Structural Features Content Analysis Project
DATE: JULY 27, 1997

CODING MANUAL: TIMEPOINT VARIABLES

(Part 2 of 2)

CAMERA MOVEMENT VARIABLES

16. Shaky camera technique?
_____ [0] No
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
During the 10 second interval was the camera ever shaky for at least one second?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Shaky camera technique - a series of at least 2 camera movements in which the frame of the image moves quickly and unpredictably in any direction; this technique makes it seem that the camera does not have a steady form of support such as a tripod (i.e. it seems to be handheld); the movement or movements must continue for at least 30 frames (1 second). Examples include home movies, COPS, NYPD Blue, and Homicide: Life on the Street.

NOTES:

• Note that the camera can move relatively smoothly and still be coded as a shaky camera if it appears to be handheld or otherwise not have a steady form of support.
• Do not use material before or after the 10-second interval to code this item.
• For simultaneous video pictures, code as shaky camera when one or more pictures within an image contain shaky camera movement.

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17. Other than shaky camera technique, was there camera movement?
_____ [0] No [SKIP to 18]
_____ [1] Yes, but only during simultaneous video pictures [SKIP to 18]
_____ [2] Yes, and at least some not during simultaneous video pictures

FULL QUESTION:
During the 10 second interval is there any type of camera movement other than the shaky camera technique?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Camera movement - one continuous shift or change of the frame of the image that lasts for at least 30 frames (1 second). This includes continuous movement in any direction or directions and includes zooms (in which only the camera lens moves).

Yes, but only during simultaneous video pictures - the only camera movement (other than shaky camera technique) during the 10 second interval occurs as part of images that contain simultaneous video pictures (images that contains more than one picture).

Yes, and at least some not during simultaneous video pictures - some of the camera movement (other than shaky camera technique) during the 10 second interval DOES NOT occur as part of images that contain simultaneous video pictures (images that contains more than one picture).

NOTES:

• If a movement that has been going on for several seconds prior to the 10 second interval ends less than one second into the interval it should not be coded as a camera movement (and the same thing is true for movements that begin within one second of the end of the interval).
• The objects in the images during a camera movement will not always change position in the image; if the camera is following a moving object (e.g., a car, the space shuttle, etc.) the camera is moving even if the object stays in the same place in the image, and this should be coded as a camera movement.

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For 17a-c, do not code any camera movement that occurs during images that contain simultaneous video pictures; ignore all such movement in answering these questions.

17a. FOR CAMERA MOVEMENT PRESENT: Quick forward point-of-view?
_____ [0] No [SKIP to 17c]
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals during which there is camera movement, is at least one of the movements a quick forward point-of-view movement?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Point-of-view movement - the use of a moving camera to mimic for the viewer the non-mediated experience of a person or object moving through an environment; this movement can be slow or fast and is usually forward or backward but also could be in any other direction. To be categorized as point-of-view movement a shot must imply that the person or object's physical position changes (i.e., if the camera's view represents that of a character and the camera pans across a room as if the person was looking around the room, that is not a point-of-view movement technique because it implies only that the character's head moved, not their physical position in the room).

Quick forward point-of-view movement - fast point-of-view movement forward into or through an environment. This does not include movement at or slower than the speed of someone walking. The movement need not be purely or only STRAIGHT forward but it must be primarily forward movement.

NOTES:

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[For 17b, code the FIRST quick forward point-of-view movement that is present in the 10-second interval. Calculate the duration from the frame when the first quick forward point-of-view movement begins. If quick forward point-of-view movement is in progress at the beginning of the interval rewind the tape to the first frame of the movement and code the entire movement. However, DO NOT reset the timer to zero at the beginning of the movement.]

17b. FOR QUICK FORWARD POINT-OF-VIEW CAMERA MOVEMENT PRESENT: Duration?

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals during which there is quick, forward, point-of-view camera movement, what is the exact duration of the first such movement?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Duration of quick forward point-of-view camera movement - the amount of time between and including the first and last frames that contain quick forward point-of-view camera movement.

NOTES:

• Code the entire movement, INCLUDING changes in direction and including times during which the movement is "slow." The movement is over when the camera (image frame) has completely stopped moving and continues to be still for at least 30 frames (1 second).
• Be sure to indicate with a "P" or "N" in the space provided whether the appearance of the text begins after ("P") the zero point or before ("N") it.
• Code camera movement that continues beyond the end or that begins prior to the interval if necessary.
• If there are two or more separate quick, forward, point-of-view camera movements code the duration only of the first one.
• Remember that camera movement does not necessarily end when a shot ends; if movement begins within the first second of the next shot then the camera movement should be coded as continuing.

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[For 17c, code the FIRST camera movement that is present in the 10-second interval. If movement is in progress at the beginning of the interval rewind the tape to the first frame of the movement and code the entire movement. However, DO NOT reset the timer to zero at the beginning of the movement. NOTE: A change in direction of camera movement does NOT indicate the end of a single camera movement.]

