LO 1: Task 3 - Analysis of Scripts

Script Analysis

Script Style and Content

For Film scripts, the language used is based on the genre of the film and it's target audience. 'An Officer and a Gentleman' it reflects reality and therefore makes use of informal language which relates to the audience. The typical format of scripts for narrative media products appear in this form; the character's name and dialogue are positioned in the 'justified center', which makes it very clear to read. Narrative descriptions, camera instructions and directions and location settings are also present on the script which define how the film runs which are left aligned. Scripts in this form are typically written in Courier Font and in size 12. These features define the general style conventions of a Narrative script; the other narrative scripts I will be analysing are all set in the form. There are separate scenes (acts) where we follow the character, the story begins at an airport and transitions to a Naval Army Base as stated in the  narrative descriptions. The mode of address for this film script appears to be informal, chatty between characters; much like typical Narrative scripts.

News Reports base their language and dialogue type upon the content of the report. For example, serious reports providing coverage of a natural disaster say will tend to be serious and formal. On the script I have looked at; a story on Young Driving Courses is more informal and casual because it is trying to relate to viewers. In terms of the scripts format, it differs from the others in that it outlines timing for visuals, video content as all as the dialogue from the host and interviewees. The house style of this form of script is laid out in a table, with dialogue set to the right half of the page and their corresponding time codes and video descriptions aligned to the left of each section of text. Each persons talk is titled with their name, 'VO' standing for Voice Over where you can't see the person talking and the audio overlays film footage. In this extract an instance of this would be:
'Video: B-Roll - Close ups on ignition, hands on wheel, long shots of cars'
'Audio: VO: Being in control of a vehicle as young as 17 can be daunting.'
Throughout the news story, the content switches from voiceovers to interviews and footage of the Reporter in person. The dialogue effectively flows from the reporter 'setting up' an interview, like with Paul Silverman; 'Organisers of the Under-17 Car Club say that's why there's so many accidents.', 'We teach youngsters how to swim so they don't drown. Here we teach them how to drive so they don't crash.'. This reinforces the informality of the report. The mode of address for this particular story is 'teacher to pupil' because it is teaching and showing information about a topic to its viewers.

The radio programme I have looked at called 'Limited Run', shares a similar appearance to visual narrative scripts, with the addition of what is known as Foley Sounds, instructions for live sound effects to be made during recording. These are separated from dialogue and in a similar layout to stage directions in, say the film script. The Foley Sounds are written in capital bold so that it is clear during live recording which sounds occur and at what time. For example, 'CRACKLES AND FADES OUT TO LOUD MURMURING OF PASSENGERS, RHYTHMIC TICKING NOISE IN BACKGROUND'. This particular drama employs informal language and the use of profanity to support the situation of the narrative; the genre appears to be a fictional action thriller as the characters are caught in a bomb scare on a train. This means that the mode of address is peer to peer; an example that shows this would be the first line of dialogue in this script, 'Right, this is bullshit. Take him to the bomb and make him disarm it!'.

Video game scripts appear very much alike to film and radio drama scripts; in that they share a similar layout and format. The script for Heavy Rain is written again in Courier font, size 12 as is standard for narrative scripts. Character dialogue is positioned in the justified center of the script while instructions are positioned to the right. These instructions are known as a flow chart, and tells the game what to do. In this case, the dialogue changes based on the player input, so the script is interactive. Based on what you do, or say changes the action that occurs next from another character or the environment. In the sample for Heavy Rain, you, as Shelby have a choice of actions to make; Comprehend, Persist, Move or Buy. This influences what the character, Lauren replies with and tells the game what to make happen next. For example, selecting buy will anger Lauren, 'Get out of here, (violently)' and make your character have to leave; which in turn opens up a new path of the story. Due to the use of strong language and informal interaction between Shelby and Lauren, this game has a Peer to Peer mode of address.

I will be analysing the interview between MTV Host, Laura and the cast and crew members for the film Frenemies. The style and content of Interview scripts differ slightly from the others due to their change in layout and house style. Interviews are typically between 2 people within a studio, so doesn't require stage directions. Instead it has information about the location, on this script at the top of the page, it states 'INT: STUDIO', meaning the interview is being held inside in a studio. Normally it would also have instructions about what the camera operator should be doing during live recording, which would make it a shooting script. The script describes the setting of the interview and outlines who will be featured during it. The house style differs from the others, which all have courier font and size 12. All text is aligned central; overall it is more of an informal script. The content essentially comes down to questions and answers, with informal chat in between, i.e. "That sounds great, it seems like you've come a long way since you started!". Prior to the interview, the script is written outlining the general questions that will be asked to the interviewee as we don't know what the answers (dialogue) will be from the interviewee. This script is defined as having a peer to peer mode of address.

