Video Jokes

Paige's Video

Hyperlink to...Ryan's Video

Written Reflection on Video Joke Assignment

      For our Video Joke assignment, we were to create two different videos with the same joke, approached in different manners. Therefore, there is both affinity and contrast between the two videos. Both video is shot with primarily medium shots as we explore limited space. The domineering character (the interviewer in the case of our joke) was shot from a low angle to make him appear larger than the interviewees, who are in a less powerful position than the interviewer. We used the rule of the thirds in both videos, making sure that the subject of interest fell into a vertical or horizontal third of the screen. We also utilized shape, as the interviewer has a more square-shaped head than the interviewers, who have more circular-shaped heads. In doing so, the interviewer is again subconsciously given a position of importance in the videos.  Lastly, in both videos the background music created a source of rhythm that acted as a driving force for the jokes.

      Although there are many similarities between the videos, other aspects of the video are in contrast of each other as well. While Ryan's video displays dialogue by showing what each character is saying on the screen, Paige's video uses absolutely no dialogue, showing only the interviewer's math equation and the interviewee's subsequent answers.  Therefore, Paige's video sends messages actively (without explicitly telling the audience what the message is) while Ryan's video sends messages didactically (explicitly showing dialogue on the screen). We enhanced the intended reception of our messages by manipulating shape, using the rule of the thirds, and, of course, acting.  Although I think both videos succeeded in getting the main point across, I believe Ryan's video was easier to understand and contained a punchline that was more humorous and relevant to Ohio University students in particular with the "Ohio University Department of Athletics" sign)