Introduction to TV Drama: Blog tasks
1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.
A television show with continuous plot with an intense tone and mood throughout the show
The avengers(1961-1969), The sweeney(1975-1978), The A team(1983-1987), Dallas(1978-1991), Knots landing(1979-1993)
3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV drama to fit each category.
Crime(prison break), medical(casualty), Period(mad men), science fiction(The walking dead), family(Dallas), teen(Gossip girl)
4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?
It establishes the context, the setting can also reflect the characters emotions and feeling and it can allow audiences to connect with the characters and what they are going through
5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)
They use characters to create emotional connections with audiences and create the narrative, audiences usually connect with specific characters due to how they act or there traits. This links to uses and gratifications as audiences seek specific gratifications from the media.
6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.
A story with multiple interconnected storylines that unfold with a single narrative. One example is game of thrones
7) What is a cold opening?
When a show starts with a scene before the credits
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
As a show can reach a state of equilibrium, then disrupted by something and then reach a state of new equilibrium
9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?
A structured format with character development and a plot progression. They are typically distributed on Tv at specific times so it is appropriate for the target audience.
10) How have subscription channels (such as HBO) and streaming services (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) changed the form and content of TV dramas?
These channels have given more freedom with the content and they have shifted to more higher quality production and storytelling
11) Choose a TV drama and do your own analysis of it using the SETTING / CHARACTERS / NARRATIVE / FORM headings as featured on page 3 of the factsheet.
Blinded by the light
Setting: Set in 1980s Luton where the cultural tensions for a British Pakistani teenager were high also having conflict with his identity and his father
Character: Javed is a teenager who is inspired by Bruce Springsteen which helps him express his feelings.Other characters are his family who represent traditional values and his friends who encourage him to follow his dreams
Narrative: a coming of age show where the narrative follows javeds life as he discovers his life for music leading him to confront his family and social norms
Form and language: The film blends music and drama with Bruce springsteens song to create emotional depth, creating a heartfelt and relatable story.
Form and language: The film blends music and drama with Bruce springsteens song to create emotional depth, creating a heartfelt and relatable story.
12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future?
Increase in better technology will create higher production shows and a more interactive storytelling
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