Television Coverage Review
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Sustainability of a TV Series
A rich ‘World’
Engaging, multi-dimensional characters
Compelling themes we want to see explored
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Theme
Theme is the expression of the unending, universal struggles of man.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Themes as ‘Fuel’
Strong themes are the FUEL for great television, because they provide a view into these never-ending struggles we all face.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS World of Opposites
Themes are often expressed as pairs of opposites. Because Life can ONLY be experienced through opposites.
Male/female, life/death, good/evil, hot/cold, love/hate, hope/fear, greed/generosity, etc., etc…
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Themes of 3 LBS.
What themes drove the action in this series?
What ‘universal’ struggle lay beneath its appeal?
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Themes of 3 LBS.
Science vs. Mystery
The known vs. the unknown, i.e., are we just ‘wires in a box’? Or are we more? The question each case will address.
Control vs. Freedom The question all of Hanson’s relationships will address.
Logic vs. Instinct Reality vs. Perception
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Themes of ‘Book of Daniel’
What themes drove the action in this series?
What ‘universal’ struggle lay beneath its appeal?
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Themes of ‘Book of Daniel’
Authenticity vs. Social Duty Daniel’s job = Social Duty a minister IS a pillar of the community; moral example; the maintenance of social / spiritual propriety.
Daniel’s family life = Authenticity criminal daughter, gay son, alcoholic wife, Vicodin addiction, etc.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Characters of ‘Book of Daniel’
Authenticity vs. Social Duty Grace Webster Judith Webster Peter Webster Bertrum Webster Adam Webster Bishop Congreve Jesus Webster family legacy
Daniel Webster
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Other Series that Explore
Authenticity vs. Social Duty ?
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Authentic Self vs. Social Duty (expectations)
‘The Crown’ ‘Anne with an E,’ ’13 Reasons Why’ Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty & all ugly duckling stories Spider-Man, X-Men, all superhero misfit stories
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS What other universal struggles can you name?
Which have you seen on tv?
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS The struggle between ambition and love:
‘Breaking Bad’ The Devil Wears Prada ‘Damages’ and most legal dramas ‘The Good Wife and many ‘women-in-the-workplace’ dramas
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS The struggle between science and mystery
‘3 LBS.’ Contact (Jodie Foster) Star Trek most Sci-Fi series
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS The struggle between vengeance and forgiveness:
Desperate Housewives, Big Little Lies, most soap operas & melodrama.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Review ‘Series Concepts’
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS a Logline is NOT a Series Concept
Why not?
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Logline (for film)
World + Characters + Predicament to be solved.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Series Concept (for television)
World + Characters + Themes and Struggles that will fuel the series.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Series Concept
In this action-packed new drama, the world’s most elite, special ops forces conduct high-risk clandestine missions against impossible odds.
While on the home front, keeping secrets, deploying at a moment’s notice, and the knowledge that each assignment could be their last takes a toll on them and their families.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Series Concept
World + Characters + Themes and Struggles that will fuel the series.
Harlee Santos (Jennifer Lopez) is a charismatic single mother and resourceful detective at the heart of a tight-knit crew of Brooklyn detectives. They're led by enigmatic Lt. Matt Wozniak (Ray Liotta) who often leads the team to step outside the limitations of the law in order to effectively protect their precinct and their own.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Series Concept
A plucky orphan whose passions run deep finds an unlikely home with a spinster and her soft-spoken bachelor brother.
Based on "Anne of Green Gables."
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Series Concept
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division), is a peacekeeping and spy agency who must deal with various unusual cases and enemies in a world of superheroes.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Series Concept
Downward Dog follows the day-to-day life of Nan as told by her increasingly lonely and philosophical dog, Martin, while Nan attempts to juggle her tumultuous personal life with a stressful career.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Series Concept
World + Characters + Themes and Struggles that will fuel the series.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS ✓1 intro | loglines 7✓ tv pilots
✓2 basics of drama 8✓ supporting elements
other ✓3 basics of character 9✓ books | articles | sources
✓4 three act structure 10 identifying story problems
✓5 genre + audience 11 development notes
✓6 midterm may 10 12 career opportunities Week Ten: Identifying Story Problems
Problem #1 Plausibility
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Common Problems: Plausibility
Unlikely or illogical concepts
Insufficient research by writers
Incomplete or inauthentic worlds
Behavior that doesn’t ‘track’
Emotional responses that don’t ‘track’
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS from Week Two
Principles of Drama
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Which of these ‘essential elements’ do you think is most often a problem?
Compelling Characters (our connection to the story)
A compelling GOAL for the hero (Hope).
Conflict! And consequences for failure (Fear).
Plot (actions & counter actions toward this goal).
Transformation.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Most Common Problem?
Compelling Characters (our connection to the story)
A compelling GOAL for the hero (Hope).
Conflict! And consequences for failure (Fear).
Plot (actions & counter actions toward this goal).
Transformation.
Strong emotional stakes! Why should I care? STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS from Week Three
Principles of character
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Principles of Character
I. Transformation (the character arc)
II. Wants and Needs
III. Dimension
IV. Stakes
V. Recognition and Fulfillment
VI. Emotional tracking (new)
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Which of these ‘principles of character’ do you think is most often a problem?
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Most Common Problems?
I. Transformation (the character arc)
II. Wants and Needs
III. Dimension
IV. Stakes flat, uncomplicatedzzzzz
V. Recognition and Fulfillmentcharacters!
VI. Emotional Tracking
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Great characters serve no story. They ARE the story.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS from Week Four
Three Act Structure
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Three Act Structure Most Common Problem?
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Three Act Structure Most Common Problem?
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Act One Elements I started here. I believed such-and-such. Something unexpected took me away from all that.
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Common Problems: Act One
✦ Establishing the world clearly.
✦ Introduce main characters vividly.
✦ Where to place the inciting incident?
✦ A clear and definitive Act Break (especially in film).
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Common Problems: Act Two
✦ Pacing
✦ Conflicts & Complications (to keep challenging the hero)
✦ Surprises, reversals & twists (to keep the story engaging)
✦ Recognitions & Transformations (especially in film).
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Assignment 9 “Writing Development Notes”
1. Download and read “Ashland” pilot script
2. WRITE: Development Notes for "Ashland." Use a top sheet to identify the project. Please include:
General Notes that identify the major problems or deficiencies of the script.
Page Notes at least 3 specific scenes where these problems can be observed (give page numbers) and describe the problem.
Recommendations for the writer(s) Add your suggestions on how these problems might be addressed.
Length: 500-800 Words (approx. 2 pages) Due at beginning of next class, June 14 (or emailed by 7:00 pm).
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS Assignment 9: Helpful Resources
1. Textbook (Screenplay Story Analysis) “Development Notes” pp. 173-174
2. SAMPLE DEVELOPMENT NOTES: There are two (2) samples on Canvas
- Studio notes on “Strangers” (short, 2 pages)
- Longer notes on the spec thriller ‘Mexicali’ prepared for its director (7 pages).
Assigned Length: 500-800 Words (approx. 2 pages)
STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS STORY ANALYSIS - UCLA EXTENSION - RIC GIBBS