Water Cooler Knowledge

Learn all the terms necessary to have qualified opinions when you and your colleagues talk series and films by the water cooler at work or during lunch.

(We will add new terms week by week)

PREMISE PILOT:

A "premise pilot" is the first episode of a TV series that introduces the show's central concept, characters, and main conflict, establishing the foundation for the story.

Unlike a "non-premise pilot," which focuses on showcasing a typical episode format and may not delve deeply into overarching narratives, a premise pilot is designed to set up the ongoing storyline that will unfold over the series. The premise pilot hooks the audience by laying out the show's unique premise and direction.

NON-PREMISE PILOT:

A "non-premise pilot" is the first episode of a TV series that focuses on presenting a self-contained story, often highlighting the structure of a typical episode and the characters' roles within it.

In contrast, a "premise pilot" introduces the overarching story, central concept, and main conflict that will drive the series forward. While non-premise pilots emphasize the episodic nature of the series, premise pilots lay the groundwork for a continuous narrative.         

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The pilot of South Park (1997) is a non-premise pilot.

COLD OPEN:

The opening scene of a TV episode or film that grabs the audience’s attention before the main title sequence or credits. It often presents a key moment or hook.

RUNNING GAG:

A running gag is a recurring joke or humorous element in a TV show, film, or series that appears multiple times, often with variations, and becomes a signature or memorable part of the content.

MOTIF:

A recurring element, symbol, or theme throughout the narrative that reinforces the story’s main ideas or emotions.

CHEKHOV'S GUN:

A principle stating that every element introduced in a story should be relevant and contribute to the narrative, with no unnecessary details.

RED HERRING:

A misleading clue or distraction intended to divert the audience’s attention away from the true plot or resolution.

DRAMATIC IRONY:

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience possesses knowledge or information that the characters in a TV series or film do not. This discrepancy between the audience’s understanding and the characters’ awareness creates suspense, tension, or humor, as viewers anticipate how the characters will react when they discover the truth. For example, in a thriller, the audience might know the identity of the villain while the protagonist remains unaware, heightening the tension as the plot unfolds.

The pilot of Breaking Bad (2008) is a premise pilot.

TONE:

Tone describes the attitude or perspective of the series or film towards its characters and subject matter. It reflects the creator's intent and can range from serious and dramatic to humorous and satirical. For instance, a series might have a tone that is dark and gritty, focusing on intense and serious themes.

MOOD:

Mood refers to the overall emotional atmosphere that a TV series or film creates for the audience. It is influenced by elements such as lighting, music, and visual design, and it sets the emotional backdrop for the narrative. For example, a film might use dark, somber colors and melancholic music to create a mood of sadness or foreboding.

STYLE:

Style encompasses the distinctive visual and narrative techniques used in a TV series or film, including aspects like cinematography, editing, and set design. It defines how the story is presented and can greatly influence the audience’s perception of the narrative. For example, a film might adopt a sleek, minimalist style with clean lines and understated visuals to emphasize its modern, sophisticated themes.

In Twin Peaks (1990) the series' creator, David Lynch, establishes a unique tone, mood and style.

EPISODIC FORMAT:

A TV series structure where each episode is a self-contained story, though there may be overarching plots. Examples include procedural dramas like Law & Order.

SERIALIZED FORMAT:

A TV series structure where episodes build on each other, creating a continuous narrative that unfolds over a season or multiple seasons. Examples include Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones.

BOTTLE EPISODE:

A "bottle episode" is a standalone episode that is produced with a significantly lower budget and limited set locations, often using existing sets and a small cast. These episodes typically focus on character development and dialogue rather than new plot advancements or special effects. The goal of a bottle episode is to save on production costs while providing a self-contained story or exploring character dynamics in depth.

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Law & Order (1990) has an episodic format.