PILOT SEASON: Project Description
In this project we will be exploring the genre or television writing, specifically the sitcom. Television has a huge impact on us as a culture. We connect television to our growing up and it is a very powerful tool in how we learn to tell stories.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How has television shaped your ideas about storytelling and comedy?
STEP 1: Television and YOU
In your comedy journal, please answer the following questions.
1. What TV show do you remember most clearly from your childhood? What made it so important or impactful?
2. What television shows do you watch currently? What about the show holds your attention/touches you/makes you laugh etc.
3. Television tells stories. What structures/storytelling techniques/visual methods does television employ to tell those stories? Describe the things that you think are UNIQUELY television.
Step 2: Coaching with Caitlin
When you finish watching, come find Caitlin. We're going to coach around what you wrote and watched. The goal of this session will be to talk about your point of view on television and what you find inspiring. I will also launch you into the research part of this project.
Step 3: Introduction to the GENRE of SITCOM RESEARCH
Essential Questions
What models of sitcom comedy do you find hilarious and inspiring?
What unique qualities do television sitcoms have?
Below are a list of sitcoms throughout our television history. To get started I'd like for you pick 3 sitcoms. Watch them- ALL THE WAY THROUGH. This will take you a few class periods. While you watch, you're looking for aspects of a sitcom that are consistent between shows compared to the unique aspects of the show. Compare and contrast the three sitcoms you watched.
SITCOM EXAMPLES
I Love Lucy
Full House
Diff'rent Strokes
Who's the Boss
The Golden Girls
Sister Sister
Three's Company
Friends
Fraiser
Modern Family
Family Matters
Questions to help you compare and contrast:
1. What elements/structures do you see in all tv episodes that are similar or related? It could be observations about length, laugh tracks, story arcs, characters etc.
2. What aspects of the three shows made them unique? How are the different from one another?
3. Which show did you like the most- do you know why? Explain.
WHEN YOU FINISH- please create a google presentation that includes 4 slides.
1. A brief history of the show, when it was made, who wrote it, why it was so popular.
2. A slide that contains a clip that you particularly loved and want to share with the class.
3. A break down of the main characters- what character traits do they have and how do those traits interact to make you laugh?
4. A summary of your analysis of what traits connect ALL sitcoms. This can be copy and pasted from your comedy journal.
FULL CLASS LESSON
Essential Question:
How are sitcoms structured?
What elements are essential for a successful sitcom?
HOME TO ALL THE ANSWERS!
Let's watch this episode of THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR
Class Discussion: What are the plot points that frame out our three act structure?
The Three Act Structure
Act I: the introduction of the main characters and the dramatic problem.
Act II: a series of complications that arise for our hero as he tries to take over the problem and finally it reaches.
Act III: a climactic point where the hero finally overcomes the obstacles and reaches his goal and everything is resolved.
A plot/B plot: Plot Threads
How are plots broken down?
Intro/Cataclysm/Decision
How do plots continue from one episode to the next?
Meta-Plot/Monster of the Week Plot
POPULAR TV TROPES
Character Structures
THE FIVE MAN BAND (When you're working with a group of characters- how are they all categorized?)
Character Flaws (Characters need flaws...)
Archetypal Characters (These are characters we already know but love to watch)
Popular Conflicts (What is the conflict in your story? Here are some ideas)
Narrative Devices (A way to move the story forward)
Plots (Plots organize the action of an entire script. Most plots occupy a single episode or Story Arc. See also Plot for a basic definition.)
SCRIPT EXAMPLES:
PILOT SCRIPT EXAMPLE
Essential Question:
How are sitcoms structured?
What elements are essential for a successful sitcom?
HOME TO ALL THE ANSWERS!
Let's watch this episode of THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR
Class Discussion: What are the plot points that frame out our three act structure?
The Three Act Structure
Act I: the introduction of the main characters and the dramatic problem.
Act II: a series of complications that arise for our hero as he tries to take over the problem and finally it reaches.
Act III: a climactic point where the hero finally overcomes the obstacles and reaches his goal and everything is resolved.
A plot/B plot: Plot Threads
How are plots broken down?
Intro/Cataclysm/Decision
How do plots continue from one episode to the next?
Meta-Plot/Monster of the Week Plot
POPULAR TV TROPES
Character Structures
THE FIVE MAN BAND (When you're working with a group of characters- how are they all categorized?)
Character Flaws (Characters need flaws...)
Archetypal Characters (These are characters we already know but love to watch)
Popular Conflicts (What is the conflict in your story? Here are some ideas)
Narrative Devices (A way to move the story forward)
Plots (Plots organize the action of an entire script. Most plots occupy a single episode or Story Arc. See also Plot for a basic definition.)
SCRIPT EXAMPLES:
PILOT SCRIPT EXAMPLE
THE WRITING PROCESS
Step 1: GETTING STARTED!
Copy and paste THIS DOCUMENT into a google doc or your comedy journal. Make sure to share it with me! [email protected]
1-Act Structure
GETTING STUMPED ON YOUR PLOT?
Check out this website! Just a warning, it is a huge list. You and your writing partner should embark on this journey together. If you don't understand one of the plot lines, just drop it. You don't have to read them all!!
Step 1: GETTING STARTED!
Copy and paste THIS DOCUMENT into a google doc or your comedy journal. Make sure to share it with me! [email protected]
1-Act Structure
GETTING STUMPED ON YOUR PLOT?
Check out this website! Just a warning, it is a huge list. You and your writing partner should embark on this journey together. If you don't understand one of the plot lines, just drop it. You don't have to read them all!!
STEP 2: FEEDBACK FROM YOUR PARTNER!
Questions you might want to consider when talking to your partner:
What feedback do you think you need?
How do you keep your characters from sounding the same?
Questions you might want to consider when talking to your partner:
What feedback do you think you need?
How do you keep your characters from sounding the same?
Step 3: Formatting Dialogue: Coaching with Caitlin
www.Celtx.com
When you and your partner are done giving feedback, come find Caitlin for a mini-lesson on dialogue formatting!
CLASSWORK DUE: Introduction in Celtx (2-3 pages of dialogue due by Friday, May 23rd)
Step 4: CHARACTER VOICE: FULL CLASS ACTIVITY
How do we tell visual stories and vocal stories?
How can we ensure that our characters have unique voices?
www.Celtx.com
When you and your partner are done giving feedback, come find Caitlin for a mini-lesson on dialogue formatting!
CLASSWORK DUE: Introduction in Celtx (2-3 pages of dialogue due by Friday, May 23rd)
Step 4: CHARACTER VOICE: FULL CLASS ACTIVITY
How do we tell visual stories and vocal stories?
How can we ensure that our characters have unique voices?