[For 17c do not reset counter to zero.]

17c. FOR CAMERA MOVEMENT PRESENT: Duration of first movement?

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals during which there is camera movement, for the first camera movement what is the exact duration of the camera movement?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Camera movement - one continuous shift or change of the frame of the image that lasts for at least 30 frames (1 second). This includes continuous movement in any direction or directions and includes zooms (in which only the camera lens moves).

Duration of camera movement - the amount of time between and including the first and last frames that contain ANY camera movement.

NOTES:

• Code the entire movement, INCLUDING changes in direction. The movement is over when the camera (image frame) has completely stopped moving and continues to be still for at least 30 frames (1 second).
• Be sure to indicate with a "P" or "N" in the space provided whether the camera movement begins after ("P") the zero point or before ("N") it.
• Code camera movement that continues beyond the end of or begins prior to the interval if necessary.
• The objects in the images during a camera movement will not always change position in the image; if the camera is following a moving object (e.g., a car, the space shuttle, etc.) the camera is moving even if the object stays in the same place in the image, and this should be coded as a camera movement.
• Remember that camera movement does not necessarily end when a shot ends; if movement begins within the first second of the next shot then the camera movement should be coded as continuing.

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TEXT VARIABLES

[For 18 and 18a, code the entire 10-second interval.]

18. Superimposed text (other than identification logo)?
_____ [0] No [SKIP to 19]
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
During the 10 second interval is there at least one image that contains superimposed text?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Superimposed text - words or other letters and/or numbers superimposed or added to the image (including words and letters incorporated into graphics). This does not include words or letters that are part of identification logos (see variable 19).

NOTES:

• Do not include text that is part of the content (e.g., a shot of a letter, a shot of a bottle that has "Coke" written on it).

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18a. FOR SUPERIMPOSED TEXT PRESENT: Text movement?
_____ [0] No
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals that contain superimposed text does the text ever move?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Text movement - at least one part of the text moves or changes in any way. This includes any shift of position on the screen, morphing (changing shape) of the text, and blinking text.

NOTES:

• Do not include text movement that occurs before or after the 10 second interval.

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[For 18b-e, find the frame of the first image that contains text and code that image only. If the first image of text appears during a transition (e.g., a wipe), code the first frame after the transition in which the image contains text.]

18b. FOR SUPERIMPOSED TEXT PRESENT: Stand-alone?
_____ [0] No, other video contents are in image too
_____ [1] Yes, entire image is text over a blank background [SKIP to 18d]

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals that contain superimposed text, in the first image in the interval that contains text does the text "stand alone" over a blank background?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Yes, entire image is text over blank background - the text is displayed on an otherwise completely blank screen; i.e., except for the text the image contains only a solid, 1 color, background without any pattern.

No, other video contents are in image too - in addition to text and a blank background, somewhere in the image there is/are other video contents (the text may or may not be superimposed over this other video content).

NOTES:

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18c. FOR SUPERIMPOSED TEXT PRESENT WITH OTHER VIDEO CONTENT: Related?
_____ [0] No
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals that contain superimposed text and in which the first image in the interval that contains text also contains other video content, is the text in that image related to at least some of the other video content?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Related - the text and at least some of the other video content in the image logically go together because they both relate to the specific program or segment in progress (e.g., either superimposed or split screen credits of a program are related to the action of that program). An example of UNRELATED text is a weather warning scrolled across the bottom of the screen.

NOTES:

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18d.. FOR SUPERIMPOSED TEXT PRESENT: Number of words?
__ __ words

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals that contain superimposed text, in the first image in the interval that contains text how many words of text are there?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Words of text - a grouping of letters and/or numbers that is meaningful (even if you do not understand the meaning). Punctuation (characters on the number keys of a keyboard) is not a word. When a hyphen (or other punctuation, as in internet addresses) connects words, each word should be counted separately. As with letters, for sequences of numbers each meaningful grouping of numbers is a word (so "$4.99" is a word and so is "(800) 928-2000"; 23 is one word, not two; etc.).

NOTES:

• If only part of a word is visible in the image, consider it a complete word. That is, always "round up" when counting the number of words of text.
• A word does not have to be readable on the screen (i.e., it can be small, blurry, etc.) to be coded as a word.
• Trademark and copyright symbols that contain letters are text within a graphic and therefore should be coded as a word.
• Superimposed text can be one or more whole words or it can be just one letter or number (as in a graphic for Special K cereal). Of course, don’t count individual letters when counting words of text unless the letter represents a complete meaning.

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[For 18e, code from first frame with image that contains text, including text in progress at beginning of interval. DO NOT reset the timer to zero.]

18e. FOR SUPERIMPOSED TEXT PRESENT: Duration?

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals that contain superimposed text, what is the exact duration of ANY text?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Duration of superimposed text - amount of time during which images contain ANY superimposed text. The text is over when 30 consecutive images (1 second) contain no superimposed text of any type.

