Semiotics and Narration

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for a sign that resembles the object it represents?

  • Index
  • Symbol
  • Icon (correct)
  • Signifier

Which term describes the literal, dictionary definition of a sign?

  • Narration
  • Connotation
  • Myth
  • Denotation (correct)

What narrative perspective involves the narrator knowing less than the characters?

  • Internal Focalization
  • External Focalization (correct)
  • Omniscient Narration
  • Zero Focalization

What is a defining characteristic of a series compared to a serial?

<p>Begins with exposition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the arrangement of everything that appears in the framing of a shot?

<p>Mis-en-scène (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between connotation and denotation?

<p>Connotation is based on cultural associations, while denotation is a literal definition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly defines disparity of knowledge?

<p>Different characters and the audience have varied levels of knowledge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does dense seriality differ from vast seriality?

<p>Focus on character relationships (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A photograph of a tree is an example of which type of sign?

<p>Icon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of transmedia storytelling?

<p>To expand a narrative across different media platforms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lighting techniques is characterized by high brightness and even lighting?

<p>High-Key Lighting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term flashback refer to in narrative storytelling?

<p>An interruption that shows events from the past. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term myth refer to in the context of semiotics?

<p>A widely held belief that reinforces dominant ideology. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a stylized setting aim to achieve in comparison to an authentic one?

<p>Heightened symbolism and visual style (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Brechtian staging differ from traditional staging?

<p>Emphasizes artificiality and critical thinking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT typically considered part of mis-en-scène?

<p>Special effects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a mockumentary?

<p>To create a humorous or satirical effect. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the genre focusing on real people in unscripted situations?

<p>Reality Television (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which generation of reality TV is characterized by competition and challenges?

<p>Second Generation Reality TV - The Competition Generation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Homo Ludens' signify in the context of play?

<p>The importance of play in human culture. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technique involves filming people without their knowledge?

<p>The Hidden Camera (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ludology?

<p>Gameplay and game mechanics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the virtual environment where a game takes place?

<p>Gamespace (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following refers to content created by users rather than developers?

<p>User-Generated Content (UGC) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between contrast and exposure in cinematography?

<p>Contrast refers to the difference between light and dark areas, while exposure is the amount of light reaching the film. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rule of Thirds suggest when composing a shot?

<p>To divide the frame into nine equal sections for placing key elements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes diegetic sound?

<p>Any sound that originates from within the world of the film, such as dialogue. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of continuity editing?

<p>To maintain a logical and seamless flow of events in a film. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a bird's eye view shot typically achieve in a scene?

<p>A broad overview that gives context to the scene. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of shot involves a camera moving smoothly along a track?

<p>Dolly shot (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does focal length affect in cinematography?

<p>The depth of field and the size of the subject in the image. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does gamification refer to?

<p>Incorporating game-like elements in non-game contexts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a close-up shot primarily used for?

<p>To show a detailed view of a subject, often focusing on facial expressions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which filmmaking style emphasizes social and political issues of everyday life?

<p>Social Realism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does 'Heightened Subjectivity' focus on?

<p>The individual's subjective experience and perspective. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle of social media logics relates to the measurement of user engagement?

<p>Popularity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Transnational Globalization'?

<p>The increasing interconnectedness of cultures and economies across borders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does platformization refer to in social media?

<p>The dominance of social media platforms in media and culture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Remediation' in the context of media technologies?

<p>The incorporation and transformation of older media by new technologies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a first-person perspective from other narrative perspectives?

<p>The story is narrated from the perspective of a single character using 'I' or 'we'. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'Formal Realism'?

<p>A filmmaking style highlighting objective representation and long takes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes fidelity discourse?

<p>It provides a framework for debating the importance of adaptation fidelity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does an omniscient narrative perspective differ from a limited perspective?

<p>The omniscient narrator has unlimited knowledge about the story and characters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines cross-media narration in adaptation?

<p>It involves transforming stories from one medium to another without strict adherence to the original. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a visual narrator responsible for in a film?

