TV Drama Research- Downton Abbey

1. TV Drama
Research
Downton Abbey (ITV)
Abi Bacon

2. Narrative/ Plot
 Downton Abbey is a historical period drama created by Julian
Fellowes and co-produced by Carnival Films and Masterpiece.
 The show is set within the Yorkshire country estate of Downton
Abbey and focuses upon the lives of the aristocratic, Crawley
family, as well as the domestic servants of the household
beneath them, based within the post Edwardian Era.
 Throughout the drama a range of issues, both trivial and national
are focused upon. Including a variety of historical events, such
as the sinking of the Titanic, the outbreak of World War One and
many other key events, covered chronologically as time
progresses.
 The show consists of 6 series, the 6th being that finalising of the
show.

3. Themes/Issues
 The themes within the piece contain a range of
historical events reflective of the posy-Edwardian time
period in which the show is set.
 Also the social differences between the aristocratic
Crawley protagonists and that of the domestic servants
and staff.
 Themes common throughout the show are in regards to
that of family affairs, bloodline, historical events (e.g. the
sinking of the titanic), financial affairs, social and class
division, as well as conforming (and sometimes going
against) the conventions of society, often linking to
themes of romance and issues of hierarchy. There are
also dark themes, such as family secrets and murder,
which link to ideas of rivalry and succession.
 This idea of darker themes such as that of murder and
secrets, creates a sense of enigma and adds to the
dramatized atmosphere that TV dramas aim to create,
as this has the effect of challenging the morel light-
hearted and seemingly perfect connotations that the life
of the wealthy are stereotypically thought to possess.
Therefore adding an edge to the show, as
representations, such as that of the controlled and
civilised manner, stereotypical to those of an upper
social class is challenged).

4. Characters
 The main cast consists of:
-The Crawley Family: Robert Crawley, the
Earl of Grantham, also his wife, Cora
Crawley, Countess of Grantham , their three
daughters: Lady Mary, Sybil and Edith
Crawley. As well as serving characters such
as the chauffeur, Tom Branson, Mr Carson,
the butler and Mrs Hugh's, the
housekeeper.
The narrative consists of a rather broad
cast and is effective in portraying the lives
of the many characters within the piece,
which although the main focus is upon the
affairs of the prestigious Crawley family, the
action of both the aristocratic and domestic
cast, have an effect of intertwining with
each other, often forming hierarchical
issues and social differences.

5. Mise en Scene
 In regards to the application of mise en scene within the piece this is effective in representing the
main themes within the piece: in particularly in regards to social class.
 For example the use of costumes within the piece has the effect of communicating to the audience
the social standing of each of the characters. For example the elegance and decadence of the
clothing of characters, such as that of Cora Crawley has the effect of connoting her high social status
within the show. This idea of decadence is reflective to the considerable wealth of the character as
the high quality of the costume, as well as the abundance of additional luxuries, such as that of
jewellery and make-up, is effective in also communicating the characters lifestyle to the audience.
This being one of great comfort and wealth, which can be connoted through both the often elegant
and formal posture of the character ( which has the effect of inciting a sense of authority, connotative
to their higher social standing in comparison to characters such as the housekeeper, Mrs Hugh's), as
well as suggesting the characters importance within the piece, in regards to the role that they play, as
well as their aristocratic status within society.

6. Mise en Scene
 This idea of connoting ones social status (this being a highly focused upon theme
ensuring the post-Edwardian time period in which this was set, as it was regarded as
a social expectancy that one remained and was clear of ones social standing within
society- therefore reflective of the overall historical period genre of the show) can
also be communicated through characters such as Daisy Mason. This is because
from the juxtaposition of the Countess of Grantham’s decadence to Daisy's rather
dull, plain and simple clothing, the differences between the social standing of such
characters is clearly communicated to the audience. For example, by wearing clothes
practice and conventional to that of work or servitude (which is portrayed thorough
that of the apron, and hair net) this connotes the lower status of this individual, as
unlike Cora’s clothing which holds the purpose of connoting her wealth and decadent
lifestyle. Daisy’s are made to suit her own, this being a life of practical work as she
serves as both a maid and helper within the kitchens of the estate.

7. Setting
 In regards to the setting of the piece, although this does feature within places other
than the Crawley Estate, for example that of the nearby villages and towns, if dealing
with specific outside issues within the show. However, throughout the show, the
leading setting is that of the Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey. Through the
use of such settings the social status and lifestyle of the leading characters is clearly
communicated to the audience. For example, from the highly historic forms of the
building, for example that of spires and towers, connotative to that of a castle, the
high wealth and status of the characters is connoted to the audience, as well as
hinting to the aristocracy of the characters as the looming and grand size of the
building is connotative to the great authority and influence the prestigious Crawley
family possess.

8. Setting
 Also the great age of the building, connotative through the historic features and presence of the setting,
has the effect of connoting both the post- Edwardian time period in which the show is set (which links to
the TV drama convention of creating a sense of realism within the piece, which establishes a sense of
verisimilitude- this being to form a world of seeming reality), as well as connoting the great culture of
the Crawley family as their lifestyle and wealth is connoted to be a result of their heritage, historically
aristocratical link.
 Therefore the use of setting is effective in forming certain representations of the characters as well as
historical themes within the piece.
 This is also effective in appealing to the target audience of the piece, this being a relatively older
audience of around 25-40. This is because the more sophisticated themes centring upon society, and
historic .

