TV Script: Doctor Who
The mode of address used in this script is often peer to peer, this is largely as a result of the scenes featured. Many scenes involve two characters conversing in informal situations resulting in it being seen to be restricted. The use of both restricted code and a peer to peer mode of address allow for the tone of the piece to be set as informal and light hearted, subsequently this appeals to the audience as it is relatable whilst also allowing the script to have comedic undertones making the piece more entertaining.
Similarly, in the film script for 'Empire Strikes Back' a peer to peer mode of address is used to again portray to informal tone of the film and characters relationships with one another, this can be seen in the line "Han ... Han ol' buddy, do you read me?". This line uses restricted coding to emulate the traits of a friendship with the use of the colloquial term "ol'" reinforcing this. However, unlike the example used in the Tv script, this script also occasionally features on screen text to support the narrative and give context to the film. This introductory text can be seen at the start of the script and as a result of it informing the viewer it is seen to follow the teacher to pupil mode of address with formal tones and elaborate coding being present. This mixture of both elaborate and restricted coding results in this piece appealing to a large target audience with older ages likely appealing more to the elaborate coding and underlying comedic tones, whilst younger audiences build a better rapport with the characters due to the restricted coding and informalities of the peer to peer mode of address combined with the action packed and energetic scenes, mainly due to the language being recognisable and familiar whilst the action sci-fi scenes provide a form of escapism and entertainment alongside.
Within the radio script for 'Welcome to our village, please invade carefully' it consistently follows the form of a peer to peer mode of address. This style is largely as a result of the genre, the radio script is for a comedy therefore would be restricted if it were to use a more formal tone and elaborate coding. Therefore restricted coding and a peer to peer mode of address is used as this is relatable for the audience and better suits the genre of the piece as it allows for chatty comedic comments and chat.
Language and angle of script...
Format and Layout
Within scripts it is common for them to follow a certain set of conventions, all scripts tend to be written in the font 'Courier' with a size of 12. This is used as originally play scripts were produced on typewriters and the font courier emulates this, whilst the size 12 allow it to be easily read. However, within certain scripts such as game and software scripts these conventions are less prevalent due to them being less traditional and more modern forms of script writing.
Screen plays; including tv, radio and film, follow a standard form. For example when new characters are introduced it is common for there to be a short description of said character, this often involves things such as the age, race, background, class etc. This segment of information is purely for the production crew and is not seen by the audience, it is used by those casting actors and the actors themselves so they know how to portray the character in accordance with the directors and writers intentions. Scripts involving information on camera work and editing are known as shooting scripts, these are used by the whole wider crew involving directors, DOP, actors, camera and sound operators.
In addition to this, screen play scripts follow a set form to allow for easy reading, functionality and familiarity. For example presenters/ characters sections will be justified to the centre. All the dialogue is placed in the centre as it is easily distinguishable by the actors meaning they can focus solely on there part quickly without having to read through the other information displayed for the crew. Furthermore, the name of the character is placed at the top of the dialogue in caps and usually bold, again making it easier to see. Other key information is also featured in scripts for example the locations of the shoots or when the scene is taking place is consistently featured. This is represented by either INT./EXT. to show whether the shot is interior or exterior, this is them followed by the location and finally followed by the time of day, justified to the left. These three key pieces of information are used by crew such a set designers, directors, and the DOP, allowing them to plan ahead for lighting conditions, accessibility issues and risks etc. Not only are the location information important for audio visual products, it is also key for radio dramas, as they have to create ambient sound to make the piece sound authentic and realistic. Finally, justified to the right is the sound, camera work, and editing. This is used by a large variety of the crew throughout all stages of production.
Contrary to traditional scripts, game scripts also incorporate a flow chart. A flow chart has to be used as part of this style of script due to the variations. Within games users have the ability to choose options along the course of the game, resulting in different outcomes. Subsequently, in the planning stages all possible outcomes have to be mapped and scripted, this is easily achieved through the use of a flow chart. In addition to this, it is common for video games to feature a synopsis as part of the gameplay, these are used to give an overview and give context to the story and what the game entails to the user.
