March 15, 2012
Pawn Stars
I recently watched an episode of Pawn Stars and noticed how
many film techniques can be seen in just one episode. The show is basically a
montage of deals that the owner of the shop, Rick makes with people that come
in looking to sell or pawn an item. In this episode, a rare baseball card from
1909 and three Pinocchio dolls from an original Disney set were the main deals
made. The camera really plays a major role in the episode because it really
shows the negotiation process, mainly by using close-ups when Rick and the seller
are working out a deal. Also, there are many quick, short shots which really
compress time and show offers being given on the item for sale. Before the
negotiation process even begins though, and rick is looking over the object for
sale, subjective point of view can be seen because the camera is looking at
things from Rick’s perspective. There isn’t any loud background music besides
the music that may be playing in the store, but there are many sound effects to
add to the event taking place at that time in the plot. Another film technique
that can be seen easily is the lighting aspect. There is plenty of light
because the show takes place indoors and the light source is down light and the
amount of light is even throughout the show.
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I also recently watched an episode of pawn stars and agree that camera and sound techniques enhance the show. This is one my favorite TV shows and uses a variety of film techniques. The show is premised around the negotiations of the sellers and the pawn brokers. There are a few shots that are used frequently throughout the show. As well as the shots of the seller and buyer, a close up still shot of the item is used in virtually every sale. Also the use of mise en scene is purposeful. Rick or one of his employees is always behind the counter and able to portray a sense of power, while the seller most of the time has to approach the counter from the entrance. Once the negotiations start quick shots of the bidder's throwing numbers at each other builds suspense. Also as Rick approaches a price he thinks is fair the same suspenseful music will play and then the seller will decide if he/she will sell. The music helps to build suspense and enhance the action that is on screen. Also editing techniques are used when pop up boxes appear on screen to give relevant information on what item is currently being considered.
ReplyDeletei have also watched an episode of pawn stars recently. this show is mostly shot using shot using medium shots and close ups. they usually use a medium shot for when people are talking or negotiating. they like to use the close up on a down angle for when they show the piece that is being shown. But of course depending on what size the piece is they could use a medium or even a long shot for some big items like boats or cars. i also agree with the comment above on how they use mis en scene to show who has the power in the situation and also who will have the final say in the negotiation. the use of music in this show is usually to used to enhance a story or create suspense. When they are talking about the history of the item they like to use music to keep the viewer paying attention. they also try to captivate the viewer when the use suspenseful music right before the final deal is made. this is a very interesting show because it both teaches you a little history and is also good for a laugh. i feel that the characters and the directors really bring this show together.
ReplyDeleteI also watched Pawn Stars this week. The show really uses camera angles to help the viewer feel like they are there with Rick and the guys. In the opening scene of the episode that I saw, a man brings in a vintage gun that he is trying to sell. Right away a close up is used on the gun to really help the viewer get a sense of what the gun looks like. Medium shots are used back and forth while Rick is talking to the man about the history of the gun. I agree with Kennan. Mis en scene can clearly be seen through out the series. I always agree with David about the use of music. The music helps to bring suspense and keep the viewer interested. The random skits that usually involve Chumlee and the Old Man help to bring comedic relief, usually after a hard trade was just done. In one episode that I saw, Rick and Big Hoss get into a debate about who in the store has the best throwing arm. So the guys have a competition outside the store, to see who could make the most throws into a tire with a football. The little scene appeared after Rick bought a vintage guitar that he was not sure about, for a large amount of money.
ReplyDeleteI also recently watched Pawn Stars to it was the eposide when this guy brings in a desk filled with old civil war letters. The way they used lighting and different camara angles to show the old letters what they said was really good. I could read the letter from just watching this on tv. From watching this show you could really feel like you were there with Rick and the other workers. Also when you watch the show they do a really good job of showing all the different items in the room by using a wide angle shot. Then during the show a guy brought in a old watch to see if it was real so rick called up his friend to check it out and when his friend opened the watch up they used a extreme close up of the watch's inside. You could see all the gears moving and seeing how the watched works and it turned out that is was a real rolex watch. But if you do every watch this show they use wide angle shots alot to show how big there room is and to show everyone working in there pawn shop.
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