NOTES:

• Remember the general rule that a formal feature begins at the first frame in which the image and the specific formal feature are complete, "normal", and "faded in" and ends at the last frame in which the image and the specific formal feature are complete, "normal", and "not faded out". The first frame in the interval in which the image contains text is the first frame in which the image contains text that is complete, "normal", and "faded in".
• Code from the first frame in which the image contains ANY text, until all text is absent for 30 consecutive frames (1 second). This means even if the text changes (e.g., part of the text disappears, new text appears, the text begins to move or stops moving, the size of the text changes, text movement carries part of the text off the screen) it should be coded as part of the duration. Blinking text should be coded as part of the duration as long as there are fewer than 30 frames between appearances of the text; scrolling text should be coded as part of the duration unless there are 30 frames during the scrolling in which no text is on the screen.
• Be sure to indicate with a "P" or "N" in the space provided whether the appearance of the text begins after ("P") the zero point or before ("N") it.
• Code text that continues beyond the end of the interval if necessary.
• Remember that superimposed text does not necessarily end when a shot ends; if text begins within the first second of the next shot then the superimposed text should be coded as continuing.

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[For 19, code the entire 10-second interval.]

19. Superimposed identification logo?
_____ [0] No [SKIP to 20]
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
During the 10 second interval is there at least one instance during which a superimposed identification logo is present?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Superimposed identification logo - a symbol (which can include letters, numbers, and/or words) displayed in one of the quadrants of the screen, usually in the corner, which specifies one of the following: the network, station, or channel. The identification logo must not identify the program in progress or a corporation or product. A station identification symbol which takes up the entire screen is not an identification logo. To be coded as an identification logo the logo can not appear with any other graphics in the same quadrant of the screen.

NOTES:

• Do not code corporate or product logos (e.g., the Texaco star) or program logos (e.g., VH-1's "The Big 80's") as identification logos -- these are "Graphics other than identification logos" and are coded elsewhere.

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[For 19a-d, code the first instance of an identification logo in the 10-second interval.]

19a. FOR SUPERIMPOSED IDENTIFICATION LOGO PRESENT: Transparent or opaque?
_____ [1] Transparent
_____ [2] Opaque

FULL QUESTION:
For intervals during which a superimposed identification logo is present, is the logo that appears first in the interval transparent or opaque?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Transparent - objects, entities, and backgrounds can be seen behind the letters/ numbers of the logo themselves and not just in the spaces between the letters/numbers. A transparent logo does not have to be completely clear -- it may be tinted or otherwise colored, as long as objects can be seen through it.

Opaque - it is solid; objects, entities, and backgrounds can NOT be seen behind the letters/ numbers of the logo themselves but only in the spaces between the letters/numbers. Just because a logo is tinted or otherwise colored does not mean it is solid - it is only opaque if objects are not visible through the letters/numbers of the logo.

NOTES:

• If the color of the letters/numbers in a logo change when the colors of objects or backgrounds behind the logo change, the logo is transparent.
• DO move the tape forward and backward, beyond the 10 second interval if necessary, to determine whether the logo is transparent or opaque.
• When the logo changes in any way, including changing from being transparent to opaque, it should be considered a "new" logo; only code the first instance of a logo here.

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19b. FOR SUPERIMPOSED IDENTIFICATION LOGO PRESENT: Logo placement?
_____ [1] Upper left corner
_____ [2] Upper right corner

_____ [3] Lower left corner
_____ [4] Lower right corner

_____ [5] Center

FULL QUESTION:
For intervals during which a superimposed identification logo is present, where is the logo that appears first in the interval located on the screen?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Logo placement - location of the identification logo on the screen.

NOTES:

• Mark only one response option for this variable.

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[For 19c, code from first frame in which the image contains identification logo, including logo "in progress" at beginning of interval. DO NOT reset the timer to zero.]

19c. FOR SUPERIMPOSED IDENTIFICATION LOGO PRESENT: Identification logo continuous (on screen at least 5 minutes)?
_____ [0] No
_____ [1] Yes [SKIP to 20]

FULL QUESTION:
For intervals during which a superimposed identification logo is present, is the logo on the screen continuously for at least 5 minutes?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:

NOTES:

• Code from the first frame in which logo appears as it does the first time it appears during the 10-second interval, until it changes in any way (e.g., part of the logo disappears, a new logo appears, the logo begins to move, morph, or blink). If the logo is moving at the beginning of the interval, the duration ends when the movement stops and/or some other change takes place.
• Remember the general rule that a formal feature begins at the first frame in which the image and the specific formal feature are complete, "normal", and "faded in" and ends at the last frame in which the image and the specific formal feature are complete, "normal", and "not faded out".
• A transparent logo should not be coded as ending just because the color of objects behind it make it appear to have changed.
• If the logo disappears during a program interruption, the logo should be coded as stopping when the program interruption begins.
• Code identification logos that continue beyond the end of the interval if necessary.

