Initial Research

What is a TV Drama ?

Television drama uses specific technical techniques that are used in storytelling, the audience expectations of a TV drama are to be entertained, be informed, and to have storylines dramatised. A drama can vary in the length of the episodes from half an hour to two hour episodes. TV drama can be placed into different categories or genres. For example, the hospital drama, the TV crime series… Storylines/ narratives are fictional and have a vast range of themes and motifs, from crime to soap opera. Episodes may be self-contained or storylines may be continued over several episodes. The drama is framed within a key location/setting, which can be linked to a historical period or contemporary setting. Television drama is dialogue led, and this can be supported by the use of narrative and the characters actions; also by the dominance of the use of particular camera techniques.  Children’s TV dramas also focus on every day events that are dramatised, many children’s TV shows have hidden morals that teach the children and have positive influences on them.

What is a title Sequence?

A title sequence is the method by which films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, utilising visuals and sound.It typically includes (or begins) the text of the opening credits and helps establish the setting and tone of the program, they also introduce the characters and theme of the program.

What are the conventions of a title sequence?

The titles of the program will appear in the opening sequence, letting the audience know what they are about to watch. The opening clip may also have genre-suited music, which could be used to build up atmosphere or tension for the first scene. This also gives an insight as to what genre the program will be.

Also names and perhaps images of the cast and crew can appear in an opening title sequence. Main actors and crew members such as the producer and director, amongst many others, will appear at the beginning. In a title sequence an establishing shot may be introduced in the opening sequence, along with one or more characters, these characters are sometimes the main roles, although there could be other characters displayed.Typically the sequence will include a variety of shot types such as close ups to show details, and master shots to show everything within the scene. 
Moreover there will be a range of different angles and camera movements, all to help build up the genre and give an insight into the film. Finally the genre of the film should become apparent in the sequence through camera work, music, settings, colours etc. The sequence should also give an insight to the program without revealing too much, making the audience ask questions throughout, as to what will happen next.

My Time Plan

Time planning is the key to success when designing and making a TV program's opening title sequence and several other products, here I have made a gantt chart with all the tasks I have to complete and the time I have to complete them by, this will help me manage my time effectively and stay on task throughout the course. 

Target audience

This collection of images represents my chosen target audience for my children’s TV drama title sequence. Here I have collected together a variety of images to highlight the age range of my target audience and the overall mood of the title sequence I would like to create. My target audience is children aged 5-10, my program will be a unisex program for boy boys and girls so that it appeals to a mass market.

Colour and Mood

The pictures in this mood board that represent my target audience are all bright bold colours that capture your attention. The use of bright blues and yellows highlight this my audience will be young and the program I will create will be exciting and light hearted. The colours used in this mood board also reflect the mood I would like to create in the program. I feel that colour always reflects mood for example, if you wanted to create a sad melancholic program about death you would use dark colours such as black to convey this. However, I have chosen bright and eye catching colours highlighting my program will be fun and exciting for the young target audience. It will also be light-hearted so that it is easy for the young audience to follow and understand.  
Potential Themes

The images within this mood board also highlight potential themes that will appeal to my target audience. For example many of the images are focused on school or hobbies that children within my target audience enjoy.  When thinking of themes for my program I will refer back to this board for inspiration as it will give me ideas that I know will appeal and be popular amongst my audience.

Overall, this mood board will help me keep in mind my chosen target audience when making my title sequence, magazine and DVD cover. When thinking of my target audience I will refer back to this mood board to see if potentially it will appeal to them. I will also carry out surveys amongst my target audience so that I know what I am doing right and wrong and whether it will be potentially successful within their age group. 

My Proposal

For my A2 media project I will aim to create a selection of materials related to an original children’s TV drama, I will include the title sequence to the TV program the front cover of a magazine for the TV series and a DVD cover for the series. I am planning to make the opening title sequence of a  TV drama appealing to children of both genders aged 5-10.  My inspiration will come from previous children’s programs and I will research into the positive and negative of their title sequences, to make my project appealing to my young target audience I will conduct detailed target research to insure it is appealing and up to date.