Game Show Storytelling Framework

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Questions and Answers

What role does the host play in the 3-act structure applied to game shows?

Contestant

Judge

Mentor (correct)

Audience member

In the context of a reality cooking competition, what does the 'Call to Adventure' signify?

The contestant's return to their ordinary world

The contestant's victory

The announcement of the winner

The contestant's entry into the competition (correct)

How does the hero’s journey framework enhance storytelling in procedural formats?

By focusing solely on competition rules

By connecting viewers with contestants’ transformations (correct)

By presenting a simple narrative

By eliminating character development

What does the 'Refusal of the Call' represent in a contestant's journey?

Doubts and fears about entering the competition Signup and view all the answers

What narrative element is NOT typically included in the hero's journey framework?

The contestants competing in isolation Signup and view all the answers

What emotional aspect contributes to the engagement of viewers in game shows like Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

The combination of escalating stakes and emotional payoff Signup and view all the answers

What stage in the Hero's Journey involves the hero entering an unfamiliar world?

Crossing the Threshold Signup and view all the answers

In a reality cooking competition, what represents the climactic moments for the contestant?

The presentation of the final dishes Signup and view all the answers

What transformation occurs when contestants return to their ordinary world after the competition?

They become winners or gain valuable experience Signup and view all the answers

What is the climax of the Hero's Journey referred to as?

Ordeal Signup and view all the answers

In the context of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?', what represents the 'Call to Adventure'?

The acceptance of the million-dollar challenge Signup and view all the answers

What role do lifelines play for the contestant during the game?

They serve as crucial allies in answering difficult questions. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage involves the hero facing challenges and making allies?

Tests, Allies, and Enemies Signup and view all the answers

Which phase involves the contestant's final decision regarding their lifelines?

Approach to the Inmost Cave Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Reward' stage signify in the Hero's Journey?

The hero's victory and gained insight Signup and view all the answers

What typically underscores the tension during the climax of the game?

Dramatic music. Signup and view all the answers

In the 3-act structure, what element does Act I primarily focus on?

Setup and Inciting Incident Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Resurrection' refer to in the context of the contestant's journey?

The transformation experienced after their game. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Return with the Elixir' entail in the Hero's Journey?

The hero's return to share their newfound knowledge or treasure Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Hero's Journey allows for the possibility of the hero to hesitate?

Refusal of the Call Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the 'Road Back' phase after a contestant wins?

They celebrate and reflect on their journey. Signup and view all the answers

How does a contestant's decision to answer the high-stakes question impact the game?

It potentially leads to risking all their accumulated winnings. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key emotions contestants experience upon winning?

Emotional celebration and gratitude. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an 'engine' in non-fiction formats?

A set of rules creating dramatic arcs and storylines. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of cliffhangers in a dramatic narrative?

To maintain suspense and encourage viewers to stay engaged. Signup and view all the answers

How does the elimination process enhance viewer emotional investment?

By allowing viewers to root for their favorite contestants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of effective drama in episodic formats?

Predictable outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the 'dramatic arc' in episodic narratives?

It creates a clear progression from tension to resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose do dramatic music cues serve in a format?

To enhance the emotional impact of key moments. Signup and view all the answers

How do format points contribute to the identity of a show?

By offering viewers a consistent viewing experience. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the elimination process have on audience suspense?

It maximizes drama by introducing uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is most associated with generating surprise in a format?

Nomination nights and unexpected twists. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotional benefit to loyal viewers when a favorite contestant wins or redeems themselves?

Reward from a long-followed journey Signup and view all the answers

How does emotional catharsis manifest for viewers during eliminations?

By providing resolution and processing losses Signup and view all the answers

What risk might occur if the elimination process becomes too predictable?

Viewer backlash due to unchanging outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Which universal trigger moment involves cutting off tension before revealing the outcome?

Cliffhanger before commercial break Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of non-fiction TV formats is essential for developing dramatic arcs?

Format points Signup and view all the answers

Which element is critical for enhancing the emotional impact of key moments in a show?

Slow motion paired with dramatic music Signup and view all the answers

What kind of contestant behavior can lead to immediate penalties or eliminations?