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19d. FOR SUPERIMPOSED IDENTIFICATION LOGO PRESENT: Identification logo duration?

FULL QUESTION:
For intervals during which a superimposed identification logo is present, what is the exact duration of the first appearance of a logo?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Duration of identification logo appearance - amount of time the same identification logo remains on the screen.

NOTES:

• If the logo duration is 5 minutes or longer, leave this variable blank and code the duration under the previous variable.
• Code from the first frame in which logo appears as it does the first time it appears during the 10-second interval, until it changes in any way (e.g., part of the logo disappears, a new logo appears, the logo begins to move, morph, or blink). If the logo is moving at the beginning of the interval, the duration ends when the movement stops and/or some other change takes place.
• Remember the general rule that a formal feature begins at the first frame in which the image and the specific formal feature are complete, "normal", and "faded in" and ends at the last frame in which the image and the specific formal feature are complete, "normal", and "not faded out".
• A transparent logo should not be coded as ending just because the color of objects behind it make it appear to have changed.
• If the logo disappears during a program interruption, the logo should be coded as stopping when the program interruption begins.
• Note that the logo may appear on the screen for a long time.
• Be sure to indicate with a "P" or "N" in the space provided whether the logo begins after ("P") the zero point or before ("N") it.
• Code identification logos that continue beyond the end of the interval if necessary.

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[For 20 and 20a code the entire 10-second interval.]

20. Superimposed graphic(s) other than identification logo?
_____ [0] No [SKIP to 21]
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
During the 10 second interval is there at least one image that contains a superimposed graphic other than an identification logo?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Superimposed graphics other than identification logo - a representation, other than a photograph (live action), of a concrete or abstract object or entity that is added to but not integrated with the other video pictures of an image. This means NO PART of the object can be hidden or blocked by another object or entity in the image (note that this means that whenever an object/entity appears in front of or over a background, the background by definition can not be a graphic). Superimposed graphics other than identification logo excludes identification logos, text (unless it is a part of a graphic), anything in images that contain only animation of the same style, and animation that is integrated with live action (as is Tony the Tiger in cereal ads). It includes decorative borders, product and corporate logos, and "corner wipes" (the small pictures that appear next to news anchors as they read stories). Weather maps are not superimposed graphics if the weather person interacts with them or if they are a physical prop on the news set. Text is part of a graphic only when part of text is bordered by or touches the graphic.

Identification logo - a symbol (which can include letters, numbers, and/or words) displayed in one of the quadrants of the screen, usually in the corner, which specifies one of the following: the network, station, or channel. The identification logo must not identify the program in progress or a corporation or product. A station identification symbol which takes up the entire screen is not an identification logo. To be coded as an identification logo the logo can not be integrated with or appear immediately next to any other graphic or text.

NOTES:

• Text only does not constitute a graphic.

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20a. FOR SUPERIMPOSED GRAPHICS PRESENT: Graphic(s) movement?
_____ [0] No
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals that contain superimposed graphic(s) other than identification logo, does any graphics ever move?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Graphics movement - at least one part of a graphic moves or changes in any way. This includes any shift of position on the screen, morphing (changing shape) of the graphic, and blinking graphics.

NOTES:

• Do not include graphic movement that occurs before or after the 10 second interval.

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[For 20b, code from first frame with image that contains graphic(s), including graphic(s) in progress at beginning of interval. DO NOT reset the timer to zero.]

20b. FOR SUPERIMPOSED GRAPHIC(S) PRESENT: Duration?

FULL QUESTION:
For 10 second intervals that contain superimposed graphic(s), what is the exact duration of the graphic(s) as it/they appear(s) in the first image in the interval that contains graphic(s)?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Duration of superimposed graphic(s) - amount of time a particular ANY graphic(s) remains on the screen. The graphics are over when 30 consecutive images (1 second) contain no superimposed graphic of any type.

NOTES:

• Code from the first frame in which the image contains ANY graphic(s), until all graphic(s) are absent for 30 consecutive frames (1 second). This means even if the graphic(s) change (e.g., part of a graphic disappears, a new graphic appears, a graphic begins to move, the size of a graphic changes) it should be coded as part of the duration. Blinking graphics should be coded as part of the duration as long as there are fewer than 30 frames between appearances of the graphic.
• Be sure to indicate with a "P" or "N" in the space provided whether the appearance of the graphic(s) begins after ("P") the zero point or before ("N") it.
• Code graphic(s) that continues beyond the end of the interval if necessary.
• Remember the general rule that a formal feature begins at the first frame in which the image and the specific formal feature are complete, "normal", and "faded in" and ends at the last frame in which the image and the specific formal feature are complete, "normal", and "not faded out".
• Remember that a superimposed graphics does not necessarily end when a shot ends; if a graphic begins within the first second of the next shot then the superimposed graphic should be coded as continuing.

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SHOT VARIABLES

Go to zero.
Go to the first frame of the shot IN PROGRESS.
Reset the timer to zero.
Code that shot.

