How is camerawork used in this clip of Heroes Roulette

The scene starts with a close up shot of a roulette wheel which also becomes the master shot. This then tilts and tracks to a two shot which shows the two main characters. The roulette wheel represents the idea that there may be an element of gambling involved in this scene.

There is then a low angle shot of the dealer which is to show that she is in control of the game. However this is also used to show the perspectives of the characters sitting at the table. When one of the characters concentrates, the camera zooms in on him. This is to mark his power and to show that this character is going to have some relevance to what happens next. The camera then jumps to a close up shot of his face to show his intense concentration on what he is trying to do.

When time stops there is a deep focus shot from behind the wheel. This is to help show the stopping of time. The camera then tracks the character as he walks around the table. The shot shows a lot of the setting which is to show everybody standing still in the background. This is to emphasize the special effects being used. The master shot of the roulette wheel is used again to show that he won the game.
The characters are shown in a two shot, until they begin to have disagreements. Then the shots switch to individual close ups. However when the problem is resolved, two shots are used to present the characters once again.

Camerawork is used in Heroes to represent a disagreement of characters but also to show special effects that have been used. These shots help the audience to understand what is happening and helps make the drama more realistic.

How is camerawork used in this clip of Heroes Cheerleader

Camerawork is used to give characters a certain status without the audience realizing. For example at the start of the clip, a man is introduced. There is a high angle shot that shows him lying down. As he wakes up the camera sways and moves in different directions. This is to imply that he has just woken up. However parts of the shot are blurred. This is to give the impression that he may be under some drug influence. The camera being unstable could also suggest an idea of mystery.

The clip then cuts to a girl. This is a high angle shot of her sitting on the steps. This represents her superiority, but also that she could be seen as a threat. The angle also may suggest her power and that she is in complete control. When she walks away with the other man there is a high angle long shot which shows how empty and desolate the setting is.

When in the car there is a series of two shots while they are talking. However when they start to disagree and become involved in a dispute, the shots change to close ups of each character. This is to show their disagreement and to enforce the idea that both characters have different views. A profile shot is used of the girl to show her cold facial expression as the other man is talking. This also gives the audience the idea that she may be a possible threat as she is so calm.

As the car speeds up the camera tracks the car as it travels. Then there is a quick close up shot that shows a wall.

How is camerawork used in this excerpt of Shameless

The TV Drama 'Shameless' uses many different conventions of film language such as shot types, sound, framing, editing and more. However shot types are vital in this excerpt as they convey important but subtle emotions or events that need to be brought to the audience’s attention.
The first scene is a two shot however the character in the background is out of focus. This is to show that the character in the foreground is more important and is going to be more significant in what is going to happen. The character is then seen to be isolated in a room. This is a high angel shot that depicts his inferiority. The camera also jumps to a medium close up shot that expresses his emotion. In this case the emotion is of anger and frustration, which is made clear by his facial expressions.
The next scene starts with a long shot that tracks a car. This implies that the characters in the car will be of some important. Also the long shot shows the setting of the street. The street is completely deserted which could imply how late at night it is. There is also a static shot at the top of the stairs in the house as the character leaves the room. This is to give the impression of speed and urgency. As the character walks towards the car, the camera tilts down to reveal a can of petrol. This also represents an imminent threat. The camera then jumps to a low angel shot which just shows the characters feet walking towards the car. This puts the audience in the perspective of the couple in the car and enforces the idea of danger.
When the character is pouring petrol over the car, the camera jumps about and looks unstable. This is to represent how unstable the characters mentality is and how unpredictable his actions may be. The lighter is almost constantly in the picture, but out of focus. This is to represent the constant threat. The camera also keeps changing back to the master shot, which shows what everybody is doing. There is also a vast amount of over the shoulder shots as the characters talk to each other. This is to help the audience empathize with the characters and what’s going on. Eventually as the tension reaches its peak, there is an extreme close up of the lighter. This is to show that this item is the main subject of the buildup. The camera also takes a close up shot of the cigarette to imply that it will be significant and so that the audience’s attention is brought to it. Finally the pans around when the character looks at his car. The camera follows what he is looking at. This is so that you can know what the character is thinking as you are looking at the same thing.
Camera shots are used to keep the audience’s attention on what needs to be noticed. Also shot types are used to portray different emotions and feelings that the characters may have. When put together the different shots can create a buildup without the audience noticing.

Coronation Street Deconstuction

Camera shots
- close up shots - dialogue
- panning - looking for phone
- eye level shots - empathy / can relate to

Editing
- medium to close up - importance of phone call

Sound
- ambient - traffic
- louder sound of window cleaners

Mise en scene
- phone
- morning
- David - smart Girl - Work clothes
- living room - ordinary items
- Sean camp stereotype

Representation
- David being smart shows his confidence over the girl in the work clothes.
- Sean waring a vibrant orange top represents his character.
- Sound of traffic gives a sense of reality (verisimilitude)

Ingredients to TVDs

What makes all of the TVD list fit within the TV Drama genre?

// Characters // 

Characters are usually easily identifiable and often represent a stereotypical persona which is presented through the media language. Characters can also be seen as 'simple'.

// Stories //

Every drama in my list is telling a story. Often they follow themes that are in everyday life so that the audience can relate to experiences and can have empathy with the characters. 

The stories are also told in a setting with familiar backdrops. The stories usually have a happy ending. However sometimes the use of equilibrium and disequilibrium can be used to keep the audience interested and engaged.

// Sound //

Music is often used to reflect the mood of what is going on. Also ambient sounds are used to emphasize certain settings or events tat take place.

List of TVDs

Hollyoaks

Eastenders

Doctor Who

Spooks

Coronation Street

Skins

Heroes

Sex and the city

Friends

Scrubs

House

ER

My Family

Vicar of Dibley

Shameless

Desperate Housewives

Lost

Reaper

24

Media Concepts

Media Language:

- Framing

- Editing

- Mise en Scene

- Lighting

- Acting

- Sound

- Shot Types

Convention - Ingredients and how the effects make the genre.

Signification - Everything has a meaning. Assume all signs are interpreted in the sam way.

Representation - How things want to be seen. Such as a 'front' or a 'facade' that presents something in a different way.

Audiences - Media creates audience, or vice versa. Who you are targeting.

Introduction

This Blog is going to containing information and analysis of a TV Drama (TVD).

The Drama i have chosen is "24".

I will be looking at how different film language helps portray certain themes, characters and stories within this TVD.