Folklore of Entertainers: Rituals Taking Place at Television Drama Production Sites for Channel 3

Abstract

This research focuses on studying the rituals that appear on the set of Channel 3 television dramas. The objectives are: 1) To examine the rituals that occur on the set of Channel 3 television dramas, and 2) To explore the roles and functions of these rituals in relation to the television drama production process at Channel 3. This study emphasizes the rituals observed on the set of Channel 3 dramas because the station is known for its extensive information on rituals and folklore, and it has prominent drama producers between 2016 and 2023, based on an online news survey. The research also includes interviews about rituals with individuals involved in drama productions. The study utilizes symbolic ritual theory and the functional role theory of folklore to analyze the data. The findings reveal that rituals on the drama set can be categorized into three main phases: before filming, during filming, and after filming. Additionally, the research identifies three key roles that these rituals play on the set: 1) They help build confidence and morale for the crew and actors, 2) They promote unity among the crew and actors, and 3) They create a positive image for the work and the production team.