TV drama planning and Statement of Intent

Hybrid

The science fiction TV show will be called Hybrid. My two minute clip will be the pre title sequence of the pilot episode.

It will be set in two locations: Northala Fields, which is a large outdoor park space, and a laboratory set up as a hospital room. The first exterior setting will establish equilibrium as the female teenage protagonist will be going for a run, wearing workout clothes to establish her sporty persona. It will be filmed during the daytime with natural sunlight to create a false sense of security as there are no immediate threats. Diagetic music will be used in the first scene in order to add a sense of realism to the character. Disruption to equilibrium will occur when the protagonist is kidnapped by two figures and wakes up in a hospital bed. For this, I will use harsh white lighting to make the audience uncomfortable and create a sense of exposure- the girl has no protection.

The sequence will end with a panning shot of the laboratory to further establish the sci fi genre: white colours, test tubes and beakers, empty syringes. I will include POV shots from the girl's perspective to show two aliens looming above her, discussing their plan through dialogue (diagetic sound).

By showing their green hands (props), this will communicate meaning to the audience that these aren't ordinary doctors (and make the sci fi genre more obvious through the inclusion of mystery and an enigma code relating to Propp’s character theory of false heroes) and this girl isn't safe. This will help heighten tension as the threat is made apparent. As it will be shown from the girl's POV, the audience will feel uneasy as they will be put in the position of the vulnerable protagonist. The use of an enigma code as to what the fate of this girl will be and what the doctors are planning to do will help draw in the audience and evoke curiosity. The protagonist will be depicted by an Asian teenage girl which subverts the stereotype of conventionally white, male heroes. This subversive choice for a lead will help attract viewers, predominantly female viewers and those of minority ethnic groups. Furthermore, teenage girls are stereotyped as being emotional and quite shallow and the protagonist will subvert this by portraying a strong willed, independent hero.

I have chosen to implement an all female cast as typically, men are associated with genres such as science and action and I would like to subvert this view. Additionally, I believe it would be positive for younger audiences to see women in position of power and control.

This will appeal to family audiences as there are no graphic scenes or swearing and the storyline will be accessible to people of all ages as the show will not be oversimplified for the sake of younger viewers so older audiences can also enjoy it. Furthermore, I will use quick paced non diagetic music in order to build tension and warn the audience that something sinister could be coming.

This clip will provide personal identity for younger audiences as they’ll be able to relate to the young teenage protagonist and her struggles. Older parents will be able to form a parental bond with the protagonist by mirroring her parent’s worries for her.