Assessment 1: The concept of single drama production.
I have taken a short sequence from a tv series from channel 4 called Humans episode 1.
The single-camera set-up, or single-camera mode of production, is a method of film making and video production. A single camera, either motion picture camera or professional video camera is working on the set, and each shot to make up a scene is taken individually.
A production using the single camera set-up generally uses just one camera. Each of the numerous shots and camera angles is taken using the same camera, which is moved and reset to get each shot or new angle. The lighting set-up is usually rearranged for each camera set-up.
Single dramas are based on a typical issue, subject that is more suitable for television than the cinema, Sort of themes you can get in these formats are:
Period drama - A costume drama or period drama is a period piece in which elaborate costumes, sets and properties are featured in order to capture the ambience of a particular era.
Drama documentary - television programming and staged theatre, a docudrama is a documentary-style genre that features dramatized re- enactments of actual historical events.
Crime drama - Crime films are films which spotlights on the lives of criminals. The stylistic approach to a crime film fluctuates from realistic portrayals of real- life criminal figures, to the far-fetched evil doings of imaginary arch-villains. The popularity of TV brought about the rise of TV series featuring detectives, investigators, special agents, lawyers, and the police.
Soap drama - A soap opera, also called "soap" for short, is an on-going, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on TV.
Comedy - Comedy-drama is a genre of theatre, film, and television that combines components of comedy and drama, having both humorous and sometimes serious content.
and many more.
The format of this single camera production is a TV series as it is made up of 45 minuet episodes, this show has 8 episodes in one season. The genre is a Sci-Fi drama as it is set in a parallel present and it’s all about examining the consequences of introducing this futuristic technology on society.
The narrative structure of this episode is a non-linear ( or non-sequential) this means that it is not in a step-by-step set up or flow in a straight line, such as where an author creates a story's ending before the middle is finished.
The story in episode 1 is following three different family groups: the Hawkins family, who purchase a Synth that comes to be known as Anita and tweak to having her in their life; the elderly George Millican (William Hurt), who has grown attached to an out-dated synth that’s starting to fail; Leo (Colin Morgan), a man on the run with half a dozen or so Synths that were captured and resold. Just what Leo’s deal is remains a mystery right, but his Synths possess a capacity for emotions and consciousness that others see as a threat.
The situation with Leo with his group already split up leaves the audience asking questions. How’d he find these special Synths anyway? Just where were they planning to go, and who are they running from? This means that the endings are left open.
One could argue that the narrative structure is actually a flashback meaning they seem to open (very briefly) with the ending, flashback productions nearly directly jump back to the very beginning of the story to proceed linearly from there and typically proceed past the supposed "ending" shown at the beginning of the production.
Realist or anti realist narratives can also be talked over. A realist narrative will draw its power from the portrayal of realistic events, whereas an anti-realist narrative will have the freedom to pander in the inclusion of aliens, vampires etc. and all kinds of CGI. Humans would fall under a realist narrative as it’s based in an alternate reality which have androids called Synths that look perfectly human are now becoming commonplace in a world that’s otherwise identical to today, The show aims to have more in common with literary Sci-Fi, as it’s all about studying the consequences of introducing this futuristic technology on society.
Endings are also an important part of narrative structure, in this episode of Humans ( and through all of them) they are open ended as we are left with a sense that the story is unfinished or may continue after the section of the narrative we have seen. Otherwise, they are closed and present a certain end to the story being told.
It is also key to be aware of the camera’s relationship to the audience. For the majority the camera acts as our invisible illustrative in the scene, although this is not constantly the case. These are the key shots that serve a distinct narrative function within the scenes:
Establishing Shot – this is usually a wide shot that shows the setting and provides a environmental and sociological context for the action which is to follow.
Two Shot – a shot that shows two people in the frame and helps establish the changing relationship between them.
Shot and Reverse – a shot sequence most commonly used to film dialogue sequences (though it is important to distinguish the reverse from a reaction shot, they are not the same).
