Narrative Structures

Linear

Chronological order of events – this is when the narrative goes from the start, middle then end. 

There is a single starting point, which may lead to multiple developments and outcomes.

Linear productions helps the audience to have an understanding of the story which makes sense as the story starts from the beginning through to the end.

Non-linear

Events are out of chronological order, or in other words the narrative does not follow the pattern of the events. This could be dream sequences, flashbacks, and flash-forwards etc.

Some television series use non-linear narratives as a narrative hook in the first episodes, this could be an intense or shocking event, and then go back to the past and show events leading up to what happened. A good example of this is The Missing.

Another reason a non-linear narrative is used is to show how the human memory recalls events.

Flashbacks

A flashback is a scene that jumps the narrative back in time from the current point in the story. Flashbacks are often used to recount events that have happened before a sequence of events to fill in the backstory.

Used to cohere a story, develop a character, or add structure to the narrative.

RealistRealist narratives are story lines that are believable by that audience because they appear real or a based on a true story that has happened in the past.

Anti-realistAnti-realist is a narrative that is not realistically filmed and structured. These dramas may use a lot of after effects.

EndsOpenMultiple narrative strands with no clear resolution. Often seen in soap operas. May be used to intrigue audience and let them form their own conclusion.ClosedA clear resolution to the narrative. High degree of narrative closure.

Technical elements

Camera

Master shot - Used to set the scene or location Close up - Used to show emotion of character Medium shot - Shows the body language of the character Zoom - crash zoom can be used to give information as slow can

increase the tension  Tracking shot - camera moves with the action inside of a pan

movement  Shallow/deep focus - shallow focus is when only a few objects

are in focus to the audience whist deep focus is everything in focus 

High/low angle - high angle looks down as low angle looks up. Can show importance of characters 

Lighting

High key - very bright light e.g. Shows something positive Low key - low lighting e.g. Adds tension  Natural lighting - daylight  Hard - strong and powerful light e.g. Adds negative emotions Soft - soft lighting e.g. Adds positive emotions

Sound

Diegetic - sound that has been placed within the film. If the character can hear it.

Non-diegetic - the characters cannot hear it within the film but the audience can. E.g. Music

Dialogue - diegetic sound Music - non-diegetic  Sound affects - non-diegetic/diegetic (used in different points

for reasons) The mix - how all the sounds are mixed together Sound perspective - some sounds are increase to a scene to add

tension, emotion or drama

Editing

Continuity - scenes flows seamlessly  Cross cutting/parallel editing - two pieces of film that happen

at the same time but are joined together Elliptical editing - a pause. Cut from a scene to another but has

pushed the time forward; issuing a part of the story that isn't needed.

Cutaways - cuts that add meanings to the story Use of montage - shows of passing of time Split screen 

Scripting, Building a scene, Building a storyProps Theory - character type in storiesTvzetan Todorov - Suggests narrative is simply equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium 

Story ArcsPurpose of a story arc is to move a character it a situation from state to another.

Positioning of the audienceThe narrative has position the audience into a particular relationship with the character on the screenHow is this achieved?

P.O.V shots  Editing techniques