GC2 – Research

Dossier

Garrod, Ben (55117)

55117@eastnorfolk.ac.uk
Ben Garrod, 55117 GC2 – Research Dossier

Contents

Submission of Work ................................................................................................ 3

Screenwriting Competitions........................................................................................... 3
Unsolicited Scripts .......................................................................................................... 3
Background Material for Concept Generation ......................................................... 4
Screenplay Conventions and Layout ............................................................................. 4
Sources of Inspiration .................................................................................................... 5
Historical or Current Events ....................................................................................... 5
Personal Experience ................................................................................................... 6
Books/Screenplays ..................................................................................................... 6
Dreams ........................................................................................................................ 6
Research for an Idea ............................................................................................... 7
Primary Sources .............................................................................................................. 7
Primary Sources for own screenplay idea .................................................................... 7
Secondary Sources ......................................................................................................... 8
Secondary Sources for own screenplay idea ............................................................... 9
Information Management ....................................................................................... 9
Advantages and Disadvantages of Primary Sources .................................................. 9
Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary Sources ............................................ 10
Useful Information Relating to Script Idea .................................................................. 10
Disregarded Information .............................................................................................. 10
Methods of Managing Information ............................................................................. 11
Additional Screenplay Research ........................................................................... 11
The Crazies .................................................................................................................... 11
Narrative .................................................................................................................... 11
Characters ................................................................................................................. 12
Editing ........................................................................................................................ 12
Music and Sound ...................................................................................................... 13
Duration ..................................................................................................................... 13
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure .............................................................................. 14
Narrative .................................................................................................................... 14
Characters ................................................................................................................. 14
Editing ........................................................................................................................ 15

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Music and Sound ...................................................................................................... 16

Duration ..................................................................................................................... 16
Staged ............................................................................................................................ 16
Narrative .................................................................................................................... 16
Characters ................................................................................................................. 17
Editing ........................................................................................................................ 17
Music and Sound ...................................................................................................... 18
Duration ..................................................................................................................... 18
Covid vaccine: Nurse, 103, who lived through Spanish flu has jab. .......................... 18
Summary ................................................................................................................... 18
How does it relate? ................................................................................................... 18
Bibliography ......................................................................................................... 19

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Submission of Work

Screenwriting Competitions

Screenwriting competitions are an excellent method for an unknown screenwriter to

make their debut and get noticed. They give new screenwriters the opportunity to get
their scripts read by professional script readers and production company executives.
However, screenwriting competitions often receive hundreds or even thousands of
entries, meaning that your script must stand out from the crowd to be in with a
chance of winning. Winning a script competition can culminate in the script being
commissioned, advice being given, or a monetary prize. (Rickett, 2020)
A popular screenwriting competition in the UK is the BBC Writers Room: Script
Room. The BBC accept scripts during periods twice a year. According to the BBC
website, this is “not a competition, but a means of seeking out the best writing
talent.” Submitted scripts are assessed by BBC script readers, who create a shortlist
of the best scripts. Although these scripts are not commissioned by the BBC, the
successful group of screenwriters receive extensive training and mentoring. The
next submission window for scripts is between the 7th of December 2020 and 6th
January 2021 (BBC, 2020).
Another screenwriting competition is the Nickelodeon TV Writing Program. There is
a yearly window for script submissions for this competition. Scripts are read by
script readers, who shortlist the best scripts. The chosen writers are notified at the
end of each year. Successful candidates are offered mentoring and the opportunity
to write for Nickelodeon’s TV series productions. During writer workshops, the
successful candidates meet series creators and gain hands on experience.