Reaction Shot – this type of shot underscores key moments within the scene. At their most extreme, reaction shots can function as an exclamation mark; however, for the most part they enable the audience to work out what the character is thinking. This is very important since in a film we do not have easy access to a person's thoughts (as we do in a novel).
Point of View (POV) Shot – here the camera appears to look through the eyes of a key character to show what they want or what they fear. Where the POV shot forms part of a longer 'POV sequence' it is used to establish the main desire or fear lines in the film that are critical to the audience's understanding of the narrative. For instance when you see one person looking longingly at another and cut back and forth from their POV shot to their different reactions shots (facial responses and body language), you know it can only mean one thing - they are really interested.
Over the Shoulder Shot – this type of shot establishes an empathy with whoever's shoulder it may be (unless of course the camera is 'creeping up' on the character, see 'watcher shot') as well as establishing the distance between the character and what he or she is observing.
Cut-in Shot – these are shots that release key information necessary to understand the narrative, e.g. the time of day or a message scribbled on a note
Watcher Shot – a staple of horror film where the camera moves against a fixed foreground to signify that the action is being observed by an as yet unknown observer (often accompanied by a corresponding change in the sound scape or music).
A production using the single camera set-up generally uses just one camera. Each of the numerous shots and camera angles is taken using the same camera, which is moved and reset to get each shot or new angle. The lighting set-up is usually rearranged for each camera set-up.
Single dramas are based on a typical issue, subject that is more suitable for television than the cinema, Sort of themes you can get in these formats are:
Period drama - A costume drama or period drama is a period piece in which elaborate costumes, sets and properties are featured in order to capture the ambience of a particular era.
Drama documentary - television programming and staged theatre, a docudrama is a documentary-style genre that features dramatized re- enactments of actual historical events.
Crime drama - Crime films are films which spotlights on the lives of criminals. The stylistic approach to a crime film fluctuates from realistic portrayals of real- life criminal figures, to the far-fetched evil doings of imaginary arch-villains. The popularity of TV brought about the rise of TV series featuring detectives, investigators, special agents, lawyers, and the police.
Soap drama - A soap opera, also called "soap" for short, is an on-going, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on TV.
Comedy - Comedy-drama is a genre of theatre, film, and television that combines components of comedy and drama, having both humorous and sometimes serious content.
and many more.
The format of this single camera production is a TV series as it is made up of 45 minuet episodes, this show has 8 episodes in one season. The genre is a Sci-Fi drama as it is set in a parallel present and it’s all about examining the consequences of introducing this futuristic technology on society.
The narrative structure of this episode is a non-linear ( or non-sequential) this means that it is not in a step-by-step set up or flow in a straight line, such as where an author creates a story's ending before the middle is finished.
The story in episode 1 is following three different family groups: the Hawkins family, who purchase a Synth that comes to be known as Anita and tweak to having her in their life; the elderly George Millican (William Hurt), who has grown attached to an out-dated synth that’s starting to fail; Leo (Colin Morgan), a man on the run with half a dozen or so Synths that were captured and resold. Just what Leo’s deal is remains a mystery right, but his Synths possess a capacity for emotions and consciousness that others see as a threat.
The situation with Leo with his group already split up leaves the audience asking questions. How’d he find these special Synths anyway? Just where were they planning to go, and who are they running from? This means that the endings are left open.
One could argue that the narrative structure is actually a flashback meaning they seem to open (very briefly) with the ending, flashback productions nearly directly jump back to the very beginning of the story to proceed linearly from there and typically proceed past the supposed "ending" shown at the beginning of the production.
Realist or anti realist narratives can also be talked over. A realist narrative will draw its power from the portrayal of realistic events, whereas an anti-realist narrative will have the freedom to pander in the inclusion of aliens, vampires etc. and all kinds of CGI. Humans would fall under a realist narrative as it’s based in an alternate reality which have androids called Synths that look perfectly human are now becoming commonplace in a world that’s otherwise identical to today, The show aims to have more in common with literary Sci-Fi, as it’s all about studying the consequences of introducing this futuristic technology on society.
