Fiction and Non-Fiction Scripts (P1)

Fiction and non-fiction products often contain differences in terms of their pre-production requirements. These can impact the planning and writing of a script in order to achieve the most affordable and successful product in the most appropriate manner for its genre and subject matter.

Pre-Production Implications of Different Types of Script

[- Script type.
    - Unique issues for this type.
        - Considerations that must be taken.]

Fiction Script Examples and Pre-Production Difficulties:

- Action film (Face/Off)
    - Complex action scenes with many cuts and fast movements.
        - The timings of each of these shots to maintain logic.
- Comedy show (Peep Show)
    - Fitting a story into a consistent, allotted time-frame.
        - Keeping consistently good and similar jokes.
- Drama show (Luther)
    - Thinking of relatively complex mysteries for each episode.
        - Use of both long-term and short-term storylines.
- Radio soap (The Archers)
    - Portraying events using only sound.
        - Use of only foley sounds which are available.
- Animated film (complex spy thriller Cars 2)
    - Potential limitations of the technology.
        - How a shot could be lit to look natural.

Non-Fiction Script Examples and Pre-Production Difficulties:

- Documentary (Mediterranean with Simon Reeve) [Where did that come from?]
    - Factual accuracy.
        - Ensuring no minor detail is incorrect.
- TV news programme (BBC News)
    - Constant production.
        - Remaining unbiased (unless that's your whole thing)
- Panel show (Would I Lie to You?)
    - Ensuring there's enough time available to get through everything.
        - Thinking of jokes fitting for given scenarios.
- Sports programme (Sky Sports)
    - Difficulties in planning live event coverage.
        - Potential for things to take sudden, unplanned turns.
- Whatever The One Show is
    - Making all of the items the right length to work.

Comparing Crime Genre TV Programmes (Class Example):

Non-Fiction (Documentary Series): Night Stalker

A four-part true crime series on Netflix, following the police investigation into a serial killer in late 1980s LA. It consists of a combination of interviews (with journalists, detectives and surviving victims); archive footage (original news footage and shots of LA) and new footage (crime scene re-creations, CGI maps visualising the area).
Only the voices of the people interviewed are heard throughout.

Pre-Production and Production Considerations:
- Researchers needed to be hired to look into the events.
- Interviewees needed to be found and be arranged with for when and where to conduct their interview.
- Collation of factual information into a compelling narrative structure, posing enigmas and answers etc).
- Sourcing and gaining permission to use existing archival footage.
- Planning of new footage.
- Actors to work in this new footage.
- Legal and ethical concerns regarding the handling of this sensitive real-life information.

Fiction (Crime Drama): Line of Duty

A six-series crime drama series broadcast on BBC 1 which follows a police anti-corruption unit responsible for investigating corrupt police officers, leading to their uncovering wider conspiracies and corruption. The series stars a consistent lead cast - those investigating -, plus further characters who revolve in and out each series - those being investigated. There are a number of frequent indoor locations and many external, mainly urban, locations.

Pre-Production and Production Considerations:
- Research into real-life police methods and systems for accuracy.
- Writing a compelling narrative - story structure and character development.
- Hiring of actors.
- Locations - scouting, risk assessments etc.
- Filming, lighting, sound, editing - equipment and skilled professionals needed for high production values.


Comparing Further TV Programmes:

Fiction (Comedy Series): Peep Show

A nine-series comedy show broadcast on Channel 4 between 2003 and 2015 following the miserable lives of two flatmates from Croydon. The series has an unusual filming style in that almost every shot is from the point-of-view of a character or extra. The series stars a consistent main cast, with various secondary cast members also coming in and out every series or so.

Pre-Production and Production Considerations:
- The feasibility of shooting in the POV style - is there always a character or mirror in place who can show what is happening.
- Ensuring recurring actors are available.
- Writing both episode-long and series-long stories which tie together and fit in the required time frames.
- Writing jokes which are consistently good and in line with the tone of the show.

Non-Fiction (Panel Show): Would I Lie To You?

A light entertainment comedy panel show hosted by Rob Brydon, David Mitchell and Lee Mack. Each episode features 4 guests, split equally between David and Lee's teams. They take turns telling stories from their lives which are either true or lies, and the opposing team has to figure out which it is by asking a series of questions.

Pre-Production and Production Considerations:
- Finding d-list celebrities who are willing to feature on the show and have interesting or otherwise comical stories.
- Ensuring the main hosts are available.
- Finding further people for the 'this is my' segment.

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