Understanding scripts

1. LO1: UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTS

2. FILM: ‘MEAN GIRLS’
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 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 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 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 The film is rated 12+, therefor being suitable for that age. I think that it appeals to audiences aged 12-
18. I think the viewers would mostly be female. This is because there are lot of girl characters, and only
four main boy characters, two of which is a dad and a teacher.

3. TV: MODERN FAMILY
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 ,maybe 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 will have accessibility to the piece.

5. COMPUTER GAMING: GAME SCRIPT
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 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 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 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 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.