<p>Controlling the sequence of images and transitions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes internal narrators?

<p>They can be either diegetic or non-diegetic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is highlighted by the term 'seriality' in narrative structures?

<p>Narrative structures that unfold over multiple installments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can the term adaptation imply in the context of storytelling?

<p>The transformation of a story that does not prioritize adherence to the original. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Signifier

The physical form of a sign, such as the word 'tree' or the letters that make it up.

Signified

The concept or idea that a signifier represents, like the mental image of a tree when you hear the word 'tree'.

Sign

A basic unit of communication combining a signifier and signified, like the word 'tree' representing a tree concept.

Icon

A sign that directly resembles what it represents, like a photograph of a tree.

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Symbol

A sign with an arbitrary connection to its meaning, like the word 'tree' having no natural link to the tree concept.

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Index

A sign with a direct, causal relationship to its object, like smoke being a sign of fire.

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Connotation

The cultural associations linked to a sign, like the word 'tree' evoking nature, growth, or strength.

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Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a sign, like the simple meaning of 'tree' being a tall, woody plant.

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Non-Diegetic Events

Events that occur outside the fictional world of a story, such as a soundtrack.

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Omniscient Perspective

A narrative perspective where the narrator knows everything about the story and its characters.

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Limited Perspective

A narrative perspective where the narrator's knowledge is limited to one or a few characters' perspectives.

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First-Person Perspective

A narrative perspective where the story is told from one character's viewpoint, using "I" or "we."

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Adaptation

The process of transforming a story from one medium to another, like turning a novel into a film.

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Fidelity Discourse

Discourses and debates about how closely an adaptation should follow its source material.

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Implied Author

A hypothetical representation of the creative force behind a work, different from the actual author.

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Filmic Narrator

A higher-level agent in film that manages the interaction between visual and audio elements, including title cards, voice-overs, music, and sound effects.

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Serial

A narrative structure that features a large cast of characters, starts in the middle of the action, poses a mystery, and remains open ended.

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Series

A narrative structure that features a smaller cast of characters, starts at the beginning, has a clear problem, and reaches a partial climax or resolution in each episode.

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Transmedia Storytelling

A form of storytelling that expands a narrative across multiple platforms, like movies, TV shows, games, and social media.

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Mis-en-scène

Refers to the arrangement of all visual elements within a shot, including sets, props, costumes, and actor positions.

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Costume

The clothing and accessories worn by characters in a film or play, which can help to visually explain the character's identity.

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Lighting

Used to create the mood, symbolism, and visuals within a scene. Can be bright and even or high contrast.

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Décor

The elements of the setting that involve physical items, such as furniture and decorations, used to create an environment.

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Framing

The way in which a shot is framed, influencing what the viewer sees and how it is presented.

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Contrast

The difference between the lightest and darkest areas of an image.

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Exposure

The amount of light that reaches the film or sensor.

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Focal Length

The distance between the center of a lens and its focus, affecting magnification and field of view.

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Depth of Field

The range of distances within a scene that appear in focus.

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Framing and Aspect Ratio

The act of composing a shot, while aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of the image.

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Long Shots (ELS/LS/WS)

Shots that show the entire subject or scene from a distance.

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Close-Up Shots (CU/ECU)

Shots that show a close view of a subject, typically focusing on the face or a specific detail.

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POV Shot

A shot that shows the scene from the perspective of a character.

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Mockumentary

A fictional film or video that uses documentary conventions for humorous or satirical purposes. Think of it as a fake documentary with a funny twist.

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Reality Television

A genre of television programming that features unscripted situations with real people.

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Extra-Televisual Discourses

The conversations, debates, and media coverage surrounding a television program. It's about how people talk about a show, not just the show itself.

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Interactivity

The ability of the user to influence the outcome of a game. It's about how much control you have over what happens in the game.

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Interpretative Gaps

The space within a game's narrative or design that allows players to create their own interpretations. Think of it as the gaps that you fill in with your own thoughts.

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Rules (in Games)

A set of guidelines that govern the actions and interactions within a game. These rules define what you can and cannot do in the game.