Unsolicited Scripts

Unsolicited scripts are based on a screenwriter’s original idea and are sent
unrequested to production companies. Most production companies don’t accept
unsolicited scripts directly, due to legal and copyright reasons. Therefore, it can be
difficult for an unknown writer (even with a great script) to get commissioned.
One method of attempting to get a script commissioned is using IMDB Pro. This
facilitates direct contact between agents, managers and production companies.
First, a writer can find a similar screenplay and find the writer’s IMDB page. Using
IMDB Pro, it’s then possible to find their agent’s contact details. A query letter can
then be sent to the writer’s agent, proposing the script idea to the agent. If the agent
is interested in putting the script into production, they may commission the script. A
screenwriter may need to repeat this process several times before a script
commission is secured.

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If a writer has a licenced agent, they may be able to submit and pitch their script to
Netflix. According to Netflix’s website, they “employ a team of creative executives
and buyers, who receive pitches for shows and movies”; therefore, once a writer’s
script is submitted to Netflix, there is a good chance that it will be scrutinised and
reviewed by a script editor at Netflix. (Netflix, 2020)
Previously, Amazon Studios would accept unsolicited scripts without the
involvement of an agent. They created a tool called Amazon Storywriter, which was
online software to create screenplays. This allowed screenwriters to easily submit
their completed scripts directly to Amazon. This was a great method of
crowdsourcing screenplays when Amazon Studios was in its infancy. However, as
Amazon Studios has grown, they no longer require unsolicited script submissions;
this has become less financially viable. They stopped their open script submission
program in 2018.

Background Material for Concept Generation

Screenplay Conventions and Layout

As referenced in my ‘commissioning process for writing for television and video’

essay (page 8), there are two types of screenplay scripts: a spec script and a
shooting script.
A spec script focusses on the plot itself, without any reference to directional aspects
(e.g., camera angles.) Spec scripts are usually produced by a writer who is looking
for their script to be optioned. They are usually short (90-120 pages) and concise; the
aim is to get the reader’s interest within the first 10 pages.
Once a script has been optioned, a shooting script is produced. A shooting script is
the version of a screenplay used during the production stage, incorporating further
detail, such as scene numbers and camera directions. The director, cinematographer
and writer are all involved in creating a shooting script, which is an amalgamation of
their collective creative vision.
Specifically, shooting scripts include the following:

• Scene numbers aid organisation and logistics.

• Camera directions enable camera operators to plan for the upcoming shots.
• Special effects details are required during the production and post-production
processes.
• Action sequence details help to plan for any stunt sequences during
production.
• Set information (costumes, scenery, lighting etc.) allows set designers to
prepare the scene for each shot.

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• Acting directions are useful when a particular emotion must be displayed.

However, they should be used sparingly, as the actor should be able to
interpret the script themselves.
In general, all screenplays use the following layout conventions, in this order:

• Scenes – a scene is a section of the script with related plot material.

• Slug line – this gives contextual information about the scene, including
whether it is inside or outside, location and time of day.
• Scene direction – this describes the characters’ actions in the scene and is
written in the present tense.
• Character cue – the name of the character that is speaking.
• Actor direction/parenthetical – written underneath the character cue, this
describes how the line should be delivered.
• Dialogue – what the character says.

Sources of Inspiration

When conceptualising a screenplay, it is important that writers have a wealth of

inspiration. Writers can actively seek inspiration for their scripts – for example
researching current topical events – or they may come across inspiration in their
daily lives.

Historical or Current Events

Screenplays can be based on real-life events. A screenwriter may choose to ensure

that their film is historically accurate. Titanic (Cameron, 1997) is largely historically
accurate account of Jack and Rose’s love story (Bustle, 2017), and the tragic events
that ensued. Cameron did meticulous research in preparation for writing the script,
quoted as saying “I created an extremely detailed timeline of the ship’s few days and
the last night of its life” (Eye for Film, 2009). Research could have been conducted
for the titanic using primary sources, such as newspaper articles from the time. For
example, the Daily Illinois Sate Journal published an article titled “the Titanic is
Sinking” on April 15th, 1912.
Another screenplay based on historical events is Darkest Hour (2017, Anthony
McCarten). This film is set in May 1940 and explores the difficult decisions that
Winston Churchill had to make surrounding World War 2. According to Sir Nicholas
(one of Winston’s Grandsons), the film was “pretty accurate compared to that
remarkable book by George Lukas called Five Days in London, which is about the
making of the government in 1940.” However, there are some scenes in this film
which “take artistic license.” (Express, 2018) Incidental information about Winston

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Churchill and the period would have been collected from a variety of sources. For
example, Winston Churchill’s secretary (Elizabeth Nel) wrote a book about her
experience working for him; information drawn from this book could have helped
define some of Churchill’s characteristics in the screenplay.