Bending or breaking rules Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of capturing split-second reactions during critical show moments?

To enhance dramatic effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What common feature of non-fiction TV formats contributes to creating dramatic arcs and storylines?

Format points Signup and view all the answers

How is a TV format analogous to a recipe?

Both contain immutable and adaptable elements Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor influences broadcasters' decisions to buy TV formats?

The success of similar shows in the producing country Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'outcome management' aspect of TV formats refer to?

Ensuring a consistent format generates expected results Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'ratings data' crucial for TV formats?

It helps manage financial risk for broadcasters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of TV formats in the international market?

They serve as a format that can be modified globally Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using consistent ratings in assessing TV formats?

To establish a track record of success Signup and view all the answers

How do TV formats manage risk for broadcasters?

By using historical performance data Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Formats

TV formats are a method of production, a licensed remake, a recipe, and a proof of concept.
A format is a recipe for making remakes.
Format trading sells remake rights to enable buyers to create a local remake.

Topics

A TV format as a licensed remake, recipe, proof of concept, method of production, and three paradoxes of production.
Categorizing non-fiction formats using the 3 C's.

Format Rights

Format rights give the right to license third parties outside of the primary broadcaster's territory to develop and produce new programs.
Format rights include the right to authorize third parties to distribute, exhibit, perform, broadcast or otherwise exploit those programs in specified territories.
Format rights include the right for the distributor to exploit programs in any media worldwide.

Questions 1-4

Question 1: A TV format is primarily compared to a recipe in format studies.
Question 2: The primary purpose of a TV format is a guideline to making remakes.
Question 3: Format rights include the right to license third parties to produce new programs outside the primary broadcaster's territory, to distribute the programs in those areas, and the rights for the distributor to exploit those programs in any worldwide media.
Question 4: Ancillary rights cover the right to sell or license extracts from a program for inclusion in other programs or media, or to exploit the program across any media using merchandising, interactive & multimedia, or theatrical rights.

Legality of Formats

Scripted (fiction) formats are easier to protect against copyright infringement because of their storylines and characters.
Reality (non-fiction) formats are harder to protect.
Industry experts suggest non-fiction formats need to be treated as stories to prove copyrightability and address the relationships between the characters.

Question 5

Question 5: Industry experts believe non-fiction TV formats should be recognized for the stories that they convey because they are analogous to books – meaning they include intellectual property (i.e. characters and relationships) that extend beyond simple words on a page.

Non-fiction Formats as Storytelling

Non-fiction formats like Supernanny, Faking It, Wife Swap, The Apprentice, Secret Millionaire, and Grand Designs follow the five-act structure of classical Shakespearean plays (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).
Reality TV's story structure mirrors Shakespearean plays, with clear acts, a setup, build-up, climax, and resolution showcasing triumph or loss.

Classic Shakespearian Shape

The five-act structure involves Exposition (Act I), Rising Action and Complication (Act II), Climax (Act III), Falling Action (Act IV), and Resolution/Denouement (Act V).
A 3-act structure would include Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution.

Why Classic Structure?

Symmetry and balance, emotional journey, and universality.

3-Act Structure Applied to "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

Act I: Setup - introduces the contestant, the rules of the game, and easy questions.
Act II: Confrontation - raises the stakes, uses lifelines, and the climax is a critical decision to either risk or take a guaranteed payout.
Act III: Resolution - reveals the correct answer or the decision to walk away.

Hero's Journey in TV Formats

Ordinary World - the hero begins in their everyday life.
Call to Adventure - a challenge or opportunity arises.
Refusal of the Call - the hero hesitates or doubts
Meeting the Mentor - the hero gains guidance or tools.
The Hero enters an unfamiliar world or situation
Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Approach to the Inmost Cave, etc..

Format Points

Format points include piles of cash, particular tasks, special features, the elimination process, etc.
The elimination process creates drama and keeps viewers engaged.

Universal Format Points

Teaser open, commercial cliffhangers, dramatic music cues, recurring catchphrases, participant reactions, conflict/resolution arc, closing montage.

