1. worksheet 4
TV drama
conventions 2
The conventions of TV drama revolve around:
G Characters.
G Narrative – both its overall structure and how it is constructed.
G Sets and settings – locations against which the story unfolds and
which frequently take on a symbolic significance.
G Camerawork – particular kinds of camerawork are often
associated with particular subgenres.
G Dialogue, sound and music – sound and music create effects and
often underline emotional content.
G Icons – these tend to be associated with particular subgenres.
Watching extracts from a selection of TV dramas, fill in the attached
table.
The key issue to identify is how these basic conventions are used in
Six Feet Under:
Character – a key the TV dramas you are studying. In several extracts, institutional and
concept of TV drama audience issues will be raised. Aim to note these as well.
©British Film Institute 2007
Page 1 of 2 TV Drama

2. worksheet 4 TV drama conventions 2
Name of drama
Broadcaster/
scheduling details
Writer/director/producer
Conventions
Characters
Narrative
Mise en scène (particularly
locations, sets, lighting
and costume)
Sound: key dialogue,
sound effects, music
Icons
Industry
G Production, broadcast channel, scheduling, sponsorship, marketing and promotion, other available
platforms etc.
G Do you think any of the elements you have listed have shaped the drama?
Audiences
©British Film Institute 2007
G Main target audience, male/female, different ways different audiences might respond to the drama,
encouraging fandom etc.
G Do you think the drama will shape audiences’ points of view about people, issues or events?
Page 2 of 2 TV Drama