Narrative Theory - Chris Phillipou

Theories We Used:

Todorov's Theory

This theory is like a template for most narratives, a sense of a good start, then something bad happens, and then moves back to its normal state, this sequence is referred to as "Eqilibrium, Disequilibrium, and New Equilibrium. There are 3 stages to this sequence however, those are as follows:

1) Normality (Equilibrium)
2) Cause of Disruption and a period of unsettlement and disquiet (Disequilibrium)
3) Renewed state of peace and harmony for the protagonists and a new equilibrium brings the chaos to an end (New Equilibrium)

 Relating Todorov's theory to our comedy production, equilibrium is set for example in the beginning of our short film, the normal things were happening during a sixth form environment a gathering entered the common room and a few characters were just chilling, it seemed like a normal place. However in the scene where Arran has his lunch sabotaged by laxatives, this turns out to be a catalyst which speeds up the narrative and has a knock on effect for Arran especially, this sets the disqeuilbrium which is influenced by fellow characters Armani and Omar who subsequently plant the laxatives on his so called 'friend' in a bid to destroy Arran's attempts to impress Neena. Arrans attempts to find a lavatory and relieve himself finally end and all seems back to normal, which then sets the new equilibrium as the chaos dies down.

Levi-Strauss' Theory

Levi-Strauss' theory is about binary opposites (conflicts) within narratives, and now narrative tension creates conflicts, these conflicts can literally be just two people fighting within a scene, but more often function at an ideological level.

Relating this theory to our production, binary opposites/conflict is set out from the scene where Armani and Omar prank Arran and sabotage his lunch with laxatives. This sets out as "Arran vs Friends". This is an ideological conflict, as both parties think differently and act differently, all Arran wants to do is try his luck on Neena by asking her out, whilst his binary opposites (Armani and Omar) are doing the exact opposite by trying to destroy his chances and laugh at his expense, however little does Arran know that they are responsible, however they sat there laughing whilst Arran had a sense of desperation written on his face once realising the sixth form toilets were out of order, and he became desperate as he tried to find an alternative.

Hypodermic Needle

The hypodermic needle theory is the theory of injecting a message or an ideology straight to the audience, i.e a prop related to a certain genre, to make the audience aware of what genre the film is.

Relating this to our production, we used the hypodermic needle theory to inject a message straight to our audience, we did this for example by showing the first sense of comedy which was a close up of the "laxatives bottle". This connoted to the audience that this was going to be a comedy film, this was also at the beginning of the film, which set the mood for the comedy film and made our audience aware of the genre.

Week 4- Atul Sharma

During this week Chris researched on Narrative Theory. This a vital aspect of our research and planning stage as all films have a narrative theory that they follow or go against. It is important that we carry out detailed research into the various theories. The main theories that Chris researched into was Todorov, Levi-Strauss and Hypodermic Needle. He related all the theories back to our own production which allowed our group make the appropriate decision.

I researched on Uses and Gratifications Theory. After carrying out secondary research I was able to understand that this theory is an approach to understanding why people actively seek out specific media outlets and content for gratification purposes. The theory discusses how users proactively search for media that will not only meet a given need but enhance knowledge, social interactions and diversion.

As we had established that we would be creating a Cringe Comedy short film, we decided that it would be appropriate to target a younger target audience as they enjoyed this type of genre. We knew this from past personal experience, as we all agreed that when we were younger cringe comedy was favoured however we had to aware that trends do change with time so further research will need to conducted. Syed researched further into our target audience and confirmed that there was still a very large market to tap into.

I also created pre questionnaire for our potential target audience as we aimed to carry out primary research. I handed out the questionnaire during break to younger year groups at school. I was aware that I should keep my questionnaire simple as a lengthy questionnaire will discourage any young child from volunteering. Once I had received the questionnaire back from my target audience I created graphs so our group could analyse the results and discuss what any specific actions that need to take place in order for our short film to target our audience most effectively. 

