Language - Formal or Informal?
Within the film script/screenplay for 'Singing in the Rain', the formality of dialogue depends upon the characters and scenario. For example, Don, Cosmo and Kathy are friends in the film, so will often interact informally with each other, especially Cosmo who is used as the comic relief tool, so will speak informally unless confronted by his boss, who he is aware he must address formally. Another character who is often spoken to formally is Lina, a famous screen star who many want to impress and please as to keep her happy so that she will stay on the film project.
We understand that well aquatinted characters will interact informally, as is the norm. Meanwhile, characters who are spoken to formally tend to be of higher status within the film business, be they boss or celebrity. This is mostly likely due to the person speaking to them wanting to leave a good impression and not offend them out of fear of being 'blackballed'.
Within the script section provided we can witness a character's change in formality. Dora is intruding big-named celebrities as they arrive to an event, complimenting them with words such as "...star..." "...famous..." "...well-known, eligible..." followed by stage directions of "...applause...", showing how much they are in admiration of them for their high social status. However, when Cosmo arrives at the event, Dora's MOA changes mid-sentence, saying "Why it's -- who is it?", as she prepared to give another congratulatory introduction only to realise it wasn't someone she would regard as a celebrity, just before Cosmo is confronted by a crowd, all speaking with informal interrogatives starting with "Hey", again showing a change in the formality and respect depending on if they are a celebrity or not.
Meanwhile, a news anchor is expected to appropriately deliver the news to viewers, so their scripted dialogue is delivered formally throughout.
A new anchor may sometimes speak informally with their co-host but it should never be inappropriate and stay to public broadcast guidelines. For example, the second piece given is a story about someone who was killed in a car accident, so it would be in no way appropriate for a newsreader to speak informally during this serious subject.
Usually, pieces of informal conversation between news readers are not an actual scripted feature of the show. Nether news scripts provided contain any moments of informality.
Similarly to 'Singing in the Rain', the formality used depends upon the amount of respect between characters in the radio script example. The Captain speaks to the others with a little amount of respect, addressing them with the informal slang name "Boy", whilst the other characters are aware that he is of a higher rank to them, so respectfully address him by the formal title "Captain", establishing which character is in charge of who, helping the younger audience to understand.
In the provided example of a video game manuscript there is no dialogue as it is simply used to set the instructions. However, a video game can still included dialogue to be said by a character or appear on the screen. This type of dialogue is typically used to move the game forward by giving instructions or receive information from the player. For example, below is a picture from a Pokemon game, which shows the character Professor Oak asking "Are you a boy? Or are you a girl?". He asks a series of formal questions like this so that the player can set personal information such as their gender type and name.
However, it is still possible for a video game character to speak informally, as evidenced by games such as the Deadpool video game, where the main protagonist is known for breaking the fourth wall by comminicating to the players and establishing that he is just part of a video game. Due to his awareness that it's just a game, he is more relaxed to situations as he knows they are not real and so will often speak informilly. One example of Deadpool speaking informilly is when he is mocking others by saying "Welcome to Loserville! Population:You!"; this informal speech is not used to gain any information for player or help them progress in the game, but rather to create humour as a way of entertaining the player.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2269724/quotes
House Style and Script Structure
One aspect that all the evidenced scripts share (except the text appearing on the teleprompter) is that they are all written in the same font - Courier, size 12 - the standard and expected font for any script, except in the case of a video game manuscript code or being presented on a teleprompter, as to make it more convenient to the programmer/reader.
A major difference between the exampled scripts is the use of visuals, dialogue and other sound aspects.
The film screenplay features many stage directions, "...walks..." "...shimmies..." and "...slinks..." are all different ways that the characters are instructed to move up the aisle on just this one page. Stage directions are important for any film, especially a movie like this as it is a musical that includes a variety of dancing scenes, so movements are essential. Other visual aspects are also amongst the stage directions, such as "A shabby car pulls up." as an indication of what is to appear on screen when shooting the scene.
Neither T.V. news script examples include any stage directions, as movement is not essential to reporting the news as it traditionally done whilst sat behind a desk. However, although there doesn't appear to be any within the examples, many T.V. news scripts will come with camera angle instructions to inform the camera-operators and other backstage crew members which shots to use and at which point.
Aswell as camera angle instructions, a T.V. news script will also feature sound instructions. The sound instructions are used to instruct how the sound is to be transmitted. For example, within the second exampled news broadcast script it includes the sound instruction "VO/NAT". 'VO', an acronym for 'voiceover', instructs crew that the news anchors voice is heard over another piece of related visuals/footage to report on the subject as it is being shown to viewers. 'NAT', short for 'natural', is used with 'VO' to inform that both the news anchor's voice and the visuluals (providing that the visuals are pieces of footage with sound) can be heard at the same time, so they would overlap so the audience can hear the item presented and hear the anchor giving pieces of information on the subject at the same time.