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Gamespace

The virtual environment in which the game takes place. It's the world you interact with within the game.

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Gamification

The use of game-like elements in non-game contexts, like points, levels, and rewards, to increase engagement and motivation.

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Off-Screen Space

Areas of the game world that the player can't see, like the back of a map or the space behind objects.

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Vocalization

The use of sound and voice to create a richer and more immersive gaming experience.

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Formal Realism

A style of filmmaking emphasizing objective representation of reality, often using long takes and deep focus to capture the scene as if seen by a detached observer.

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Social Realism

A style of filmmaking focusing on the social and political issues of everyday life, often showing the struggles and realities of ordinary people.

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Formal Elements of Modernism

Artistic techniques that emphasize experimentation, abstraction, and subjective experiences, often breaking traditional rules of art.

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Social Elements of Modernism

Social and cultural changes associated with modernization, like rapid industrialization, urbanization, and growth of mass media.

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Postmodernism

A cultural movement rejecting grand narratives, blurring lines between high/low culture, and using irony and self-awareness.

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Study Notes

Semiotics

  • Signifier: The physical form of a sign, such as the word "tree" or its letters.
  • Signified: The concept or idea represented by the signifier, like the concept of a tree.
  • Sign: A unit of communication combining signifier and signified (e.g., "tree").
  • Icon: A sign resembling the object it represents (e.g., a photo of a tree).
  • Symbol: A sign connected arbitrarily to its object (e.g., the word "tree," no natural connection).
  • Index: A sign with a direct relationship to its object (e.g., smoke is an index of fire).
  • Connotation: Cultural associations of a sign (e.g., "tree" might connote nature).
  • Denotation: Literal dictionary definition of a sign.
  • Myth: Widely held belief reinforcing dominant ideology.

Narration

  • Story/Narrative: Sequence of events told or recounted.
  • Plot: Arrangement of events in a story.
  • Narration: Process of telling a story, focusing on how an event is presented.
  • Disparity of Knowledge: Different characters or audiences having varying levels of knowledge.
  • Hierarchies of Knowledge: How knowledge is distributed among characters and audience.

Cross-Media Narration

  • Adaptation: Transforming a story from one medium to another.
  • Fidelity Discourse: Discussions about how closely an adaptation should follow the original.

Narrators

  • Implied Author: Hypothetical creator behind a work.
  • Visual Narrator: Controls image sequences.
  • Auditive Narrator: Manages audio elements.
  • Filmic Narrator: Regulates interactions between visual and audio.
  • Internal Narrator: Diegetic (within the story) or non-diegetic (outside the story).
  • Frame Narration: Story within a story structure.

Seriality

  • Seriality: Narrative unfolding in multiple installments.
  • Protagonists: Multiple characters often featured.
  • Narrative Problem: Presented and resolved (partially or fully) in each installment.
  • Narrative Enigma: Unresolved problem maintained throughout.
  • Examples: "Friends" or "Game of Thrones".
  • Vast Seriality: Many characters with diverse plots.
  • Dense Seriality: Fewer characters, focusing on character growth.

Mise-en-scène

  • Mise-en-scène: Arrangement of elements within a shot (set design, props, costumes, movement).
  • Costumes: Clothing actors wear.
  • Authentic/Stylised Setting: Realistic or designed to create a visual style.
  • Color: Visual tool for mood, symbolism, and interest.
  • Props: Used by characters.
  • Décor: Furnishings and decorations used in setting.
  • Framing: Composition within rectangular frame.
  • High-Key/Low-Key Lighting: Bright, even vs. high contrast and shadows.
  • Three-Point Lighting: Key light, fill light, backlight.
  • Brechtian Staging: Emphasizing artificiality in performance.
  • Transnational Cinema: Films reflecting globalized cultures.

