Framework PDF

FRAMEWORK Presenter: Ali Mavaddat Introduction The introduction of a media presentation plays a crucial role in setting the stage for the audience. It serves to foreshadow the events and themes that will unfold throughout the narrative. In films, television, or radio programs, the introduction is...

FRAMEWORK Presenter: Ali Mavaddat Introduction The introduction of a media presentation plays a crucial role in setting the stage for the audience. It serves to foreshadow the events and themes that will unfold throughout the narrative. In films, television, or radio programs, the introduction is designed to familiarize the audience with the primary characters, outline the plot, and establish the worldview of the program. Introduction For example, James Bond films typically start with a high-action sequence that represents the climax of a previous adventure. This opening is often devoid of detailed context, such as the identities of the villains or the reasons behind Bond's pursuit. However, these specifics are not essential at this point. Instead, the opening sequence is created to convey broader messages about the Bond series itself, highlighting its sophistication, international scope, and action-packed nature. Titles Titles are crafted to sum up the core meaning of the media content and are crucial in attracting audience interest due to the competitive nature of the media industry. This applies to various forms of media, including newspaper headlines, advertising slogans, political mottos, and titles for songs and movies. Titles Titles can serve different purposes. Some are designed to hint at the thematic concerns that will be explored in the presentation, while others aim to captivate the audience with promises of excitement, such as sex and violence. For instance, film sequels like "Iron Man III" or "Toy Story IV" signal to the audience that they can expect a continuation of familiar characters, action, and plotlines, adhering to a formula that has proven successful in previous installments. Illogical Premise It discusses how narratives often begin with a premise that may seem implausible or fantastical, yet audiences are willing to accept these premises to engage with the story. This concept is known as the "willing suspension of disbelief," a term coined by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It describes the audience's readiness to accept the initial circumstances or assumptions of a narrative, no matter how outlandish they may be, to enjoy the unfolding story. Illogical Premise For example, the premise of Superman involves a scientist from a distant galaxy who sends his infant son to Earth just before their planet's destruction. The boy gains superpowers due to Earth's atmosphere, which the audience accepts as the starting point of the story. Once this premise is accepted, the narrative can proceed logically, with the boy growing up, assuming a human identity, and fighting crime. Illogical Premise Some premises carry ideological overtones, particularly in genres like police shows. These shows often assume a world view where the world is dangerous, and certain groups are portrayed as threats. The narrative suggests that a strong authoritarian presence is necessary to maintain order, which can reflect and reinforce reactionary political ideologies. This acceptance of the premise allows the narrative to unfold in a way that may sacrifice civil liberties for the sake of law and order, presenting it as an appealing solution in a turbulent world. Illogical Premise Advertising often uses an illogical premise to effectively persuade consumers. The book highlights a specific example of a television commercial for Ponds beauty products. The ad begins by showing a door labeled "The Ponds Institute," which opens to reveal people in lab coats, suggesting a scientific environment. The voice-over claims that the institute is focused on combating the effects of aging on the skin, which aims to instill confidence in the product. Explicit Content Explicit content refers to the significant events in a story that are clearly displayed through visible actions. When audiences are asked to describe a media program, they typically focus on these explicit elements to answer the question, "What was the program about? Explicit Content To illustrate this concept, the book provides a scenario where a man hits another person with a brickbat, steals money, flees, is caught, and then jailed. These actions represent explicit content, and the audience constructs meaning by identifying these key events: clubbing, theft, flight, nervousness, and imprisonment. Explicit Content A study by Andrew Collins on children's comprehension of television content, highlighting that children often struggle to remember explicit details and identify important scenes. The study found that: ▪ Eighth graders recalled 92% of scenes deemed essential by adults. ▪ Fifth graders recalled 84% of these scenes. ▪ Second graders recalled only 66% of these scenes. Implicit Content It discusses the underlying elements of a narrative that are not immediately visible or explicitly stated. These elements include: ▪ the motives behind characters' actions ▪ the connections between events and characters ▪ whether the consequences of actions are clearly presented. Genre A genre is a standardized format that is distinctive and easily identifiable, encompassing shared characteristics across various media forms, such as situation comedies, westerns, and sci-fi. Genres provide a framework for audience expectations. They help in analyzing recurring patterns and cultural themes. Formula Definition: The underlying pattern or structure that defines a genre. This includes elements like: premise, structure, plot, characters, and settings. Understanding formulas helps deconstruct how genres appeal to audiences. It reveals the repetitive yet evolving nature of storytelling in media. Formulaic Premise Definition: The central idea or situation characteristic of a