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21. Shot duration?
__ __ minutes __ __ seconds __ __ frames

FULL QUESTION:
What is the exact duration of the shot in progress at the timepoint frame?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Shot - the image or series of images on the screen between two transitions (edits).

Duration of shot - number of minutes, seconds, and frames between (and including) the first frame of the shot and the last frame of the shot

NOTES:

• For transitions other than cuts (e.g., fades, dissolves, wipes, etc.) consider the end of the first shot to be the last frame during which a complete, "normal", "not faded out" image appears; the next shot begins on the first frame during which all indications of the transition are gone and a complete, "normal", "faded in" image appears; all frames between these two constitute the duration of the transition. DO NOT code variables for images during these transitions. For example, if the image at zero is in the middle of a transition, instead of coding that image move to the first normal image following that frame and code that image.
• Code content before and/or after the 10-second interval if necessary.
• It IS possible to code the duration of a shot that contains multiple video pictures. However remember that a shot as defined here does not end until the entire image changes – changes within individual pictures during sequences that contain simultaneous pictures do not represent the beginning or ending of a shot.

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TRANSITION VARIABLES

Go to the last frame of the shot just coded.
Code the transition that follows that shot.

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22. Is the transition a cut?
_____ [0] No
_____ [1] Yes [SKIP to 23]

FULL QUESTION:
Is the transition that follows the shot just coded a cut or not?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Transition - a complete change in an image; this may occur suddenly (as in a cut) or gradually (as in a dissolve). (Note that in some cases objects or entities in the image before the transition may also appear in the image after the transition; for the two images to be coded as a transition at least some of the objects or entities must be in different positions on the screen or be seen from different camera views.)

Cut - a transition between shots in which there is no overlap between images; a sudden transition.

NOTES:

• A transition requires a complete change in all of the contents of an image, either changes in the objects in the image or changes in their positions in the image. An exception to this is text that is superimposed over other content: even if the text doesn't change as long as everything else does it should be coded as a transition (for example, when credits are superimposed over a series of still shots at the end of a program). This exception does not apply to text that occurs in an image containing only text and graphics, or text that appears in a separate simultaneous picture in an image; in these cases all the text must change in some way to be considered a transition.
• A transition between segments actually can contain just one transition (segment 1 cuts to or dissolves to segment 2 -- in which case the duration of the intersegment interval is 0 frames) OR two transitions (segment 1 cuts or fades out to black, then black cuts or fades into segment 2, with the black frames being the intersegment interval). This is only between segments, so that any other transition (within a segment) can only contain one transition (shot 1 to shot 2); if shot 1 fades out to black and shot 2 fades in from the black all within a segment, that is a single transition we define as a "fade out/fade-in" in variable 22a.

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22a. FOR A TRANSITION THAT IS NOT A CUT: Type of transition?
_____ [1] Dissolve
_____ [2] Fade-out
_____ [3] Fade-in
_____ [4] Fade out/fade-in
_____ [5] Unusual transitions (Describe:__________________________________________)

FULL QUESTION:
For the transition that is not a cut, what type of transition is it?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Dissolve - a transition between shots in which the new shot fades in as the old shot fades out so that the two images appear at the same time briefly. The transition does NOT include any frame in which the image is completely blank.

Fade-out - a transition FROM THE END OF A SEGMENT to an inter-segment interval in which the segment image fades out to a blank screen.

Fade-in - a transition from an inter-segment interval TO THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SEGMENT in which the image from the new segment fades in from a blank screen.

Fade-out/fade-in - a transition between TWO SHOTS WITHIN THE SAME SEGMENT in which the old image fades to a blank screen, and then the new image fades in from that blank screen. There must be at least one frame in which the image is completely blank (usually black) during this kind of transition.

Unusual transitions - any transition between shots that is not a simple cut, dissolve, or fade. This include a wipe, a transition between shots in which the old image is gradually covered or "pushed aside" as the new one is introduced. It also includes examples such as a transition in which the image evolves from a geometric shape or the old image breaks up into squares and "collapses" before the new one arrives (these and others are often used in Home Improvement).

NOTES:

• Unusual transitions are also special visual effects and should be coded in variable 18.
• Remember that a transition does not occur unless the entire image changes – changes within individual pictures during sequences that contain simultaneous pictures should not be coded as transitions.
• A transition requires a complete change in all of the contents of an image, either changes in the objects in the image or changes in their positions in the image. An exception to this is text that is superimposed over other content: even if the text doesn't change as long as everything else does it should be coded as a transition (for example, when credits are superimposed over a series of still shots at the end of a program). This exception does not apply to text that occurs in an image containing only text and graphics, or text that appears in a separate simultaneous picture in an image; in these cases all the text must change in some way to be considered a transition.
• A transition between segments actually can contain just one transition (segment 1 cuts to or dissolves to segment 2 -- in which case the duration of the intersegment interval is 0 frames) OR two transitions (segment 1 cuts or fades out to black, then black cuts or fades into segment 2, with the black frames being the intersegment interval). This is only between segments, so that any other transition (within a segment) can only contain one transition (shot 1 to shot 2); if shot 1 fades out to black and shot 2 fades in from the black all within a segment, that is a single transition we define as a "fade out/fade-in" in variable 22a.

