Drama shows - contextual studies

In our last theory lessons before the half-term, we learned about drama shows and how to judge the quality of a TV Show.

Plot = The story
Narrative - How the story is told

Quality indicators:

  • Budget lavishness
  • Skills of makers/performers
  • Prestige
  • Originality
  • Cinematography
  • Seriousness (is it a serious programme or one made for fun?)


Quality of drama = Writing quality

  • Criteria of quality TV similar to that of quality literature
  • The writer becomes a brand - used to market shows
  • Writers - "Originators of programmes"

How to judge quality:

  • Public service function
  • Aesthetic = (Visual or structural?)
  • Avant-Garde or experimental?
  • Exploits the apparent fundamental properties  of the TV medium
  • Professional experience of makers
  • Contribution to definitions of national culture or a perceived heritage of excellence?
Costume dramas:
  • Literary sources
  • Costumes, elaborate historical mise-en-scene and location shots
  • Big budgets = 'lavish productions'
  • Realism and historical accuracy
Popularity:
  • Audience figures/ratings
  • Audience share
  • Demographic reach

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