Personal Experience

Personal experiences can be used to inspire the plot of a screenplay. For example,
the TV series Staged (Evans and Glynn, 2020) explores the difficulty David Tennant
and Michael Sheen face during the Coronavirus pandemic, as their West End play
has been put on hold. They continue rehearsing online and suffer several comedic
disputes. This screenplay would have been conceptualised from the creators’
personal experiences of video calls and adapting to new ways of living. Screenplays
which are based on personal experience have the potential of being more relatable;
the audience may find that the plot resonates with their personal experiences too.
My screenplay – Living in the Future – was inspired by personal experience, as it
explores the struggles of adapting to the post-Covid world. The difficulty the family
experiences adapting to the pandemic is amplified, as they’ve time travelled from
1920.

Books/Screenplays

Some screenplays are based on books or take inspiration from other screenplays.
For example, the Harry Potter series of films were created based on the Harry Potter
books. The screenplays were written by Steve Kloves (films 1-4 and 6-8) and Michael
Goldenberg (55). J.K Rowling (the author of the Harry Potter books), acted as a
consultant throughout the filmmaking process, ensuring that the films remained true
to her books. She would have likely had significant influence on the film’s direction;
for example, she insisted that it was all filmed in the UK. Using an existing book or
screenplay for inspiration for a new screenplay can be both a blessing and a curse.
The book may already have a significant following, resulting in increased profits.
However, the film would have to pay royalties to the author and liaise with them on
creative differences.

Dreams

A screenwriter may take inspiration from their dreams to write a screenplay. For
example, Inception (2010, Nolan), was inspired by a series of lucid dreams (dreams
that you can control) that Christopher Nolan had experienced (List Verse, 2016). The

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plot of the film revolves around Dom Cobb, a thief who steals secrets from people
while they are dreaming. As dreams are subconscious, deep rooted thoughts and
ideas can surface during them, which can provide excellent inspiration for
screenplays.

Research for an Idea

Primary Sources

Information that has been obtained directly from its origin is defined as a primary
source. For example, a historical document would be a primary source of
information. Relating to screenplays, primary sources should be referenced when
writing a script, to ensure that a film’s plot is accurate against what it aims to
convey. During the production of a period drama, for example, primary sources
would be used to research costume and set design, to ensure that they are
historically correct. Primary sources are in general more accurate than secondary
sources, as the information originates from the source. Therefore, primary sources
should be used to research the finer points of a screenplay.
Below are three primary sources that a screenwriter could use to help write their
script:

• Historical film footage. Script ideas could be developed by researching

historical film footage. For example, 1917 (2020, Mendes) – a film following
the story of two soldiers during the First World War – would have likely used
historical film footage to research the lives of First World War soldiers.
Historical film footage provides a snapshot into a moment, which can be
expanded upon in a script.
• Newspaper articles. Newspaper articles provide an insight into the events and
opinions of the time. For example, a collection of newspaper articles could be
used to recreate events in a screenplay.
• Photographs provide visual evidence of a snapshot in time. They could be
used to aid with costume and set design for a screenplay. A historical drama,
such as Downton Abbey (2010, Fellowes) would have likely used photos to
ensure that costumes and sets were historically accurate.

