Summer Project: coursework planning

 1) Research: Science Fiction / Fantasy TV drama endings

Watch the following Science Fiction TV drama clips and write an NCIS analysis of each one.

Clip 1: Class Episode 4

You can now watch Class Episode 4 (Co-Owner of a Lonely Heart - our CSP episode) on BBC iPlayer here. Watch from 36.45 - end of episode.

Narrative: How is drama created? How is the story communicated to the audience? How is the storyline resolved? 

Character: How do the characters appeal to the audience? Can you apply Propp's character theory to any of the characters in this extract? Do the characters reinforce or subvert stereotypes?

Iconography: Study the mise-en-scene (CLAMPS). How does the mise-en-scene communicate the narrative and Science Fiction/Fantasy genres?

Setting: How does the setting fit the Science Fiction/Fantasy genre? What audience pleasures might the setting provide for the audience? Think about Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory e.g. personal identity.

Clip 2: The 100

https://youtu.be/1BKjvHoczrc

Narrative: The main focus is on a women who is most probably the main character she is shown getting very emotional . There are close ups on important moments of the key characters in the clip so far . The character the creators are focusing on looks very emotional and changes emotions quickly which would make the viewer question what is going on in the play .

Character: There is close-ups on the character which is building a relationship as the audience are seeing the actors emotions and getting to understand them more . The female with the most camera time is shown as the heroin as she looks like she is in distress , the women with makeup is looked as the hero as she is helping the other character . The characters subvert female stereotypes as women used to be represented as needing help but the bravest character is a female .

Iconography: Some of the characters are wearing unordinary costumes and also have makeup which seems to be a representation of a tribe or clan as the certain characters all have the same type of makeup .

Setting: Some of the characters weirdly disappear which is a hint of fiction part however some characters do seem to appear out of nowhere this fits the setting of a science fiction as the plot is unrealistic . Some people could have a personal relationship with the character that is shown at the beginning as she feels like she does not want to be alone and gets excited when around people .

Clip 3: Stranger Things

https://youtu.be/IsIGk23I1h4

Narrative: A monster which is displayed as threatening is slowly approaching the characters which brings caused them trepidation .The story is communicated to the audience by showing kids fearing a monster who seems to want something from the kids as he is approaching them . They throw rocks at him whilst shouting and panting then Eleven comes and finishes the monster after she says 'goodbye mike' .

Character: The characters are all frightened which makes the audience want them to be safe . Eleven could be classed as the hero as she kills the monster who is most likely the villain also the characters around the table could be the the princess as they need help . Eleven subverts stereotypes of the hero usually being a male as she is a female .

Iconography: There is lighting which is not usually seen on a nourmal event which could suggest that the story involves science also the monster is not wearing a nourmal costume which indicates that the clip is supposed to be representing sci-fi as the monster looks fiction but also terrifying .

Setting: At the end of the clip the monster vanishes which hints that the event is taking place in a fiction setting but also scientific as vanishing involves science as it is not common to vanish . Audience could have personal identity with the characters fear of monsters also they recognize the setting which is a kitchen .

2) TV drama planning 

Plan out the title and narrative for your new, original Science Fiction / Fantasy TV drama so you know how your ending scene will fit into the overall series.

Complete this TV drama pitch document with your NEW original idea for a Science Fiction / Fantasy TV drama aimed at teenagers and young adults.

3) Statement of Intent

On the same Summer Project blogpost, write the rough first draft of your genuine 300-word Statement of Intent for the two-minute sequence you plan to create. The final draft of this document will be submitted to the exam board alongside your Science Fiction TV drama extract and is worth 10 marks of the overall 60 marks available.

Guidance is provided by AQA in their NEA Student Booklet but we strongly recommend you also look at our Statement of Intent suggested content document too.


Summer project deadline: all tasks above due in the second lesson back in September.


Summer project: optional extensions

Pre-production tasks
Some students have already expressed an interest in filming their TV drama over the summer break. This makes a huge amount of sense - far more availability of actors, much more time to schedule filming etc. However, if you want to do this, you need to complete the following aspects of pre-production and make sure you have parental permission and that you are staying safe at all times:

Script
Write a script for your TV drama ending scene. You'll find guidance and professional examples of TV  drama scripts on the BBC Writers' Room website.

Shot list
Write a shot list containing EVERY shot you plan to film for your drama scene 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 for a student film shot list. It makes sense to write your shot list by scene or location rather than a huge list of every shot in the extract in chronological order. 

Mise-en-scene
What iconography or mise-en-scene are you including to ensure your audience understands the genre and narrative of your TV drama? Plan your cast, costume, make-up, props, lighting and setting. This can be simply completed using your blog or Microsoft Word - the key aspect is to have planned all the critical details. 

Shooting schedule 
Plan a shooting schedule for your filming over the summer. Include when, where, who is required and what shots you will complete at each time/location. Again, this can be on Word or Excel or you could simply use your blog. The most important thing is that you've planned it!

Non-assessed participants
You will need to provide a written record of all non-assessed participants in your production work. Keep a record of everyone involved - actors, camerawork, sound etc. You will also need a keep a record of any non-original sound you used and note it on the Candidate Record Form. Keep these on your blog for easy reference when submitting your work later this year.

Production: Filming 
Once you have completed your pre-production tasks, you can film as planned. If you are unable to film over the summer, we will have time to film this production in September.