Page 187 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

CHAPTER 7

avant garde. Jay Renfroe, an executive producer of reality shows like The
Surreal Life, Blind Date and The Fifth Wheel, points out that “there are times
when you want things that are very aesthetically pleasing, and there are
times when you want it raw, and that rawness translates to intimacy.” 6
Indeed, media communicators sometimes borrow from the charac-
teristic production style of one genre in hopes that the meaning will be
transferred onto their presentation. For instance, the hand-held camera
technique characteristic of reality shows are often used in television
commercials. By using this style, the advertisers intend to convey the
notion that the commercial message is genuine and honest.
Soap operas also possess their own readily identifiable production
style. The distinctive production style of soap operas reinforces their
central themes and concerns. Because the world of soap operas empha-
sizes relationships, camera shots concentrate on the human face rather
than on sets. Close-up shots dramatize the characters’ intense emotional
reactions to events. Consequently, a formulaic shot sequence consists
of (1) a revelation of some kind; (2) a close-up of the principal speaker;
and (3) reaction shots of the other characters.
In addition, formulaic camera movements in soap operas provide a
glimpse into the characters’ internal states of consciousness. A charac-
teristic sequence consists of the camera circling the characters as a plot
element is revealed, followed by a shot that closes in on the face of a
character who is affected by the event. This sequence creates the impres-
sion of entering the minds (and thoughts) of the characters, bringing the
viewer closer to the hidden emotional secrets soap operas explores.
Another formulaic camera position is the eye-level camera angle, in
which the audience looks at the action from the eye level of the other
characters. This angle reinforces the illusion that the audience members
are participating in the drama.
Parallel scenes establish thematic connections between characters and
situations. Thus, the transition from one scene to another often features an
identical shot selection (e.g., extreme close-ups), vectors (i.e., characters
facing the same direction), or similar facial expressions on the characters
in the two scenes.

Analysis: Production Elements

Production elements includes editing, color, lighting, shape, movement,
angle, and music.

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