Understanding scripts

1. LO1: UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTS

2. FILM: ‘MEAN GIRLS’
Style (what media is the script for, have they written it in a certain style?)
The script is descriptive and before ach character Is introduce to the scene, there is a detail note on them, what they
are wearing and what they look like. Film scripts are elongates and probably covered lot more subjects as there is
more available time to do so. The genre will be given and the one feature film will have to be very
Content (a brief synopsis of what the script is for)
The script for this film is to introduce us to the protagonist, Cady. The film revolves around her school and social life.
From the script we know her background. Her previous lifestyle of living in Africa is important to us as the audience
because it is implemented into the storyline later on. As a feature film, the script can afford to fully describe each
character. Especially as this film is focussed around a group of people whereby their personalities are a core part of
the story.
Narrative Structure (is it a traditional 3 act piece overcoming conflict or is it something more complex? What narrative theory can you
apply)
This film applies the Vladimir Propp narrative theory. The story is very character heavy, and the plot happened dues to
the decision that the character makes. For example, Cady is the hero, Regina, Gretchen and Karen are the villains, the
dispatchers, donors and the helpers are Damian and Janis. The fathers are Betsy and Chips, the parents of Cady and
the princess is Aaron.
Genre (what is the genre? What conventions have they included to make this clear? What genre theory can you apply?)
The genre is a teen-film/comedy. With conventions such as, cliques, friendships groups, gossiping, love interest,
conflict and developing characters. The genre theory is Rick Altman, the film borrows elements from genre such as,
drama and romance. Drama is through the conflict between Cady, Regina, Janis and Damian. Romance is between
Cady and Aaron, Regina and Aaron.
Target Audience (who would you say is the TA for this and why?)

3. TV: MODERN FAMILY
Style (what media is the script for, have they written it in a certain style?)
For a TV Series, the script would be very quick and informative. It would have to include elements that help the series progress. As well as introducing
characters and their relationships with each other, therefor allowing the audience to easily establish this information.
In terms of the Modern Family script it is quite complex. This is because there are three separate family situations that the script switches between
scenes. There is also characters interviews, whereby the sit in front of the camera and elaborate on the pervious scene. As well as the script notations
of when the characters look at the camera.
Content (a brief synopsis of what the script is for)
This script is the pilot for the first season. It introduces all family members through different scenes. For example they start with the first family, the
Dunphy’s, this is by fading in on their home and their current state. However we don’t get to fully understand their family relationships until the end
of the episode. When they all arrive at the same house we are then able to identify, through the script, how everyone is related.
Narrative Structure (is it a traditional 3 act piece overcoming conflict or is it something more complex? What narrative theory can you apply?)
It is a 3 piece act which focuses on Branigan’s theory. For example, when we are introduced to all the characters, their current situation is very regular.
Then certain issues start to arise; Manny wanting to ask a girl out, Haley bringing a boy over, and Mitch and Cam, thinking that their new baby isn’t
settled. However is also has elements of Vladimir Propp’s narrative theory. This is through the characters. For example, in the Pritchett – Delgado
family, Jay might come across as the villain, Mitch and Manny, the hero, Haley, the princess, Phil, the false hero and Claire and Gloria, the donor.
Another theory that applies to this series is episodic, from Alan Cameron’s theory. This is established through each family dealing with their own
problems, therefor sharing a similar theme. Also from the same theory, we have spilt scenes, this is shown through the changing in between families.
Genre (what is the genre? What conventions have they included to make this clear? What genre theory can you apply?)
It’s a comedy, by-which the conventions are very light-hearted, humorous, and naturalistic. The humour is portrayed by the characters. For example,
Phil tries to be funny, therefor making himself comedic, alongside Cam, Gloria, Manny and Luke who are very over dramatic and enthusiastic . Then
there are characters that don't appear to be funny but need to play of the others; Claire, Mitch, Jay, Haley and Alex. Buckingham is the genre theory,
this is because, although the episode content may change, the genre will always be comedy.
Target Audience (who would you say is the TA for this and why?)
The target audience is a very extensive. The topic’s that they cover may or may not be relatable, but the family dynamics are entertaining to most
audience members. In terms of the comedy, it can range from very goofy and obviously comedic to subtle and indirect humour, which is equally as
amusing. From this, the audience can range from 8 plus. There is very little swearing or unsuitable scenes, the TV series ranged from PG to a 12, some
episodes are classed as a U.