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[For 22b, move the tape to the first frame of the transition. Reset the timer to zero.]

22b. FOR A TRANSITION THAT IS NOT A CUT: Duration?
__ __ seconds __ __ frames

FULL QUESTION:
For a transition that is not a cut, what is the exact duration of the transition?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Transition - a complete change in an image; this may occur suddenly (as in a cut) or gradually (as in a dissolve). (Note that in some cases objects or entities in the image before the transition may also appear in the image after the transition; for the two images to be coded as a transition at least some of the objects or entities must be in different positions on the screen or be seen from different camera views.)

Duration of transition - number of seconds and frames between (but NOT including) the last complete frame of one shot and the first complete frame of another.

Duration of dissolve - the number of seconds and frames starting with first frame in which the new image appears and ending with the last frame in which the old image appears.

Duration of fade-out - the number of seconds and frames starting with the first frame in which the image begins to darken (i.e., fade-out) and ending with the last frame of blank screen before the next image begins to appear.

Duration of fade-in - the number of seconds and frames starting with the first frame of a blank screen prior to the new image and ending with the last frame in which the new image is still darkened (i.e., it is not yet completely faded-in).

Duration of fade-out/fade-in - the number seconds and frames starting with the first frame in which the old image begins to darken (i.e., fade-out) and ending with the last frame in which the new image is still darkened (i.e., it is not yet completely faded-in). This includes the frames in which the image is completely blank.

Duration of unusual transitions - number of seconds and frames between (but NOT including) the last complete (i.e., normal) frame of the old image and the first complete (i.e., normal) frame of the new image.

NOTES:

• Code content before and/or after the 10-second interval if necessary.
• A transition requires a complete change in all of the contents of an image, either changes in the objects in the image or changes in their positions in the image. An exception to this is text that is superimposed over other content: even if the text doesn't change as long as everything else does it should be coded as a transition (for example, when credits are superimposed over a series of still shots at the end of a program). This exception does not apply to text that occurs in an image containing only text and graphics, or text that appears in a separate simultaneous picture in an image; in these cases all the text must change in some way to be considered a transition.
• A transition between segments actually can contain just one transition (segment 1 cuts to or dissolves to segment 2 -- in which case the duration of the intersegment interval is 0 frames) OR two transitions (segment 1 cuts or fades out to black, then black cuts or fades into segment 2, with the black frames being the intersegment interval). This is only between segments, so that any other transition (within a segment) can only contain one transition (shot 1 to shot 2); if shot 1 fades out to black and shot 2 fades in from the black all within a segment, that is a single transition we define as a "fade out/fade-in" in variable 22a.

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23. Transition between segments?
_____ [0] No
_____ [1] Yes

FULL QUESTION:
Is the transition between shots also a transition, or part of a transition, between segments ?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Transition - a complete change in an image; this may occur suddenly (as in a cut) or gradually (as in a dissolve). (Note that in some cases objects or entities in the image before the transition may also appear in the image after the transition; for the two images to be coded as a transition at least some of these objects or entities must be in different positions on the screen or be seen from different camera views.)

Segment - uninterrupted portion of one programming element (e.g., advertisement, promotional announcement, public service announcement, bumper, or program).

NOTES:

• The transition does not have to be between different segment GENRES, only between different segments (e.g., a transition from an ad to ad is a transition between segments).
• By defnition a transition that is a "fade-out/fade-in" is not a transition between segments.
• By definition a separate "fade-out" from one segment to an inter-segment interval or "fade-in" from an inter-segment interval to a new segment is part of a transition between segments.
• A transition requires a complete change in all of the contents of an image, either changes in the objects in the image or changes in their positions in the image. An exception to this is text that is superimposed over other content: even if the text doesn't change as long as everything else does it should be coded as a transition (for example, when credits are superimposed over a series of still shots at the end of a program). This exception does not apply to text that occurs in an image containing only text and graphics, or text that appears in a separate simultaneous picture in an image; in these cases all the text must change in some way to be considered a transition.
• A transition between segments actually can contain just one transition (segment 1 cuts to or dissolves to segment 2 -- in which case the duration of the intersegment interval is 0 frames) OR two transitions (segment 1 cuts or fades out to black, then black cuts or fades into segment 2, with the black frames being the intersegment interval). This is only between segments, so that any other transition (within a segment) can only contain one transition (shot 1 to shot 2); if shot 1 fades out to black and shot 2 fades in from the black all within a segment, that is a single transition we define as a "fade out/fade-in" in variable 22a.