9. Iconography
 Iconography, this being, images and symbols
iconic of this show include:
 The Yorkshire estate of Downton Abbey, in which
most scenes are held-the building historically
impressive structure makes this the leading
piece of iconography of the show. Which is very
recognisable to the audience. This iconic feature
appears within most promotional posters of the
show.
 Other iconic features are the extravagant
clothing, symbolic to the aristocratic status of the
characters, and a very prominent feature of the
show.
 As well as the Grantham family crest,
representative of the leading Crawley family.

10. Camerawork
 Within Downton Abbey, a range of shots are used, which
differs from Dramas such as soap operas as these
usually focus upon, simple head and shoulder and wide
shots, most likely due to the short time scale producers of
shows such as EastEnders possess, due to airing times
featuring many times within one wee. However, within
Downton Abbey this is not the case, and a range of shots
are used.
 For example throughout the many establishing shots of
the house are sued frequently throughout the series. This
has the effect of setting the scene as well as pleasing and
reminding the audience of the historic atmosphere of the
piece, as they are presented with the iconic historically
impressive building of the Downton Abbey estate.
 Also throughout the series angles are also considered
within camerawork. For example when focusing upon the
servant summoning bells, within the lower quarters of the
house, the use of the low angle connotes the servants
lower social standing within society, therefore having the
effect of portraying the hierarchical themes throughout the
piece.

11. Camerawork
 Another example of connoting the power of status within this piece, can be seen through the use of
a low angle when focusing upon the upper class. This is because although this has connotations of
being low, this also has the effect of making the audience feel small in the presence of the
characters on screen, this has the effect of making the audience feel a sense of intimidation from
these characters as they feel beneath them, both physically and in regards to social standing.
Therefore having the effect of emphasising the authority and aristocracy of these protagonists.
 Also, although not in abundance, sometimes closer shots are used in order to connote meaning
through a specific object of feature of a character. For example by using a close over the shoulder
shot during an extravagant cocktail party this has the effect of raising excitement and intrigue within
the audience, as it is although they are intruding upon this illustrious event, which would not have
been likely seen by eyes other than that of servants or the aristocracy, therefore creating the feeling
that the audience are secretly beholding such an event by hiding behind the back of the butler.
Forming a uniquely enticing effect.

12. Editing
 Throughout the show the use of editing is relatively simple. This
being that in order to retain and continually create a sense of
verisimilitude, the editing is often kept to simple cuts from one
scene to the next. This is because within TV Dramas one of the
conventions is to form a believable idea of reality (with exceptions
to that of the more obscure genres such as sci-fi Drama, such as
Doctor Who). Therefore, by using short and simple editing
techniques, the audience are not overly aware pf the editing applied
and therefore, momentarily become enticed enough to buy into the
reality of the piece. Therefore helping to conform to the conventions
of a TV Drama but minimising the use of editing techniques visibly
on screen.

13. Sound
 In regards to the use sound within the piece Downton Abbey uses both diegetic and non-
diegetic sounds. For example within the majority of scenes, in which the characters are
viewed within their daily affairs, it can often be found that no non-diegetic music is present,
and is more reliant upon the use of diegetic sounds, this often coming in the form of natural
ambience. This has the effect of retaining a sense of Verisimilitude within the piece, as only
sounds that are realistic to the settings and characters actions can be heard therefore
convincing the audience to buy into this sense of reality.
 However, within the piece non-diegetic sounds can also be heard. This often takes the form
of classical music, which is often applied within scenes of great significance to the plotline,
as this has the effect of dramatizing the moment making the audience feel more enticed and
forming the climax of the piece.

14. Sound
 Also, as well as assisting in the effectiveness of the portrayal of the narrative this also has
the effect of connoting the characters within the film, in particularly in regards to status. For
example the use of a very instrumental soundtrack, with a somewhat orchestral tone, this
has the effect of connoting a sense of dignity which is connotative to the stereotype that
people of a higher standing within society are rather proud and possess a very civilised
manner.
 This use of classical music is also conventional to the post-Edwardian times in which this
show is set, ass this is music conventional to both a class of professionalism and dignity as
well as the music that would have been heard by people of this time. Therefore also having
the effect of connoting the period historic genre of this TV Drama.

15. Conclusion
 In conclusion after researching the TV drama, Downton Abbey, I have found that within
the piece a number of technical aspects, such as mise en scene, sound, editing and
camerawork all possess a role in conforming to the conventions of a TV dramas well as
the historic period genre of the series. For example the use of the extravagant costumes
of the Crawley family connote their wealth and decadent lifestyle, whereas the dull,
costumes of the workers connote their servitude and lower social standing. Also the use of
simple editing techniques such as that of cuts has the effect of conforming to the need for
verisimilitude within the piece, this being the idea of establishing a world of believable
reality, which is a convention of TV dramas, as they seek to form a realistic portray of
reality in order to persuade the audience to buy into the piece. Therefore, Downton Abbey
is a TV drama that enhances its use of technical aspects in order to conform towards both
the conventions of its historic period genre as well as that of its media type and format.