The Elimination Process

Creates dramatic tension due to uncertainty, escalating stakes as the number of contestants decrease.
Emotional investment for viewers due to viewer-contestant relationships and underdog arcs & drama.
Drives viewer engagement and interaction through audience participation, social media buzz, predictions, etc.
The elimination process provides a clear structure, paced for emotional intensity.

Universal Trigger Moments

Dramatic audio cues & editing.
Split-second reactions (capture emotions).
Cliffhanger before commercial breaks.
Host interventions.
Rule-breaking consequences.
Audience participation dramas (audience reactions, votes, etc)
Heartfelt goodbyes.

Question 6

Question 6: A common feature of non-fiction TV formats that creates dramatic arcs and storylines are Format Points.

Risk Management

Formats are based on initial willingness and depend on ratings data to determine if the format is sound in similar markets.
Ratings data helps manage risk for broadcasters.

Question 7

Question 7: Ratings data management manages risk for formats.

Format Bibles

A format bible is a detailed guide containing everything needed for production.

Definition of Format

A format is the structure of a show, that is licensed to be adapted in other countries.

Format Bibles: Material

Format bibles contain two types of material - materials that can be altered, and materials that cannot be altered.
Consultant producers oversee new productions using the format bible to guide them.

Question 8

Question 8: The role of a "format bible" is to provide a detailed guide for producing the show to include budgeting and casting procedures.

Three Paradoxes of Non-Fiction TV Shows

Paradox 1: A format is generative (not just descriptive), which guarantees a story.
Paradox 2: A format lends itself to repetition without replication by bringing in real people.
Paradox 3: A format is predisposed to adaptation because constructed reality can be easily transferred to different locations.

Constructed Reality

Events, interactions, and storylines are curated by producers to heighten entertainment value.
Pre-designed scenarios, selective editing, and guided interactions create a distinctive narrative.
Characters are often cast to embody specific personality types.
Ordinary situations are often exaggerated.

Ethical Considerations

Presenting constructed reality as authentic can have ethical implications.

Question 9

Question 9: The key characteristic of non-fiction formats that makes them adaptable to different locations is constructed reality.

Non-fiction TV Format Concepts

Questions to ask when developing a format concept: What visual and audio elements should it have? Who are the characters and/or personalities? What is the structure?
What are the subcategories related to the main format?
How to Categorize Non-Fiction TV Formats?
Three Cs.
Concepts that address some of the aspects mentioned by the user or the professor.

What do Formats Need?

A hook (insight that garners interest), a driver (something sustaining through the format), and underlying tension (element throughout a show).

What Lenses can We Use to Shape Formats?

Competition formats, change formats, and choice formats.

What are Competition Formats?

The main principle of competition formats is who will win, using a pass/fail device.
Examples include quiz shows, talent shows, and other shows that use competition within the structure.

What are the Sub-Categories of Competition?

Several different subcategories are used to frame different types of competition-based TV formats (ie. survive something, make something...).
Some examples include: survive something, make something, perform something, enclosed word, and other people's lives and quizzes.

What is the Primary Principle of Change Formats?

The primary principle behind change formats is that someone or something is transformed through the format's structure.
Examples that use change as a format include: house makeover shows, personal transformation shows, business improvement shows, and object restoration shows.

What are the Sub-Categories of Choice Formats?

These formats highlight decisions as a key element in the program's structure.
Sub-categories in choice formats include romance choices, bargain choices, and business decisions.

What Makes Choice Formats Unique?

Often feature individuals making decisions which have consequences.
Examples might be based on relationships, shopping, and/or business.

Preparation for Next Lesson

Decide on a classic American TV game show to update.
Look at clips of Japanese-style TV game shows.
3 conceptual remakes for the pilot.
Each concept for a different target audience, and details.

Assignment

Compare Hero's Journeys in TWO non fiction TV formats.

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Description

Explore the narrative elements of game shows and reality cooking competitions through the lens of the hero's journey and three-act structure. This quiz covers crucial concepts like the 'Call to Adventure', climactic moments, and the emotional engagement of viewers. Test your understanding of how these frameworks enhance storytelling in competitive formats.