After talking about the production aspect of telenovelas, I realized that this is one of the aspects that most intrigues me. Filming is a whole different world—no matter what you are filming—and it was so interesting to watch the process. Dr. A’s videos felt like I was actually there, and it was amazing to see how different the actors look as opposed to how they look on screen. The kissing scenes are especially interesting because there is no cue for them to begin kissing. It just happens, even though they are in silent room full of a large crowd.
I realized what a time consuming (even life consuming) job it is for the actors. With minimal to no breaks, they must constantly be on their “A-game.” There is no room for “off” days, which is why I could see the process being very discouraging for the actors. We talked in class how they usually finish a script a day, so the actors study more than one script at a time.
Everything that goes into the telenovela production process is extremely complicated, but my question is how does the process differ from that of an American soap opera or movies? Dr. A called it an “ulcer-ridden industry” and I’m guessing that it is because telenovela production is much more fast-paced than American productions. This is the reason why everyone involved, from the writer to the floor manager to the actor, has to be on their A-game.
As we are beginning to learn about telenovela production, the same questions have run through my mind. What are the differences between the filming techniques in telenovelas and in American made movies and TV. shows? I do think that although there is a cheaper budget in Latin American countries, the overall demeanor of the actors and directors and everyone else involved is the same. They all work extremely hard all day long and have to maintain an incredible stamina throughout the day. From the outside it seems as if being on the “big screen” is glamorous when in reality those are some of the hardest working people on earth. They definitely earn any perks they may receive. As we begin to look deeper and deeper into the production process there are another set of workers that intrigue me and that is the editors.
ReplyDeleteEver since Dr. A showed the scene from the house and how the editors messed up the “perspectives” I began to take interest in the work that they do. I watched a number of movies this weekend and started viewing them completely different. A scene that starts out looking through a peep hole in a door and then a shot of the two people walking through the door and then another shot from the front of the couple, I started to see what she meant; the different angles and close-ups and how to know what fits where in a certain scene is incredible. I know that it takes a great deal of planning for the camera men but to be the person who has to sort through all of that and then somehow put it together and make it look just right is beyond my comprehension! I am sure that the editors as well must always have their “a-games” on.
haha, I'm glad that you admitted that you were intrigued by the kissing scenes as well. I always wondered how that worked. I mean do they practice it before hand? Are they self consious about their breath? I feel like so many things would be running through my mind if I were forced to kiss someone in front of so many people on a quiet set.
ReplyDeleteDr. A definately knows her class, because she called that we'd be most interested in production. I really enjoyed studying consumption but learning about life as a telenovela star is sooo interesting! I wonder how differnt things would be if telenovelas had stronger, more prevelent unions.
I am fascinated by the production of kissing scenes too!
ReplyDeleteWhat is going through their heads? Are they in the character's role and do they let their minds be over run with the character's thoughts? Or is it awkward step by step thoughts about how to make it look natural.
Also, music is what makes the romantic scenes work. But obviously they don't have music when they are filming. they have to portray the sexual tension on their own.
Do they feel weird about doing that in front of a room full of people? Do people joke about it or is it thought of as an awkward chore? it is all so strange to me!
I also found that interesting. One of the things I constantly keep asking myself is about the actors and their lines. If they shoot from 6 am until 2 am the next day, we know they need to sleep. But in that time they are resting, don't they need to memorize even more lines? How do they keep up with this grueling and demanding schedule for a year at a time? I do not know how they do it but I am very glad they do!
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