1: Conventions for tradition script. Font-Courier. Size-2
2: Screen plays (Tv/Film/Radio) Character descriptions - new characters introduced given a little information on who character is... age, race etc (purely for production crew reading script-casting, actors etc so they know how to portray character).
3: Actors, camera and sound operators, editors (shooting script- if involves camera work and editing info), director, DOP,
4: Why would a computer game script also include a flow chart? With most games theres more than one option a player can take.
5: How will presenters/characters sections be set out? Give descriptions, characters sections 'justified to the centre, all dialogue to the centre.' easier to see. name of character at the top of dialogue always in capitals, again easier to see.
6: Video games will feature a synopsis as part of the gameplay, why? give overview
7: What types of scripts give stage or location directions. All scripts that have visuals. Eg. INT STUDIO 3. DAYTIME - int/ext, location, time of day - important for set designer, producers, dop. However, also important to radio drama as they have to create ambient sound to make it realistic. Location info usually on left to right.
8: How are sound effects presented. Camera work, editing, sound justified to the right.
9: for style
Three Act Script:
Within most scripts built on narrative, they are seen to follow a three act script. This often involves three parts, a beginning, middle and end, most commonly in the form or equilibrium, disequilibrium followed by a resolution. This closely follows Todarov's theory on narrative structure. In 1977 he theorised all Hollywood scripts are based on a five point structure being equilibrium, disequilibrium, recognition of disequilibrium, resolution, new equilibrium. Modern scripts built on narrative now follow a simplified form of this, ranging from tv dramas, to radio, to films. Despite this all scripts do not have to follow this form, in some cases it is not followed to create a more interesting plot and attract wider audiences, although this is commonly still in three stages just not necessarily linear. This style of script also better allows for the opportunity of sequels. Another reason in which the narrative doesn't have to be resolved is that it allows for the audience to assume there own ending therefore better involving them in the piece or alternatively there may be no resolution possible for example if the film or piece was to end on a negative scene or event.
Link to to Todarov 1977 - talks about narrative structures, all Hollywood scripts are based on five point structure first being equilibrium, disequilibrium, recognition of disequilibrium, resolution, new equilibrium.
what scripts use TAS? Tv drama, radio dramas, films, video games - all narrative
doesn't have to follow beginning middle end, could be more interesting, attract wider audience, but would still be in three stages just not necessarily linear. opuerutnity for sequels
Style:
Within scripts they tend to follow one of five styles. The first being single stranded, this involves the piece being orientated around one central character, this style is most common in video games but is also prevalent in other forms of media such as films. However, within films and TV/radio dramas it is common for them to follow the style in a multi-stranded way. This involves more than one central character being followed through the piece, on such example of this would be the X-men which follows several characters within the group rather than a single character such as the character of James Bond in the 007 series.
In addition to being either single or multi - stranded, scripts also follow either a linear or non linear style. Commonly, video games and dramas (involving both radio and tv)/ screenplays follow a linear style, this involves the narrative being told in order of events. This is clear for there audience to interpret and understand the narrative and makes for easier light hearted viewing. Alternatively, scripts can follow a non-linear style, contrary to linear this involves the events not being told in order in which they happen. This could be used for several reasons, some directors choose this as a stylistic choice and conveys a sense of confusion and unpredictability, to some multi stranded narratives following this style as it varies from character to character. Unlike the precious scripts mentioned radio scripts follow a running order. The content of radio shows including the stories and features will be told usually in a linear format following the the convention of describing; who, what, where, why and when.
Type:
Additionally, scripts are also classified by two types, fiction and non fiction. Fiction texts follow narratives that are not real. Contrary to this, fiction scripts follow real life factual elements.
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