Linear And Nonlinear Narrative structure

Linear structure in films is when the the narrative follows a chronological structure where aspects of the story follow a specific pattern where they are presented  in a simple easy to follow time order.
This type of structure has been popular for many years and was around way before the non-linear narrative structure form. Some examples of this structure is the animated film The Croods. Which follows a family of cavemen and shows them through their progression through the changing world they live in. This uses a clear linear narrative structure.

Non Linear narrative structure is a slightly less conventional narrative technique This will involve using a narrative structure that is not restricted to keeping events in chronological order. Events are often presented in an order that is not expected and then at the end all the events are linked together to create one over arching story. Flashback movies often get mistaken for strictly non linear narrative. Although with these kind of films the flashback usually starts a linearly structured narrative and goes through this linear structure. An example of a non-linear narrative structure is the film Memento. It follows a man who has short term memory loss and is trying to find the person he believes killed his wife. This type of structure is very effective because of the narture of the film and it reflects the story very well and allows for many experimental techniques to be used

Narrative structures. 5 Part and 3 part

The difference between Narrative and structure is small and they are often confused. Fundamentally Story that is being told is the events that are happening that are made together into the story. Whereas the narrative is the way in which this story is told.  So there are different types of narrative that are used to tell stories in different ways.

There are basic structures that narratives follow. one is a 5 part narrative structure (classic Hollywood structure) which  contains

1) Exposition - Introducing  the characters whilst setting the scene, showing the locations and generally introducing the film to the viewers giving all the information they need to understand and the film. Also so everything that happens builds upon this introduction exposition section

2) Development- This is how to narrative builds into the complication. Exposing the elements that create that complication and showing the path to it. Characters are also developed swell and the story

3) Complication- This is the centre of the narrative where there is a complication. The whole narrative so far has built up from this and the rest of the film is usually spend resolving this complication
4)Climax- This is the tipping point of which the complication is to be confronted and often means the most dramatic scenes in the film. It is there to clearly display this point. This is the point that determines the outcome of the narrative.

5)Resolution- The point in the film that everything is concluded and resolved. This doesn't necessarily mean a happy ending but it is a crucial part of the narrative because the audience must be left with a sense of resolution and satisfaction with the outcome of the film they have just seen.

Aswell as this classic Hollywood structure there is an established 3 part narrative structure

1) Set up-
 This is the exposition that establishish characters, character relationships and the world they are living in. Part of the first act includes a dynamic onscreen incident that is in confrontation to the main character (the protagonist) this is often met by an attempt to deal with the situation which can lead to a second dramatic situation. (First turning point) This raises an issue that will be answered in the climax of the film. Known as the inciting incident.

2) Confrontation 
This involves the protagonists trying to resolve the problem that has been incited by the first act. This oftern leaves the character in worsening situations, This leaving them in no choice but to improve somthing or come to a realisation that will resolve the problem. For example learning a skill or changing their outlook and approuch to the situation. This oftern involves aid and help from other characters, while facing opposition from other characters also.

3) Climax 
This is the point where the resolution of the story is reached. This is the point at which all tensions in the story are brought to there most intense point. Answering the dramatic question that has been developed in previous acts. The audience must be left with a sense of resolution and sense of satisfaction

Unit 41 TREATMENT

TITLE

Writers

Log line

Exploring and documenting the life of a graffiti writer. From beginning to end. From childhood to adulthood and documenting how and why their graffiti career has come to an end

Synopsis

Focucung on two prolific graffiti writers. One called BIG one called QUIR both have years of experience and have made big impacts on the scene. Our documentary goes to explore what they do, why they do what they do, whilst unveiling their lives from personal lives to their graffiti writing night lives. Discoving their rise to their capture and analysing there lives from careers and dreams to graffiti and graffiti culture. One of the main goals of this documentary is to open the  minds of viewers watching who may not have any knowledge of the subject. Not done in a way to form opinions for them or to impose a certain idea but rather to help the viewer form their own informed opinions and viewpoints this is done through the personality of the interviewees and there personal stories.

