The Structure of Modern Family

The structure of each episode of Modern Family follows an A, B, C storyline. The A storyline is the most “important” or most focused on in the episode. In last weeks episode the A storyline was the selling of the house that Claire and Cam flipped. They were having trouble finding buyers that were interested in their house. The B story was of Phil and his competitor Gil. Gil convinced Phil he had a buyer, while Phil wanted to find a buy on his own. Storyline C is of Gloria and her ex-husband Javier. Javier takes Manny out of the day and introduces him to his new girlfriend.

I have noticed that most episodes of Modern Family have an A,B,C storyline. There are an average of about 20 scenes per episode. The show is only thirty minutes long so each scene sometimes only lasts about 25 seconds. There are also two or three “talking heads” in each episode. They count as a scene since they are always relevant to the A,B, and C story lines. I have noticed that this pattern has worked really well with the episodes in Modern Family. Having more scenes that last for a shorter period of time allows viewers to not feel like they have to pay attention to every detail. The story lines are also incredibly easy to follow since they focus on daily activities and make them into a larger deal. The show very easy to relate to and has had much success with this structure strategy.

After blogging about Modern Family for the semester, I decided to write a script for the show. I am using the same script structure and tried to find ways to make the show easy to follow as well as funny for “viewers”. I am excited for the turnout and I think blogging about the show this semester has helped me understand the characters even more!

The Syndication of Modern Family

Recently ABC announced that the syndication rights to Modern Family have been to USA and ten other Fox affiliates. The premieres will take place in Fall of 2013. Was this a good idea? I think yes! Modern Family is wrapping up its 4th season and has been generating approximately 2.3million dollars per episode. Other networks are realizing that it will definitely do well beyond ABC and should continue to thrive through in the TV even if it is not only aired on ABC on Wednesday evenings.

Viewers are already anxious to find out if Modern Family will be returning for a 5th season. It has not been announced, however, I am sure it is in the works since it has had such high ratings and won so many awards. Also Modern Family was considered to be in the 10th highest revenue generated programs of 2012, so I am sure making another season will not make them lose any money.

The syndication of the show is going to also help promote the actors. For those who do not watch Modern Family or are not familiar with the show will probably start to pay more attention to it once it is on USA or any fox affiliate stations. The viewer audience for USA is probably younger than ABC which may promote more younger viewers to tune in.

What is the future of season 5? Hailey has already gone to college… and come back. Luke is approaching High School, and Alex is approaching graduation. Cam and Mitchell may having given up on adopting a new child, however still working on making Lily their perfect daughter. As for Jay and Gloria, they have plenty of troubles of their own with a new child in the picture. However, Modern Family is known for surprises and taking turns that viewers would not expect. I hope it airs on ABC and is as much of a success as it has been in the past. Will you be tuning in??

The Internet and Social Media of Modern Family

Modern Family has done a great job about staying in the know with social media. Facebook is Modern Family’s biggest ally. It is the perfect way for fans to “like” the page and get in the know with everything Modern Family updates its viewers with.
The Facebook page shares links to view the most recent episodes as well as options to access the twitter page or website of ABC. Viewers that like the page can post and write about what they are thinking about last weeks episode or suggestions for the upcoming week. The Modern Family Facebook page also likes other pages. The pages they like are all ABC network shows. This invites viewers to like other shows that happen to be on the same network. It promotes viewership of other shows and helps keep the ABC network a happy family.

Within the Facebook page there is an option to read about Phil’s-osophy. The Phil’s-osophy link opens as a virtual book. Viewers can “flip” through the book and read some of Phil’s most memorable quotes.  Although it is only about twelve pages of Phil’s nonsense, viewers can connect and remember the previous episodes humor. At the end of the book, it informs viewers to keep checking in for more updates on new Phil’s-osophy quotes.

The Twitter page is also a great way for Modern Family to inform it’s followers about upcoming episodes or what followers missed in the previous episode. There are links to pictures and also links to the ABC website which tie Modern Family and ABC together. In general Modern Family has done a great job networking and promoting their program though Social Networks.

The Set of “Modern Family”

The set of “Modern Family” is one of the main qualities that makes the show so unique. The three families live in different houses. Each has its own personality with unique architecture that matches with the characters who reside in the homes.

