Literary Latitude

Keywords

Literature, Reflection, script writing, Google Docs, Practical Session, Monday, Acting Performance, Project, Multimedia, Cinema, Reflection of Society, Decoding, Decoding Communication, Filmmaking, OTT Platforms, Indian films, Bollywood films, Media, Film Production, Indian Cinema, Drama, stage drama, Creative Writing, Definition, Film, Knowledge

Summary

Defining Literature

• Defining literature is challenging and subjective.
• Literature reflects society, but also includes stories based on animals.
• Literature is a reflection of human consciousness.
• Literature is the essence of knowledge and encompasses various forms, including poetry.
• It reflects society, human consciousness, and the evolution of thought.
• A broad definition considers anything printed as literature, as suggested by postmodern thinker Jacques Derrida.

Exploring the Nature of Literature

• Discussing the definition of literature and its differences from other fields like science, poetry, art, and mathematics.
• Acknowledging the limitations of definitions and the varying perspectives of writers.
• Exploring the idea of literature as a means of expressing and sharing experiences.

Cinema as a Reflection of Society

• Cinema, like literature, reflects society and human consciousness.
• It serves as a source of knowledge and can be a powerful tool for social commentary.
• Cheap films in India often achieve box office success due to their mass appeal.

Understanding Media as a Communication Mode

• Media is a mode of communication through which objects or people interact.
• In verbal communication, the speaker encodes ideas and symbols, while the listener decodes them.
• Media involves the use of signs, symbols, and ideas to convey thoughts and information.

Decoding Communication

• Decoding signs and codes is crucial for understanding communication.
• Students often struggle to decode the meanings of certain codes in lectures and readings.
• Writers use print media to convey their thoughts and messages.

Decoding Communication in Literature and Cinema

• Decoding written words in literature depends on the reader’s skill, enabling communication between writer and reader.
• In cinema, directors use a combination of images, actions, and words for communication, creating a multimedia experience.
• Literature primarily relies on written words, while cinema combines multiple media for storytelling.

Understanding Multimedia and Its Elements

• Print media becomes electronic media when provided in PDF format.
• Multimedia involves multiple mediums like words, images, and motion.
• Literature and cinema share similarities in content, with exceptions, like dramas.

Teaching Drama in Literature

• Dramas are meant to be performed, but in classrooms, they are taught through reading and discussions.
• In literature departments, dramas are read and analyzed, while in films, they are performed.
• Ramleela is an example of a popular live theatre performance in India.

Ram and Sita’s Wedding

• Ram breaks the bow and marries Sita.
• Sita also offers a garland to Ram.
• The narrator discusses the differences between two versions of the story: telling and showing.

Understanding the Essence of Film

• Film is a form of drama, similar to live performances on stage.
• It captures moments and actions within a specific time frame, usually within a few hours.
• Unlike live performances, films are recorded and can be viewed multiple times.

Filmmaking and Stage Drama Comparison

• Filmmaking and stage drama both require significant time and effort.
• Films are shot in small clips and edited together, while stage dramas are performed continuously.
• Both mediums have their own unique challenges and advantages.

Filmmaking Process

• Filmmaking involves editing, corrections, and reshoots to ensure each scene fits the situation.
• A single scene can be shot multiple times, sometimes up to 30 takes, depending on the director’s preferences.
• Scenes are typically recorded in short segments of 10 to 20 seconds.

Film Production and Acting

• Actors may have to repeat scenes multiple times during film production.
• Removing someone (actor/s) from a contract can be challenging, especially if they have already completed some scenes.
• Films are not one-time productions, unlike dramas, and require careful planning and coordination.

Guidelines for Writing a Script

• Choose a theme for the script and develop the story around it.
• Identify a problem, situation, or condition that attracts attention and requires explanation.
• Consider elements like visualization, characterisation, and story structure when writing the script.

Love in Indian Films

• Indian films often depict a common plot involving a hero and heroine falling in love despite societal opposition.
• The films emphasize the power of love and portray it as the most important aspect of life.
• However, they rarely explore what happens after marriage.

Common Plot in Indian Films

• Indian films often end with the marriage of the main characters.
• This is a common plot device that is used to convey the message that love conquers all.
• Hollywood films, on the other hand, have a wider variety of themes and do not typically end with marriage.

Indian Cinema Themes and Mithun Chakraborty

• Indian cinema has hundreds of films with various themes.
• Mithun Chakraborty is a popular actor, known for action films.
• Many of Mithun Chakraborty’s films share similar themes and storylines.

OTT Platforms and Their Impact on Cinema

• OTT platforms have diversified themes in films compared to traditional Bollywood movies.
• OTT platforms are considered a part of cinema but are more like forms of media studies.
• OTT platforms have changed the storytelling landscape, leading to a variety of stories and genres.

Discussion on Bollywood Films

• Discussing various Bollywood films and their directors.
• Importance of knowing the names of scriptwriters, lyricists, editors, directors, and producers in addition to actors.
• Understanding the concept of characterization in films.

Importance of Directors and Producers in Indian Cinema

• Indian film industry is dominated by actors, but directors and producers play a crucial role in making successful films.
• Even famous actors’ films may not be successful in India or other countries if the director or producer is not well-known.
• To truly appreciate a film, one should pay attention to the director, producer, musician, and editor, just as they recognize singers and lyricists for songs.

Creating a 10-Minute Script

• Explaining an idea through characters and their actions.
• Script should be performable in 10 minutes.
• Choose an uncontroversial topic and avoid causing offense.

Creative Writing Assignment

• Students are given an assignment to write a 10-minute film script.
• They are advised to use their mobile phones and refer to dramas like Macbeth for inspiration.
• The word limit is set at 5000 words.

Tips on Writing a Script

• Advice on writing a script, including watching YouTube videos for guidance.
• Discussion of script writing elements and organizing dialogues in the next class.
• Suggestion to use Google Docs for script writing and saving.

Writing a 5000-word story without AI assistance

• The task of writing a 5000-word story without using AI platforms like Chat GPT, which typically generate responses within 300-40 words.
• Chat GPT’s limitations in producing longer narratives make it unsuitable for this task.
• The need for human creativity and effort in crafting a lengthy story.

Selecting Characters and Planning for a Creative Project

• Selecting at least 6-7 characters and naming them is crucial.
• Deciding on the project’s idea, structure of events, and conclusion is essential.
• Writing dialogues and film editing skills are important aspects of the project.

Project on Acting Performance

• Students will perform a 10-minute acting project.
• There will be 5-6 performances with 7-8 characters.
• The project aims to showcase students’ acting skills.

Practical Session

• Practical session is suggested for better understanding.