Formats
Series
A series is viewed as events or occurrences that are often related to each other in one way or another. This means that in a TV show, there is something that connects the main characters to a common story arc. Often, film franchises can also be considered series as all the instalments are connected in some way though this is usually called a sequel. One example of a serial television show is Elementary. This fits the series format because in each episode there is often a different type of crime scene, but the subplots overarch across each season such as season 3, the overarching serial plot is regarding a rape victim called Kitty and Sherlock’s addiction sobriety. Each episode delves deeper into the serial plotline. Another example of a series is the film franchise Fast and Furious. The films were not released in the same order as the film’s universe chronologically which means it has a non-linear storyline. All the films follow off each other in some way whether it be major plot points or characters (such as Shaw having a presence in both 7 and 8) or small comments (such as one female talking about Paul Walker's character). In my opinion, I feel that this is an effective format as evidenced by the amount of box office revenue that these films or shows bring in. Fast and Furious is receiving a spin off due to its popularity and Elementary is on its 6th season and is renewed for a 7th.
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Single dramas
A single drama is a drama that is typically a one off plot or storyline with almost no connection to anything else. They are often based on true events but can be fiction as well. There are no sequels and have a closed ending. An example of a single drama is the BBC documentary Grenfell which is about the fire that burned a building in London in June 2017. It is a single drama because it was just a one off made for TV film that is based on true events not connected to any type of franchise. Another example of a single drama is the drama Toast released as a 1 hour 36 minute film distributed by W2 Media. It is a semi biographical comedy drama based on a novel of the same name. In my opinion I feel single dramas do draw in an audience but are less effective because there is less time to get invested in the narrative of them.
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Serial
A serial format is a format that tends to have the main plot unfold on an episode by episode basis. It is different from a series as a series is more than likely to have the subplot be the overarching story whereas the serial has the main plot as the overarch. There is often single storylines that contribute to the wider world of the episode. An example of a serial drama is BBC’s Life on Mars which is about a cop going back in time to the 1970s. It only had 16 episodes in total and the serial element came from the increase confusion the character Sam felt about whether he was going insane as he learned more or if he was in a coma. In my opinion, these can be quite effective for selling a TV show that is binge worthy over one that is watched once a week or so.
Genre/Subgenre
A genre is a style or category of which film and TV can be categorised into. Examples of genres include; action, comedy, drama, horror and western. By sorting films or TV into genres audiences will be able to determine what they want to watch. An example of a genre is action. Action films typically involve aggression, violence and thrilling chase sequences. Films in this genre include the Mission Impossible franchise, Die Hard, John Wick and Hard Boiled (cantonese film set in Hong Kong). All these films have the characteristics of an action film. A subgenre is a subordinate of a genre such as the action genre having action comedies or the comedy genre having chick flicks. It goes into more detail about what a specific film is like. An example of a subgenre is action comedies deprived from the action and comedy genre. Films in this subgenre include Hot Fuzz, Deadpool, Kick-Ass and Spy.
