User login

Doctor Who (UK vs US TV drama)

Stephen W

For anyone who's been sleeping lately, last night saw the return of the "new" Doctor Who. Watching it got me thinking about something, which I thought I'd share here to see if anyone has any thoughts.

It seems to me that shows in the US seem to be better thought-out, better executed and, overall, better written. This isn't just a money-thing, there is something about the UK approach to Drama that seems to fall incredibly flat.

Watching the aforementioned Doctor Who last night, there were many elements I thought were excellent (Tennant being a prime example) but I felt that structurally it didn't work. In fact, structurally it seemed to be really lazy and badly thought-through. What is it with UK drama that we don't seem able to produce something tight, pacy and atmospheric? Even the US shows that aren't the most original (Enterprise, SG:Atlantis) just seem to be better written, planned and executed.

It gets to me a little 'cause this show in particular is our "big" export to the world at the moment, the one we're really talking up and holding up as an example of excellence in British TV. Have we fallen so far behind our US counterparts that our "best" barely compares with their "average"?

Or is it just me?


Jack

Jack's picture

Yes, the obvious disparity between UK TV shows and US shows is an interesting one. I only half-watched last night's episode of "Doctor Who" so I can't really comment on the structure.

I think it's worth considering the shows that the UK does well. Some of my favourite UK TV shows are:

Comedy:
* Teachers
* Almost everything done by Chris Morris
* Knowing Me, Knowing You
* Don't watch that, watch this (a surreal hybrid between VJing and political satire - they cut up video of political events with some very amusing outcomes)
* Spaced
* This Life

Thriller:
* Silent Witness
* Prime Suspect
* Inspector Morse

Documentary:
* Anything done by the BBC's Natural History Unit

Hmm... I'm not sure what conclusions to draw from that list (except that I used to watch a lot more TV than I do now!). Before drawing up that list, I was going to try to argue that UK TV is at its best when it's going out on a limb and breaking the rules (like Chris Morris' stuff). But, if we're honest, shows like Silent Witness and even Morse take pretty tame formats but deliver excellent results.

But yes... discussing why the US seem to make better TV is definitely something that we need to discuss (and, hopefully, fix!). But perhaps it's just a numbers thing? By which I mean that the US has so many filmmakers and TV producers that they're simply bound to make a higher quantity of quality product than we are. Of course, they also make a lot of shit but we don't see that because it doesn't survive the transatlantic content filter.

I hate to jump on the bandwagon but I do think we need to be worried about the quantity of "reality-TV" the UK's producing. Sure, some of it is excellent TV (Faking it, Grand Designs, maybe even The Apprentice) but most of it is utter garbage. This is worrying for several reasons:

1) There's the "Chomsky" argument that we're politically incapacitating our nation by feeding them mindless bullshit (I'm not sure I completely agree with this but it's still worth considering)

2) It used to be the case that TV production was a breeding ground for film writers and directors. But I'd hate to see any feature film directed by someone "trained" on some crap celebrity fest.

3) "Reality-TV" needs fewer crew and many fewer actors than drama production. This produces a jobs shortage.


John

I watched Doctor Who. I didn't think it was very good in terms of plot structure either, although technically it was pretty alright. It seemed it was the hybrid result of mashing together two stories which independently weren't strong enuff to work as a primary plotline.

I agree quite a lot with Jack about reality shows. Especially the economic arguments about them. They do require fewer production crew(I remember seeing an ad for a reality gardening show that was looking for freelance directors who would be expected to be their own camera operator. Add a sound man and you've got enuff to produce useable footage). Which, in the end, is the bottom line.

Obviously in such an environment, producing television drama (which would require not only working with BECTU members, but shock horror! Equity members as well) is uncompetitive.

Reality television also cuts the heart out of true documentary film. Political documentary and current affairs shows require lawyers to work closely with programme-makers, something which isn't required for Chantelle's Tv Carcrash (or "Living the Dream", as I believe its called); ethnographic films (remember all those documentaries on naked tribespeople which used to be on tv when you were a kid?) require lots of insurance, often long shooting schedules (6 months or more) for a full film crew on union rates.

