Coursework: Preliminary exercise 2023

1) Choose at least three TV dramas similar to your concept and watch at least one scene from each. Make bullet-point notes on everything you watch, commenting on camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.

Better call Saul

Breaking Bad

Utopia

In terms of camera works- Tracking shots, over the shoulder, medium, extreme, etc. close ups, long shots, establishing shots match on match.

Mise en scene - costume, uses a lot of suits and casual clothing to represent different jobs and positions of characters

Editing is slow when dialogue is present, for tension purposes and in action sequences, editing is fast paced.


2) Write a script for your TV drama scene. You'll find guidance for writing a script in the BBC Writers' Room (click on the Script Library to read real examples of professional TV scripts). Lay it out like a real script (see right) - it will add a level of professionalism to your production.

Link to script

3) Write a shot list containing EVERY shot you plan to film AND additional shots to create flexibility when editing. These additional shots are often close-ups, cutaways, alternative angles or similar. I advise using a simple table on Microsoft Word to set out your shot list - you can find an example here

Establishing shot - Shows setting

Long shot - Can be used to connote disconnect between characters

Extreme/medium close up- Shows tension or bring things to finer details

Over the shoulder shot- Allows for conversations to happen and used to reveal what a character is seeing.

Handheld shot- Allows for a more tension and more shaky and panic inducing feelings

Tracking shots - focuses more on a detail such as a face tracking shot.

4) Plan your mise-en-scene: what iconography are you including to ensure your audience understands the genre? Plan your cast, costume, make-up, props, lighting and setting. For this preliminary task, use just one location to keep it simple.

Weapons - Violence inducing items are shown in order to show conflicts

Costume - Depending on character, it will show their status and situation

Setting - Inside a house, casual setting


5) Plan a shooting schedule that will ensure everything is filmed by the deadline. Include when, where, who is required and what shots you will complete at each time/location.

During October Half term - Daytime

Setting Inside/Home

Requires 5 people.

Recording time around 3 hours

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