Endings are also an important part of narrative structure, in this episode of Humans ( and through all of them) they are open ended as we are left with a sense that the story is unfinished or may continue after the section of the narrative we have seen. Otherwise, they are closed and present a certain end to the story being told.
It is also key to be aware of the camera’s relationship to the audience. For the majority the camera acts as our invisible illustrative in the scene, although this is not constantly the case. These are the key shots that serve a distinct narrative function within the scenes:
Establishing Shot – this is usually a wide shot that shows the setting and provides a environmental and sociological context for the action which is to follow.
Two Shot – a shot that shows two people in the frame and helps establish the changing relationship between them.
Shot and Reverse – a shot sequence most commonly used to film dialogue sequences (though it is important to distinguish the reverse from a reaction shot, they are not the same).
Reaction Shot – this type of shot underscores key moments within the scene. At their most extreme, reaction shots can function as an exclamation mark; however, for the most part they enable the audience to work out what the character is thinking. This is very important since in a film we do not have easy access to a person's thoughts (as we do in a novel).
Point of View (POV) Shot – here the camera appears to look through the eyes of a key character to show what they want or what they fear. Where the POV shot forms part of a longer 'POV sequence' it is used to establish the main desire or fear lines in the film that are critical to the audience's understanding of the narrative. For instance when you see one person looking longingly at another and cut back and forth from their POV shot to their different reactions shots (facial responses and body language), you know it can only mean one thing - they are really interested.
Over the Shoulder Shot – this type of shot establishes an empathy with whoever's shoulder it may be (unless of course the camera is 'creeping up' on the character, see 'watcher shot') as well as establishing the distance between the character and what he or she is observing.
Cut-in Shot – these are shots that release key information necessary to understand the narrative, e.g. the time of day or a message scribbled on a note
Watcher Shot – a staple of horror film where the camera moves against a fixed foreground to signify that the action is being observed by an as yet unknown observer (often accompanied by a corresponding change in the sound scape or music).
Editing is key to get across dramatic storytelling along with creating rhythm, pace and tension in the narrative, techniques the editor will have used would be:
Continuity editing- Where a scene is edited so that the scene transitions properly and doesn’t leave the audience confused and lost.
Match on Action- This will be used so that a scene changes with the action for instance one character will move to start opening a door and then move to the other side for when the character opens the door creating a smooth transition from one side to the other.
Shot reverse shot - usually filmed from over the shoulder it allows the audience to watch which character is speaking so it does not confuse them when they watch the scene.
180 degree rule – Is the rule where the audience can only see one side of the room and so that the audience does not get confused while watching the scene.
POV shots – is the shot used for when the scene is to look like its coming from the characters eyes making the audience feel more personal in the scene.
Cross-cutting – Is when one scene cut to another so it keeps relevant with the story.
In terms of lighting there was a mixture of lighting techniques used in this episode such as, High Key lighting - High-key lighting is a style of lighting that aims to reduce the lighting ratio present in the scene or used to suggest an upbeat mood.
Low key lighting was also used in some scenes to hide features using a single light to display only what is wanted to be seen in the shot. In one particular scene when the character is looking at the moon they may have used natural lighting to create a natural feeling to the shot only relying on the moon reflection for the scene using no special lighting effects.
To build a scene and story you need to find appropriate setting that’s appropriate to the story for what the time setting and the ‘universe’ its set in, you also need to film in a correct way. In this instance they story is set in an alternate present similar to our everyday lives in present time so in terms of locations and costume are easier to deal with unlike a period drama. In terms of the scriptwriting age is key to consider as it has to be tailored to the target audience, in this case humans script and target audience is aimed at 16 plus due to some themes of sex & nudity, the script writer done specific things to make sure this theme would not make the target audience smaller by shortening the scene of robot prostitutes wearing low cut tops and short shorts. The camera doesn't focus on the robot bodies in any way as the scenes are not uncalled for, but designed to illustrate the abuse the robots endure. This is an important contextual plot point so the scriptwriter worked around it making sure not to hinder the target audience.
