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Propp’s approach to narrative

• Vladimir Propp studied hundreds of Russian folk and fairytales before deciding that all narratives have a common structure.

• He observed that narratives are shaped and directed by certain types of characters and specific kinds of actions

• He believed that there are 31 possible stages or functions in any narrative.

• These may not all appear in a single story, but nevertheless always appear in the same sequence.

• A function is a plot motif or event in the story. • A tale may skip functions but it cannot shuffle their unvarying

order.

HEROLeads narrative, is usually looking

for something (a quest) or trying to solve some thing (a mystery). Does

not have to be male

VILLAINConflicts with the hero

PRINCESSIs usually some sort of prize or reward for the hero. If the hero is female then

the 'princess' can be maleFATHER (DISPATCHER)

An authority figure who offers a reward to the hero for completing their quest. That reward might be

a prince, princess or a cool new job

WISE PERSON (DONOR)Gives the hero something - a clue/ special power - which helps them

complete their quest

BLOCKER (False Hero)The false hero who tries to stop

the hero completing their task/quest

HELPERHelps the hero - often acts as a

sidekick

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Todorov’s approach to narrative

• Todorov suggests that all narratives begin with equilibrium or an initial situation (where everything is balanced).

• This is followed by some form of disruption, which is later resolved.

• With the resolution at the end of the narrative a new equilibrium is usually established.

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Todorov’s approach to narrativeThere are five stages a narrative has to pass through:

1. The state of equilibrium (state of normality – good, bad or neutral).2. An event disrupts the equilibrium (a character or an action).3. The main protagonist recognises that the equilibrium has been disrupted.4. Protagonist attempts to rectify this in order to restore equilibrium.5. Equilibrium is restored but, because causal transformations have occurred,

there are differences (good, bad, or neutral) from original equilibrium, which establish it as a new equilibrium.

EQUILIBRIUMPeter Parker is Spiderman doing

his superhero job. He has a secret identity - MJ doesn't know

DISEQUILIBRIUMDr Otto Octavius with the help of Harry

Osborn creates a machine which blows up and reincarnates him as a villain

Peter doesn't want to be Spiderman anymore because it's preventing him from

being with MJ

NEW EQUILIBRIUMPeter is Spiderman again defeats the

villain, saves the heroine

MJ knows Peter is Spiderman

DISRUPTIO

NRE

SOLU

TIO

N &

REST

ORE

D O

RDER

A SENSE OF NORMALITY

FILM POSTER• When you see one single film poster you need

to understand that it is always part of a much large campaign (a series of posters that released at different times leading up to the release of a film)

• You can see examples of the types of posters I a campaign on the next slide

Distribution & Marketing

Distribution & Marketing

MAIN POSTER• They normally contain an image with text. The text on movie posters

usually contains the film title in large lettering and often the names of the main actors. It may also include a tag line, the name of the director, names of characters, the release date, billing block.

Distribution & Marketing

Strong main image – to encourage the audience to go and see the film

star and or directorprominent to show that they are a key sellingpoint

Title bold, in a dominantposition and font chosen to reflect the genre of the film

Tagline – usually designed to arouse curiosity of summarise the film in a catchy way. The poster can also include critics quotes

Billing/Credit Block – the details of key production staff.You can also include a release or ‘At cinemas everywhere now

For your homework you are required to design the main

poster for your film

FILM POSTERS• On the next few slides I have included

examples of main film posters so that you can get an idea of how to design your own. They aren’t all Action-Adventure – just to give you an idea of layout

• Click on the individual posters to view them bigger

Distribution & Marketing

FILM POSTER EXAMPLES

Distribution & Marketing