...the realism of the show. In other words it gives the show a certain context or credibility while emphasizing the importance of setting. These moments also act as little breaks within the dialogue and viewers may find themselves "zoning out" at these times. The lighting and camera shots also work to follow the conventions of the sitcom. For example, the lighting is always quite bright and the camera shots do not switch too often. Basically, these technical signs are embedded in the sitcom form and do not challenge the viewer to look at anything from a different perspective. In this case the audience is very much used to these conventions and hence have less of an incentive to actually "read" or think critically about them.

A familiar shot of the apartment building where Monica, Chandler, and Joey live. It works to situate the viewer.

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By: Lisa Alfano