Building a story

When it comes to created your story there are endless amounts of stories created each year, so how do you create a successful one.

Simple elements in the plot will help create a more interesting end result, follow the 7 point building guide.

1. Protagonist has a need for something

2. Something happens to make them realise they need this

3. An opposition tries to stop them gaining it

4. A plan to overcome this opposition is made 

5. through following the plan battles arise 

6. Protagonist has a realisation as to how they are going to obtain their need through a change in plan or them-self

7. Final battle in which the protagonist will loose or gain their need, even if it is lost there will be a permanent change in the character's life for the good of the majority.

All forms of genre will follow this basic step by step guide to some extent be it an action, romantic, sci-fi, horror, mystery etc. of course there will always be examples of film which do not follow convention but as a basic guide, the majority of film will conform to this structure.

Likewise in whatever film is created is has been analysed by Christopher Booker that no matter what the film genre or theme every film can be organised into just seven plots, he refers to these as..

The Seven Basic Plots

1. Overcoming the Monster

 The hero must save the land/world from a great monster which threatens to destroy it.

Examples: Godzilla, Dracula, Beowulf, 

2. Rags to Riches

Main Protagonist transforms from the initial poor weak character blossoming into the hero they were destined to be.

Examples: Cinderella, Aladdin, Princess' Diaries 

3. The Quest

The hero sets off in search for a specific object or place, often with a group of companions.

Examples: Atlantis, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Lord of the Ring, 

4. Voyage and Return

The hero sets off on a trip to another land, they must overcome many obstacles and battles through their return home.

Examples: Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Timeline,

5. Comedy

Light hearted and focused around humour, protagonist(s) must fight against a central motif; leaves the audience feeling upbeat and happy.

Examples: 21 jump street, Step Brothers, Horrible Bosses, Anchorman 

6. Tragedy

Contrastingly to overcoming the monster the main character cash be the villain, typically however we follow the main character's journey which always results in failure and/or death.

Examples: Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, I Am Legend,  Seven Pounds,

7. Rebirth

Much like tragedy we watch the inevitable failure of the main character before they realise their mistakes for it is too late. 

Examples: Megamind, Thor, Despicable me 

*Building a scene

Location

Firstly ensure your location is relevant to the themes and story, be it a fictional or nonfictional piece the location of a shot can make or break the setup. For example an interview of a doctor is often taken in a medical office or library as this reflects the knowledge and intelligence of the doctor themself; the same shot of the subject in a comical setting (a circus for example) wouldn't give the same impression and create great contrast on screen; unless this is the feel you want as a director.

Background

Try to ensure there are as minimal distractions in the background, fast or unpredictable movements behind your subject or character will capture the attention of the audience and draw focus away from them.

Tips: 

Remove all "clutter" from the shot unless it is there for purpose.

When filming in open locations if possible remove all non participants from shot

Audio

Bad audio is the key tell to new filmmakers' work when filming try to minimise all noise not essential for the scene, even background noise can be added in post so footage with only dialogue present is most useful. 

Turn off radios, TVs, fans/machinery, 

If you are filming inside and the weather outside is bad (windy/stormy) close all doors and windows,

If there are people working nearby (mowing the grass, running a car engine, chopping wood etc.) see if they can give you some time to film without them working.

Framing 

Firstly unless you are filming a Dutch tilt ensure your shot is straight, line up any natural horizontal and vertical lines in shot with the screen guides and framing.

Rule of thirds

Divide your frame into nine equal boxes (picture a 0's & X's board) the important/key subject of interest should be framed along these lines NOT CENTRAL.

Setting the subject off centre will be a lot more interesting and aesthetically pleasing; this allows for a lot more headroom/ looking room/ leading room in shot, ensure this is on the correct side of the subject though.

Headroom= empty space in the frame between the top of the character'so head and the top of the frame.

Looking room= empty space end between the subject and the edge of the frame.

Leading room= empty space in front of the subject in related direction to the subject, stationary or moving.