Cinematography & Sound

  • Contrast/Exposure: Difference in images' lightest and darkest areas, and how much light hits film/sensor.
  • Perspective: Camera position and how objects relate to each other.
  • Focal Length: Distance from lens centre to focus, affecting magnification and field of view.
  • Depth of Field: Range within a scene perceived as in focus.
  • Framing & Aspect Ratio: Composing a shot and its image proportions.
  • Long/Close-up Shots: Showing full vs. detailed views of subject.
  • POV Shot: Character's perspective.
  • Dutch/Canted Angle Shot: Tilted camera angled.
  • Leading Lines: Visual elements leading viewer's eye.
  • Rule of Thirds: Composition guideline dividing the frame.
  • Shot/Reverse Shot: Cutting between characters during conversation.
  • Dolly Shot: Moving camera along a track.
  • Diegetic/Non-Diegetic Sound: Sounds in/outside the story world.

Editing

  • Editing: Assembling shots to create a cohesive film.
  • Continuity Editing: Creating seamless and logical flow of events.
  • Establishing shot: Wide shot of setting.
  • Shot-Reverse-Shot: Cuts back and forth between characters.
  • Re-establishing Shot: Returns to initial establishing shot.
  • Match Cut: Using visual or thematic similarities to connect shots.
  • 180-degree/30-degree Rule: Guidelines for consistent screen direction and camera movement.
  • Elliptical Editing: Condenses time by skipping unimportant details.
  • Anchored Flashbacks: Flashbacks clearly tied to present event.
  • Discontinuity Editing: Intentionally jarring transitions.
  • Kuleshov Effect: Mental phenomenon where shots combine to evoke meaning.
  • Cross-Cutting/Parallel Editing: Simultaneous events in different locations.

Documentary

  • Documentary: Real-life footage used to depict events.
  • Expository Mode: Clear argument expressed; often with voice-over.
  • Performative Mode: Emphasizes filmmaker's involvement or subjective experience.

Reality Television

  • Reality Television: Unscripted situations of real people.
  • Extra-Televisual Discourses: Surroundings of a TV program.
  • Big Brother (1999-): Early example of 24/7 filmed reality show.
  • First/Second/Third Generation Reality TV: Different kinds of reality shows.
  • Cinema Verite/Direct Cinema: Types of documentary styles which focus on 'real' observation and involvement without script.

Games

  • Play: Enjoyable and self-motivated activity.
  • Homo Ludens: Encompassing human behaviour through play.
  • Interactivity: Player influence on narrative.
  • Interpretative Gaps: Allow players to create own meanings in certain content areas.
  • User-Generated Content: Content made by users instead of creators.
  • Narratology/Ludology: Study of narrative structure/game's workings.
  • Rules/Gameplay: Guidelines and interactions within game.
  • Perspective/Dimensions (Gamespace): Player vision/virtual environment.
  • Gamification: Implementing game elements in non-game contexts.
  • Off-Screen Space (Games): Game world elements which are not directly visible to player
  • Vocalization: Sounds and voices in the game.

Postmodernism

  • Modernity: Period of rapid change, often relating to the Industrial Revolution.
  • Fragmentation: Breaking down traditional narrative structures.
  • Heightened Subjectivity: Focusing on individual experience.
  • Postmodernism: Rejection of grand narratives, emphasis on irony and self-awareness.
  • Transnational Globalization: Interconnectedness and cultural exchange.
  • Formal Realism: Realistic representation through aesthetics
  • Social Realism: Focusing on social and political issues in daily life.
  • Formal Elements of Modernism / Social Elements of Modernism: Techniques/changes related to art & society/culture

Social Media

  • Creator Culture: Individuals creating and sharing content online.
  • Platformization: Social media taking over in media and culture.
  • Programmability: Platforms' ability to shape content flow.
  • Popularity: Importance of likes, shares, and engagement metrics for platforms.
  • Connectivity: Interconnections between users and content across platforms.
  • Datafication: Transforming social interactions into data for analysis.
  • Platform Vernaculars: Unique languages, symbols and practices of each platform.
  • Remediation: How new media adapts and alters older media forms.
  • Autoethnography: Qualitative method using personal experience to understand phenomenon.

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