptions in their life…yet.

Question 8

What happens in the second stage of Todorov’s narrative structure?

Answer 8

Disruption - A problem disrupts, the main character’s life has been changed and their equilibrium is shattered.

Question 9

What happens in the third stage of Todorov’s narrative structure?

Answer 9

Recognition of the Disruption - The main character must realise and accept that their situation has changed.

Question 10

What happens in the fourth stage of Todorov’s narrative structure?

Answer 10

Repair - Repairing the situation begins - righting wrongs, so that new life can be as good/normal as before.

Question 11

What happens in the fifth (final) stage of Todorov’s narrative structure?

Answer 11

New Equilibrium - Character gets new equilibrium - regained but developed in some way.

Question 12

What is a screenplay?

Answer 12

The script of a film, including acting instructions and scene directions.

Question 13

What is a storyboard?

Answer 13

A sequence of drawings, typically with some directions and dialogue, representing the shots planned for film or television production.

Question 14

What is a shooting script?

Answer 14

The final version of a movie or television script with the scenes arranged in the sequence they are to be filmed or taped.

Question 15

Give some examples of genres:

Answer 15

Science-fiction, action, comedy, horror, western, romance, adventure, superhero, thriller, dystopian, utopian, etc.

Question 16

Name the 6 BBFC film certifications:

Answer 16

1. U - Suitable for all.
2. PG - Parental Guidance.
3. 12A - Only used for films in cinemas and suitable for those 12 and over. People younger than 12 can go and see a 12A with an adult.
4. 12 - Video release suitable for 12 and over.
5. 15 - Suitable for only those 15 and over.
6. 18 - Suitable for only those 18 and over.

Question 17

Define Propp’s hero:

Answer 17

The main character whom the audience will recognise as the key person in the story