Narrative analysis paragraph

1. Georgia Leaper
“Media texts rely on cultural experiences in order for audiences to easily make sense
of narratives”. Explain how you used conventional and / or experimental narrative
approaches in one of your production pieces.
Plan:
Para 1 – Introduction
Para 2 – Conventional: Ellipsis as classical continuity editing is evident and time is
compressed
Para 3 – Conventional: Classical Hollywood narrative – driven by main protagonist
Para 4 – Unconventional – use of flashbacks and non-linear narrative
As my music video is aimed at the target demographic of mainstreamers, the music video
mainly follows conventional narrative approaches. The first, most obviously is evident
through the use of ellipsis as classical continuity editing is used. Although I have included
the journey to the seaside in my narrative, which may not have been necessary, ellipsis is
still suggested as the time scale of the journey is compressed from 2 hours to 20 seconds.
Continuing the theme of conventional narrative theory, my music video also conforms to the
ideology of Classical Hollywood Narrative as the music video is driven by my main
protagonist, the girl who is thinking about ‘summer’. This is confirmed by the use of CU shots
of the girl, as well as POV shots from her point of view, as well as certain hand held camera
footage which suggests she has shot it herself.
However, there are also suggestions of an unconventional narrative in my music video, as
the video consists of a non-linear narrative and there are frequent flash backs throughout.
This is seen as the video takes place in present day, however as the main protagonist listens
to the song and begins to think about summer the audience are transported to her flashback,
remembering a day at the sea side with her boyfriend.