Introduction to TV Drama

Paper 2- Section B
            - Questions 3 and 4

What is covered in the exam:

• L.I.A.R
• Context 
• Theorists

What is Long Form TV Drama? Conventions?

• often 1 hour episodes
• high production values
• dramatic cliff-hangers
• multiple narratives
• stock characters
• various locations
• a number of episodes that create a narrative

GENRE- can fit into any (eg. Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Comedy)

THEMES- can fit into any (eg. power, war, love, family, good vs evil)

NARRATIVES- show a variety of different narratives that stand out from normality

CHARACTERS- captivate the audience with their story lines an are enjoyable to watch

PRODUCTION VALUES- the most successful shows often range from 4 to 5 million per episode

METHODS/PLATFORMS- Terrestrial TV, Cable Tv, subscriptions, streaming

STATE OF NATION- doesn't fit in with reality of everyday life, acts as an escape for the viewers

MEMES/ACCESSORIES- they are used to help determine the popularity of a seriesLFVD can fit into any (E.g. Comedy, horror, thriller, 

US network broadcasters must satisfy their advertisers and hold market share; they are controlled by federal regulation.

US cable television

HBO- launched in 1970's, first US national subscription cable TV channel

UK broadcasters have failed to meet challenge of US cable channels move to long form TV drama

BBC and ITV in the 1990's relied on genre based, formula drama

PLATFORMS

• content via TV still dominates in UK
• 3/4 of household have PVR (personal video recorder) uptake but it has plateaued 
• use of timeshift is increasing
• growth of SVOD (subscription voice on demand) web based channels such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Now TV
• Netflix dominates with 24% of UK market and 5 million subscribers 10% growth 2015-2016

AUDIENCES

• rise of binge-watching started with DVD in the late 1990s/2000s, partially due to syndication problems in the UK
• a move from 'water cooler' TV to 'shared universe' fandom (as with cinema)
• US long form drama often uses Easter eggs, and mid-season breaks to generate fan intensity and maintain media profile

Why do audiences love TV drama?

• high quality drama
• multiple episodes, hours, years
• content can be dark and difficult but innovative
• now attracts some of the best and innovative writers and actors
• time shifting, easily accessible