Language Flashcards
What is Propp’s theory?
Every narrative has eight characters.
What are the eight character types in Propp’s theory?
Hero Princess Villain Helper Donor False hero Dispatcher
What is Todorov’s narrative theory?
That every narrative follows a five part structure.
List the five part structures of Todorov’s theory of narrative structure.
Equilibrium Disruption of equilibrium Recognition Climax (event that resolves disruption) (New) Equilibrium
What is an enigma code?
An element of the narrative that is not fully explained - becomes a puzzle/mystery to audience.
What camera shots are there?
Aerial Shot Close-Up (CU) Medium Shot (MS) Over-The-Shoulder-Shot High Angle Shot Long Shot Establishing Shot Extreme Close-Up (XCU) Dolly Zoom Low Angle Shot Two-Shot Extreme Long Shot (XLS)
Define aerial shot
Filmed from air - establish a location.
Define CU
Framed above shoulders, has character’s full face in frame.
Define MS
Shoots from the character’s waist up.
Define Over-The-Shoulder-Shot
Camera positioned behind character’s shoulders - show conversation.
Define High Angle Shot
Shot from higher point - looks down on character.
Define Long Shot
Frames the character from the top of their head to their feet whilst capturing their environment.
Define Establishing shot
At the head of the scene - establishes location the action is set on whilst also setting the tone of the scene to come.
Define XCU
Frame is focused on small part of character’s face.
Define Dolly Zoom
Camera tracks forwards whilst simultaneously zooming out or vice versa.
Define Low Angle Shot
Shot from lower point and shoots up at character.
Define Two-Shot
Medium shot - shows two characters within frame.
Define XLS
Identifies key signifiers - characters + settings.
Define anchorage
The text that fixes an image and its meaning.
Define antagonist
In a plot, the character whose function is to disrupt the protagonist.
Define archetype
An original on which many copies are based - e.g. rebel, mother figure, villain.
Define binary opposition
Contrast between two ideas or concepts - causes conflict which drives narrative.
Define brand
Type of product that is manufactured and marketed under a particular name.
Define by-line
Printed line in text that names writer of an article.
Define code
A communication system which includes signs, rules and shared understanding.
Define colour palette
Suite of colours used in the creation of media texts to reflect a brand and appeal to its audience.
Define connotation
Meanings of a sign or media product that are made by cultural association - deeper or underlying meanings.
Define cross-head
Words used as a title or sub-heading to break up a text in a newspaper/magazine.
Define cross-cut
An editing technique used to establish that action is occurring at the same time.
Define conventions
Established rules or shared understandings used in the creation of media products.
Define copy
The written material that features in a media text.
Define cut
Simple editing technique: one shot ends and another begins, with no transitions or effects added.
Define desktop publishing (DTP)
DTP software allows the user to create printed media texts with various page layouts and designs.
Define digital (platform)
Media that can be created, viewed and distributed by digital devices.
Define diegetic sound
Actual sound from the world of the film (on/off screen).
Define non-diegetic sound
Sound that is neither on the screen or features in the world of the film - e.g. sound effects, background music.
Define editing
Post-production technique
Define editorial
An article in a newspaper/magazine that expresses an opinion on a topical issue.
Define enigma
Question, mystery or clue that is not immediately resolved which draws the audience in.
Define headline
The text, in larger font, at the top of a page/article in a newspaper/article, indicating what the content is to the user.
Define intertextuality
When media texts make references to other texts and popular culture to interest and engage the audience.
Define narrative
The way in which a story or sequence of events is put together in a media text.
Define semiotics
Use and study of sign, sign systems and their meanings.
Define sign
Anything that expresses a meaning.
Define slogan
Catchy, eye-catching and memorable phrase (used in advertising).
Define strapline
A cross-column subheading that emphasizes part of an article or advert.
Define storyboard
Visual representation and plan of how a moving image scene will be shot.
Define teaser
Form a trailer that ‘teases’ the audience about a forthcoming film.