Editing

Cut 

The shot jumps directly to another shot of another piece of footage, (same or difference scene).

Continuity editing

Editing which is easy for the audience to watch and makes sense, shot are edited in a logical order and follow the action smoothly.

Cross Cutting

Switching between shots from two or more lines of action, this is often used with events which are happening at the same time.

Dissolve 

Transition in which one shot slowly changes to the next, both shots are overlaid so at the middle of the dissolve both shots can essentially be seen.

Eyeline match 

Shot A must contain a character, followed by shot B which show what the character in shot A is looking at.

Fade

 

Transition in which the shot slowly becomes less visible and is replaced by a screen with no images (typically plain black or white). Usually used when a significant amount of time has passed between shots. 

Jump cut

Leave out part of the main action in the shot and creates confusion and a lack of continuity for the audience.

Montage 

Collection of many different brief shots from difference scenes and events often used for emotional effect, can be used in seems of loss or remembrance.

Shot reverse shot cutting

Similar to cross cutting int he sense that the shots alternate between two shots, however shot reverse shot remains within the scene and is often used as part of a conversation between characters.

Wipe

Visible bar on screen which pushes one shot off and pulls the next shot on to replace it. Rarely used in modern-day film marking, used more in TV sitcoms.

Sound

Diegetic

Diegetic sound is sound which comes from a source within the scene, sound in which the characters can hear swell. For example: radio, TV, doors closing, footsteps, car engine etc.
Diegetic sound help to sell the reality of the story and gives a more professional feel to your piece.

However sometimes diegetic sound can often need a lot of adjusting or rerecording in post due to various reason this is were foley is useful.

Foley, founded by Jack Foley is the art of reproducing sound effects in recording studios through using various objects and materials. Foley is most effect when it is unknown, it is used in almost everything in particular film, almost ever scene will be entirely built around artificial sounds (footsteps, horse galloping, doors opening, swords hitting each other, gun fire, computer typing, writing, and endless other examples).
The use of Foley is a key way in getting a piece which is professional and stands out from other work; however be careful the sound must fit perfectly into the scene otherwise the audio will feel unnatural and capture the attention of the audience, this is not what you want, you want foley which isn't noticed by the audience simply accepted.

Non-diegetic 

In contrast to diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound is audio in which the characters within the scene are unable to hear (soundtracks, voice overs).
Non diegetic sound primarily is used to set the tone of the scene and build tension and emotion as of when it is needed.

However within this you can have two different types of formats for diegetic sound - synchronous and asynchronous
Synchronous- matches the tones and feel of the scene to inflict the same emotions on the audience, tension is built in horror scene, sad orchestral music is used in break up/scenes of loss.
Asynchronous- sound contrasts the visual, often used for comical effect, happy upbeat music is used during scenes of sadness or action/fighting. Key example of this is many of the fight scenes from Kick Ass.

Lighting

Lighting terms

High key- overall bright setup with minimal shadows 

Low key- high contrast of light with heavy shadows used to conceal details and create suspense and mystery

Ambient light- light already in shot before any sources added.

Incident light - light directly from a source

Key light- the main light lighting the scene

Fill light- main light on the subject

Back light- light separating the subject(s) from the background

Hard light- light which creates strong contrast and heavy shadows

Soft light- creates less or softer shadows and contrasts 

Reflector board- reflective surface used to bounce light onto the subject

Gels- translucent coloured Perspex used to change the colour of the light  

Gobo- metal template slotted in front of the light source to create patterns and shapes in the light

Three point lighting

A fill light is positioned to the side of the camera providing the main light within the shot.

A second fill light is placed on the opposite side of the camera to the fill light, lighting the subject's face.

Finically in order to separate the characters from the background the back light is positioned in front of the camera (off screen of course) lighting the character from the side furthest from the camera (pointed toward the camera).

*Camera

Camera shots

Name:

Long shot

Nature of shot:

The full subject is in frame.