Primary Sources for own screenplay idea

During the process of creating my screenplay spec script, I conducted primary

research to ensure factual accuracy. Below are examples of this primary research:

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• DNA testing research. In my screenplay, the Smith family from the 1920s
wants to ascertain if they are related to India and Ryan Smith. They use a DNA
test to decide if they are related. To ensure that the dialogue around DNA
testing was factually correct, I conducted research on how to go about getting
a DNA test in the UK. During my research, I found that AlphaBiolabs was a
leading laboratory which provided DNA testing. Their website includes
information about the types of DNA tests available and the cost. For example,
a DNA grandparent testing kit (which the Smith family would require), costs
£249 – a detail which is included in the script. (Alpha Biolabs, 2021)
• Photographic research from the 1920s. As the Smith family have time
travelled from the year 1920, a degree of research was required to
contextualise their shift in time. For example, I used photos of people from
1920 (a primary source) to ascertain what each character may have looked
like. This research would aid costume design. Remarks such as “you do look
ancient” (India) are also reflective of this research.

Secondary Sources

Information that has been collated and interpreted is defined as a secondary source.
For example, an encyclopaedia page would pull from multiple sources to collate
relevant information. Relating to screenplays, secondary sources are used when the
screenwriter requires a broad understanding of a topic. If a screenwriter required
general knowledge about a person or period in history, they may choose to explore a
secondary source. Secondary sources make accessing general knowledge easier, as
they often include collated information from several primary sources.
Below are three secondary sources that a screenwriter could use to help write their
script:

• Film reviews. Film reviews are a secondary source; they provide someone’s
subjective opinion of a screenplay. For example, if a screenplay with similar
themes achieved poor reviews, the writer could work to avoid the pitfalls from
that screenplay. Furthermore, some screenplays may use reviews to
retrospectively adjust the marketing or the film itself. Cats (2019, Hooper)
used feedback from viewers and critics to improve the CGI used in the movie,
before and after its release. (Screen Rant, 2021)
• Encyclopaedias. Encyclopaedias (online or books) comprise of an
amalgamation of information from multiple primary sources. During the
screenwriting process, an encyclopaedia may be used to gather background
information on a topic, such as an event, place, or person in history. For
example, when conducting initial research into potential locations, an
encyclopaedia may be used to ascertain the location’s potential.

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• Articles analysing primary sources. Primary sources can be analysed and

interpreted, providing an opinionated secondary source. For example, several
connotations could be made from a photograph.

Secondary Sources for own screenplay idea

During the process of conceptualising my screenplay, I conducted secondary

research to ensure historical accuracy, especially when referencing to the 1920s.
These are examples of the secondary research I conducted:

• Research into the life of someone living in 1920. Before starting my spec
script, I conducted secondary research into the life of someone living in 1920.
Using an article published about the 1920s, I gathered research about the
Spanish Flu, women’s rights, and the social and economic implications of
WW1. (Family Search, 2020) This research helped ensure that the screenplay
included references to the struggles and benefits of living in the 1920s.
• Common names in 1920. To ensure that the names I used for the characters
from the 1920s were period correct, I consulted an article of the “top names in
1920.” (UK Baby Names, 2021) I repeated this process when choosing names
for the characters from 2020 – choosing suitably contrasting names from a
random name generator.

Information Management

Advantages and Disadvantages of Primary Sources

The main advantage of a primary source is that the information has not been
amended or interpreted by a third-party. For example, a historical document provides
an accurate snapshot of a moment in time, without any slant put on it by a modern
historian. As most primary sources can be tracked to their original author, their
information is generally more accurate and valid in comparison to secondary
sources.
A disadvantage of primary sources is that they may not contain all the information
required for the purpose. For example, if a broad understanding of a historical event
was required, a single primary source may not provide this.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary Sources

The main advantage of using secondary sources is that information can be gathered
easily, which reduces costs. This is because secondary data collates information
from several primary sources, creating a resource that provides a greater, more
varied insight into the topic. The general overview of a topic provided by a secondary
source provides a starting point for carrying out more in-depth research using
primary sources.
However, secondary sources can introduce inaccuracies. For example, some primary
data used in secondary sources may not be referenced correctly, which negates the
source’s credibility and usefulness. Furthermore, some secondary data may not
provide the level of detail required for the research purpose. The date that the
secondary source was published also impacts its usefulness; a secondary source
that is years old may be missing crucial new data.

