British TV Drama

Codes and Conventions

Doctor Who Doctor Who series 4 is a British TV adventure/drama series based on the sci-fi genre

To analyse the code and conventions of Doctor Who I used 3 different episodes, including Partners in crime, The fires of Pompeii and Planet of the ood.

^ A original storyboard feature used for ^

the episode ‘Partners in crime’.

The Doctor The doctor is the main protagonist throughout the programme, He is represented as the

mysterious hero with a vast knowledge of space and time.

His personality shows traits of intelligence, wit, charm and a love for life which makes him instantly likable to a wide audience. He becomes recognisable as a stereotypical knight in shining armour as he resolves trouble or ‘saves the day’ in almost every episode.

It could be said the doctor’s character is used a role model of a hero using his brain rather than violence and remains a passive fighter. Such as in The fires of Pompeii he chooses to use a water pistol against the fire aliens from the planet ’Pryovillia’. ‘You fought it off with a water pistol! I bloody love you!’ – Donna

Donna Noble

Donna Noble is a heroine and companion to the Doctor. Donnas' character portrays a feisty, strong and independent woman.

She represents an important part of the show to the audience. She’s the human who is honoured with the wonders and adventure of travelling with the Doctor and the Tardis, She’s the character the audience can most relate

too.

A woman from England working as temp. This common profile makes it easier for the wider audience to relate and empathise with her. She also allows the audience to become more involved in each episode and feel it could be them travelling to different worlds and times with the Doctor. She is also shown as important to keeping the Doctor’s character close to human, and reminding him not to lose his compassion when facing enemies and disaster. Such as in ‘The fires of Pompeii’ when she convinces the Doctor to save a family from the Volcano after the Doctor attempts to leave them behind.

Characters

Relationship between The Doctor and Donna

The relationship between the Doctor and his companion is important to the show and attracting viewers. As the audience relates well to Donna’s character she needs to important to the Doctor, a main priority. This lets the audience fill a own sense of importance. They need to have a humorous and friendly relationship together, and bring different views across in a situation to help one another, that way we can feel our humanity helps and aids the Doctor in protecting the universe.

There’s an example of The characters banter that brings comedy to the family programme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRZzxN9_aG4

Locations

Doctor who uses a vast range of locations and sets throughout episodes. As one of the main story points in Doctor who is the characters ability to travel trough time and space it shows new places, environments, settings and styles to the audience.

The planet of the ood takes us to an arctic environment, a polar opposite to the location of the hot streets of Pompeii. These landscapes emphasise of the magic and fantasy of the show. And helps to engage audiences fascination with the story.

Concept art for the design of a scene, fire’s of Pompeii. This is just one of the scenes created in detail to depict the roman era.

Prop’s

The Sonic screwdriver is likely one of the most used props throughout Doctor Who. Its not only allows a convenient answer to escaping from dangerous situations, keeping a light hearted theme but also represents the doctors character. As a passive and helpful hero this suggests the doctors willingness to help not only the innocent but enemies to fine safety and live a happy life.

Camera Techniques

Close-up to show facial expression on characters - the show emphasizes a lot on characters allow us to connect and empathize with said characters involving us more. Must see if they succeeded, wanted them too.

Panning is often used to show the almost breathtaking scenes and landscapes shown. Brings emphasis on the wonder and adventure of the doctor and the TARDIS bring to the other characters and the audience.

Music

The soundtrack of series 4 by Murray Gold, features orchestral music with use of choir and electronic sound to create an epic and sci-fi atmosphere .

The music suits to the changing situations and shots of the stories. For example when running or in a battle scene fast, upbeat music is used to create suspense and excitement. Also in The fires of Pompeii I noticed whenever the scene was of ‘The Sisterhood’ a group of oracles, the music changed to a ancient, yet eerie sound.