Two Video Jokes

We chose two very different approaches to our joke.  The first video uses stuffed animals as the only characters, which gives the video a very interesting feel.  For example, movement is obviously limited.  This meant we had to frame the shots in such a way as to convey movement/intention without explicitly showing it, although we did end up physically moving the stuffed animals in several instances to show they were sentient (as opposed to simply being characters in a child's playtime).  Shape also played a large role in the video's overall look; the different stuffed animals have distinct personalities in large part because of their distinct outlines, which helps give the video a "real" feel.

The different shapes of the stuffed animals also lend the video some contrast and affinity.  Contrast between the individual stuffed animals gives each of them a unique personality, and helps establish that they are separate characters.  That they are all stuffed animals also gives them an affinity that helps to establish a setting.  Along with the bedroom background/child's handwriting, their affinity as stuffed animals firmly establishes a child's bedroom/imaginative setting.

The second video, using actual actors, relies more on space.  The size of the room was manipulated using camera shots, so that it appeared larger than it actually was.  The interviewees were filmed from an angle that made them appear closer together, for a cramped, nervous look, while the actual interviews were more formally arranged. This use of space helped give the video a more interesting feel.

The use of space mentioned above also gave the video tension and release.  The one-after-another nature of the interviews gives a sense of foreboding; the viewer knows something is coming, but they are unsure exactly when it will happen.  This also adds to the payoff once the punchline does eventually come.  In this case, the punchline acts as the delivery method for the release.