Useful Information Relating to Script Idea

As my script is based around time travel, there are historical references to the 1920s
throughout. To ensure historical accuracy and to provide context to my characters, I
conducted a mix of primary and secondary research.
The most useful primary research I conducted was studying photographs of family’s
in the 1920s. A picture speaks a thousand words; details such as clothing and
household roles could be inferred. In terms of secondary research, I searched for
research that compared modern life with the life of a family in the 1920s. One article
I found, from ‘familysearch.org’, elaborated on the Spanish Flu pandemic (Family
Search, 2020). This research helped shape my screenplay idea and influenced me to
include comparisons between the pandemics of 1920 and 2020.

Disregarded Information

When conducting research, it is important to only select relevant information. For

example, during my research about the 1920s, only information about the 1920s in
the UK is relevant. Many articles about the 1920s referenced the time period in the
US, which is not relevant. An example of an article that I disregarded was ‘Home Life
in the 1920s’ from classroom.synonym.com. Although this article initially appears
relevant to my screenplay, it’s evident that it references ‘American history’ rather
than life in the UK (Classroom, 2018), therefore I disregarded this research.

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Methods of Managing Information

When researching, it’s important to keep track of the data that has been obtained.
For example, referencing should be used in any research document. Generally,
references are put in brackets after the information used, including author and date.
A bibliography should be included at the end of a research document, including a list
of all sources used. By recording all sources used in a document, you can prove the
origins of your information, which gives your work credibility.

Additional Screenplay Research

To help develop my screenplay idea, based around a 1920s family time travelling to
2020, I researched existing screenplays with similar themes.

The Crazies

Narrative

Set in Iowa, The Crazies explores the consequences of a plane

crash, leaving behind biological weapon contamination. Victims
who are infected become incurably mad, with no antidote
available. As a result of this infection, the army seals off the
town, imprisoning the population in tents and camps. David the
Sheriff, his deputy, wife and her medical assistant escape. However, their efforts are
futile, as they are hunted by the army.
Although the plot of this film is firmly based in fiction and horror, the theme of
infection and pandemic is present. The sheer hopelessness that the quartet feel
trying to escape the quarantine will be reflected in the 1920s family’s alienation in
the modern world and the feeling of being in a perpetual pandemic. Furthermore, the
characters in the Crazies feel isolated by their situation. This same isolation will be
reflected in my screenplay; the family from the 1920s feel that they do not
understand the world around them.

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Characters

David Dutton

David is the sheriff of Ogden Marsh (a town in Iowa).

Throughout the film, he tries to reason with their situation, and
make the right choices. In the first scene, he tries to liaise with
Rory, who walks onto the baseball pitch with a loaded gun.
However, he is forced to kill him. He fights to uphold the good
and moral, even when the going gets tough: “Don't ask me why I
can't leave without my wife and I won't ask you why you can.”

Russell Clank

Russell is the sheriff’s deputy, working with David. Initially,

Russell and David work together; for example, they lock Bill
Farnum up together, after he kills his whole family. Russell
finds and saves David from a bone saw coming towards him on
the floor. However, at the end of the film, Russell becomes
infected, represented by a shift in his behaviours. He begins to go against David’s
commands – killing the intelligence officer that David was interrogating. At the end
of the film, Russell sacrifices himself to the Army, realising that he’s become
infected.

David and Russell have contrasting traits; David represents the good and moral,
whereas Russell has descended into savagery by the end of the film. My screenplay
will also use contrasting personalities. For example, Mary Smith enjoys her
newfound modern life, saying “Well, I actually quite like it here! Life is so much more
vibrant and exciting!”, whereas her mother, Dorothy thinks the opposite: “I don't like
the world that we're in now.”