Narrative Structure and Genre

The Radio Drama script begins on scene 4 and with multiple characters, suggesting that the narrative follows a linear and multi-stranded structure. This appeals to target audiences because it portrays many characters in different situations; viewers may be able to relate to certain characters because they are made to represent the audience. From this extract, we follow different characters while the tension builds around the story where a ticking bomb threatens to kill everyone; Peter who is being blamed for planting the bomb, Emma who, one of the protagonists and Drake who appears to be the antagonist.

The News Story isn't a narrative script and therefore does not have a 'Narrative Structure'. Instead it has a 'running order' which gives the production team instructions instead of the characters in say a film. Like in the film script I have analysed, the narrative structure describes the scene and the actions of the characters. In the running order for this, it defines what visuals should be seen and at what time. In the 'Video' column, instructions are given to the cameraman during live recording; i.e. 'Zoom out from motorway to reporter'. The script genre is non-fictional because this a real life news story shown on 'Midlands Today', as the script suggests.

In the short sample of script from 'An Officer and A Gentleman', the narrative is most likely Single Stranded, which follows Zack; as we are introduced to the film with him arriving on location from a flight. an Officer and A Gentleman runs linearly, meaning it's narrative runs in chronological order. The film is a fictional Military Romance/Drama narrative.

Heavy Rain lets you follow the stories of four different characters and follows a linear storyline; it is a multi-stranded narrative. Heavy Rain encompasses a film noir thriller genre into a video game and is fictional. This influences the audiences which play this game.

The Interview Script is not as much as a narrative because it's a non-fictional conversation regarding the new film release, Frenemies. The script follows a single-stranded linear structure as it follows the questions asked by the host, Laura. Instead of a Narrative Structure, it would have a running order which states instructions for the production team regarding camera operation, lighting sound etc.

 Target Audience

As 'An Officer and a Gentleman' is a Military Drama from the 1980's; typically deemed as a Man's Film, the target audience majority will tend to be males between the ages of 40 and 70. They will probably have interests in military related topics as well as enjoy the work of the main actors in the film, Richard Gere, Robert Loggia etc. At this age, audience members may have more disposable income and at the higher end of the scale, start to retire. This means greater spending power and a more relaxed lifestyle. They may fit into any of the NRS Social Grade's; retiree's are class E whereas younger audience members will most likely be in the ABC1 bracket.

The action thriller theme for Limited Run, the Radio Drama, suggests a more male audience and generally a younger target audience; from the use of swearing, listeners will most likely be between the ages of 18 and 40. They may have interests in action narratives and have the time to tune into the radio station when it's broadcast. Radio can be accessed by practically the whole population; the younger band of listeners though will most likely fulfil the ABC1 Social Grade Categories.

Due to the content of the game, it has a Mature 17+ ESRB Rating, so I can deduct the target audience is most likely between 17 and 30 and mostly male; there are typically more male than female and the genre appeals more to that gender. Players may be a fan of Heavy Rain's Developer, Quantic Dream's work and so want to play this title; they may also enjoy films and games of the same genre, as this game is very much like an interactive film. Audience members have disposable income as they able to buy the console and game to be able to play and so will most likely fit into the ABC1 Demographic. Due to the style of game, players may be more 'casual gamers' as Heavy Rain doesn't require constant player interaction while playing.

The content of the interview, regarding a film release, 'Frenemies' which is a comedy drama is targeted at young women and teenagers between 15 and 25, as the story of the movie suggests. Audience members being quiet young will most likely fit into the lower boundaries of the Social Grade's; some will be too young to work, fitting into grade E while older viewers will be starting their career, within the C1 and C2 grades.

The TV News Broadcast is most likely targeted at families because of the story which is reporting about young drivers. This concerns young people under 17 who will be interested in getting driving experience before they're 17 as well as their families who are concerned for their safety, so parents which are typically between the ages of 35 and 50. The gender split will most likely be equal as both boys and girls want to learn to drive as suggested by the genders of the interviewees', 2 girls and a boy. Families who will be watching are most likely interested in introducing their children to early driving schools which indicates they have sufficient disposable income, and will fit into the upper tier of the NRS Social grades; the ABC1 profile.