The radio script doesn't use any form of stage directions or camera angle directions as it is a non-visual medium, so there is no camera or stage as if uses sound alone. To substitute for the lack of stage directions and camera angles directions, the radio script instead includes sound effect listings, which signify what sound effect is to be used and where. However, the sound effect included in this script are unlike the ones in the T.V. news script as the do not use terms such as 'VO' or 'NAT', but instead give indications of when music or sound is used by opening with "MUSIC:" or "SOUND:"
For example, one of the sound effects in 'The Lone Ranger' is "SOUND: HORSES' HOOFBEATS RIDE OFF", which informs the sound team that at this point in the scene there should be this sound effect. When the audience hears this, they would know that the horses are riding off, probably creating a metal image in their head as their is no real visual accompaniment. Due to the lack of visuals it is most likely that real horses were not acquired for recording and the sound effect was instead created using the method demonstrated in the video below.
A T.V. show and film will also have sound, but sound effects aren't written with so much emphasis. An example of this can be found in the provided screenplay example as it comes with the stage direction "There is applause...". Though this is a stage direction that signals a sound effect, the sound element is not dealt with as much importance. This is because "applause" signals for the actors to start clapping which is visual and sound direction to the actors. The actors, when given this instruction, would start clapping, and the 'sound effect' would a spontaneous outcome as a result, instead of being a well-created and recorded sound effect for a specific purpose, such as the ones used in radio.
A video game has to use all of the aspects mentioned above. The game relies on instructions on what the characters should do, which will be programmed into the manuscript by the creator and then selected by the player, so this is the stage direction as it instructs what actions are performed. The player's perspective on the game could be set by the creator chosen by the player, so the P.O.V. (substitute for camera angles) chooses how the character/game is observed. Lastly, sound effects are created/selected and placed in the game for certain moments (e.g. making a character touch an item triggers an alarm sound effect).
Narrative Structure
Linear or Non-Linear?
The film screenplay example is just a portion of a scene from the script for the full film. 'Singing in the Rain' takes the basic storytelling format of start, beginning and end, following continuity with scenes being presented in chronological order for the plot; This makes it a linear film. Whilst it is possible for a film not to follow the normal time pattern (e.g. Pulp Fiction, Memento) this is not one of those films. A script for a non-linear is probably more complex to write as it would repeat scenes or rearrange the order that they should appear. By breaking the conventional format by making it non-linear, it can also make the film more interesting for the viewers, as the story may be missing key factors, creating confusion and suspense for an audience as they will have to figure out what has happened or going to happen. This is the difference between a passive film and a spectacle.
It is difficult to confirm if a news script is linear or non-linear. The news anchor is expected to report the events in the order that they occurred, yet the start with the end piece of information. This can be seen in the second news script example as it is scripted that the reporter starts the report with "Two teens are facing homicide charges..." and then recalls the event that led to the final outcome that they said at the start. This could be so that the viewer starts with an understanding of the story and then given the additional information, similar to how a newspaper story will start with a summary within the headline and then explain in full with the written section, so T.V. news shows are following conventions that people are accustomed to receiving the news.
The radio script, like the film screenplay, is linear, but it isn't impossible for a radio script to be non-linear. For example, an episode of 'The Lone Ranger' could open with the Lone Ranger saving the day, and then the rest of the episode is him (or the announcer) recalling the events and actions that led to that moment, creating a non-linear episode.
Lastly, a video game manuscript has to be coded within a certain order to work, even if the requires programming the outcome action before the set-up action. The plot/story of a video game is usually linear, so that the levels can progress as the game continues. Although, it could be non-linear to make the game more challenging for the player as it disorientates them, again having the effect that a non-linear film would have on an audience, only the final outcome would depend upon the actions of the player.
Single Stranded or Multi-Stranded?
'Singing in the Rain', although has multiple characters, is just a single stranded story. Though it has three protagonists, the focus tends to always be on Don and the progression of his character and his career in film and how he effects other characters within the story instead of how the other characters are effected by him. You wouldn't be able to suspect this from the section of the script I have chosen as the example, as the character of Don has not yet been introduced.If the film presented more about the lives of the other characters and how they too progress, then it could be classed as multi-stranded.
A news report has narrative structure unlike all the others. A news show will report on true events, but they are not trying to recreate them (as a documentary/drama would), they just wish to give out pieces of information to the viewers, so it lacks a narrative structure and instead just present the show in segments/stories ordered in significance and relevance. This means that the news script has a running order unlike any other, as depends more upon the significance of the event rather than what place in time it happened that effect when it is told in the news report.
'The Lone Ranger' focuses around the adventures of the title character, making it single stranded. If an episode was aired that gave in-depth information about him and side-character Tonto, then it would be multi-stranded.
