“Norwich has become home to a new online drama Tempting Fates; a black comedy made by students, for students featuring students. The comic drama is a modern take on the Greek myth of the three fates who control the universe by spinning, measuring and cutting the threads of life. The overall plot of the programme is pretty entertaining; mocking reality TV show X Factor, it begins with the three apprentices being chosen by a public vote. The three girls are then sent to earth to prove themselves and learn the skills in order to take over from the retiring fates. In each episode they receive a mission, reminiscent of The Apprentice, which they have to decipher and solve with the help of their contact on earth; a university researcher.
The mismatch of styles: reality TV, drama and comedy come together cleverly in this original piece of programming. There is one major downfall; the whole thing is shot using handheld cameras, one for each girl. While this is a potentially good idea, and reflects the reality TV style, it doesn’t completely work and the number of ‘facebook profile picture’ style shots are slightly cringe worthy. At times the style seems fitting, for example when the camera’s are used to create video diaries, but in most cases the characters are all too aware that they are being filmed, and even when it is obvious that they should be talking to the other people in the scene, they seem to direct all their attention and eye contact to the camera. This gets too much when the girl behind the camera frequently turns it onto her own face to speak the line that is clearly directed to another character, not to the supposed audience. So although the idea was good, the way it is carried out has some fatal flaws.
However, that said the characters are likeable enough, and occasionally it is even quite funny. Also for an amateur piece the special effects are very impressive and seem almost professional. The programme does have potential and it is exciting to see something filmed in and around Norwich and with such student involvement of those from our very own UEA. So even if on those grounds alone, it is definitely worth a watch.
Written by Helen Jones, Concrete Newspaper, University of East Anglia