ITV cut these facets of reality television ("World in Action" and "Disappearing World") from its commissions years ago.

But let's remember to get with the programme, people. After all, no-one is a Reithian anymore, are they? The future is in sitting in a regional warehouse (to reduce rental costs) videotaping (using a locked-off shot) a naked girl lying on a bed who is responding to text messages for some digital channel with a lot of XXX's in its name.
Then some bright spark will realise the girl can do it all by herself.

(Short of stronger top-down guidelines, I can't see what will stop the race to the bottom.)


Jack

Jack's picture

I had a thought about this "UK vs US drama" issue: there are some fundamental differences in the camera work.

US drama uses much more fluid camera movement than UK drama. I believe that almost all (if not all) the shots done on ER and West Wing are done on a SteadiCam™. But the camera work in a lot of UK TV drama is very "undynamic". Don't get me wrong - I don't think the camera should always be moving (films like The Conversation make excellent use of a static camera to tell the story)... but, when watching UK TV drama, I frequently think "what's going on with that jib shot? Did the director get to set and think 'oh, well - we've lugged that damn jib all this distance so we might as well use it. Set it up over there, lads.'".

Anyway, I'm struggling to make this point. The bottom line is that I think the camera work on UK TV drama frequently feels a bit "studenty" and unimaginative. The camera is either static when it shouldn't be or is moving when it really shouldn't be. SteadiCams™ seem to get very little use on UK TV dramas (which is probably a budget thing).

What do you guys think?


Stephen W

I remember reading that London's Burning had a steadicam and operator on permanent standby - don't seem to recall that they ever used it much.

UK drama is very static in the way it's shot. As you say, this can be fine, but when it's EVERY show it does make things look visually unimaginative. It also causes problems (as with Doctor Who) that when they DO move the camera, it stands out and looks odd.

I'd say there are few (if any) UK shows that actually have a visual style. Hustle seems to be having a go (Spooks did for a bit, but was undermined by 24 that came out at the same time!) I know people will say it's a "budget" thing, but you look at stuff like Battlestar Galactica where the "live" stuff is in a Documentary style (and the CG is faked to look the same), so you have moving cameras without expensive rigs, and you wonder why we can't do varied stuff like that.

Personally I think the real issue is approach. US TV evolved out of Cinema and so has a very visual approach to storytelling. UK TV evolved out of Radio and so tends to end up as a "talking heads" approach. Problem is, the American's seem to have found a good balance lately where, if anything, we seemed to have regressed in recent years.

I know from low-budget stuff I've shot that if you approach it the right way, you can create a good visual look (and look at how well we make ads in the UK!)

-------------
Stephen
www.aefilms.co.uk
www.redcamera.net


Jack

Jack's picture

Yes, we do make good ads. And some excellent music videos (I don't think there's a filmmaker in the world who hasn't seen at least one Chris Cunningham video!).

I think a few of our shows do have interesting visual styles (although I agree that very few do). Or rather: it seems to me that none of our "mainstream TV drama" has an interesting visual style whilst lots of our "alternative" drama/comedy uses the camera in original ways.

I really like the way Peep Show deliberately goes against one of the oldest rules of shooting dialogue: never point the camera directly at the actor when doing shot/reverse-shot sequences (i.e. instead of shooting over-the-shoulder, Peep Show points the camera directly at the actors). I think Peep Show's "point-camera-directly-at-actors" shooting style works really well for the show by giving it a surreal quality and making it feel a little like you're living inside the characters' heads. They seem to have a lot of fun with the camera on Peep Show.

Green Wing tries very hard to do interesting things with the camera and editing. I think they're quite brave and I think it does work really nicely about 80% of the time. Sometimes it feels a bit like "yeah; OK - reversing the video really isn't that big or clever... let's just see the action". Spaced also did some amusing things with the camera.

