CJ's GCSE Sitcom Blog: March 2008

Lesson 1

Period5 - 11 Media

Aim: To understand the aims & objectives of the sitcom exam and to understand the terms logline, synopsis and treatment.

You will complete the quiz as soon as you enter the room. You are to match the image with the release date, IMDB classification and tagline (if there is one!).

Lesson1 - Starter Quiz

Go through the correct answers and discuss. Q&A Who has seen the shows? What do you like/dislike about them? What is the main premise of each one? Complete the last column on your sheet with a short summary. Return books. You must remember to bring your books to every lesson lesson from now on. I suggest you each get a file for all your work - you will be given lots of handouts and worksheets over the nest few weeks and it is important you are able to keep this work organised for your revision.

I will explain the aims of the lessons and how it will help you in the exam. I will go through the main requirements of the exam. In your books you are to make notes.

You will now be working in groups - remember to listen to each other! Once in your groups you will select a setting, character and premise (unseen of course). I will distribute worksheets and we will read the information together. You need a highlighter or coloured pen to make annotations.
Lesson 1 - Creating sitcom

Lesson 1 - Planning a sitcom

You now have 15 mins to discuss before you will be expected to complete the planning sheet. BE PREPARED TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS. Discuss. Remember - you will be asked to complete a creative/design task in the exam. This could include, scriptwriting, a treatment, a synopsis, a storyboard etc. You need to know the correct layout and features of these production methods. Homework: Produce a glossary of production terms. This should include script, logline, tagline, synopsis, treatment, storyboard etc. You should also complete your own research. There are lots of websites giving advice on how to write sitcoms etc. I've selected a couple below to get you started. I will want to see evidence of your research in your file.

www.sitcom.co.uk - this is a great website for history of sitcom, top 100 sitcoms, writing advice, forums - you name it!

www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/ - loads of info on comedy and tips for writing

Lesson 2

Period2 - 11 Media Aim: To create a blog - get enthused!Explain the purpose of today's lesson and demonstrate using the whiteboard. Q&A the advantages and disadvantages of blogs. All log on and visit www.blogger.com I will demonstrate each stage of the process from creating an account, naming and setting up your blog. You will be able to choose a template and write a welcome message. I will demonstrate how to import images and videos and how to begin posting. Your first task is to:

Write a welcome message to introduce yourself and to ensure settings are correct to disable comments from readers other than me!
Find an image which represents your page and place into your template
Write your first post about blogs and how you will use it

Now you have set up your blog! I will collect all of your blog addresses and place links from my web page to you! I will log on to each blog and have them on the screen for the class to see. Everyone is to make a note of the web site address. Homework: Look at a range of blogs and look at the features. Do you want to know how to add a clock or a hyperlink? Make a note and you can ask me tomorrow!

Lesson 3
Period4 - 11 Media
Aim: To investigate and research a specific British sitcom and to begin posting on your blog.
You all created a blog yesterday - well done. I've commented on all the blogs so have a look. You must make sure I have been added as a contributer. Remember this is not an exercise in social networking - it is your school work - so make sure it is treated as such.
Firstly you are to write a post about the sitcom you planned in Wednesday's lesson - the name, characters, setting, premise etc. You should also add a post about treatments, synopsis and loglines - perhaps with definitions and links. You will select a sitcom (unseen) and you are to find out as much information as you can about the text. Start with background of the text when it first aired, which channel, stars, writers etc. This is a mini-project for you to complete over the break. I expect to see plenty of posts on your blog which will tell me and your readers:

Facts
History and background
Overview of the sitcom - episode synopses etc
Character descriptions
Images
Cast lists, directors, writers etc
Video clips/slideshows
Reviews
Links to other sites e.g fan sites
Account for it's success and appeal

Make a note of the final bullet point. You must tell me why this sitcom is in the top 20. Why did it appeal? Was it the stars, the themes? Think about whether the sitcom reflected the society. Is it still funny today? Homework: To complete your posts on your selected sitcom.