A video game is easily capable of being either single stranded or multi-stranded. For example, the original Super-Mario Bros. game could only be accessible by one player at a time, playing as either Mario or Luigi, making it single stranded. Meanwhile, the game Mario Kart can be accessed by number of player who have a range of characters to select, making it multi-stranded.
Genre
'Singing in the Rain' is a made-up story, so the screenplay is a written piece of fiction, despite the fact that the story was inspired and loosely based on true events, that being the cinematically historical transition from silent films to 'talkies'. The characters and plot are still fictitious.
A T.V. news script is created for a news show, with the sole purpose of educating and informing viewers of current affairs/event. Therefore, the news script must be non-fiction as they are reporting true events. Should a news team exaggerate or report a piece of 'news' which they are aware is not factual, they would not only be breaking guidelines, they could also be facing a court case for slander.
Satirical news shows have been created, such as the controversial 90's comedy 'news' show Brass Eye, which was a scripted piece of fiction and the absurd and exaggerated stories were also clearly
fictitious. BBC news show Panorama purposely wrote a fake news segment in the late 1950's for April Fool's Day, but later revealed itself to be a hoax.
However, the two news scripts I have chosen as example are not fictional. They are reports of true events and are intended for real news shows.
http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/46539227.html
At the other end of the spectrum, 'The Lone Ranger', though believed to have been inspired by a real Texas Ranger Captain, is fictional. The Lone Ranger is a created character and takes part in fictional stories for the radio.
At one point in the example script segment, the announcer even hints at the fact that the character isn't real, stating "Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice.", implying that that no one like him in history exists, reminding listeners that what they're listening to are not real events.
Just like Singing in the Rain, this fictional piece may have been inspired by true occurrences, however it is still a piece of fiction that was created with the purpose of entertaining an audience.
Finally, video games are almost fiction. Whilst it is possible for a video game to be based on true events or people, they are still characters on screen being controlled by a playing, meaning that their is no way for a video game story to be non-fiction.
Target Audience
'Singing in the Rain' could be classed as a family film, evident from the light hearted musical numbers throughout and content suitable for all ages. The film is rated U for Universal, meaning that it can be witnessed by all ages, easilyallowing it to be a family film. However, just because it has recieved a U rating does not mean that it IS intended as a family film, as the BBFC website states "This doesn't mean that all films rated U are children's film.". 'Singing in the Rain' could easily be one of those film as children may be confused by the complex plot of the film and uniterested by the adult characters. So 'Singing in the Rain' may be intended for adults but without contain mature content such as violence, sex, drugs and swearing.
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/u
There is roughly an equal amount of main male characters as main female characters in 'Singing in the Rain', and contains a mix of music, romance and comedy, so the film is capable of appealing to both genders. Although, the musical numbers and romance may now attract more of a female audience, whether this was the intention of the filmmakers or not.
I can assume that the ABC1 demographic for the film is likely to be AB due to the main character themselves being upper class celebrities living a luxury life in Hollywood and the character Lina, who speaks commonly, is mocked for the way she talks. This film would be better understodd and appreciated by the upper classes as they would identify with characters more based on their lifestyles.
Due to the serious and graphic nature of the story featured in the second news script example, we know that this is intended for an adult demographic. Whilst televised news outlets for children do exist, the main one being CBBC's Newsround, T.V. executives are aware that most news shows stand a better chance of appealing to adult demographics ad they have more of interest and understanding for the stories being reported.
The announcer for 'The Lone Ranger' episodes is aware that this show is intended for children, and speaks to the listeners as such. His dialogue doesn't contain any complex words to allow the younger audience to understand. Radio dramas can be intended for an older audience, and will speak to them appropriately also. However, it is claimed that over half the audience of the show was made up of adults. Despite this, the show was still created with intentions of entertaining children and younge demographics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lone_Ranger#Original_radio_series
It is clear from the complete lack of any female characters in 'The Lone Ranger', other than the occasional love interest, that the radio drama was targetted at the male demogrphic. It is also evidenced from the action and drama that they were attempting to appeal to want males wanted from the show.
I can guess that 'The Lone Ranger', in terms of ABC1 demographics, was intended for a AB demographic. I came to this conclusion from the fact that the show started in the early 1930's, when to have a radio in the house was expensize and usually would only be obtained by larger profit owners and not by the working class. By the 1950's, when radios in the home became more common, the show may have attempted to expand it's audience by appealing to the ABC1 demographic.
Video games manuscripts don't necessarily demonstrate who it is intended for. However, one the game has been produced, it will be given an age certificate to show if it is appropriate or not for a young audience based upon the content of the video game. This would be certified by PEGI (age certifications showed below).
The exampled video game manuscript does offer any age restriction. From what the game appears to be, it seems to be a simplistic optional answer quiz. This form of online game is unlikely to need an age restiction as it would contain no adult content, just child-friendly quiz questions.
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