Effect/ when it would be used:

Show the audience a character or subject in relation to the environment; introduce a new scene or surrounding or simple ehasise the surroundings of the location.

Name:

Mid shot

Nature of shot:

The character is shown from the waist up 

Effect/ when it would be used:

Focuses on a specific character and their importance to the plot, allows the audience to take in surroundings of the scene but without getting too distracted by background objects.

Name:

Close up

Nature of shot:

The camera shows all of a select area of a character (face, hands, feet) or a small object fills the frame (gloves, phone, watch, etc.)

Effect/ when it would be used:

Typically used for facial shots to show emotions of the character

Name:

Extreme close up 

Nature of shot:

Shows only part of an object or selected area of character. 

For example just the character's eyes.

Effect/ when it would be used:

Used to focus the attention onto specific points and keep elements hidden, often for creating distrust towards the antagonist by not revealing their full face.

Name:

Cowboy shot

Nature of shot:

Overly used in westerns hence the name, waist hight one character A often with an opponent visible in the background facing character A.

Effect/ when it would be used:

Typically used in shoot out scenes as it focuses on both the gun and opponent highlighting the key lines of action in shot.

Name:

Over the sholder 

Nature of shot:

As the name suggests the camera is positioned behind the character, one sholder is present within the frame at either side

Effect/ when it would be used:

Gives a sense as to watch the character is seeing. Audience connects and related to the character better, useful with conversation pieces between two people to focus on one character at a time.

Name:

Point of view

Nature of shot:

Shows the line of action from a character or subject's point of view.

Effect/ when it would be used:

Audience gets a sense as to what it is like for the character and feels what it would be link to be present within the scene.

Name:

Two shot

Nature of shot:

Two characters are presented in frame from the waist. 

Effect/ when it would be used:

This is a good way to show the relationship between two characters be it positive or negative

Camera angles 

Name:

Low angle

Nature of shot:

Camera is positions below the character looking up at them. 

Effect/ when it would be used:

This makes the audience feel vulnerable, weaker and intimidated by the character shown. 

Name:

High angle 

Nature of shot:

Contrastingly to low angle, high angle is positioned above the subject 

Effect/ when it would be used:

Makes the audience feel superior than them. Both are typically used in fight scenes to distinctly show the winner and looser.

Name:

Dutch tilt

Nature of shot:

The camera is purposely positioned at an angle

Effect/ when it would be used:

Creates a sense of confusion and disorientation. Used when a character shares these emotions or the line of action takes a confusing turn.

Movement

Name:

Pan

Nature of shot:

The camera position remains stationary but the shot moves on a horizontal basis around the fixed point. 

Effect/ when it would be used:

Creates a more interesting shot, can be used to show the surrounding and setting in the opening of the scene.

Name:

Tilt

Nature of shot:

Similar to pan, the camera is stationary however the shot moves in a vertical motion from top to bottom or bottom to top.

Effect/ when it would be used:

Creates a more interesting shot, can be used to follow the action in screen or show importance in height.

Name:

Track

Nature of shot:

The camera moves along a track following the line of action/subject. 

Effect/ when it would be used:

Often follows a moving object to keep the audience focused on the key line of action.

Name:

Pedestal /Pad

Nature of shot:

The camera physically moves up and down rather than changing the angle of the shot.

Effect/ when it would be used:

Makes a more interesting shot and looks a lot more professional, this shot can also be used to follow the action of the scene.

Name:

Pull focus 

Nature of shot:

A shallow depth of field is used to create a strong contrast between two or more subjects, the pull focus moves between these subjects putting each individual in focus in their own time. 

Effect/ when it would be used:

Allows the audience's attention to me manipulated and focused onto specifically areas or objects.

Open and Closed endings

As human we all have a strong sense of curiosity and hate the unknown, this is why most films will follow a closed ending structure.