Synopsis Second Draft - By Syed Hussain

The film is set in a public school based on one ordinary student and his two close mates. In what seems like a successful pursuit to asking a girl out, the main character Arran doesn’t realise what his friends have been up to. While Arran shows his capability in chatting up a girl, his friends show their capability in setting up a prank; which involves mixing a bar of chocolate with laxatives. What would seem like an ordinary trip to the toilet, it becomes a gruelling and breathless pursuit to locate a toilet.

Synopsis First Draft - By Syed Hussain

The film is set in a public school based on one ordinary student and his two close mates. In what seems like a successful pursuit to asking a girl out, the main character Arran doesn’t realise what his friends have been up to. Once Arran has fallen into the trap set by his friend he has no chance in escaping. He battles hard to find a toilet in the school, which results in him making a decision which could jeopardise his social reputation.

BBFC - Syed Hussain

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is a company which classifies films under age ratings of U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 and 18. They will also be based on the aspects of; discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme and violence. Based on the following aspects we have decided to go with the age rating of 12 for our short film.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs

Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror

Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence

Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

Planning/Production Brief - Chris Phillipou

Planning Brief Unit G325 Media Studies

Treatment - Chris Phillipou

Treatment

Week 3- Atul Sharma

This week Chris created a Treatment for our film production. Generally speaking, a film's treatment is similar to that of an overview or synopsis of the film idea. It usually includes all the important conceptual elements, structured in 3-5 acts, each with a beginning, middle and end. When you submit your script, your treatment will often be the first document to be glanced over.

I researched into different socio economic groups and was able to understand the difference between each group and how we would target a specific group.  The groups that our target audience could fall into are:

A- Higher managerial, administrative, professional e.g. Chief executive, senior civil servant, surgeon

B- Intermediate managerial, administrative, professional e.g. bank manager, teacher

C1-Supervisory, clerical, junior managerial e.g. shop floor supervisor, bank clerk, sales person

C2-Skilled manual workers e.g. electrician, carpenter

D-Semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers e.g. assembly line worker, refuse collector, messenger

E -Casual labourers, pensioners, unemployed e.g. pensoiners without private pensions and anyone living on basic benefits

Syed researched into the British Board of Film Classification. The BBFC is an independent, self-financing and not-for-profit media content regulator. They operate transparent, consistent and trusted co-regulatory and self-regulatory classification and labelling systems in the UK.

They aim to protect:

·        -The public, and especially children, from content which might raise harm risks.

·         Empower the public, especially parents, to make informed viewing choices.

·         Recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law.

·         Respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media content through proactive public consultation and research.

·        Provide a cost-effective, efficient classification service within our statutory remit.

·        Work in partnership with the industry to develop innovative service models to provide content advice which support emerging media delivery systems.

·        Provide an effective service to enforcement agencies.

This vital research would allow our group to make the appropriate decision on what category our film production will fit from: U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18 and R18.

Syed also created a Synopsis for our film production; this is summary of our film within 25 words.  It will allow viewers to be able have foundation understanding of the film.

Facebook Group - By Syed Hussain

Twitter Account - Chris Phillipou

This is our groups Twitter Account where followers will be able to connect with us, we will upload work which they will be able to view easily by clicking a link. We feel this is a good way to connect with our audience and gain feedback through different opinions.

The 180 Degree Rule- Atul Sharma

In film-making, the 180° rule is a basic guideline that states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other.

Week 2- Atul Sharma

After researching into a wide range of genres we decided that we would choose Comedy for our short film production. Chris then carried out further research into the comedy genre. This research made us aware that there were sub genres within Comedy. As a group we established that Cringe Comedy would be the appropriate genre for our production.

Before beginning our production we all researched in to other short films. We analysed the codes and conventions of short comedy films on YouTube. This was beneficial to us as we were able to understand codes and conventions of comedy short films and would aim to implement this to our own production.  

As Chris was the cameraman he carried out research into different shot types that we could use appropriately in our own production. He also researched into match on action and 180 degree rule.

During this week Syed also created a Facebook group which I and Chris joined as members. The purpose of creating a Facebook group was for all group members to be able to contact and share ideas which each other. Also we will be able to ask other Facebook users for feedback on our production. Chris also created a Twitter account which will aid with promoting and gain feedback of our production.