Editing

There is a use of contrasts in the editing of this film. For example, at the start of the
film, there are scenes of fire and chaos in Ogden Marsh, which is contrasted with
peaceful music and countryside scenes. A similar contrast is made in the scene
where Bill Farnum burns down the house; the fire of the house is contrasted with
hunters walking through water.

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Editing has been used to make the storyline

cyclical. After David kills Rory, there is a pan
out to an aerial view, with text saying, “Ogden
Marsh, Population 1,260”. At the end of the
film, there is a similar aerial view, with text
saying, “Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Population
128,056.” This tells us that the infection has
reached a neighbouring town, with a larger
population. The story will repeat itself, this
time with a larger population.

In my film, I will use editing to create contrasts. For example, flashback scenes to the
1920s will be in black and white. Scenes from 2020 will use a triadic colour pallet,
showing the vibrancy of modern life.

Music and Sound

Music and sound effects are used in this film to portray a sense of doom and
tension. For example, dramatic sound effects, such as ‘booms’ are used. Diegetic
sound also increases tension, such as the phone beeping to indicate that
communications have been cut off. Ambient music in the background also makes
the audience uneasy.
My film will include suitable sound effects and music to reinforce moments of
tension and happiness in the plot.

Duration

The Crazies lasts for 1 hour 41 minutes. Most feature films are between 1 hour 15
minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes long.

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Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Narrative

In Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, two unintelligent

teenagers – Bill and Ted – dream of forming a band called
“Wyld Stallyns.” However, they are performing poorly in school,
and risk dropping out if they fail their history report that is
looming. Ted’s father will send him to military school if he fails
the report, separating the two boys. Bill and Ted unexpectedly meet Rufus, with a
time travelling machine, who has come to help them with their history report. Rufus
explains that the two boys must stay together, as their music will save the world.
Using the time travel machine, Bill and Ted gather historical figures, who help them
pass their history report. The film culminates with a spectacular performance from
real-life historical figures, and the two boys pass their history report, stay together,
and save the world!
My film includes time-travel themes and will take inspiration from the time travel
intricacies in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. In Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,
there is an element of risk to time travel, as shown when the time machines aerial
must be fixed with chewing gum. Similarly, my screenplay will demonstrate the risks
of time travel; the Smith family from the 1920s will at first return to the wrong time
period!

Characters

Bill S. Preston, Esq.

Bill Preston is a teenager looking for escapism in the

monotony of school life. Instead of completing his history
assignment, him and Ted focus on forming their band: the
“Wyld Stallyns.” The band is seeming useless at the start of
the film; however, it’s revealed that their music ‘saves the
world!’ With the help of Rufus’ time travel machine, Bill finishes
his history report and fulfils his dream of forming a band with Ted.

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Rufus

Rufus is the time-travelling mentor for Bill and Ted. From the
year 2688, he provides the boys with a time machine to help
them pass their history report. He is presented as being
helpful – providing the boys with instructions on how to use
the time machine. When the future versions of Bill and Ted
appear in their time machine, he asks “gentlemen, is
everything alright”, showing that he is rooting for their
success.

In my screenplay – Living in the Future – the Smith family visit time machine inventor
Douglas Potter for advice. Douglas’ character will take inspiration from Rufus, Bill
and Ted’s time travel guide. Douglas will have a direct and mysterious personality,
like Rufus. Both Rufus and Douglas share guiding roles; in my screenplay Douglas
will act as a mentor to guide the Smith family from the 1920s back to normality.

Editing

There is use of CGI in this film, to show the ‘circuits

of history.’ When Bill and Ted travel in the time
machine, they are transported through vein-like
circuits to the correct period in history. In my
screenplay, I plan to use similar animations to
show the Smith family time travelling back to the
1920s.

