Scriptwriting for Multimedia Final

Chapter 10, Commentary & editorial notes, Writing for children, & Comedy notes

Name 1 question that a writer can ask to measure __comic__ potential.

Does the comedy material manifest 1+ __elements__ that constitute the roots of all laughter?

Name 1 question that a writer can ask to measure __comic__ potential.

Is the material __arranged__ in a way that will secure the maximum possible effect?

Name 1 question that a writer can ask to measure __comic__ potential.

Have you presented the material with maximum __economy__?

Name 1 question that a writer can ask to measure __comic__ potential.

Do your joked offer __unlabored laugh__ or do you have to work for ut?

Name 1 question that a writer can ask to measure __comic__ potential.

Is your material completely __clear__?

Name 1 question that a writer can ask to measure __comic__ potential.

Can your audience see what you mean instantly (__Suddenness__)?

Name 1 question that a writer can ask to measure __comic__ potential.

Is your comedy writing __appropriate__ to the situation?

What are the __5 main types of subject matter__ for kids shows?

1. Exploration
2. Orientation
3. Doing
4. Storytelling
5. Multipurpose

Define “exploration” children’s programming.

Urges children to find out about: themselves, others, the world around them.

Define “orientation” children’s programming.

Making adjustments to new things.

Explain “doing” children’s programming.

Teaching kids a worthwhile activity and/or teach to improve skills they already know.

Explain “storytelling” children’s programming.

Simple forms of dramatic presentation.

Explain “multipurpose” children’s programming.

May incorporate many forms of subject matter.

What are the four main “concerns” for writing for children?

1. Kids have limited experiences
2. Seeing life in simple terms
3. Fantasy
4. Repitition

Define how kids have limited experiences.

* Narrow vocabulary
* Cannot discern relationships well
* Difficult to imagine a world they’re now involved in
* The concept of future is tough to understand

Define how kids see life in simple terms.

* They can’t see in-depth characters, only good or bad.
* They see events literally, through a group of basic feelings

Define how kids see fantasy.

Young children believe that fantasy or make-believe is actually true.

Define how kids see repitition.

This makes children feel comfortable and secure.

What are the __5 program structure tips__ when writing for children.

1. Maintain a simple and coherent program structure which follows a consistent pattern from week to week
2. If the program is dramatic, keep the storyline as direct as possible
3. Present as few major characters as possible
4. Don’t pick confusing names
5. Vary the content and pace as much as possible and avoid encompassing too much information into one broadcast.

Beginners tend to peak the storyline too early and not use ______. They combat this by using a __________ scene outline.

Subplots, scene outline

What are some characteristics of preschool age children?

They see themselves as the focus of the universe and are self-centered.

What are some characteristics of young children?

They remain interested in one topic for a short amount of time.

What are some characteristics of later childhood?

They become interested in past events and different worlds.

What is a Type 1 program series?

* Has __constant style and cast__ of characters, but each new episode tells a new and independent story. Plot of one program has no connection with the plot of another.
* Problem is introduced
* Antagonist sets up several reversals
* Hero triumphs

What is a Type 2 program series?

* Series: the story continues from one episode to the next
* Difficult to follow the three act structure
* Several storylines run simultaneously
* No real beginning or end

List the benefits of reality shows.

* Cheaper to produce than scripts and big talent actors
* Audience can become attached to contestants
* Spills over to social media

How did “Soaps” originally get their name?

Radio drama series was sponsored by soap and detergent manufacturers targeting housewives.

What is a miniseries?

2, 3, or more episodes schedules on consecutive nights spaced out over sever weeks.

How to use commercial breaks.

* The writer must be aware of breaks in a program to use them to his/her advantage
* To hold the audiences attention
* It tries to keep the channel surfing to a minimum

How to write for the “small screen.”

* TV is a close-up medium
* Most of the scenes are medium shots or two shots
* Close shots can better show the emotion of the actor

TV & Dialogue

* TV tends to have more dialogue than movies
* It’s a talking medium as well as a close-up medium
* Dialogue carries more weight of a TV storyline
* Dialogue has to correspond with the proper characters

How to break up dialogue.

* Don’t create long speeches within your script
* long speeches slow down the show and lead to predictable responses
* Dialogue has certain rhythm that words different than a speech

What is a “hook”?

A device that gets the attention of the audience, involves them, and makes them want to keep watching.

What is a series “bible”?

A reference book to all characters.

What are spec scripts?

Script for a show that you are familiar with.

Why should you write a spec script?

* You know the characters
* You know the format
* You can invent within the premise of the series or sitcom

How to work your way up?

* Staff writer *to*
* Head writer *to*
* Producer *to*
* Director

What is an editorial?

Allowing TV/radio station/newspaper to express __opinions or perspectives__ about anything.

Big editorial dates.

* 1941 – FCC said no in the __Mayflower Decision__. Can’t share opinions on public airways.
* 1949 – FCC reversed decision. AKA the __Fairness Doctrine__.

How to prepare the structural framework for an editorial.

* Outlines: the test of structural soundness of your presentation
* Catching attention
* Lead audience to come up with their own conclusions
* HShow valid arguments

\

How to choose appropriate language for an editorial.

* Persuade the audience to a point of view
* Express viewpoints with strength & conviction

How is a commentary different from an editorial?

* Private individual opinion
* Sometimes topics aren’t as serious as editorials
* Have greater freedom expressing passionately held perspectives

What are general-purpose commentaries?

* Andy Rooney (60 minutes)
* 60 min (1978-2011)
* Charles Osgood (CBS)
* CBS Sunday morning April 1994-September 2016

What are news-related commentaries?

Presents a lot of time for an objective reporter to express and opinion about the news

Tips on writing a commentary.

1. Form an opinion about something
2. Find the facts
3. Sculpt your opinion

Types of comedy.

What people do and what people say

Major comedy forms.

* Situation comedy
* Sketches
* Stand up routines

What is situation comedy?

* Writers of situation comedy must be able to be funny as well as have the ability to create a solid plot and develop strong characters
* Two main comedy techniques
* Gags or wisecracks
* Development of funny situations

What is sketch comedy?

No overall idea unites a sketch comedy. Emphasizes gags, each sketch features different characters & situations.

What is stand-up comedy?

* Differs widely in approaches & material
* Can be communicated through:
* Personal/family stories
* Monologues
* News events
* Try to develop continuity with their approach

Describe the comedy writing routine.

* Team writing: most of comedy material is written in teams
* Can test the effectiveness of humor by sharing ideas with others
* Writing gags or jokes
* As a writer, you must lead audiences into making a connection with the actors through humor. This is known as the ^^Point of the Joke^^.

How to write comedy.

* Double-barreled jokes: the ability to “squeeze out” more than one laugh out of a joke
* Switching jokes: disguising an old joke by recycling it and uniting it in another context