Friday 26th Oct 2012 Studio Drama DiscussionRESPONSE in relation to the discussion and lively debate that took place yesterday in relation to the upcoming Studio Drama Production Block - single as opposed to group work e.g. individual student scenes VERSUS group work seamless episode consisting of 5 individual scenesHaving heard and considered all arguments and views and observed the dynamics of the different groups, I would incapsulate the discusion in the following and make some suggestions for you all to consider over the weekend.Firstly - review of the factsThat script writing element of this project is being assessed separately. That production aspect of the project is outlined Television Drama Production Brief issued by Nick Prosser - please review and note the reference throughout to the individual student.In the light of yesterdays debate, Ive laid out the pros and cons of both episode and individual scene undertakings for your consideration:Pros for Full Episode undertakingPros for Individual Scene Undertaking

Weve written a full episode and want to realise this. We will pool our resources and work together as a group to create a strong episode.Some scenes in the episode are stronger than others. I get to direct the strongest scene as I see it.

We can work together on the project as a group to achieve shared outcomes.I will be responsible for the one scene, and my work as a director will shine through in this context.

We want the actors to have the opportunity to work on the same characters with different directors with a shared vision.If one of my actors can not make my shoot day, an actor from another directors production may be able to come in and be off book.

Cons for Full EpisodeCons for individual scenes

No contingency in scheduling.Outcomes may not be satisfying to the viewer without a strong end point and clear lead in.

Work as a group will have to be cohesive. I will have to accept the group decisions on my cast and scene selection for direction.I will not get the chance to collaborate with the other directors on casting and overall vision for the individual scene in a tangible way.

Important Point! Remember this is a learning opportunity

We will be assessing individual scenes not full episodes

Very Important Point! Supporting One Another: It must be agreed that any individual within group has every right to make decisions and that this should not influence their standing / relationship within the group. Consequently if a group member decides to work with a particular cast for creative reasons / or to chooses to work with a particular scene because it offers greater directorial scope then that should be seen as totally acceptable and reasonable by the overall group. If this leads to incomplete episodes or 2 or 3 scenes being duplicated, then, so be it.Positive Steps for the Weekend and into Next Week:Over the weekend

Each person to select their scene of choice and to draw up their own personal character notes and casting suggestions for this scene.

Wed AM Each group of 5 to discuss their individual scene selections with Barry. If a scene is deemed to be too a weak as starting point for a director then an alternative scene will be proposed within the existing script. If a particularly strong scene is selected by a number of individuals, that is allowed. Wed PM

To meet as a group and analyse character notes and scene decisionsEach group to review the shooting slots and shooting order (amend if necessary)

To specify individual scene numbers and to indicate parts / actors needed.

To indicate any casting links (as suggested by individual casting notes) between scenes ie if two directors want to use the same actors. Please refer all casting decisions and discussions to Rebecca on Thursday.

We are awaiting to hear from design on Wednesday to feed back to you all in relation to their reading of the scripts.The submission date for your production packs for the sitcoms has been extended to Monday, November 12th.