Furthermore, colours have been used to

represent the shifts in time periods. For
example, colours in the present-day are
bright and vibrant, in contrast to the muted
colour pallets used in scenes set in the
past. My screenplay will take inspiration
from this; using colour schemes to
emphasise shifts in time.

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Music and Sound

Music in this film is period correct for each time travel period. For example, when Bill
and Ted are in the present, 80s era music is played, with heavy use of synthesisers.
When they time travel back to 19th century America (the Western movement),
Classical music plays, representing the shift in time.
A recurring guitar riff sound effect is played in this film, accompanied by Bill and Ted
miming playing guitars. This sound effect helps remind the viewer that the object of
their time travel is to save their band, and in turn the future!
In my film, I will use period-correct music to represent the shift in time between 2020
and 1920. For example, music from the 1920s will be played during flashback
scenes.

Duration

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes. Most feature films are
between 1 hour 15 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes long.

Staged

Narrative

Staged is a BBC TV series, that explores the

challenges of rehearsing for performances
during the Covid-19 lockdown. Michael Sheen
and David Tennant play fictional versions of
themselves, as they try to rehearse a
performance of Luigi Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author over video
calls. The director, Simon, struggles to remain in control. The struggles and
arguments Michael and David face add a comedic element. In season two, Michael
and David play themselves, and explore the successes of the first series. Simon (the
director) works on an American remake – but without Michael or David.

The comedic element and references to the Covid-19 pandemic in Staged is

reflected in my screenplay. I will take inspiration from the comedy that stems from
the struggles faced to adapt to new ways of working required during lockdown.

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Characters

David Tennant – Playing himself

David Tennant struggles to rehearse with Michael

Sheen in over a video call. He is presented as
being chaotic and cannot concentrate on
rehearsals. Instead, David and Michael laugh and
argue, and are generally unproductive. In the final
episode, of series one, David and Michael are forced to rehearse, and get some work
done! The struggle to be productive whilst at home resonates with most people who
have worked from home during lockdown, making Da vid’s character particularly
effective.

Mary - Agent

In series two, Mary (Whoopi Goldberg) acts as David and Michael’s agent. When
David and Michael are not cast for the American remake of Staged, they sabotage
their replacements, by giving them poor acting advice. This backfires, and Mary calls
them both, scalding them for their actions. Mary is seen as a dominant, authoritative
figure – seemingly the only person that David and Michael respect and listen to.

My screenplay – Living in the Future – will take inspiration from David’s character.
The Smith family find themselves in an alien world and are therefore as unproductive
as David!

Editing

Staged has simplistic editing, thanks to the filming being done entirely on
videoconferencing software. Each character on the screen has their own video feed,
with the videos arranged in a grid pattern, similar to software such as Zoom. Simple
fades and visual effects are used to transition between different sets of characters.
Should my film have to be filmed during lockdown, it would be interesting to
experiment with video conferencing style filming. For example, the 1920s family
could attempt to video call their future relatives!

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Music and Sound

Again, use of music and sound is simplistic in Staged. Most of the content uses
purely dialogue, without accompanying music. A music introduction and outro are
used, with a simple piano melody.

Duration

Each episode of stage is 15 minutes. This short format is ideal for viewers with
limited time or attention spans.

Covid vaccine: Nurse, 103, who lived through Spanish flu has jab.

Summary

In this article from the BBC, we learn that Hilda

Richards, who lived through the Spanish flu, has
received her Covid-19 vaccine. Hilda is one of the
few people who has lived through both the Spanish
Flu and Covid-19 pandemics. She looked after
soldiers at Dunkirk and worked at Wrexham General
emergency hospital. Now living in a care home, she
has been unable to see her family during the
lockdowns.

How does it relate?

This article reinforces my screenplay’s basis – comparing Spanish Flu and Covid-19
through time travel. The fact that a person has lived through two pandemics is
shocking and sad and proves that history does indeed repeat itself. The article will
provide inspiration for my screenplay’s plot development.

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Ben Garrod, 55117 GC2 – Research Dossier

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