09-0018 Choosing a Local Program (Part 1)

Did anyone  else have difficulty choosing a local program to watch? I know I did. Today's evening television has so much more choice (in the local arena) than it did some years back. The problem was finding something that would fit into my schedule and something that appeals to my interest. That ruled out the likes of Papa Shirash and Inspeckta Mwala.

I tried Tahidi High, but after one totally predictable episode I lost interest. There was little variety in camera movements and shots and angles. It was the usual close up when one is speaking, example is when Ms. Morgan was scolding Julia from running way from home. Then there was the common full-shot for establishing the subject's environment. This was especially in use when Julia's tout boyfriend came to the school gate and when Omosh and the other groundsman chased the tout away. The camera angles lacked creativity. For example, when they wanted to show that Julia was scandlously dressed, they simply tilted the camera down to follow the length of her body.They could have had several cameras capturing the various sides of her and at various angles (with emphasis on the bareback, high slit and the taught back of her skirt). Then there would have been a rapid transition from one camera shot to the next. However it is laudable that their shots were steady and clear.

The lighting was good. I believe that is because they took advantage of natural lighting since all the shots were taken during the day and most were outside. I however feel that at some points there was excess light. There were no visible mics during the production. I suspect that there was use of an omni-directional boom mic since we could hear all actors well even when they stood in an almost circular form.The sound was good and the mics did not pick up the wind in the outdoor shots.There was use of digital animation in  the montage where one there is an animated class roam with "Tahidi High" scribbled in chalk at the black board. They also have a signature tune that is played at the beginning of the production and after they come back from the breaks.

Overall I think that the quality of the production is satisfactory. They have clear shots, good transitions, audible conversations and good lighting. However the script is mundane and predictable.I must also say that most members of the cast are not doing a good job. They look like they are acting instead of looking like this is a page out of their normal life. This is with exemption of Shish, who makes me wonder if she is like that in reality.Additionally, the some of the actors look like they are in their mid-twenties not their teens and this does not suit the high school drama . Then I began to wonder how come those guys have never finished school??? I mean that program was running from when I was in High school.

I finally decided to try out NTV County Edition...