Close ending- the story has a well rounded definitive ending, all of the questions around the plot are answered leaving the audiences satisfied 

Opening ending- the story is cut short of this explanation and left to the interpretation of the audience, we do not know the definite ending to the film (unless a sequel explaining this is made)

Open ending admittedly are a lot more impacting and effective on the audience, they make the audience stop and think about the story, themes, and the deeper meaning behind it all. However they are very frustrating and if a sequel isn't planned cause cause a lot of negativity in reviews, on the other hand when a sequel is definitely going forward open endings are almost always used, this is a sure way to get an audience to come back and what the next film.

The narrative, plot and themes to the story usually determine whether a film will be open or closed endings, but at the end of the day it is down to the effect you as the create what to inflict onto your audience. 

However typically the most satisfying method of endings are closed; when there are multiple films being made each should have an open ending but at the final film finish with a closed ending. 

Realist and Anti-realist

In a simple explanation realism is to do with the illusion of your story and how credible your creation is. Within the world of the story be it Earth based or not is the story plausible and real, if it is then your story is one in which should be realist.
However simple just having the characters themselves believe in this isn't enough the setting, props, and all miss-en-scene must comply with realism in order to give of this effect.
There are four main areas in which realism is measured:

Surface realism- how accurate the scenes and story visually looks (props, setting, costumes, dialogue, casting)

Inner/emotional realism- how the character reacts to events in which unfold and whether these are credible and expected.

Plausibility of narrative- could the events actually really happen, even if it is set in another world; how likely are the events which occur in relation to the story. For example the main antagonist and protagonist are at the climatic moment to their final battle and one simply walks away or gets hit by a new character and killed.

Technical codes- how realistic the music, SFX and technical elements are; stories in which are set out of this world with aliens and unfamiliar surroundings, even through we have never seen these do they look and feel accurate.

Linear and Non-linear

Both linear and non-linear structures can be used within the art of storytelling, however each has there own pros and cons and effectiveness which typically is determined by the genre and themes of the story as to which structure is used.

Linear

The events on screen are presented in a logical, chronological order, the story is told strictly from beginning to end as it happens.

This is useful in the sense the audience is presented with events as they arise to the character(s), effectively creating a closer connection which the main character(s). Also the audience shares the emotions of the character and elements of mystery and disruption to the characters are mirrored on the viewer.

Linear structures are good structures for crime or mystery shows as the audience is presented with the same amount of information as those solving the case and therefore try to link these events together as the character does. 

Similarly it's use in horror and thrillers can emphasise the tension and fear within the story.

Non-linear 

The order of the events shown are not chronological, they can be mixed and presented in any order for effect.

This structure is an effective way at creating confusion to the audience (for example inception), as the reasoning behind events is often held for reveal at a later stage.

Contrastingly however this structure can be used to give clarity and reason into events which may be confusing/unimportant or misinterpreted by the main character.

Another effect of non-linear structure can make the characters on screen seem superior to the audience due to the confusion around events set on the audience contrasted by the presentation of the character in such a collected and knowledgable manor.

Story and Narrative

Story and narrative are one of the most commonly misused terminology in terms of media definitions.

Quite simply story is the events in which that take place within a piece of media, be it a television show, documentary, film etc.

Whereas the narrative is the order in which these events are shown on screen.

There are many elements which make up and add effect to the narrative of a story- use of linear vs nonlinear, open and closed endings and the level of realism. 

Genre: Action

Narrative
Can be both linear and non linear however often will be predominantly linear base so the audience experience the action and threat along side the characters. If non linear narrative is used it is typically used at the beginning of a film to capture the attention of an audience by showing a key action/dramatic scene.
Heavily based around Lévi-strauss' theory of binary opposites to show conflict and action.
Good- Bad
Aliens/Mutants- Humans
Cowboys- Indians
Weak- Strong
Helpless- Dangerous
Law- Outlaws

Setting
Settings are often very exotic to the audience, not necessarily set in a hot exotic location but just one in which the audience isn't familiar with. By doing so it but the audience in a new uncomfortable/ unsafe setting and keeps them on edge throughout the film.