This week we also decided our production company name to be Light Sphere Productions, this is due to being a unique name and relating to a ‘light- hearted’ production which all comedy tend to be. Chris created a company logo on Photoshop; the logo that was created was of a high standard as it was clear and easy to remember. 

Genre Research - Chris Phillipou

Cringe comedy

Cringe comedy is a comedy genre that uses awkward and embarrassing situations to cause audiences to feel uneasy. A comedy genre as a popular meaning, is any humorous discourse or work generally intended to amuse by creating laughter.

The comedy genre humourously exaggerates the situation, the language, action, and characters.

Comedy genre films gives the escape for the audience from day-to-day life.

They usually have happy endings, although the humour may have a serious or pessimistic side.

There are different types of comedies:

Comedies usually come in two general formats comedian-led with jokes or sketches and situation-comedies that are told within a narrative.

Comedy hybrids commonly exist with other genres, such as musical-comedy, horror-comedy, and comedy-thriller.

Comedies have also been classified in various sub genres, such as romantic comedy, crime/caper comedy, sports comedy, teen or coming-of-age comedy.

Research into all comedies: In this research I will show the types of comedies, the description of them and also show famous comedians and comedy shows and also comedians that are involved in certain comedy shows.

Black comedy or dark comedy

Black comedy deals with disturbing subjects such as death, drugs, terrorism, rape, and war. Some dark comedy is similar to the horror movie genre. Television examples include Brass Eye.

Chris Morris, Jim Norton, Bill Hicks, Denis Leary, Richard Pryor, Ricky Gervais, George Carlin, Jeff Dunham, Chris Rush, Penn & Teller, Patrice Oneal, Rich Vos, Jeff Duran, The League of Gentlemen, Christopher Titus, Sacha Baron Cohen, Doug Stanhope, Brother Theodore, Tom Lehrer, Shel Silverstein, Frankie Boyle, The Chaser's War On Everything, Monkey Dust, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Blue comedy

Comedy based on sexism, racism and homophobic views, often using sexual jokes and profane language words.

Eddie Murphy, Jim Davidson, Frankie Boyle, Andrew Dice Clay, Bernard Manning, Jeff Duran, Martin Lawrence, Roy 'Chubby' Brown, George Lopez, Doug Stanhope, Tommy Tiernan, Redd Foxx, Bob Saget, Ron White, Dave Attell, Chris Rock, Derek and Clive, Sarah Silverman, Chappelle's Show

Character comedy

Character comedy derives humour from a persona invented by a performer. Much character comedy comes from stereotypes.

Andy Kaufman, Paul Eddington, Andrew Dice Clay, Rich Hall, Tim Allen, John Gordon Sinclair, Lenny Henry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christopher Ryan, Steve Guttenberg, Steve Coogan, Bip, Jay London, Larry the Cable Guy, Sarah Silverman, Rob Brydon, Rowan Atkinson, Peter Helliar, Harry Enfield, Margaret Cho, Little Britain, Stephen Colbert, Al Murray

Improvisational comedy

Improvisational (sometimes shortened to improv) comics rarely plan out their routines. Prime examples of this kind of comic can be seen on the television shows Curb Your Enthusiasm, Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Thank God You're Here.

Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters, Paula Poundstone, Paul Merton, Tony Slattery, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Steve Steen, Wayne Brady, Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Drew Carey, Greg Proops, John Sessions, Neil Mullarkey, Kathy Greenwood, Brad Sherwood, Chip Esten, Jeff Davis, Jonathan Mangum.

Observational comedy

Observational comedy pokes fun at everyday life, often by inflating the importance of trivial things or by observing the silliness of something that society accepts as normal.

Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Mitch Hedberg, Billy Connolly, Ray Romano, Chris Rush, Dane Cook, Dave Hughes, Ricky Gervais, Janeane Garofalo, Chris Rock, Jeff Foxworthy, Jim Gaffigan, Kathy Greenwood, Ellen DeGeneres, Peter Kay, Daniel Tosh, Russell Peters, Demetri Martin, Tommy Tiernan, Carl Barron, Lee Evans, Michael Mcintyre, Brian Regan

Alternative comedy

Differing from traditional punchline jokes which features many other forms of comedy such as Observation, Satire, Surrealism, Slapstick and Improvisation

Alexei Sayle, Mark Steel, Dave Gorman, Linda Smith, Jeremy Hardy, Ron Sparks, Alan Davies, Ben Elton, Jo Brand, Sean Hughes, Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmonson, Malcolm Hardee, Kristen Schaal

Physical comedy

Somewhat similar to slapstick, this form of comedy uses physical movement and gestures. Physical comedy is often influenced by clowning.

Jim Carrey, Norman Wisdom, Jerry Lewis, Robin Williams, Chevy Chase, John Ritter, Conan O'Brien, Mr. Bean, Lee Evans, Max Wall, Matthew Perry, Kathy Greenwood, The Three Stooges, Lano & Woodley, Lucille Ball, Dane Cook

Prop comedy

Comedy that relies on ridiculous props, casual jackets or everyday objects used in humourous ways.

Carrot Top, Jeff Dunham, Gallagher, Timmy Mallett, The Amazing Johnathan

Surreal comedy

Surreal humour is a form of humor based on bizarre juxtapositions, absurd situations, and nonsense logic.

Spike Milligan, Eddie Izzard, Ross Noble, Bill Bailey, The Mighty Boosh, Steven Wright, Monty Python, Vic and Bob, The Goodies, Jack Handey, Harry Hill, The Kids in the Hall, Conan O'Brien, Tim and Eric, Paul Merton, Mitch Hedberg, Firesign Theatre, Shaun Micallef.

Deadpan comedy

Not strictly a style of comedy. Telling jokes without a change in face expression or change in emotion

Jack Dee, Jimmy Carr, Steven Wright, Peter Cook, Dylan Moran, Buster Keaton, Bill Murray, Jim Gaffigan, The Office, Les Dawson, Mike Birbiglia, Mitch Hedberg, Bruce McCulloch, Demetri Martin, Elliott Goblet, Aubrey Plaza.

Topical comedy/Satire

Topical comedy relies on headlining/important news and current affairs. It dates quickly, but is a popular form of comedy for late night talk shows.

Bill Hicks, Chris Morris, Dennis Miller, Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Andy Hamilton, Bill Maher, Ian Hislop, Paul Merton, Chris Morris, Kathy Griffin, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Stewart Lee, Rory Bremner, Ben Elton, David Cross, Lewis Black, Dave Chappelle, The Chaser, The Late Show, Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, Punt and Dennis, Jon Holmes, The News Quiz, South Park.

Wit/Word play

Wit and word play are more intellectual forms of comedy based on clever, often subtle manipulation of language (though puns can be crude and farcical).

Groucho Marx, William Shakespeare, Bo Burnham, Harry Hill, Jay Jason,Oscar Wilde, Rodney Marks, Woody Allen, George Carlin, Tim Vine, Stephen Fry, Demetri Martin, Firesign Theatre, Myq Kaplan.

Insult Comedy

Insult comedy is a form of comedy which consists mainly of offensive insults directed at the performer's audience and/or other performers.

Don Rickles, Chris Rock, Andrew Dice Clay, Ricky Gervais, Bob Saget, Frankie Boyle, Sam Kinison, Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog, Roy 'Chubby' Brown, Marcus Valerius Martialis, Jeffrey Ross, Lisa Lampanelli.

Mockumentary

A fiction film that parodies the conventions of documentary style.

Borat, This is Spinal Tap, The Monkees, The Rutles, Summer Heights High, Electric Apricot: Quest for Festeroo, The Office, Bruno (character), Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, Come Fly with Me, Angry Boys, The Compleat Al

Cringe comedy

A comedy of embarrassment, in which the humour comes from inappropriate actions or words. Usually popular in television shows and film, but occasionally in stand-up as well.

