Coursework: Preliminary exercise

 1) Choose at least three TV dramas similar to your concept and watch at least one scene from each. Make bullet-point notes on everything you watch, commenting on camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.

Shows:

  • Monk
  • Columbo
  • Deadwater Fell
Comments:

  • Camerawork - lots of tilts and pans showing the scenery of the crime scene, close up shots to capture facial expressions and key details of the crime scene, such as evidence e.g. blood or weapons.
  • Editing - lots of jump cuts to change between different scenes and match on action to show the continuity of the movement. 
  • Sound  - parallel music which is similarly paced to the speed of the camerawork and editing.
Mise-en-scene:
  • C - suits and police uniform.
  • L - high key to highlight the evidence at the crime scene.
  • A - the main characters move a lot with other ensemble cast members either following them around or scattered around the crime scene to make it look like they are doing work.
  • M - fake blood, bruises and other marks.
  • P - fake weapons.
  • S - crime scenes, police stations and interrogation room.

2) Write a script for your TV drama scene. You'll find guidance for writing a script in the BBC Writers' Room (click on the Script Library to read real examples of professional TV scripts). Lay it out like a real script (see right) - it will add a level of professionalism to your production.

LINK TO DOCUMENT

3) Write a shot list containing EVERY shot you plan to film AND additional shots to create flexibility when editing. These additional shots are often close-ups, cutaways, alternative angles or similar. I advise using a simple table on Microsoft Word to set out your s
shot list - you can find an example here. 

LINK TO DOCUMENT

4) Plan your mise-en-scene: what iconography are you including to ensure your audience understands the genre? Plan your cast, costume, make-up, props, lighting and setting. For this preliminary task, use just one location to keep it simple.

Mise-en-scene:

  • C - Smart looking suits to show they are highly ranked in the police force.
  • L - High key lighting to show that there is an investigation going on, especially highlighting on evidence.
  • A - Characters are mainly standing and walking around the crime scene investigating, occasionally getting low to the ground to have a closer inspection of details.
  • M - Very little make-up, perhaps marks and bruises, maybe blood, all fake.
  • P - Ropes, notebook, pens, other pieces of evidence.
  • S - House of the victim. 

5) Plan a shooting schedule that will ensure everything is filmed by the deadline. Include when, where, who is required and what shots you will complete at each time/location.

  • When/time - Daytime during the October half-term.
  • Where/location - At my house, constructing the setting to look like a crime scene.
  • Who - I will be using my brothers for the characters and having help for cinematography from my sister.

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