Themes and Concepts

The film is aiming to adress the personal aspects of the two writers QUIR and BIG. To expose there how there attitudes to life and graffiti intertwine together. With the main focus on the relationship between them  both and exploring there different outlooks the graffiti culture and getting an insight into their ambitions as graffiti writers. How that relates to what they have achieved. Also to document  the reasons that inspired them to do what they have done over the years. These themes are induced by the story of them getting arrested and sentenced. This allows for an overview of there career and allowing them to reflect on the consequences of there lifestyle choices. The main focus is the personal insight into their lives which is done to achieve a piece of work that the general audience will be able to relate to. The subject is a quite inaccesable one for most people so the film work to break down that barrier for the audience to fully enjoy and be informed whilst offering stylistic filming that reflects the subject and the stories that are being told. The style is aiming to start of calm and relaxed with lighter shots in day time at the beginning when they are discussing there childhood and growing up with graffiti.  Then progressing to the stage with the story of getting caught and the paranoia that come with it. By this time the shots will graduate to a dark more subdued style. With the final shots in general becoming more light and open to show the reflection of the characters

One of the opening shots

Shot near the end of the film

Technical details

The project will be between 5-10 minutes long. roughly split into 3 equal sections. First the introduction of QUIR and BIG and their relationship how they met and documenting the extent of the damage they have done. Displayed by personal interviews and cut away shots of them exploring and painting.  This sets up the next stage which is there attitudes to the prospect of getting caught. This is done by them talking about the risks of graffiti and then the stories of how they got caught with dramatical recreation of the events. Then the final stage is the reflection on what has happened, exploring their attitudes to graffiti after they were caught and showing what they are doing now and how this has changed from before to after their capture. By this point of the film the tone will have changed to a reflective look on the previous events in the film. With a conclusive ending that raps up the film and fully satisfies the audience and finishes the story that is being told. The filming will be done in HD digital format with added in archive footage and photographs, including news cuttings and personal photos. Sound will be recorded with a stereo hand held Zoom Mic. All audio recorded at the time of shooting.

Target Audience

From similar already published films I have established that the general target audience is 18-35 year olds. 18 is the projected minimum age because the content of the film involves people drinking, moderate swearing, smoking and a theme of criminality. Although this is the predicate target audience i do believe people of both genders and most ages over 18 will be able to enjoy this film due to the accesability of the story that is achieved in the way it is presented. Also because it is a relatively short film it allows for people who may not have an interest in the subject to watch without committing to a full-length feature documentary. A similar film i have found is Infamy 

This is a much longer film but explores the same subject area as my film. I think my film is differentiated from this because it displays the personal aspect more and is a lot shorter. This is why i think my film has a wider target audience than Infamy. I think this film is suitable to be shown at short film festivals because of the stylistic filming aspect. As well as being suitable for online platforms. Most likely Youtube and Vimeo because of the wide audience base that access these sites.

Contact Details

Stephen Latchem

18 Glisson Road Cambridge CB1 2HD

Stephenlatchem@hotmail.co.uk

07732893883

DOCUMENTARY RESEARCH

YUKON MEN

This documentary follows the lives of men who live in the Yukon. These men hunt for game to make a living.
They focus on the day to day lives of the characters and include lots of interview head shots. talking abou ta range of things not just how they make a living, but talking about current affairs and family life also. Most of the men on the show work with their sons. So this adds a family feel without over hyping the bond between.
The show is comprised of Interviews,Still scenery shots,Time laps landscape shots, Birds eye view helicopter shots and P.O.V camera shots. They often dramatised the show but i think it was inline with the nature of the programme and reflected the work and struggle the men go through very well. A large proportion of programme consists of setting the scene of where the men are working. Usually a slow moving panorama shot of the scenery around the Yukon river. Also there are lots of graphic shots of skinning or trapping animals and it has a graphic content warning because of this.

They also interview and talk to the the film makers who are mainly city born and bred people. its interesting to offer the views and of these people who see how they live first hand and they can reveal details that otherwise could go un noticed.
The non-diagetic sound is kept to a minimum but there is a small amount of sound effects used. Also the occasional subtle background music is used.