What sorts of action are common in electronic narratives Fights Fistfights Battles War films Fantasy Science Fiction Chases Car chases Shootouts Westerns Disasters Bombings What is the role of action in ID: 237319
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Action" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
ActionSlide2
What sorts of action are common in electronic narratives?
Fights
Fistfights
Battles
War films
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Chases
Car chases
Shootouts
Westerns
Disasters
BombingsSlide3
What is the role of action in
electronic narratives?
Plot turning point
The outcome of the action often has a significant effect over future actions and events
Climaxes minor and major
Physical conflict/manifestation of conflict
Infuse emotion/excitement
Some of the most stirring video is based on action
Character developmentSlide4
The importance of action
The importance of action varies widely according to genre and plot
Action may not be very important (Sleepless in Seattle) or it may dominate the text (Eagle Eye/X-Men) Slide5
Action video/film
Many contemporary electronic narratives are driven by depictions of action
Popular with audiences
Blockbuster flicks
High budget
Can be very successful at the box office
Films/TV shows/Video games that emphasize action above other things are considered their own genre—“Action-adventure”Slide6
Good action
Generates suspense
Outcome hangs in the balance until the end of the sequence
Includes changing fortunes
Matches forces
Protagonist barely successful, if at all (cut the wire with 2 seconds left)Slide7
Generates surprise
Unexpected/random events, actions
Malevolent forces suddenly appearSlide8
Good action
Uses physiological means to draw attention
Quick cuts
Change of perspective
Loud/changing volume
Up tempo music
Captures the emotions of the charactersSlide9
The downside:
Overemphasis on, or unnecessary use of, action may reduce or undermine character or plot development
Most common critique of action-oriented filmsSlide10
Common features of action scenes
Fast pacing
Rapid movement of characters and camera
Short shots/rapid change of camera position
Stunts
Extreme physical action
Often to the point of implausibility
Often unrealistic abilities on the part of the characters
Violence
Fights, weapons common
Extreme threat to protagonistSlide11
Common features of action scenes
Special effects
Pyrotechnics
Car chases/helicopter, jet action
Wounds, blood, etc.
Monsters/animals
Computer graphics/digital effectsSlide12
Presenting action
Action sequences often require coordination among a number of actors, production people, special effects personnel, etc.
Very expensive—may only be able to shoot once
Destruction of props, etc.
Pyrotechnics are used up
Blocking and action of actors, cameras, etc. takes a great deal of time
Stunts are dangerousSlide13
Presenting action
Because of their expense and the difficulty of getting them right, many TV producers, film directors have moved toward computer-generated effectsSlide14
Critical concerns over action
Does it fit with and support the overall narrative?
Critics often complain that too much focus on action undermines plot and/or character development
Is it compelling in its own right?
Is it plausible enough within the narrative frame?
Avoid leading audience to question what they see on the screen?
Is it too intense for the intended audience?