And then there's the whole "documentary" style of shows like This Life, Cops and The Office (hmm... is it right to put those three shows in the same sentence? I know the first two were made by the same "team"... but, in a way, they do share quite a lot of similarities). I think all those three shows look great and work much better than the ugly "mount-camera-on-tripod-and-randomly-nudge-it-a-little" style of the US showNYPD Blue.


ramesh (not verified)

ucvhost is a leading web site hosting service provider that is known to provide reliable and affordable hosting packages to customers.
cheap hosting company believes in providing absolute and superior control to the customer as well as complete security and flexibility through its many packages. windows vps Moreover, the company provides technical support as well as customer service 24×7, in order to enable its customer price. Thanks forex vps


xiaocao (not verified)

Mybagqueen productsutmostGucci handbagsGucci ReplicaSunglasses
Mybagqueen productsutmostlouis vuitton handbagsUSD $22.00Gucci Replica
Mybagqueen products Compare toGucci Compare toMybagqueen products
Gucci Replica Compare toGucci Walletsapay PriceGucci Replica


nike shox shoes (not verified)

Thank you for choosing to visit our website for search Best mens nike shox monster | womens nike shox monster | mens nike shox nz | mens nike shox nz plating | womens nike shox nz | women's nike shox nz plating | mens nike shox oz | womens nike shox oz are all here waiting for you. We are happy to inform you that we are the direct importer of Discount Nike Shoes. We offer nike shox shoes such as mens nike shox r3 | womens nike shox r3 | mens nike shox r4 | nike shox r4 cartoon | womens nike shox r4 | nike shox r4 cartoon womens for customer at the lowest price, all the nike shox shoes are for discount sale,for example men's nike shox flywire | mens nike shox r4 plating | nike shox r4 velcro | womens nike shox r4 plating . We have hundreds of styles to choose from, and are confident that you will find styles that will suit yourself or your friend or your customers needs well. You can find shoes like mens nike shox r4 torch | womens nike shox r4 torch | mens nike shox r5 | womens nike shox r5 | nike shox turbo oz | mens nike shox turbo is a collection of training shoes by Nike. The unique Nike Shox system provides excellent cushioning and combines comfort with style.Besides, you can also find other nike shox shoes such as nike shox turbo 5 | nike shox turbo 6 | womens nike shox turbo oz | nike shox turbo has a full-length of Shox at the sole which provides more comfort for runners. The shox technology is believed to be able to absorb maximum impact and hence it can protect the runners heels. Hope to estabilish the business relationship with you and have a good enjoying.


Hope (not verified)

Our moncler is simple atmosphere of style, bold colors and excellent of workmanship. Unique style design and quality of life makes the moncler T-shirt a huge tide of life market, the top of the crane stand position.
Charming MONCLER OUTLET
cheap moncler boots
hotselling moncler polo
great moncler coats
warm moncler winter hats
Good moncler jackets not only last long but should also keep you really warm on winter season or in the evening and protected from wind burn.As quality wear,good jackets should make you look great and should be the right fit as you move around.


cheap jordan shoes (not verified)

five fingers shoes (not verified)

Vibram Five Fingers have high popularity with the exhibition in 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Five fingers shoes are the masterpiece of Vibram Shoes. Vibram fivefingers aim to will bring you a feeling of barefoot. Vibram Five Fingers Kso have a strong adsorbability, so they are widely used for outdoor activities. We provide cheap five fingers kso with guaranteed quality. vibram shoes sale are all on discount now, now and never, do not miss this optimal opportunity. Vibram kso sale will undoubtedly reach the selling climax this year. Now, we provide you the cheapest barefoot shoes for this season, this running shoes for the any sport are very popular and they are the best choice for owning the barefoot running shoes. Message From: http://www.vibramfivefingerstrade.com/


shape ups (not verified)

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons

of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here!Article is very interesting,thanks

for your sharing. I will necessarily add it in the selected works and I will visit this site.welcome to my site:
shape ups
gucci shoes sale
mbt shoes sales
ugg boots
shape ups skechers
christian louboutin
handbags on sale
air max 90


ghd hair straighteners (not verified)

Now, our company provides the cheapest ghd mk4 pink hair straighteners online store for you.