The Dunphy house fits the typical American suburban home. It is located in a kid friendly neighborhood with Claire’s minivan parked in the driveway. The interior of their home screams family. Family photos are hung all up the entry staircase and a formal living room is located off to the left when you enter. Most of the interviews take place in the living, which is about the only activity the living room sees. The kitchen of their house is where most of the scenes take place. It has light colored wood with standard appliances. There is not particular wow factor to their home, but it feels very welcoming and warm.

Cam and Mitchell’s home appears like a fairytale home on the outside. Vines are growing up the side of the walls, and it is a cute house. Cam lives his life as though he is trapped in a fairytale, so it fits perfectly that this where the couple resides. Lily’s room is very elaborate compared to many other rooms in the house. It has a mural of Cam and Mitchell and has very princess style furniture. The family room is where most of the scenes are shot. It has a modern feel, but also is very well put together. While the Dunphy’s family room has a family feel, Cam and Mitchell’s main room has a much younger style.

Glory and Jay’s home is the most modern house of the bunch. It is luxurious, with nice furniture and a beautiful backyard. Their house almost matches Jay and Gloria’s relationship. Their marriage breaks the norm of an American family, which compares to the houses style. The Dunphy house is very inviting, while Gloria and Jay’s home has an entry gate blocking the view of the home. The gate fits well, since Jay is so reserved and private. It has the feel that nothing can be touched in the house or it will  break or mess up its placement. With the new baby, the feel is broken in the nursery with another mural similar to Lily’s room. Overall, the sets that “Modern Family” uses help make this sitcom stand out from the rest.

Disney’s Promotion

As many may know, ABC Television Group is owned by The Walt Disney Company. The purchase of the network back in 1996, was on of The Walt Disney Company’s wisest decisions. However, many people today do not realize that ABC Television Group is under the large Walt Disney Company umbrella. It makes perfect sense why they frequently show Disney classics on the ABC network as well as ABC Family. ABC Television Group is not the only company owned by Disney. The Walt Disney Company’s most recent purchase was Lucas Films. The Walt Disney Company is probably most known for their films, and of course, theme parks.

The theme parks attract millions of people each year to the explore the magic for themselves. Modern Family’s decision to have a family vacation to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA was one of the most genius ideas for promotion. This allowed for a funny episode as well as viewers exploration of the park.

The advertisement for their larger attractions was through Phil and Luke. They name dropped at least five attractions. However, Phil’s nausea created the illusion that the attractions appeared more intense than in actuality. Every possible type of food option at Disneyland was show. Turkey legs, cotton candy, ice cream, you name it. Each shot revealed a different land in the park as well. This showed the audience the diversity and beauty of each land. Finally merchandise was also used. Manny’s Mickey Mouse hat is an iconic piece of merchandise which was shown from the very beginning of the episode. Also, Jay was nice enough to buy Gloria a pair of slippers for her swollen feet. Overall the promotion of Disneyland Park was a success thanks to the cast of Modern Family.

Stuck in an Elevator?

This weekend Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet and Tyler Ferguson were stuck in a hotel elevator in Kansas City, Missouri. The Modern Family stars were taking a quick trip to Kansas City to visit Eric Stonestreet’s hometown. At the time of the “catastrophe”, the stars were in the elevator along with 9 other people at the Sheraton. One of the people being Eric’s mom. They were on their way to a fundraiser event for Boys and Girls Club for Greater Kansas City. They were supposed to make an appearance at 9pm, but were not released from the elevator until 10. Instead of making their time in the elevator a stressful and frustrating matter, the stars used their light hearted comedy to make time pass. Although this may have happened in real life, it is the perfect idea for an episode. Will the writers take this idea? Only one will know later on in the season.

If this were an actual scene in “Modern Family” the three characters would act completely different.  Julie Bowen, who plays Claire would be freaking out calling Phil and worrying that she was missing one of her children’s events. Cam, Eric Stonestreet, would have been sweating and having a panic attack while making his high screeches. Mitchell, Tyler Ferguson, is the most level headed and would be probably trying to calm down the other two characters. This concept has definite potential and would make the show even more unique since it happened in real life.

