Catch Phrase: Analysis

Catch Phrase had its original run between 1986-2002. It was a very popular game show that was broadcast on Sunday evenings as a family game show in the UK. It's format contained different competitors each week, battling it out to win a cash prize. 

The example that I have chosen to analyse can be found by clicking here. 

The picture above shows the opening titles to the show. This is something that is not unique to Catch Phrase and is expected by the viewer. They also give a taster of what the show is about, in this case it is advertising that it is a game show.

The first shot the audience sees is a long shot of the studio with the presenter walking onto the stage. This is to give the viewer a feel for how the show is going to be set up and what to expect. It also makes the audience feel like they are a part of the studio audience.

The next shot is also a long shot but from a different angle, this gives the feel to the viewer that they have a better view than the studio audience, it also lets them establish more of the studio from a different angle. The variation of shots is important to the produce as it maintains the viewers interest.

The mid-shot as seen above is the most frequently used shot as the presenter is typically most seen looking directly into the camera. This use of direct address involves the viewer directly and makes them feel a part of the show. It also makes them feel as if they could be either where the studio audience are or where the contestants are.

VT's are also used quite often to show what is being seen on the screens in the studio and to also maximise the involvement that the viewer has with the competition.

Long shots are also used to show the presenters and competitors involvement with the catch phrase that is seen on the screen. This gives the audience the point of view from those involved in the game show. This is exactly what the producers want the audience to feel.

Long shots are again used to show the intensity between the two contestants when they are buzzing. The camera stays on them both throughout the whole duration until they buzz in to play. This keeps the viewer involved and ensures they don't miss a thing.

As you can see in the two picture above, when the presenter and competitor are in conversation the shot type used is always a mid-shot. The 180 degree rule is also followed to show the flow in conversation. This technique keeps the viewer involved as they are put into the shoes of whoever is listening to the other speak. 

This mid-shot which is very close to close up keeps the tension high and also captures any emotional reaction from them both.

The most used technique in Catch Phrase is the implementing of VT's, these keep the viewer fully informed and puts them in the position of the competitor, giving them the same time and opportunity to answer the question. This is very key to game shows as it maintains a high viewer interest.

Mid-close up shots are the most commonly seen in game shows even back in the 1980's. This shows that this particular game show style has been maintained for many years. By using the audience shots throughout also gives the viewer someone to relate to, even though they have never met the person before.

The recording is simultaneously recorded and the studio is set up with on average 10 cameras. This is to capture different angles of the presenters, competitors and even the studio audience.

I feel the show has been constructed in a very easy to follow way and makes the viewer feel really involved with the show. 

Due to the fact the show is recorded with a live studio audience, the only constraints I can imagine they face would be filming from an angle above or from the studio audience. However with the use of jib-arms and cranes they are able to have cameras pan above the seated audience in able to catch those intended shots.