Continuity editing- Where a scene is edited so that the scene transitions properly and doesn’t leave the audience confused and lost.
Match on Action- This will be used so that a scene changes with the action for instance one character will move to start opening a door and then move to the other side for when the character opens the door creating a smooth transition from one side to the other.
Shot reverse shot - usually filmed from over the shoulder it allows the audience to watch which character is speaking so it does not confuse them when they watch the scene.
180 degree rule – Is the rule where the audience can only see one side of the room and so that the audience does not get confused while watching the scene.
POV shots – is the shot used for when the scene is to look like its coming from the characters eyes making the audience feel more personal in the scene.
Cross-cutting – Is when one scene cut to another so it keeps relevant with the story.
In terms of lighting there was a mixture of lighting techniques used in this episode such as, High Key lighting - High-key lighting is a style of lighting that aims to reduce the lighting ratio present in the scene or used to suggest an upbeat mood.
Low key lighting was also used in some scenes to hide features using a single light to display only what is wanted to be seen in the shot. In one particular scene when the character is looking at the moon they may have used natural lighting to create a natural feeling to the shot only relying on the moon reflection for the scene using no special lighting effects.
To build a scene and story you need to find appropriate setting that’s appropriate to the story for what the time setting and the ‘universe’ its set in, you also need to film in a correct way. In this instance they story is set in an alternate present similar to our everyday lives in present time so in terms of locations and costume are easier to deal with unlike a period drama. In terms of the scriptwriting age is key to consider as it has to be tailored to the target audience, in this case humans script and target audience is aimed at 16 plus due to some themes of sex & nudity, the script writer done specific things to make sure this theme would not make the target audience smaller by shortening the scene of robot prostitutes wearing low cut tops and short shorts. The camera doesn't focus on the robot bodies in any way as the scenes are not uncalled for, but designed to illustrate the abuse the robots endure. This is an important contextual plot point so the scriptwriter worked around it making sure not to hinder the target audience.
Sources:
(http://www.slideshare.net/kim2612/presentation-on-single-camera)
(http://languagesonscreen.org.uk/movingimageeducation/ShotswithNarrativeMeaning.php)
(http://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/humans-season-1-review/)
(http://www.slideshare.net/rdtwilson/single-camera-production-19068571?next_slideshow=1)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4122068/
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/humans
Assessment 2: The role of the writer in single camera drama.
The commissioning process:
'Commissioning' is the process by which writers get the 'go-ahead' to write, based on their pitched ideas. TV & film firms will have commissioning editors, who select what will go into progression.
( http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/ )
( http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/ )
job roles in writing for TV & Film:
commissioning editor- They are responsible for choosing programme ideas and allocating funds. They specialise in a particular genre, also they have creative input and oversees the writing process through the production.
Producer- Oversees all aspects of a programme production. there are four key areas they are responsible for; development, preproduction,production, post production and marketing. An example of a producer is Judd Apatow, Judd is known for producing The 40 year old virgin and lots of other comedy films. Judd has produced 49 different types of films and TV series.
Director- They are responsible for the look and sound of a production and its technical standards. There main part is to turn the script in to a finished film and decide the route for achieving it. Directors have big responsibilities, they are the eye of the films and programs, a director has many assistants to help with the job. A director literally directs everyone to do their jobs and make sure they can get the best quality film. One of the well known directors is Steven Spielburg, he has directed an amazing 50 different films and Television series. Some of the most famous being, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones.
Script editor- They script television programmes normally comedies and dramas. Script editors have a huge responsibility, they need to work hard and fast to have a script done and ready for a new series on the television, and also making sure it is suitable to be shown to the intended target audience. Script editors have to be aware of the writers work as at the end they have to give feedback on their work and where improvements can be made. Script editors are normally full time members of the team being with the producer very close to understand what they are looking for in the script.