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24. What follows the transition?
_____ [1] Same scene
_____ [2] Different scene
_____ [3] Blank screen

FULL QUESTION:
In the first transition following the timepoint frame, what type of image follows the transition?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Same scene - scene that occurs in the same immediate physical location (e.g., in the same room would count, but not in the same house) AND focuses on the same continuing action (e.g., a continuing conversation, an individual play in a football or baseball game, etc. that is in progress) as the previous scene. If any of the objects or entities in the image before the transition appear in the image after the transition the transition is most likely within the same scene (e.g., two people are seen speaking first from one camera angle, then from another, or one person in a conversation is seen in one shot and the other person in the conversation is seen in the next shot).

Different scene - scene that occurs in a different immediate physical location AND/OR focuses on different action from the previous scene (e.g., two people are seen speaking, then two other people somewhere else are seen eating; a transition between a live action image of a salesperson to an image of text or graphics in an infomercial).

Blank screen - an image that either contains no color or just one color (e.g., a program segment ends and a blank, black screen is visible before a commercial begins)

NOTES:

• Same scene means not only that the scenes before and after the transition occur in the same immediate physical location (e.g., the same room) AND focus on the same action (e.g., a conversation), but that the action is continuous through the transition. So a cut from a live shot of a football play to the instant replay is in the same physical location and focuses on the same action, but should be coded as a different scene.
• If ANY of the contents of the image before the transition show a different scene or combination of scenes than the scene or scenes in the image following the transition, what follows the transition is a DIFFERENT scene.

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SEGMENT VARIABLES

From the last frame of the shot that precedes the transition that was just coded, move the tape back to the first frame of the segment IN PROGRESS (remember that two segments in the same GENRE [e.g., two commercials] still are different segments; move the tape back to the beginning of the SEGMENT in progress, not the segment GENRE in progress).

Reset the timer to zero.

Code this segment.

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25. Segment duration?
__ __ minutes __ __ seconds

FULL QUESTION:
What is the exact duration of the segment?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Segment - uninterrupted portion of one programming element (e.g., advertisement, promotional announcement, public service announcement, bumper, or program).

Duration of segment - number of minutes and seconds between (and including) the first frame of the segment and the last frame of the segment

Examples would be the amount of time between the beginning of a program and the first commercial break, the amount of time a commercial lasts, the amount of time a network promo for a new show lasts, etc.

NOTES:

• Do not code technical errors that briefly disrupt programming as the beginning/end of segments.
• Do not code the time between program and commercial or other times the screen is black as segments (they represent inter-segment intervals).
• Distinct portions of a segment that are nevertheless part of the segment should not be coded as a separate segment. This includes, for example, a miscellaneous program-related element, the end of a commercial in which information for ordering a product is shown, or a presentation at the end of segment of news describing what is "coming up next.
• If text within a graphic changes, the graphic by definition has changed (which means it’s duration has ended).
• A program and a program bumper are separate SEGMENTS. There can be an intersegment interval between a program and a bumper for that (or another) program.
• A promotional or other message about a program about to begin is part of the program as long as it does not mention any other program and there is not a program interruption (e.g., station id, etc.) between the message and what would normally be considered the beginning of the program.
• If the beginning or the end of the segment is cut off because the recording stopped when the tape ran out or because when the recording started the segment was already underway, just code the duration of as much of the segment as you can and note on the Coding Sheet that the tape cut off the duration (we’ll create a variable to record this for the rest of the coding).
• Don't count different parts of a program as different segments; the only possible types of segments are listed in the genre variable (variable 2). So, for example, when OJ trial coverage ends and a news update begins, there is just one segment ("CNN programming"), not two, because both of these would be coded the same way for the genre variable.

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INTER-SEGMENT INTERVAL VARIABLES

Move the tape to the first frame following the segment just coded that contains no vestige of the last image of that segment.

Reset the timer to zero.

Code the following inter-segment interval.

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26. Duration of inter-segment interval?
__ __ seconds __ __ frames

FULL QUESTION:
What is the exact duration of the inter-segment interval?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Inter-segment interval - seconds and frames between (but not including) the last frame in which the image contains any vestige of one segment and the first frame in which the image contains any vestige of the next segment; typically contains only a black screen.

Duration of inter-segment interval - the number of seconds and frames between (but NOT including) the last frame in which the image contains any vestige of one segment and the first frame in which the image contains any vestige of the next segment; typically contains only a black screen.

NOTES:

• If there is no frame between segments (i.e., the transition between segments is one cut), code the duration of the inter-segment interval as zero seconds, zero frames.
• A technical mistake that causes a very brief appearance of part of a segment (e.g., a commercial not scheduled to be shown) should be considered part of the interval between the two segments that are shown in their entirety.
• Note that frames during which there is no picture but there is sound SHOULD be coded as part of an inter-segment interval.
• A program and a program bumper are separate SEGMENTS. There can be an intersegment interval between a program and a bumper for that (or another) program.
• A promotional or other message about a program about to begin is part of the program as long as it does not mention any other program and there is not a program interruption (e.g., station id, etc.) between the message and what would normally be considered the beginning of the program.

