Unit 24: Task 2

Background Material Investigation

Published Scripts

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/sherlock_the_blind_banker.pdfI have decided to choose a Sherlock episode because of the dialogue and directions. I believe that I can learn a lot from this script, as it shows clearly what to put, what to direct and how to put a scene together. Not only that, I adore the television series, I am keen to learn more about how they came up with the ideas. Although my ideas are more futuristic and leaning towards the more dystopian side of the spectrum, it is still at the heart, a drama. I can learn a lot through the character dialogue and narrative of the whole episode by simply reading and contrasting my own ideas to Sherlock’s.

The Narrative, especially on this part of the scripted episode, is a very good example for the idea of a Script that I have in mind. The relationship between the two main protagonists is something that I believe is so crucial, especially for keeping the attention of the viewer. Especially within my idea, as the whole storyline will be set in the view of the male protagonist, that is a lot like the character Sherlock. In both mannerisms, the bluntness of tone and speech. But also, the relationships change between John

and Sherlock is very comedic, something I think is needed within any script; to keep the interest with the viewers, and the overall tone of the Script light.

But also, I find it interesting that for every new scene, the name of the Episode, the date, the type of script

(for this case it is the 8th draft) and the date made is printed at the top. Something I did not realise you had to do for Scripts. Specialist terms like (V.O.), Voice Over and (O.S.) meaning Out of Shot; for example, you could hear a character saying something, but you would not actually see them in the shot. These two terms are interesting, and it is interesting to see how they have put the camera and directions in with the dialogue. Something I will be sure to keep in mind when doing my own script.

Factual Information

This is a very important factor when it comes to writing a Script. For any genre, any topic specialist terminology and facts must be used correctly. For example, the TV show, Holby City must use correct Medical knowledge and terminology, as the whole show is set on the lives of the Doctors and Nurses. Though, for my idea, I can make up my own terminology, as it is very futuristic. There will be some elements of history, like Global Warming and how it’s effecting the Earth and general history of the Earth that I will need to research before coming up with my own glossary of terminology. Linking back to the Sherlock Script, this is also the case. The writers: Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffatt would have to have some knowledge of archaeology, History and detective knowledge to be terminally correct and adding more realism to the Sherlock Holmes story.

Opinion/Speculation

The term Speculation means to contemplate or considerate a subject and discuss. This links well with Opinion, as often opinion can class with speculation, leading to things to be made; and a chain on effect. One factor that is usually associated with speculation is rumours. This causes a lot of drama to rise within any fandoms if rumours become believable.

http://www.bustle.com/articles/33113-tom-hiddleston-rumored-in-sherlock-season-4-as-third-holmes-brother-the-internet-braces-for

Staying back with the Sherlock theme. The rumour that famous actor: Tom Hiddleston will be joining the show as Sherlock’s third brother, “Sherrinford”. This, as you could imagine, has caused a lot of speculation and excitement especially among fans. Though this is most likely just a rumour, it is a good example of a speculation, as there will be two sides clearly to this story. Some people believe that it could happen, as the writers have not exactly denied the famous actor being considered for a role in Sherlock, however a lot of people have put it down to the fact of speculation. Even the simple matter of when the

next series will be released, will all be put down to speculation, especially with eager fans of the show.

Like I have already explained in task one about Bias, and how a writer must be careful when expression their own opinion, especially when it comes down to a controversial point; Bias can also be linked to opinion. As that is what ultimately, it is; an opinion. And of course, these three factors must all be considered if you are to write a script. As ultimately, leaving room for speculation causes interest, and interested causes things to travel via word of mouth. Leading to potentially more views for the actual finished product.

Existing Material

Continuing with the Sherlock theme there has been a lot of existing material for Sherlock. Even way before the TV series. There have been many adaptations of the much-loved Detective. Though this TV series that I am focused on has been made as an adaptation from the books written by Arthur Conan Doyle. Most Television series now a days have been adapted from much loved books, and there, is a trend; especially now for some good books to be turned into films. Movies such as Divergent, The Hunger Games and The Fault In Our Stars are prime examples.

But also, before the TV series aired in 2010, there was a movie made the year before. Starring Robert Downey JR and Jude Law. The success of that movie spawned the next craze of detective-esque TV shows, with Sherlock following. But also many stories based off Sherlock, such as Elementary. But even before the films, there were old re-makes of Sherlock in the 90’s on the BBC. With old movies and films being made before hitting us in the modern times. Books and even plays have been spawned with this huge

franchise. And you could class the modern TV show as simply another re-make. Something that is very prevalent within our times.

PART B

Primary Research

For the Primary Research, I have done a survey on Film Preferences. This is intended to find out what genres people prefer, and which idea out of two that people would like. I believe a survey is one of the best ways to collate Primary research, as it is easy to analyse and see the results, rather than remembering or struggling to form tallies and pie charts. Looking at the survey, it is clear that I have found out that 50% of the people asked prefer thrillers, where as only 30% of people prefer Action. What surprises me, is that only 20% of people prefer romance. Which is quite surprising. But what I do find interesting that was that the scores for who preferred which idea were very close, only one vote tipped the outcome to Idea A. I thought, although I put a lot of thought into idea A, that Idea B would appeal more to others, as it was short, mysterious and punchy. But also, more females took part in my survey, which could ultimately change the outcome if it was more male based. I could have made this survey better by making the last question into two parts, as the question asked: Which Idea Do You Prefer And Why? And a few people just put which idea they preferred and not why, giving me a less accurate result and confirmation of which idea is better and why.

Secondary Research

As I have previously stated, the Sherlock script is not classed as futuristic. However, it is a drama; and I have learnt a lot about how to write a script, and keep the moods changing through a script, just by comparing the Sherlock script to that of my own ideas. This can easily be classed as Secondary research, as this time I have looked at the narrative, thinking how the scene would have played out in the writers mind; especially on the more drama-filled moments.

However, by using books; I can also get a lot of information about how to grab the readers attention, how to keep the interest going. And though what is going on through trends in the media especially. Like I have previously mentioned, the trends for movies, especially now is re-makes an adaptions of books. All of my favourite current films have currently been adapted from books to the big screen, and surprisingly enough, all of them are of a futuristic/dystopian nature. The book Legend is a good

Secondary research source material, as I have based some of my ideas for my script off this book. It is a stereotypical dystopian-featured drama book, with a good plot. By reading this, it has given me the inspiration needed to set my ideas on track for what I want my idea to be. Other books, such as The Hunger Games and Divergent have all inspired me to proceed down the fantasy, dystopian-based genres, as they appeal a lot to teen’s, and make good plot stories, original from the normal action and romantic films. But also, some of the best ideas for a part of media have come from books, such as Sherlock Holmes himself.