Agent- Agents are someone who is asked from the director to find suitable people to play the roles and send them forward for auditions. The agent will need to know everything about the client to be able to get the best job for them; this is so that they can get the perfect match with the jobs advertised.
Writer- A writer is someone who writes scripts and develop an engaging narrative and emotional impact, they get involved in the creative side. Writers write screenplays to meet the brief in the appropriate format they do anything from, plays to radio and drama or even documentaries. Sometimes they write in teams but the vast majority of writers are freelance.
Director- They are responsible for the look and sound of a production and its technical standards. There main part is to turn the script in to a finished film and decide the route for achieving it. Directors have big responsibilities, they are the eye of the films and programs, a director has many assistants to help with the job. A director literally directs everyone to do their jobs and make sure they can get the best quality film. One of the well known directors is Steven Spielburg, he has directed an amazing 50 different films and Television series. Some of the most famous being, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones.
Script editor- They script television programmes normally comedies and dramas. Script editors have a huge responsibility, they need to work hard and fast to have a script done and ready for a new series on the television, and also making sure it is suitable to be shown to the intended target audience. Script editors have to be aware of the writers work as at the end they have to give feedback on their work and where improvements can be made. Script editors are normally full time members of the team being with the producer very close to understand what they are looking for in the script.
Agent- Agents are someone who is asked from the director to find suitable people to play the roles and send them forward for auditions. The agent will need to know everything about the client to be able to get the best job for them; this is so that they can get the perfect match with the jobs advertised.
Writer- A writer is someone who writes scripts and develop an engaging narrative and emotional impact, they get involved in the creative side. Writers write screenplays to meet the brief in the appropriate format they do anything from, plays to radio and drama or even documentaries. Sometimes they write in teams but the vast majority of writers are freelance.
The role of the writer throughout production:
The first stage for a writer will of course be the Pre-production and planning part, this will involve working closely with the director, so that the writer gets all the details accurate also that they're in the right frame of the mind when writing for a film. The second stage would be script-editing, the main role is to edit the scripts when needed. But this stage also involves going through with the cast and other members to make everyone understand the script. Usually in production, is when they are there prepared in case the script doesn't sound right and needs changing. Another stage is director or producer involvement but this will be throughout the whole production, both are always in communication with the directors and other important members who are off and on set. It's down to the producer to comfirm and say yes to all the scripts changes, but overall the producer has a big responsibility for the whole day making sure everything is running how it should with all the production team including the writers. When it comes to shooting the script the writer is involved in the shooting script production because they both need to be on the same level and make sure that all the script and shooting script are correct before handing out. They could also aid each other by discussing on what is good and can be improved. The shooting script is used in a film, it’s a motion picture so the director and producers can see what needs to be said and where all the cameras, actors etc need to be for the shot.
commissioning bodies:
Independent Production companies- Independent companies is where the company is not owned or controlled by another company. You can send your work directly to independent production companies, who may read it and if they choose to do so, start the process of legally commissioning it. Different TV production companies are known for different genres and different target audiences, so you should be selective in who you send it to, based on their interests.
An example of an independent company is Firecracker Films who have produced programmes and won a BAFTA for My Fat Gypsy Wedding, Firecracker Films is one of the UKs leading independent companies with a turnover of more than £130 million.
Corporations- Corporations is when a company release a film which the profit then comes from the box offices where the film is and the sales from the films. Such as The BBC they are a corporation, the name is literally British Broadcasting Corporation. The BBC’s income is from the licence fee and world service grants.
Organisations- There are numerous amounts of organisations that will help lift off your careerer in the industry for example, "The Writers' Guild of Great Britain" supports writers across media, film, online, radio, books, theatre, TV, and video-games.
An example of an independent company is Firecracker Films who have produced programmes and won a BAFTA for My Fat Gypsy Wedding, Firecracker Films is one of the UKs leading independent companies with a turnover of more than £130 million.