The ghd mk4 ceramic sale heating articulation commit enlist incandescence acutely efficiently. The efficiency of the figure will enable you to blessing existent for longer periods. besides great technology aspect provided by the best Pink GHD edition is the prosperity of roseate flames. GHD Pink he garnet pyre technology consign clinch your hair from damage, dryness, and discoloration. The rose facilitates unenthusiastic ionization which is rarely cash for retaining moisture, undistinguished oils, and hair color. Indeed, the ghd mk4 pink styler sale embrace elfin limited edition is a useful styler and hair straightener. You always deem this notoriety your initiate appliance box. Message From: http://www.ghdhair2u.com/.


Anonymous (not verified)

Perfect Links of London the Links London silver
humanized service Links London The price is Links of London reasonable, links of london chains quality jewelry links of london Accessories online store links of london charms Very creative, Links london UK overflow fashion links of london earrings Lovely dot, Links London grind arenaceous Links of London sale colophony material links of london watches High popularity, Links London multi-function links of london Rings watches Links of London quality jewelry


talent198 (not verified)

at the Links of London same links of london necklace sweetie time, it Links London also links london charm wholesale features links london Earrings in vogue Links of London thering is no lack. I just like most Links London Links of the wrist, Links London Jewelry none of links of london charms sale them are links london charms uk most suitable wrist watch Links of london in different Links london occasions for me links of london 2010 NEW ARRIVALS to reduce wear, many vexed brain. and the Links London silver brand new high-rise links london charms wholesale buildings and media to celebrate


chunyan (not verified)

Professional, replica watches information-date, replica watch complete replica christian dior brand replica concord watches replica corum website. Here replica daniel roth you can replica watches watch the fastest among replica watch the first replica triumph motorcycle to understand replica christian dior the market, understand replica concord the watch brand, watch replica watches shall enjoy the replica watch color, view Replica Oris will choose Replica Panerai their own watches, but Replica Patek Philippe also can buy Replica Cartier Tank Watches for your friends Replica Cartier Tank Watches and family. Welcome to consult and exchange.


Anonymous (not verified)

Many used watches are replica watches in perfect or near perfect replica watch condition and can be great replica triumph motorcycle value for money. replica concord You can also find luxury replica daniel roth watches for Links of London sale that are Links London no longer available Links London sale to be purchased links of london Sweetie Bracelets new and watches that were Links London silver limited edition models and have previously been sold out. It is our principle in business "to honor the Replica Cartier Santos Watches contract and keep our promise".You will find links of london sweetie ring many new interesting items.Clicking,serching,welcome to the jewelry watches kingdom!


wholesale sports (not verified)

You ought to workout riding china wholesaleLyle Scott with your toddler before you come to a decision to head out onto hectic tracks. The additional pounds will undertake valuable time turning out to be accustomed to. You may maybe favor to accomplish an evaluation run with some books inside the seat therefore you can get applied towards the system pounds.

In advance of cycling, constantly double make wholesale video games positive the seat continues to become secure and sound and that all the nuts and bolts are adequately tightened.

Retain in mind your baby will almost certainly be exposed towards the sunshine, the wind and maybe rain. Assure that the son or daughter has sufficient sun coverage on and is especially wholesale sports wearing a wind- proof jacket. Closed shoes or boots may well also be quite critical.

Getting on and off your bike wholesale electronics which has a kid seat is quite tough, so that you may take added caution throughout these times.

You should genuinely be more than assured just before you wholesale china iphone start out riding a bike together with little one due to the fact as modest children do, these are likely to navigate a fantastic offer and will throw off the balance of the bicycle.

