Television Terms and Shots

Greek created by Patrick Sean Smith

Mise-en-scene:

Décor:  This scene is an excellent example of the décor that is seen throughout the show Greek. It takes place at Cyprus-Rhodes University, which is more expensive college so the big houses and the classy clothes are used to illustrate the idea of prestigiousness. Cappie is wearing golfing clothes and golfing on the Cappa-Tau lawn and golfing is usually known as a high end sport. Looking to the left of the frame there is a giant beer bottle that signifies the stereotypical college student who drinks and in addition to this, greek students are thought to be classy and mature but they’re also known to throw and be the best partiers. 

High-key Lighting: This shot of Casey is high key lighting to set the mood of happiness to the audience. Casey is the new house mom and therefore she baked and is selling a lot of cupcakes to raise money for the Zeta Beta Zeta house. In addition to the high key lighting setting a more positive mood, lighter colors are used to aid the idea of peace and cheerfulness. There is no conflict in this scene.

    Low Key Lighting: This scene between Rusty and Ashleigh is low key lighting to signify the tense mood going on between them. The light is shining on Ashleigh to show that she is the one confronting Rusty about a conflict and she additionally has her arms crossed to show authority and dominance. Rusty also has light shining on him but it is less intense and his body language describes that he is trying to explain himself. All from this one seen it can be interpreted that Rusty is guilty of conflict and Ashleigh is taking control and confronting him about it. Looking at their surroundings it can be assumed that they are at a Cappa Tau house party because of the people around them and from the silly way that Rusty is dressed.

 Deep Space: This shot of Cappie at the beach exhibits deep space all around him. It can be assumed that it is the annual spring break trip to the beach and looking at all the space surrounding him it could be presumed that the Cappa Taus arrived earlier than the other houses because the beach is not yet crowded.

  Costume: This scene of Casey and Ashleigh is excellent for the example of the costume usually seen throughout the show. Casey and Ashleigh are sorority girls and it is known that sorority girls always dress nicely because they’re representing their house. Both of the girls are carrying handbags and have their hair done well and they both appear to be happy which is a common stereotype of sorority girls.

Cinematography:

  Shallow Focus: In this scene between Rebecca and Casey, shallow focus is used to show that Rebecca is currently the spotlight but from the way Casey is standing with her hand on her hip in the background is can be inferred that the light will soon shine on her as she confronts Rebecca. From the way Rebecca is dressed it can be assumed she just got back from a date and Casey is preparing to negatively confront her because she does not approve. A hand on the hip is negative body language and can also be interpreted as dominance over another. 

Depth of Field: Depth of field is used in this scene to show a conversation occurring between Casey and Frannie. By the way they are both standing there is equality and since Frannie is in focus she is the one speaking. Neither of them is challenging each other and it just appears that they are having a conversation. However from the distance in between them it can be inferred that Frannie began talking first and is giving Casey advice about something she may not agree with. Casey seems to have been just looking out the window when Frannie saw her and began talking to her from the other side of the room.

Angle of Framing:  The angle of framing in this shot adds powerful profound meaning to the Cappa Tau house and how big it is. By looking at the size of it, it can be guessed that Greek life is very prominent at Cyprus-Rhodes University and that it most likely is a higher end or even a prestigious school. Since Cappie is dressed in golfing clothes and is golfing it adds affect to the prestigious feel and since he is taller, the angle makes him seem in more dominance and control over his pledge. The large beer bottle and the affect of the angle shows how prevalent partying and drinking is in greek life.

  Medium Close Up: In this scene with Casey, Ashleigh, and Frannie, the medium close up of all of them in the same scene displays the closeness they currently are together which can lead the audience to understand that they are holding a private conversation and moment together. From the way they are dressed it can be assumed they are at a formal dance and from the way they are all looking with the displeased looks on their faces it can be perceived that they are all watching two people dancing or interacting and that they don’t approve of it.

  Long Shot: In this scene, a long shot is used to show that Casey has control. This scene is of the house wars where different houses compete in competitions and each of the Zeta Beta girls coaches her own team. In this scene, the long shot exemplifies Casey’s authority over her team by her height and the way all the boys are on the ground doing push ups. She is walking in the direction of the camera and waving which means she is going to talk to someone and the long shot helps the audience understand how far she is from the person she is walking towards while it additionally displays that she was in the middle of coaching her team before she saw the person she was going to talk to.