Course Resources Archive

This module is an introduction to fiction on the small screen. In semester one the students explore and analyse the basic conventions and rules of fictional drama in relation to the moving image and considers how it is performed for television in different forms, styles and genres.

In semester 2, using both the knowledge gained in semester one and the skills acquired in TVP102 (single camera and editing) and TVP103 (Screen writing), the students then put  the  knowledge and skills into practice and, working in small groups, produce a short 5 minute drama.

Through a series of lectures and seminars in semester 1 and practical sessions in semester 2, this module will allow students to explore the changes in drama on television from the 1950s to the present day and look at the effects that market forces and new technology have had on the TV drama of the 21st century. Then, using DV cameras and Final Cut Pro edit suites, students will produce a 5 minute drama from an original script within a specific style/form/genre approved by the module tutor. Within their groups they will take on all the necessary roles and thus build a commitment to the production and to each other. Academic writing and referencing skills will be covered in the module.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Show an understanding of the conventions used in fictional drama
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the evolution of fictional drama on television
3. Analyse specific drama both in terms of style and content
4. Explain and apply the key processes involved in single camera, drama production
5. Fully observe all the health and safety requirements that a single camera shoot entails
6. Essay writing including Harvard referencing and other conventions
7. Basic textual analysis of individual examples of screen fiction
8. Shooting and editing basic sequences

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.