Nowadays the toddler seats are modern-day and izod lacoste shirts also have been completely protection screened. Recently, baby seats were not as robust, cozy or as safe and sound as they may be appropriate now. It’s generally typically outstanding to talk about new happenings making use of your youngsters but their safeness and properly being arrive very first. The moment you’ve invest in and set up the bicycle little one seat, assure that that your kids boys lacoste shirts is cozy and the seat is harmless after which get riding!


louis vuitton (not verified)

puckshow201006
Burberry Specialized Burberry online store
Burberry Handbags Burberry Handbags
Burberry Scarves Burberry Scarves
Burberry handbags
Burberry bags
Burberry
Burberry handbags

choose LV handbags for cheap
louis vuitton handbags louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton bags louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton bag louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton wallets louis vuitton wallets
louis vuitton purses louis vuitton wallets
louis vuitton wallets louis vuitton wallets

------
go to buy louis vuitton handbags
many louis vuitton handbags on sale
I want to buy louis vuitton wallets on sale
looking for louis vuitton purses for sale

Mens WatchesReplica louis vuitton Purses
Hamilton WatchesReplica louis vuitton Purses
Cheap WatchesReplica louis vuitton Purses
Cheap Watches for saleReplica louis vuitton Purses

Christian LouboutinDiscount Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin shoesDiscount Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin bootsDiscount Christian Louboutin

miu miuMIU MIU handbags
miuMIU MIU handbags
miu miu bagMIU MIU handbags
miu miu bagsMIU MIU handbags
miu miu handbagMIU MIU handbags

guccireplica gucci
replica guccireplica gucci
gucci handbagsreplica gucci
gucci shoesreplica gucci
wholesale guccireplica gucci

ladies WatchesFree worldwide shipping
men's WatchesReplica watches for sale
buy Watchespiaget watches for ladies
Watches for saleLadies watches and men's watches

China wholesaleyou will find what you need
wholesalethere are many for wholesale

louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton wallets

louis vuitton
louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton bags
lv handbags

gucci handbags
chanel handbags
louis vuitton handbags

wholesale louis vuitton
cheap louis vuitton
replica louis vuitton
louis vuitton

prada
prada bags
prada handbags
prada shoes


cheap christian shoes (not verified)

Christian shoes for gorgeous women's is not as general in the States as his Christian Sandals shoes, but also for his distinctively styled handbags. God forgive me, I interviewed Christian Louboutin while wearing a pair of trainers. What remains most identifiably hiphoppish about it is the beat-in-the-body that serves as ground for Classic Christian Louboutin growing-and contradictory-repertoire of lyrical lambaste it leverages.Some of the dressiest elegant Christian Louboutin pumps also feature sparkling rhinestone bands layered along the raised sole and Christian Louboutin heels


Anonymous (not verified)

pre-owned sweepers. truck craneEvery road sweeper. mobile craneOur engineers and vacuum systems.road sweeper We nced precinct trailer partssweepers available today work glovesfrom such asleather gloves Applied walk behind sweepers, tiffany jewelrycompact sweepers,Christian louboutinprecinct sweepers Herve leger sweepers. hair products of used杭州装饰公司 we Jewelry Findingsoffer wedding bagsa full冷却塔workshop glass beadsand carePVP for your existing


xieziwuyu (not verified)

LV of work gloves this leather gloves new philosophy hair products and truck crane classical minimalism mobile crane weather will deeply road sweeper integrate its design diesel generator details generally include the following.

which Gucci handbags paper materials Discount gucci handbags LV waterproof 网店代理 and 网店代理 anti-wear performance, 男装批发 combined with 女装批发 toilet paper Povidone Iodine and toilet 聚维酮碘 paper between the extremely tough solid pin.


Post new comment

Your name:*

E-mail:*

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Homepage:

Comment:*

  • You can use Textile markup to format text.
  • Glossary terms will be automatically marked with links to their descriptions
  • Allowed HTML tags: <p> <br> <a> <em> <sub> <sup> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h3> <h4> <img> <blockquote>
  • Web and e-mail addresses are automatically converted into links.
Captcha Image: you will need to recognize the text in it.

Enter the letters shown in the image above:*

Please type in the letters/numbers that are shown in the image above.