4. RADIO: ‘FAR SIDE OF THE MOORE’
Style (what media is the script for, have they written it in a certain style?)
The script is not as descriptive, this is because we don’t have to visualise the characters nor the location. We are told the basics about each
character. For example, their age, and their relationships/occupation. This is helpful to understand the reason why these people are
involved in the piece. It’s not until the characters start talking that we can begin to envision who they are and what they look like. There is
also a different format as the characters names are to the side of the script, rather than being above.
Content (a brief synopsis of what the script is for)
The radio script is for sound effects, stage directions and there is a lot more detail to the script whereby the actors need to understand
how the script is be performed. For example, shouting, or whispering. It does not include lighting ques or visual effects and it doesn’t
require a shooting script.
Narrative Structure (is it a traditional 3 act piece overcoming conflict or is it something more complex? What narrative theory can you apply?)
The narrative theory that is applied is Tzvetan Todorov, this is because very early on, we are told that the disruption of equilibrium. The
equilibrium being Patrick Moore presenting a radio show about astronomy as well as releasing a book. The disruption is the bad review
from his new book ‘Suns, Myths and Man’, whereby he recognises it through reading it in a newspaper. The ‘attempt to repair damage’
comes from a phone call that is complementary towards the book, followed by a new opportunity. This opportunity is the ‘new
equilibrium’, whereby Moore is presenting on television.
Genre (what is the genre? What conventions have they included to make this clear? What genre theory can you apply?)
This is a drama radio series. However throughout the script there are some humorous lines. Therefor, the appropriate genre theory would
be Rick Altman. This theory is applied to the is piece because it is classed as a drama piece, but has elements of humour in the script. This
theory states that if the genre doesn't expand to other genre conventions that the audience might find it boring. As it is a radio drama, it
would be harder to apply a theory such as Tom Ryall iconographies, as that theory categorises conventions of genre for example, whereby
the setting, lighting, movement and music determines the genre.
Target Audience (who would you say is the TA for this and why?)
It was last played on BBC Radio Four April 2017, it was played at 2:15pm. This suggests that it would suitable for all ages. Therefore the
target audience being listeners of BBC Radio Four. However, 2:15pm is a time when most people will be working or at school, this
suggests that ,aybe the piece is aimed at older people, possibly those who are retired. It would have to be appropriate for all ages as it
broadcasted on national radio in the afternoon, therefore young listeners having high accessibility to the piece.

5. COMPUTER GAMING: GAME SCRIPT
Style (what media is the script for, have they written it in a certain style?)
The style of the script starts with an introduction the story, it was very elaborate and explains the current situations. However, it doesn't indicate
whether it’s describing the scenes visuals or if it’s a voice over of a character/narrator. We are then given the character profiles. The profiles consists of
their name, who they are, what their role is and their relationships with each other. They cover a lot of characters, as new people will be introduced as
the games progresses. There are then a list of locations where the games takes place. For example, ‘Subway Station’ and ‘Boatyard’. Next there is a
script. The script is laid-out in chapters, which would be similar to a scene, however the chapters progress when a mission has been completed. At the
end the writer as put in additional notes clarifying names and comments on credit as well.
Content (a brief synopsis of what the script is for)
The script is used for the gamer to understand the story. It is the script in between the tasks that the gamer undertakes. The script also explains the
background and situation. It can help the gamer to further understand the story as well as their missions.
Narrative Structure (is it a traditional 3 act piece overcoming conflict or is it something more complex? What narrative theory can you apply?)
The gaming script incorporates several narrative theories. To start, there is the introduction of characters where Vladimir Propp’s theory would apply.
For example, Max Payne is the hero. Roland Barthes theory also …. This is because action, referential and enigma are found in the script. Action is
through the situation that occurs in the game, referential is the information given to the player through the script of the characters and the enigma is
from the missions that the gamer has to complete.
Genre (what is the genre? What conventions have they included to make this clear? What genre theory can you apply?)
The genre is action. The game is about completing missions that consist of a range of actions and dynamics. It is also has features of science-fiction as
the game is revolved around a drug that transforms people, programming them to destroy. There is also romance between two main characters. The
genre theory that relates to this script is Tom Ryall’s theory of representations of stereotypes and ideologies. Representation of stereotypes comes
from Max Payne’s character, a strong, brave man, who is a very skilled agent. Ideologies are from ‘the drug’, Valkyr. This drug brainwashes citizen.
Target Audience (who would you say is the TA for this and why?)
The target audience is probably people aged 15 plus. It contains violence and weaponry and the gamer will have to kill/hurt other characters. The
target audience would need to be as old as 15 as younger viewers may be more influenced and encouraged by the content that they are playing. This
may lead to players behaving aggressively or violently.