What Does Drama Involve? (Module Notes)

Developing The Truth
Drama films are known for creating a 'story world'. Even though this world can be a complete fantasy, it must contain it's own truths (some morals/rules), otherwise the world wouldn't have a story, as anything and everything would be allowed within it.

Characters are also incredibly important. Firstly, you need a cast that fits the part, as well as has the skills to show the right emotions with both their face and body language. The characters within this drama need to fit within the world you've created for them, otherwise your audience will find the character 'odd', and not feel comfortable around them, making the story not as dramatically received as it should have been. Within the story, these characters need to face some form of barrier or choice, for example, wanting to join a music college, but a family member is against it, you can't afford it or something in relation. A choice, would be to do the right or wrong thing maybe, and the character will then have to face the inevitable consequence. 

Another factor which is important in creating a drama piece, is the dialogue created for the characters. You need them to be realistic (within the story world that has been created for them) in regards to accents, language etc. 

All of these factors come together to create the realism or 'the truth' of the work being created.

Setting-Up Your Story
The set up of a drama film is also very important. If done incorrectly, the audience may find themselves lost within the piece, whether it be in regards to character or place setting. Set up within (a short) a work usually creates 2-3 minutes. The set up includes:

1. Setting Up The Scene/Story World - you need to tell the audience about the world they are about to be projected into, otherwise they'll feel lost, will not understand anything about it, as well as the rules of the area. Whether it's a completely different fantasy world or a particular city (for example Urban London), it needs to be clear where the drama is set.
2. Introducing Your Main Characters - This should be one of the first characters you properly introduce to the audience, whether through showing them or speech. They need to be likeable and shown as soon as possible to allow the audience to connect emotionally with them, so when the disruption occurs later in the film, the character is rooting for the protagonist instead of someone else. 

The Drama Sections:
These are the steps a drama film usually takes to tell it's story:-

SET UP
1. Set Up - Revealing the world, the rules and your main character.
2. Inciting Incident - Something that changes their daily routine. 
   (Example: The Ball being announced   in 'Cinderella')
3. Plot Point I - The point of the story that starts to push the character into what they want. 
   (Example: Fairy Godmother turning the pumpkin into a car, 'you shall go to the Ball!')

THE DRAMA
4. Mid Point - Where the character is closest to want they want. 
    (Example: Cinderella dancing with the prince at the ball.)

PROBLEM OCCURS
5. Plot Point II - Where the character has to work their way up to what they want again.
    (Example: Cinderella fighting her way to see the prince.)

THE RESOLUTION
The end of the story when all problems are solved - (Example: Cinderella tries on the shoe)

THE THREE ELEMENTS OF DRAMA: CAUSALITY, TIME AND SPACE
(These are needed for the audience to understand what's happening.)