When analysing the pilot script for the BBC Comedy, Motherland, there are several aspects of scriptwriting that I found interesting. One of which is the opening few lines of the script. When writing my own scripts, I knew that it is important to include a brief description, outlining the plot, characters and setting, however, this script has given me an insight into how much description to include. It is important to include enough descriptions to portray the scene you are trying to create, however, only include the information that is necessary to be portrayed in this moment. For example, it will not prove useful to include a few lines of description that is actually highlighted more at a further point in the script. Another thing that I noticed about the first few lines of this script, is that key words are highlighted in all capitals to emphasise its importance to the actors and the director. For example, in this script, the line, ‘Suddenly a car ROARS around the corner, destroying the peace completely’, the word ‘Roar’ is emphasised to highlight that this moment must be emphasised to further the storytelling and help the plot progress. From reading the first page of this script, it is obvious that the plot follows a group of stressed and unorganised parents, trying to control their busy lives. There is an equal balance of dialogue and actions, which allow for the storyline to develop smoothly. When each character is introduced, a brief description is included, explaining each of their traits and appearances. For example, Julia is described as ‘early-40’s, stylishly dressed, and desperately brushing her morning hair with a tangle teaser’. This immediately gives a brief understanding of Julia’s appearance, allowing the viewer to predict and understand her personality and the situation she is in. When reading this script, I now understand the equal importance of action descriptions, as well as dialogue, as it helps to enhance the narrative of the plot. A particular line of dialogue that stood out to me was this line, spoken by the only male parent, Kevin, ‘Great. Let me know your thoughts. You all have my phone number, don’t you? I did put that on my last email so everyone should have it. Did everyone get my last email? It had the subject line ‘URGENT’? Maybe—'. The short, snappy lines of dialogue that have been used here help to reflect the characters personality. He is often portrayed as being socially awkward and the way in which this line of dialogue is structed helps to enhance that trait. One element that I particularly like about this script is that every action is included, making the script feel more realistic and imaginable to read. I will intend to use this technique when writing my own scripts in the future.
Death In Paradise : DIP6 Episode 5 YELLOW SHOOTING SCRIPT 22.07.16.fdx (bbc.co.uk)
When analysing a script from series six of the BBC Murder Drama, Death In Paradise, there are several aspects of script writing that I found particularly interesting. One aspect about the script that stood out to me was the contrast between the dialogue and the action. Unlike the Motherland script, there is not an equal balance of each in this script. However, there is more lines of action, in comparison to dialogue. This is understandable for multiple different reasons, one being that the genre of this script is Drama, whereas the other one was Comedy. Also, in this script, the programme relies heavily on action to move the plot forward. An interesting aspect of this script is that each script in this series follows a different plot line, therefore, each episode, a new situation is introduced. In order to avoid confusion between the different plot lines, each episode begins with the new plot being introduced, for example, the murder, followed by the opening titles, and then allowing the rest of the episode to continue. By playing the opening titles in between the opening piece of action and the rest of the episode, it allows the viewer to clearly establish the main plot line of this particular episode, eliminating any attachment that they might have had to the previous episode. Another element of this script that compares to most other scripts is the lack of character description at the beginning of the script. In fact, in this particular script, only the setting and situation is introduced, with no information being revealed about the characters. I believe that this was a conscious decision due to the nature of the programme. Each program revolves around the viewer uncovering the true identities of the characters alongside the detectives, therefore, in most cases, it is important for their personalities and motives remain hidden at the beginning of the episode to prevent the ending from being predictable. A section of the script that I like is as follows;
"Florence dashes to Frank’s side - and takes his pulse.
FLORENCE
He’s dead...
Humphrey looks from Frank to Dominic, Martin and Steve... And
then to Jack. Both of them stunned.
CAPTION: “TO BE CONTINUED..."
By ending an episode with a ‘To Be Continued’ title, this keeps the viewer interested in the action and will encourage them to continue watching next time. This technique would be something that I would like to experiment using in the future. However, in order for this to work effectively, it is important to end the programme with a suitable cliff-hanger that will keep the viewer engaged.
Comments