camera notes

 
 Towards the beginning of cuffs we are shown most of the police officers gathered around a woman being arrested, she thinks she is more important because of what her mother does. Ryan states ' we don't care what people's parents do' as he says this there is a focus pull showing Jake's face and then the reaction of the people around him. This creates the effect that it shows everyone as it happens , you can see the tension as it unravels.

 Further on in the episode a slow zoom into a close up shot is used when Jo  has left the room and is reflecting on what has happened and realizes what a mistake the affair was. It is clear that so many emotions are going through her head;emotions such as embarrassment, regret and misery. There is also very harsh light to emphasize the hurt.

A crane shot is used  during the pursuit to give an idea of the ground they have to cover.The use of the shot emphasizes how hard it is for the police to catch criminals.

Exam question 5

'Explain how social contexts influence television programs. Refer to The Avengers.' 

Social context can have an influence on television programs, it doesn't only affect the audience watching but the actors within those programs. A good example of a program influence by social context is 'the avengers' , this was first aired 20 years after the war when people carried themselves well and were very well dressed. They had a great deal of pride in themselves and the way they dressed, the men would wear a bowler hats and suits. This shows that the men and possibly women were very knowledgeable about everything in their society and are focused on their appearance. However, in our society today we probably wouldn't be able to name different kinda of hats or take much notice.

The Avengers was aired 20 years after the war and after women first got the vote,1918,women were gaining more and more independence. The fact that Mrs Peel and Steed are equal in power proves how times were changing. The Avengers , as a program, wanted to show that men didn't need all the power they wanted women to start to feel more empowered. Usually in programs the man is the brave one and the one who goes on the investigations. However, in the Avengers we see Emma Peel taking on just as much of the work as Steed. For example, when Steed arrives to meet Mrs Peel she doesn't make him tea when he asks she simply says 'the milk's in the Kitchen'. This shows to the audience that she doesn't want to be any less important than him, she wants equal respect and importance.

Exam question 2

 


In the first episode of cuffs we are introduced to the scenery and characters by panning shots that show Brighton. This gives the audience an idea of the general ethos of the program. As this is happening there is a voice over from the chief policeman, he is stating that his police officers carry themselves with 'pride, admiration, dedication and a lot of training' and  have 'moral responsibilities 'to the community. We see police officer Ryan on his way to stop the violence on the naturist beach as this is happening cross cutting back to the chiefs speech is used he states that his officers are well experienced and professional. That they carry out their jobs  ' while earning the greatest respect from the people they serve',this is particularly  ironic and comedic because he is disrespected completely by the stag revelers and victims. This method, cross cutting,  is effective because it  gives the audience the police's perspective and the 'criminals' perspective at the same time.

Further on into the episode we see Ryan and new officer Jake trying to sort out a very unstable drug addict and has used a knife in an attempt to hurt himself. To start with the inexperienced officer Jake has a very harsh tone towards the man which isn't what he's meant to do. Officer Ryan is very calm, kind and gentle towards the drug addict, his aim is not to punish him like any other criminals but to simple get him the help he needs. He gradually builds up a relationship by being so considerate, he has a vast wealth of experience. He makes small little jokes to try and put the addict as ease. Their methods contrast with each other greatly, as Jake learns how to deal with the situation. Piano music in the background, non diegetic sound, is used to show that he's learning. As the music progresses as does Jake's knowledge. He uses the more experienced police officers method ' i am here, I'm not going to leave you' , this is far more effective and he achieves what he needs to. He repeats this and the use if a close up camera shot shows the audience everything from that person's perspective and as we are understanding so is the character. We as the audience feel sympathetic towards what the police have to deal we on a daily basis.

In one of the last scenes is where a boy is assaulted by a racist gang simply because he's not white,he is stabbed in the back and taken to intensive care. Another police officer is introduced to us, Jo Moffat, she has to handle situation professionally but her only witness to the crime is a young boy so she has to get the balance of firm but sensitive. The audience not only sympathize with the victim but with what the police have to deal with. We view the police and Jo Moffat especially as professional and sympathetic towards each case.

exam question 1

In the first episode of Cuffs non-diegetic sounds are used. The mood at the beginning is very upbeat and lively, every character is being introduced and nothing sinister seems to have happened then. The sounds relate to Brighton and its overall scenery, for example, the seagulls and the children playing on the beach. This emphasizes how the audience are supposed to feel towards the characters. The lighting relates to the upbeat mood and sounds at the beginning.

Further on in the episode a boy is killed by a racist gang. The sound used in this episode is far more intense and sinister, as the tension on screen increases as does the sound.  The music intensifies and becomes more in depth. The music makes the audience feel a certain way. Without it the audience wouldn't feel sympathy towards the characters. Non-diegetic sound is used a lot in these scenes, this means sounds is added in the editing suite.

In conclusion sound is used to create many meanings that contrast with each other, one sinister mood and one upbeat mood. This is effect and has an impact on the audience and the way they feel towards certain scenes and characters.