Ensemble Cast An ensemble cast is a cast in which the principal performers are assigned roughly equal amounts of importance in a dramatic production. This kind of casting became more popular in television series because it allows for flexibility for writers to focus on different characters in different episodes. In addition, the departure of players is less disruptive to the premise than it would be if the star of a production with a regularly structured cast leaves the series. The ensemble cast also allows the series to reach a more widespread audience. The variety of characters ensures that almost any viewer can find a personality they identify with. The more viewers a show can appeal to the more profitable the show will be. Characters in these ensemble casts tend to be stereotyped – at least at first. Characters often undergo change or development which makes their characters become more interesting to viewers. Someone who is static and unchanging often loses appeal while a character with many facets to their personality becomes much more intriguing.
Examples of television series with ensemble casts:
The sound of a human voice (or voices) heard over images shown on the screen that may or may not be related to the images being shown. In a television series, the voice-over is often by a character reflecting back on his or her past, or by a person external to the story who usually has a more complete knowledge of the events in the film than the other characters. Voice-overs are often used to create the effect of storytelling by a character/omniscient narrator. Sometimes, voice-over can be used to aid continuity in order for the audience to gain a better understanding of what has gone on between scenes or episodes. The genre of film noir is especially associated with the voice-over technique.
Television series with Voice over Narration:
·Scrubs ·Gossip Girl ·Desperate Housewives
Voice over Narration in Grey’s Anatomy Meredith Grey has narrated Grey's Anatomy since its 2005 inception, with some notable exceptions, in which other characters have narrated specific episodes. Her character often gives insight into what she has learned throughout each episode. Episode 1: The game - surgery, the path to becoming a doctor
An ensemble cast is a cast in which the principal performers are assigned roughly equal amounts of importance in a dramatic production. This kind of casting became more popular in television series because it allows for flexibility for writers to focus on different characters in different episodes. In addition, the departure of players is less disruptive to the premise than it would be if the star of a production with a regularly structured cast leaves the series. The ensemble cast also allows the series to reach a more widespread audience. The variety of characters ensures that almost any viewer can find a personality they identify with. The more viewers a show can appeal to the more profitable the show will be. Characters in these ensemble casts tend to be stereotyped – at least at first. Characters often undergo change or development which makes their characters become more interesting to viewers. Someone who is static and unchanging often loses appeal while a character with many facets to their personality becomes much more intriguing.
Examples of television series with ensemble casts:
Ensemble Cast in "Grey's Anatomy"
Voiceover Narration
The sound of a human voice (or voices) heard over images shown on the screen that may or may not be related to the images being shown. In a television series, the voice-over is often by a character reflecting back on his or her past, or by a person external to the story who usually has a more complete knowledge of the events in the film than the other characters. Voice-overs are often used to create the effect of storytelling by a character/omniscient narrator. Sometimes, voice-over can be used to aid continuity in order for the audience to gain a better understanding of what has gone on between scenes or episodes. The genre of film noir is especially associated with the voice-over technique.Television series with Voice over Narration:
· Scrubs· Gossip Girl
· Desperate Housewives
Voice over Narration in Grey’s Anatomy
Meredith Grey has narrated Grey's Anatomy since its 2005 inception, with some notable exceptions, in which other characters have narrated specific episodes. Her character often gives insight into what she has learned throughout each episode.
Episode 1:
The game - surgery, the path to becoming a doctor
Episode 2:
Boundaries
Episode 3:
Life rules and values - competition
Episode 4:
Intimacy