Assignment
As stated in the syllabus, the assignment for the final paper is to expand on the discussion of the same non-scripted series [Great British Bake-Off] with an analysis of the potential strategies for how such a program might be successfully conceived and presented, developed, funded, produced, distributed and marketed.” Here’s the roadmap that can lead you to a successful paper:
Content
Include the following in your paper:
- On the first page, include a ‘logline’ describing the series in one or two sentences only. Also include a one-paragraph description of the series that is as simple and appealing as possible, but which also gives a more complete description of the concept of the show. (These were discussed in class as being useful in the development process — and they will also serve for me as a reminder of your chosen series.)
- The majority of the paper should discuss the program development process, applied to your series. For any TV series, some parts of the development process are more important/relevant than others. And for most parts of the process, there are strategic decisions to be made. For each part of the process that you discuss: briefly explain what it is; identify the strategic choice to be made (if any); describe any applicable pros/cons for the decision; and then state what your choice would be and why. In your paper, you need not devote equal space to each part of the development process. Spend more time on the ones that you have determined are most important for your series.
- Identify the unusually challenging aspects of your series’ production and post-production, if any. If there is a something you could do to mitigate that concern, describe that as well.
- Briefly assess the potential for opportunities for your series outside of the revenue resulting strictly from viewership in the US. (e.g. international sales of the series itself, licensing of the program format for production in other countries, tie-ins with sponsors’ products or services). Comment on any risks, concerns or problems you can identify.
If you are writing about an existing series, write your paper as if the series has not actually been previously created or produced. You won’t lose points for observing or comparing what was done with the actual series, but your own original thinking and analysis is what is required to earn points. (Do not merely research and report on what was done for the actual series. Any researched information must be discussed in terms of how it informs or compares to your own choices/analysis.)