Characters
Protagonist- typically male, white, physically attractive and strong, has a key fault or weakness to them (this will be used against them by the antagonist) someone the audience can relate to easily.
Antagonist- also referred to as the villain, this will be the character to take the weaknesses of the protagonist and use them again him. They are often more clever and cunning than physically strong and will rely on heavy gunpowder and army to fight off the protagonist.
Damsel in distress- female character, typically the protagonist will be in love with or will fall for throughout the film, this character will be the one to get captured or fall into great danger forcing the protagonist the risk themselves to save her.
Sidekick- this is a character which follows the protagonist aimed to help him on his way, typically male, white, handsome. However they will be the one to make mistakes along the way causing unwanted attention or conflict with the protagonist, often for comical effect for the audience.


Cinematography 
Camera shots and angles are very varies to keep the audience on the edge of their seat will also focusing on emotion and acton when needed.
Additionally the fast pace nature of the editing highlights and emphasises these effects - especially during fight/chase scenes, the pace of editing cuts are extremes fast, the camera moment will be vivid and sharp to ensure details in the action are not show. This not only confused the audience making the action more impacting, but also allows you as the filmmaker to get away with tricking the audience into think certain hits and crashes happened without haven't to act these events.

Male Gaze- Due to such a male dominated audience the camera often conforms to the theory of the male gaze, this is where the camera tells the story through the eyes of a male, highlighting and focusing on the interests of men. Tilts and close ups of female character's bodies, women are shown more as objects there to satisfy their man.

Genre: Horror

Narrative 

Structure is typically linear based so events aren't revealed too soon and to help build the tension and fear in the audience.

Setting

Horror pieces are predominately set in isolated locations: abandoned houses, woodland, countryside-farms. These settings give the sense of being alone, nobody around to witness or help the characters.

Many film have adopted the use of city locations as the main setting but within this chosen quiet isolated areas - back streets, warehouse, basement etc. This highlights these effects as the setting is actually in a built up area with many people who could help the character but the fact that no one does discomforts the audience and make them feel unsafe in a location they are more familiar with.

Characters

Protagonist- main character, can be either male or female, usually the brains of the bunch and is the one who will save others from the monster/antagonist.

Antagonist- can be a monster, human, animal, alien etc. Typically if they are human they will have some form of physical disfiguration (scars, burns) 

The "dumb" one- this character will almost certainly be killed in the film. They will be the one that leads the protagonist into danger in the first place often through being too focused on themselves or their need to seek a risky adventure (for example exploring an abandoned house).

Cinematography 

As with any film various shots are used however high and low angle shots are often used to manipulate the audience and inflict fear. Point of view shots and handheld often used from the victim's view to inflict the same fear to the audience, this makes the viewer feel so engaged they are within the scene and at risk as well.

Lighting- very focused on low key lighting to conceal information and details from the audience for suspense.

Props are focused around weapons and fear (guns, knives, chains,

Format

Series

Tv series are essisially a collection of episode of a show in which each episode's story is self reliant and contained. There is a set beginning middle and resolution (if required) by the end of the episode. 

Series can come in many forms from for example sitcoms, reality show, documentaries.

Serial

A serial however runs on from the previous episode, each episode is reliant on the surrounding one to make clarity of the story. Serials are also broadcasted on a regular basis be it daily, weekly, fortnightly etc.

Prime examples of serial pieces are soap operas such as Eastenders, Hollyoaks, Holby City.

Single Episode

A single episode as it sounds is a one off creation which is broadcasted, typically they will last between 60 - 90 minutes long. These formats are useful for non-fictional pieces- documentaries, or impacting drama pieces around a very specific event or subject. For example "Blackout"  broadcasted on Channel 4 on monday the 9th of september 2013, focused around the effects and reaction of people after a cyber attack on the entire Britain's electricity supply causing a nationwide blackout.