Learning objective:

To consolidate our understanding of how representational issues are constructed

through the technical aspects of mise-en-scene and cinematography.

Do now- Genre recap.

• With your partner think of TV dramas that fit the genres on the board.

• E.g: ‘Eastenders’ is a soap.

TV Drama Sub- Genres

• What are the sub-genres of TV Drama:

• Soap Operas or Continuing Dramas: ‘Eastenders’, ‘Coronation Street’…

• Crime and Police Dramas: ‘The Bill’, ‘The Wire’, ‘CSI..

• Medical/Emergency Dramas: ‘ER’, ‘Casualty’….

• Sci-Fi/ Fantasy Dramas: ‘Dr Who’, ‘Heroes’…

• Literary adaptations: Pride and Prejudice’, Oliver Twist

• Contemporary melodramas: ‘Skins’, ‘Waterloo Road’

• Comedy Dramas: ‘Shameless’, ‘Desperate Housewives’

Possible AS Exam Question

Answer the question below, with detailed references to specific examples from the extract only.

1. Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of ethnicity using the following:

• Camera shots, angles, movement and composition• Editing• Sound• Mise en scene

Cinematography starter.

• AMPS?

• Task: one of you will draw a cinematography term on the board.

• The rest of the group write down the intended meaning to the audience.

Mise-en-scene starter

• What is mise-en-scene? • The design or aesthetic of the film/tv show.

• Location and sets.

• Props.

• Costume, hair and make up.

• Lighting.

• Use of colour.

• Task: In pairs design the mise-en-scene of the scenes you’ve been given on the post-its.

Connotation and Denotation- recap

• Denotation?

• Connotation?• What something might stand for or represent, e.g.. To

give someone a red rose might suggest love.

• The mise-en-scene in a film or TV show can connote complex ideas to the viewer very quickly.

Connotation and Denotation – poster recap

What did we say about this Sopranos poster?

What can you say about the connotations of cinematographyand mise-en-scene in this still from ‘Coronation Street’?

What descriptive words would you use?

• In pairs look at the stills from TV shows and annotate them.

• Make notes on the following:

• The connotations of cinematography- shots and angle.

• The connotations of the mise-en-scene.• What descriptive words would associate with

these still images you’ve been given.

Reading a still image.

Written analysis

• Writing task: Discuss the ways in which the image creates meaning through cinematography and mise-en-scene.

• Write one paragraph for each technical aspect.

• Remember to think adjectively!

Technical aspects and representation

• We now need to begin making links between the technical aspects and representation.

• Swap your paragraphs with the person next to you.

• How many points have they made that refer specifically to a character's gender, age, ethnicity or class?

Micro analysis- ethnicity and social class

• We are going to watch very short clip 3 times.• Make notes on how ethnicity and/or social class

are constructed using cinematography and mise-en-scene.

• Write two paragraphs. One focussing on mise-en-scene and the other on cinematography.

• How does the clip from Skins construct issues of ethnicity and social class through the cinematography and mise-en-scene.

• Survivors (gender)• http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p006hp34

• Eastenders• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHjfdeVvJP0

• Spooks Series 9 Episode 2

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00v2xpc/Spooks_Series_9_Episode_2/

Words to connect technique to audience

• This technique – suggests….– implies….– shows….– connotes….– develops….– establishes….– might symbolise….

• Some comparative connectives: – Having said this– Although– Whereas– Despite – Moreover– Furthermore– Nevertheless– Additionally– However– As well– Indeed– Instead– Rather– Elsewhere– Alternatively

• Introduction:

• Don’t make any grand generalisations• Refer to the language of question • Give some context to the text

• Conclusion:

• Briefly summarise your main points• Don’t introduce any new points• Make it interesting and stand out (e.g. ask a provocative question, evoke an image, use a quotation)• Don’t just repeat introduction!

Keyword brainstorming in pairs

• Brainstorm key editing terms

• Brainstorm key sound terms

Some sound keywords• Score• (Non) Diegetic

• Amplification – made louder• Bass – a low tone• Cacophonous – a non-rhythmical noise• Crescendo – a build up of sound to a climax• Digital – computer generated sounds• Discordant – sounds that conflict, are inharmonious• Mechanical• Melody – a series of notes that form a distinct pattern• Monotone – a single tone• Oscillating – sound that goes up and down in pitch and tone• Rhythmic – a regular pattern of beats• Synchronised – sound working together with the visuals• Symphonic – a collection of instruments in an orchestra.

• Continuity editing – “invisible” editing (“match on action”, “shot-reverse-shot”) – linear narrative (flash backs)?

• Rhythm – pace of editing:– Quick for action sequences?– Slow for character studies?

• Cross cutting – alternates 2 (or more) lines of action that occur in different places, usually at the same time

• Transitions – uncommon in TV drama, except for straight cuts. They explicitly connect shots in some way. Examples include:– Fade– Wipe– Dissolve

• Effects – making the editing obvious:– Motion control: speed up, slow motion, freeze frame– Picture effects: black and white, split screen (vs cross cutting), captions,

tinting, colouring

Some editing keywords

Gender Stereotypes

• What are some of the gender stereotypes we would associate with men and women?.

Men:

BreadwinnerNot in touch with their emotions- rationalObsessed by sport and sexPhysically strongerImmatureCompetitiveAggressiveRuthless

Women:

Emotional irrational

Gossip

Mature and responsible MaternalDomesticatedPhysically weaker Supportive and sensitive

Keyword brainstorming in pairs

• Brainstorm general descriptive keywords (e.g. connotes, archetype)

connotes

represents

symbolises

subverts

stereotypes

archetype

stock type

constructs

audience

post-feminist

post-modernantagonist

protagonist

complex

multi-faceted

patriarchal/matriarchal

status/power

portrays

subservient

passionate/dispassionate

tensionmood

atmosphere

appropriate

hybrid

tyrant

(anti) hero

reinforces

• Survivors (gender)• http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p006hp34

• Eastenders• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHjfdeVvJP0