Narrative Theories.

Vladimir Propp
Vladimir Propp's theory is that stories have similar structure in terms of characters and narrative. According to him there are 8 different character types:

• The Hero – a character that seeks something
• The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest
• The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties
• The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message
• The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims
• The Helper – who aids the hero
• The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots
• Her Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort

6 parts to the narrative structure:

• Preparation 
• Complication
• Transference
• Struggle
• Return
• Recognition

Tzvetan Todorov

His theory was simple:

1. The narrative starts with everything as it should be (state of equilibrium).
2. The state of equilibrium is disrupted (disequilibrium).
3. A new equilibrium is made at the end of the narrative. 

Roland Barthes

His theory is that a narrative can be broken down into five codes:

1. Action code - Events taking place.
2. Enigma code - Questions raised & answered.
3. Semantic code - Characters & characterisation.
4. Referential code - Information  & explanation.
5. Symbolic code - Connotations of signs.

Claude Levis-strauss

His theory focused on binary opposites of narrative structure and not what order the events came in the plot. Some example of binary opposites include: 

• Good & Evil
• Earth & Space
• Past & Future
• Known & Unknown

Game Show Convergence

'Ultimate Warrior', a game show similar to the hit UK TV game show 'Gladiators', would be a team based game show designed to test your physical and mental strength to its limits. The show would consist of a mixture of outdoor tasks and live indoor events presented to a live audience. There would be three teams consisting of four members competing for a place in 'the final show down' which is were the best of the best compete for the 'Ultimate Warrior' trophy and a cash prize in the showdown.

Teams would be able to apply to compete in the game show by filling in information about their team and submitting it on the 'Ultimate Warrior' website. Participating teams would need a required standard of health & fitness and if selected would go through to trials where the best teams would be chosen. The selection process would be made in advance of airing the show therefore TV ads and other marketing strategies would be needed to advertise recruitment for the show. After this the teams would start a two week course which would train them for the extreme indoor live events.The show would be broadcast live with clips within the show of the outdoor events and the teams training leading up the show.

This show could be converged in many ways. First of all the show would have its own computer game and applications for consoles, PC's and iphones. The computer game would feature taking part in the show virtually. Another way the game show will converge is the website which hosts endless possibilities for convergence. For example teams apply for the show through the website. The website will also have many unique features: The show will be able to be viewed live through the website as well as having unique and exclusive camera views not seen on the television version (for example, POV shots from the helmet cameras). The website will also have sections showing exclusive fact files on all the teams showing their strengths, weaknesses and performance in recent shows. The website and iphone app will feature a video section showing the best clips from previous episodes and sneak previews of events and tasks of the next episode. Once the teams for the 'Ultimate Warrior' showdown have been finalised the show will host a competition for viewers at home. You, the viewer, would be able to predict the winner of the show by either pressing the red button, calling in, texting in, or entering online. The lines would open for voting at the end of the qualifiers and lines would close before the start of the quarter finals to ensure that all votes were fair. The people successfully voted for the winner would then be entered into a prize draw, out of all the successful voters, for a cash prize.

Production: The show will be filmed in both a large studio/arena and specialist outdoor areas depending on what the task for the show is.

Distribution: The show will be distributed in two main ways: Online via the website or television. A likely TV channel to host the game show would be ITV because of such shows as 'Beat the Star' and 'Gladiators' being presented on this channel. It would also be distributed in high definition.

Marketing: 'Ultimate Warrior' can be advertised in many ways. TV would be the most likely way of advertising the show and need for contestants. These would most likely be short clips with the name and logo of the show. Once the game show is aired, advertisements for the next series applicants will be aired at the end of episodes. The show will also be advertised on popular websites such as youtube, facebook, twitter and of course the website of the television channel hosting the show.

Technologies: A wide range of cameras would be needed to produce this game show. For example tiny cameras would be needed to be fitted to the helmets of participants along with HD cameras. The game show would also utilise other technologies such as iphones and gaming consoles to broadcast shows and other media such as apps, games. Another major technology that will be used is the internet website where everything about the show will be shown.

Laura Mulvey: The Male Gaze

Laura Mulvey created the term 'Male Gaze' in 1975. She believes that the audience has to view the characters from the perspective of a heterosexual male and that women are only represented in a way to provide visual pleasure for men. For example a scene may linger on the curves of the female body. This term was originally applied to film, more specifically the classic Hollywood style film, but can be applied to all branches of media.

Example from the film 'Transformers'

Isolation Evaluation

Isolation Evaluation

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