- Camera: A variety of close ups used to connect a younger audience with the characters with their own lives- e.g. role models, peers, themselves. This is widely used within children's TV drama. Furthermore, the camera slightly moves from side to side in a 'hypnotic' way relating to narrative and genre of the text. The Demon Headmaster is shown first- importance and then the children's reactions to him- fear. This is effective as a younger audience knows what to expect. The opening ends with a close up of an eye, this would again strongly re-enforce narrative.
- Editing: Fast paced, to keep attention for a period of time. This could link to age group. Again widely used within children's TV drama. Wipes are used to again re-enforce genre and narrative- hypnosis.
- Mise-en-scene: The characters are dressed within typical attire expected within 'headmaster' and 'pupil'. The use of the characters facial expressions also re-enforce the sense of character, this is also a theme typically used within children's TV drama.
-Sound: Again, it re-enforces the narrative- the music pulls together camera, editing and mise-en-scene. This would educate a younger audience of the expected story line.
-1st January 2007, Russel T Davies- created as a spin off from Doctor Who
Camera:begins with a long shot on the environment, a long shot on protagonists- dad and daughter, a low angle on the young daughter- vunerablilty then a mid shot is used of Sarah Jane to introduce the target audience to character and make a connection.
Editing: Begins at a fairly show pace and quickens with action- typical of the Drama genre. In addition, a sound bridge is used of the young girl speaking of her new life with her father- shows importance of what she is saying and character.
Sound: Is similar to the Doctor Who series so that the target audience can more easily connect with the directors ideologies- sci-fi.
Mise en scene: The setting is a suburban area of the UK, hinting at the characters wealth and social status. Coloring's within outfits are typical of male/female gender- this could relate to the BBC- as they have to cater to a wide audience. Furthermore, items on screen also relate to the sci-fi genre e.g sonic screwdriver. After a clip is used a CGI title sequence is presented further supporting the audiences connection and relationship with Doctor Who.
To broaden my knowledge of children's TV drama and the way it works i have done some research into CBBC and CITV, this helped me think about who my target audience is going to be and how branding can be developed through children's television.
CBBC: - Target age group is 6-12 years old. - Was created on 9th September 1985, and the CBBC name became informal since 1990 alongside BBC's relaunch of branding. - Has a sister brand CBeebies, aimed at children under 6.
CITV: - Has a more mixed range of genre and age ranges- pre school age and older.
Doctor Who- References from 'Teaching TV Drama' By Jeremy Points
An example of a children's TV drama is Doctor Who , 'the drama was targeted at a Saturday family entertainment audience- the drama originally developed by Sidney Newman in 1963 as an educational programme where issues could be raised through the doctors time travelling has always been closely associated with the BBC's public service brief.' This informs me that through children's TV drama issues can be highlighted. Furthermore, within characters there is a 'polarisation of heroic and evil' this would in effect educate young children within right and wrong- therefore aiding their development. In addition, narratives within Doctor Who 'frighten and suprise you' and 'make you think' this fits in with further knowledge that children's TV drama is made to educated and entertain. 'Young adult fans are not taking in media student's terms- of the impact of narrative construction, representation and a postmodern viewing position, but their responses suggest how audiences subconsciously assimilate points of view.'
Camera: mainly mid-shots and long shots are used in order to present a full view of the protagonists life, and like Sabrina the Teenage Witch help the young audience connect and relate to the characters lives. However, some close-ups are used to connect on a personal level with character, this can also be seen with Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Editing:Is fast-paced, matching the on-screen action, both male and female characters are given more or less the same amount of on -screen time suggesting that there is no subservient gender. Also, by being shown together on screen the idea of 'family' is re-enforced.
Sound:Upbeat, again matches on screen action. This seems so far to be typical of the children's TV drama sub-genre.
Mise-en-scene:Represents 'family life' in a fairly stereotypical manner, for example fighting over the television, the dad washing the car and the mum working in the office etc. This fits in with widely accepted views of family life so that the audience can relate it to their own lives.
Saved By The Bell, Created by Sam Bobrick 1989
Mise-en-scene the graphics have a 'cartoon-like' quality, once again showing aspects of a young teenagers life for example ice cream, trainers. This is very much similar to other openings i have analysed, in addition characters are shown within the introduction- pictures. The 'Graphic' side could relate to the time period- 80's and is unique to other openings which i have seen. However other aspects, such as the aspects of life and the directors need to connect with the target audience.
As i have chosen to create a childrens tv drama opening, i have started my research into this particular sub-genre. In addition, i will search for texts related to childrens tv drama to aid me within my creation. As i am working individually there will be more chance for me to improve my technical skills and also show my individual creativity. On the other hand, there will be more pressure and i will have to find all research by myself, which may prove to be a challenge as 'childrens tv drama' is a new task.
Example opening:
Sabrina the Teenage Witch, created by Nell Scovell 1996
Mise En Scene: primarily colourfull and upbeat (fits in with the child-like genre) also re-enforces widely accepted ideologies e.g. femininity the character 'Sabrina' is dressed in typically female attire. In addition, aspects of a typical teenage life are shown on-screen- school/park/shopping. This would aid a younger audience connect with the character as it relates to either their own lives or perhaps and older female role model. Also, the semiotic use of a black cat at the end of the opening suggests a sense of 'magic' to the audience and links heavily to the title 'teeange witch'.
Editing: The editing within the opening is fast paced, therefore keeping a younger audience engaged and interested in the on-screen action. In addition, the editing fits in with the sense of 'magic' as Sabrina, the main protagonist is changing outfits rapidly, further re-enforcing a dramatic lifestyle.
Camera: The director has chosen to use mainly long/mid shots, to introduce a variety of locations, also keeping a younger audience engaged and connected with on-screen action.
Sound: Upbeat and positive, matches on screen action.
As my research continues i will be analysing openings to learn the codes and conventions of the sub genre- childrens tv drama.
In lesson today we discussed our options for year 13 coursework. Out of all the briefs, i have decided to choose either brief 6 which is a selection of materials relating to childrens TV drama- this is because i have knowledge of TV drama from year 12 and this would aid me in my development of coursework. The other idea that i may be choosing is brief 10 which consists of a short film (5 minutes), this is because of my past experiences of film making- a thriller opening, and i feel that the brief is extremely open to creativity and new concepts/ideas.
Furthermore, i am going to include a link to my final piece from last year so i can refer back to it in the future. Comparing my new coursework, developments and the transitions from working as a group of 4 to individually.