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Move the tape to the first frame of the transition.

Reset the timer to zero.

[For 26b if the inter-segment interval is part of the transition coded in 22b use the information you entered in variable 22b to code the 26b.]

26b. Duration of transition that contains inter-segment interval?
__ __ seconds __ __ frames

FULL QUESTION:
What is the exact duration of the transition that contains the inter-segment interval?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
Transition - a complete change in an image; this may occur suddenly (as in a cut) or gradually (as in a dissolve). (Note that in some cases objects or entities in the image before the transition may also appear in the image after the transition; for the two images to be coded as a transition at least some of the objects or entities must be in different positions on the screen or be seen from different camera views.)

Duration of transition - number of seconds and frames between (but NOT including) the last complete frame of one shot and the first complete frame of another; see variable 32b for information on how to code the duration of specific types of transitions.

NOTES:

• You can reset the timer to zero to code this variable.
• A transition requires a complete change in all of the contents of an image, either changes in the objects in the image or changes in their positions in the image. An exception to this is text that is superimposed over other content: even if the text doesn't change as long as everything else does it should be coded as a transition (for example, when credits are superimposed over a series of still shots at the end of a program). This exception does not apply to text that occurs in an image containing only text and graphics, or text that appears in a separate simultaneous picture in an image; in these cases all the text must change in some way to be considered a transition.
• A transition between segments actually can contain just one transition (segment 1 cuts to or dissolves to segment 2 -- in which case the duration of the intersegment interval is 0 frames) OR two transitions (segment 1 cuts or fades out to black, then black cuts or fades into segment 2, with the black frames being the intersegment interval). This is only between segments, so that any other transition (within a segment) can only contain one transition (shot 1 to shot 2); if shot 1 fades out to black and shot 2 fades in from the black all within a segment, that is a single transition we define as a "fade out/fade-in" in variable 22a.

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27. Genre of segment that follows inter-segment interval?

Comedy
_____ [01] Situation comedy (Title:___________________________________________)
_____ [02] Other (Describe/Title:____________________________________________)

Drama
_____ [03] Medical drama (Title:_____________________________________________)
_____ [04] Crime/legal/mystery drama (Title:____________________________________)
_____ [05] Science fiction/fantasy/horror (Title:__________________________________)
_____ [06] Other (Describe/Title:____________________________________________)

Serial
_____ [07] Daytime soap opera (Title:__________________________________________)
_____ [08] Prime time soap opera (Title:________________________________________)

Movie
_____ [09] TV movie (Title:_________________________________________________)
_____ [10] Theatrical film (Title:______________________________________________)

Informational/educational
_____ [11] Local news (Title:________________________________________________)
_____ [12] National/international news (Title:____________________________________)
_____ [13] Documentary (Title:______________________________________________)
_____ [14] Magazine (Title:_________________________________________________)
_____ [15] Reality program (Title:____________________________________________)
_____ [16] Instructional program (adults) (Title:__________________________________)
_____ [17] Other (Describe/Title:_____________________________________________)

Talk
_____ [18] Celebrity talk (Title:_____________________________________________)
_____ [19] Political talk/commentary/interview (Title:_____________________________)
_____ [20] Theme/topic show (Title:_________________________________________)

Promotional
_____ [21] Infomercial (Product:____________________________________________)
_____ [30] Program/channel promo spot (Product:_______________________________)
_____ [31] Program bumper (Product:________________________________________)
_____ [32] Commercial (Product:____________________________________________)
_____ [33] Public service announcement (Product:________________________________)
_____ [34] Station identification (Product:______________________________________)
_____ [35] Other (Product:_________________________________________________)

Miscellaneous
_____ [22] Live action children's educational program
(Title:____________________________________________________)
_____ [23] Animated children's educational program
(Title:____________________________________________________)
_____ [24] Live action NONeducational children's program (Title:_____________________________________________________)
_____ [25] Animated NONeducational children's program
(Title:_____________________________________________________)
_____ [26] Game show (Title:_______________________________________________)
_____ [27] Sports event (Title:______________________________________________)
_____ [28] Music video program (Title:________________________________________)
_____ [29] Other (Describe/title:_____________________________________________)

FULL QUESTION:
What is the genre of the segment that immediately FOLLOWS the inter-segment interval just coded?

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:
See definitions for variable 2.

NOTES:

• The segment coded in this variable occurs following a transition between segments that is either very short and contains at least one blank (usually black) image or is a cut between segments.
• The genre of the segment that follows the inter-segment interval can be the same as the genre of the segment that precedes it.

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CODER:__________________ TAPE#: ___ ___ ___ ___ TIMEPOINT #: _________ [1-8]

Was there an unusual camera view during the 10 second interval? IF YES, DESCRIBE:

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

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Unusual relationship between form and content? IF YES, DESCRIBE:

__________________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________

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END