genre (e.g., sitcoms often center around family or workplace dynamics). ▪ The premise highlights cultural or social contexts of the time. ▪ It prompts critical examination of what narratives are valued or dismissed in society. Formulaic Structure Definition: The organizational pattern of a genre, typically moving from order to chaos back to order (e.g., the sitcom's typical progression of resolving minor conflicts within an episode). ▪ Reveals the audience's desire for resolution and stability. ▪ Encourages critical thinking about how stories reflect and simplify real-world complexities. Formulaic Plot Definition: The recurring storylines within a genre (e.g., misunderstandings or jealousy in sitcoms). Analyzing plots helps identify cultural norms, moral lessons, and recurring themes. It encourages scrutiny of how stories reinforce or challenge societal values. Connections Between Components Interdependence: Genre provides the broad category (e.g., a sitcom). Formula gives a roadmap for how the genre is presented. The Premise, Structure, and Plot work together to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. Media Literacy Insights: Recognizing these patterns enables audiences to: Decode hidden messages and themes. Understand cultural values embedded in media. Critically assess how genres adapt to reflect societal changes (e.g., shifting from nuclear family sitcoms in the 1950s to workplace-centered narratives in the 1970s). Example An Iranian example of a formula in media can be seen in the popular Iranian TV series "Shahrzad." In "Shahrzad," the formulaic premise involves a love story set against the backdrop of historical and political turmoil, a common theme in Iranian dramas. The series also adheres to a formulaic structure, where the initial order is disrupted by political events, leading to chaos. Eventually, a resolution is sought, reflecting the order/chaos/order pattern typical of many genres, including sitcoms. Furthermore, "Shahrzad" employs formulaic plots that revolve around themes of love, betrayal, and political intrigue. These elements demonstrate how the Film follows a formula that resonates with its audience. Stock Characters Stock characters are recurring character types within a genre, instantly recognizable due to their consistent traits, behaviors, or roles in the narrative. In Iranian media, especially in films and TV serials, stock characters reflect traditional values, cultural archetypes, and societal norms, making them relatable to audiences. Stock Characters The Self-Sacrificing Mother Traits: Embodies unconditional love, patience, and resilience. Often sacrifices her own happiness for the well-being of her children or family. Example: Movie: M for Mother (directed by Rasoul Mollaqolipour ) The mother character holds the family together with her quiet strength, serving as a moral compass even as the family faces internal conflicts. Functions of Genres Genres serve both manifest (direct) functions and latent (indirect) functions in media. These functions help explain why certain genres endure and how they resonate with audiences on cultural, emotional, and intellectual levels. ▪ Adaptation to Cultural Changes Manifest Function: Genres evolve to address contemporary issues and remain relevant to audiences. Latent Function: This evolution provides insights into societal shifts, anxieties, and aspirations. Example: Iranian sitcoms like Capital ( )‫پایتخت‬adapt traditional family dynamics to a modern, humorous context, reflecting societal transitions. Conclusions The conclusion of a media presentation is the final segment that resolves (or fails to resolve) the narrative and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. It serves as the endpoint that ties together the premise, plot, and themes, influencing how the audience interprets the overall message. Functions of a Conclusion 1. Resolution of Conflict: 1. Provides closure to the story's central dilemmas or conflicts. 2. Example: In many Iranian family dramas, misunderstandings are resolved, and harmony is restored within the family. 2. Reinforcement of Themes: 1. Highlights the moral or ideological message of the story. 2. Example: A historical epic may end with the triumph of good over evil, underscoring values like justice or faith. 3. Audience Satisfaction: 1. Leaves the audience with a sense of completion, often through emotional payoff or clarity. 2. Example: Comedies typically end on a humorous or lighthearted note to ensure a feel-good experience. 4. Open-Ended Interpretations: 1. Some conclusions deliberately leave room for ambiguity, encouraging viewers to reflect and discuss. 2. Example: Many Iranian art films, such as Taste of Cherry ( ,)‫ طعم گیالس‬use ambiguous endings to provoke deeper thought about life's meaning. illogical conclusion An illogical conclusion occurs when the ending of a narrative fails to align with its premise, characters, or themes. This often results in a resolution that feels forced, unsatisfactory, or inconsistent with the logical flow of the story. Example of Illogical Conclusions in Iranian Media 1. Forced Happy Endings in Romantic Dramas: ▪ Some Iranian films with deep social or familial conflicts resolve unrealistically to avoid controversy or to satisfy censors. 2.Politically Motivated Endings: ▪ Historical dramas or war films sometimes portray overly patriotic or one- dimensional conclusions, emphasizing victory or unity without addressing the nuanced struggles of the characters. Media Literacy Connection Critical Thinking: Evaluating whether a conclusion aligns with the narrative or feels forced encourages audiences to question hidden motives. Deconstructing Latent Messages: Illogical conclusions often reveal ideological biases, cultural norms, or external influences. Media Literacy Strategies Encourage critical engagement with media: Note explicit and implicit content. Question ideological premises and character motives. Analyze structure, genre, and formulas. Thanks for your attention