Who really is Jay Pritchett?

We all know Jay as the stubborn, head honcho of the complicated Pritchett family, but who is he as an actor? Ed O’Neill was actually the star of a similar family sitcom, Married…With Children. He played a very similar role, but the show focused more on the neighborhood lifestyle rather than a large extravagant family. The show aired from 1987-1997, making it the longest-lasting live action sitcom aired on the Fox Network. Ed O’Neill plays Al Bundy, a once high school football legend, who now works as a salesman in women’s shoes. He is married to Peggy, with a daughter and son. Each episode solves silly family problems, many like the episodes in Modern Family. 

Ed O’Neill was in numerous feature films however, his two most recognized roles have been in Modern Family and Married…With Children. It is no coincidence that his most successful roles have been in similar sitcoms. His strengths in acting really shine when he plays the dominant male lead who holds power over a family. Prior to O’Neill‘s launch to his career on Married…With Children, he played football for Ohio University and then the Pittsburgh Steelers. His path certainly took a turn when he switched to television, but it has made him known in the film industry over sports world. It is also interesting that his role as Al Bundy, he was a previous football star. His role in Married…With Children certainly reflects him as a person as well. Ed O’Neill has made his mark in television. Who knows what will be his next endeavor following Modern Family. 

The incredible writers and creators of Modern Family

Steven Levitan and LLoyd are the two big names in the Modern Family world. They are co-creaters and executive producers of the show, and have successfully created a show that has made it’s name in the TV world. The co-executive producer is Bill Wrubel who is also a show runner with Levitan and Lloyd. On many occasions they will work together and write episodes. Steven does a lot of writing as well as Wrubel. Lloyde has come up with the overall ideas for the episodes but has had other writers. The writing cast of Modern Family is very large. It includes Paul Corrigan, Joe Lawson, Levitan, Lloyd, Dan O’Shannon, Brad Walsh, Ilana Wernick, Wrubel, and Danny Zuker, Jerry Collins, Alex Hershlag, Abraham Higginbotham, Elaine Ko, and Jeffery Richman. Modern Family has been nominated for the 2013 Writers Guild Awards. Hopefully they win!

After the first season, the writing of the show was praised. However, like any other show the audience was not pleased with a few things. The biggest issue was the lack of public affection between Cam and Mitchell. The writers quickly fixed the situation by explaining Mitchell’s discomfort with public affection.

The style of writing is very unique. In each episode the three families face small problems that somehow appear larger than they are. The creators chose to use a mockumentary style of filming. Although the show could continue on without this tactic, it is a creative approach that has made the show so much funnier. It appears that the families are talking with a counselor or therapist when they discuss their problems. Modern Families’ writers deserve a lot of credit for making the show so relatable and funny for its audiences.

Happy Valentines Day From Cam

Missed last night’s episode? Check out “Heart Broken” on the link below to Abc.com

http://abc.go.com/watch/modern-family/SH559066/VD55274659/heart-broken

Phil’s-osophy

One of the best ideas the writer’s of Modern Family created was Phil’s-osophy. This beloved character has embarrassed himself in more ways that one can count, but his published book on his version of philosophy is icing on the cake. The writers created Phil’s-osophy by choosing common sayings and changing them into something that basically makes no sense. All the audience can really learn from Phil’s-osophy is to laugh and appreciate Phil’s quirkiness and creative endeavors.

One of my favorite Phil’s-osphy quotes is “When you love something, set it free. Unless it’s a tiger.” This saying is completely irrelevant to any situation and brings about much confusion to its actual meaning. Other “pieces of advise”, similar to this one, give off no meaning whatsoever. These sayings portray Phil’s personality: a “cool dad” who spins parenting into a game that lacks reason, but always brings the fun.

The popularity of this Phil’s-osophy has brought much success to the show. For example, fans are interested in purchasing copies of this genius treasure. Unfortunately, it is not for sale, partly because it does not exist. The first appearance of Phil’s-osophy was in Episode 2 of season 4. The idea was a success and new quotes from Phil’s-osophy have appeared in other episodes as well. This piece of work has created new ideas and perfect documentary style fill-in shots by Phil to keep Phil’s-osophy a continuos part of this season.