Ricky Gervais, Richard Herring, Stewart Lee, The Office, Alan Partridge, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Peep Show, The Proposal, Bob Saget, Top Gear, The Inbetweeners

Sketch

A small episode of comedy practised and recorded.

Jennifer Saunders, Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, Chappelle's Show, Firesign Theatre, In Living Color, Catherine Tate, A Bit of Fry & Laurie

Sitcom

A comedy drama creating a comic situation which develops over a longer period of time than a sketch; commonly found as television series

Seinfeld, Fawlty Towers, Black Books, Porridge, Dad's Army, Black Adder, Gavin and Stacey, My Wife and Kids, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, The Office, Open All Hours, Only Fools and Horses, Dinner Ladies, Modern Family

Musical Comedy

A form of alternative comedy where humour is mostly derived from music and/or lyrics.

Bill Bailey, Denis Leary, Tim Minchin, The Lonely Island, Flight Of The Conchords, Mitch Benn, Tenacious D, Spinal Tap, Stepehen Lynch, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Bob Rivers, Bo Burnham, Wayne Brady

Spoof

The recreating of a book, film or play for humour, it can be used to make fun of or ridicule a certain production

French and Saunders, Mitchell and Webb, I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, Hot Shots, Frankie Boyle's Tramadol Nights, Shriek, Peter Serafinowicz, Look Around You

Technical Comedy

Humour involving technical persons, and for example use of products, software and so on. Often the base of the comedy are work situations.

Don McMillan

What makes an excellent short film?- Atul Sharma

How to Make an Excellent Short Film

Group Members

Director: Syed Hussian
Age: 18
Role: My role as a director was to direct the film, come up with a script and link with the cameraman and editor in getting the film to look everything like I planned and work well. I would need to take charge of the group and lead us to creating this production to the set audience we chose. 

Editor and Sound: Atul Sharma
Age: 19
Role: As the editor he had to put together the film we had created and edit scene which could be improved. He had to edit to high standards to make our production look as professional as possible; we would also work with the cameraman and director on what shots ans what scenes would need editing. 

Cameraman: Chris Phillipou
Age: 18
Role: To film all the scenes which were chosen and capture all images to a high standard; to manage all the equipment used with the camera. He also had to refer with the director and editor on what shots would be suitable where. 

Assignment Brief- Atul Sharma

Our group decided to choose the following assignment brief:

A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minute, which may be live action or animated or a combination of both, together with two of the three following options:

- A poster for the film;

- A radio trailer for the film;

- A film magazine review page featuring the film.

Short Film Production Brainstorm- Atul Sharma

Film Genre Brainstorm- Atul Sharma

Production Schedule 1st Draft - Atul Sharma

Production Schedule

Week 1- Atul Sharma

Our group decided to choose the following assignment brief:

A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minute, which may be live action or animated or a combination of both, together with two of the three following options:

- A poster for the film;

- A radio trailer for the film;

- A film magazine review page featuring the film.

As a group we decided that choosing the option of creating a short film is the appropriate chose. This is due to our group finding this the most interesting as we had many initial ideas. During this week we decided what role each member of the group will be given. We considered our past experience and each member’s strengths and weaknesses before coming to a decision. As a group we decided Syed to be the director, Atul (me) to be the editor and be responsible for sound and Chris to be the cameraman. Working in a group for this production will enhance our communication and teamwork skills.

I created a Production Schedule which would give our group a clear indication of the tasks that need to be completed in order to complete our production to the highest standard. I considered all group members preferences and we discussed who would be the best person to take on specific tasks.  The production schedule will also will have dates of when each task will need to be completed, this will help us to stay on track and use time more productively.

We created a group blog where we all our work will be presented.  We decided to use a blog as all group members will be able to access it from school and home. We also created personal blogs which will be linked to our group blog. Our personal blogs will contain our ancillary tasks and our analysis of short films.  We will be using Blogger to create our blogs.

I created a brainstorm for our short film production on bubbl.us. The brainstorm contains initial ideas of our group and clearly shows the factors we took into consideration before creating our production.