Corporations- Corporations is when a company release a film which the profit then comes from the box offices where the film is and the sales from the films. Such as The BBC they are a corporation, the name is literally British Broadcasting Corporation. The BBC’s income is from the licence fee and world service grants.
Organisations- There are numerous amounts of organisations that will help lift off your careerer in the industry for example, "The Writers' Guild of Great Britain" supports writers across media, film, online, radio, books, theatre, TV, and video-games.
Legal and ethical considerations:
Censorship- Censorship is when something said or shown is to be covered or taken out, there is a variety of different ways including speech, books, music, films, and other arts, the press, radio, television, and the Internet. This is so that young individuals don’t hear and copy the inappropriate language or harmful behaviour. Writers must consider their intended form and audience when they're writing scripts. For example regulatory bodies such as Ofcom and the BBFC have strict guidelines on what can and cannot be shown on TV, film, video, radio etc. To be made suitable for an intended audience they may suggest that some parts should be cut. In general themes such as violence, sex, drugs, language, violence, discrimination and horror will have to be thought about.
Bias- When writing fiction, bias is an ethical issue. You have to consider how you are representing different people, groups, events and organisations. "Representation" is a central issue in media production and so should always be thought about when writing and creating.
When it comes to writing for non-fiction, it becomes a much bigger issue. Programmes such as the BBC News have a commitment to be balanced, impartial and fair.
Back in 2009, The well known soap Eastenders was accused of political biased when Boris Johnson ( the mayor of London) made an appearance in the show. He also hosted BBC 1's Have I got news for you and to add to that he also had his on documentary strand on BBC 2. This left people with he question is this bias ethical?
Watershed- In broadcasting, Watershed is the point in time after a programme with adult content in are allowed to broadcast. It splits the day into the overnight period where family-orientated programmes suitable for children may be aired and where programming aimed at or suitable for a more adult audience is permitted, though not required.
The majority of other counties these same set of rules apply to advertisements, both for the content and the nature of the product or service being advertised.
( U.K Watershed)
The watershed on free to air TV in the UK is between 9 pm- 5:30 am but premium or pay-per-view services allow watershed at 8 pm. Programmes with a rating of 15 cannot be shown outside the watershed period. Some 12 rated shows like Doctor Who, The Simpsons and Futurama can be show before 9 pm. The watershed does not apply to PIN protected channels such as Sky movies, on this type of channel trying to watch an 18 before 8 pm will require a PIN.
There has to be a gentle transition to adult material, and 18 rated content must not air until 10 pm on most channels that are without PIN protected channels that are dedicated to airing adult content such as Horror channel maybe aloud to start 18 rated content at 9 pm without PIN protection.
Libel- This refers to writing inaccurate or malicious things about an individual, group or business in a written, broadcasting published text it can even be pictures or said verbally know as slander, anything that is considered to cost someone's reputation. This means tat all research has to be accurate.
One example is back in 2013 captain Phillips has been accused of being full of lies, particularity about his heroism. This shows that there are fine but essential lines between the phrases "true story", " based on a true story" and " Inspired by a true story".
Copyright- Copyright is a law which covers literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, sound recordings, broadcasts, films the law is there to protect their work and gives the owner control over it, including receiving payment. An author may ask or sell them to other companies for example a recording studio. You can't copyright an idea but you can copyright your scripts, copyright lasts for the entire life of the writer plus 70 years after.
Plagiarism- Plagiarism is when someone takes work that has not been done by them. Plagiarism covers a spectrum from word for word copying through to changing a few words but keeping the same basic structure, through copying ideas and arguments. he copying is deemed as dishonest as its un- knowledgeable,
A good example of this is David LaChappelle's claim on well known music artist Rihanna's video.
Bias- When writing fiction, bias is an ethical issue. You have to consider how you are representing different people, groups, events and organisations. "Representation" is a central issue in media production and so should always be thought about when writing and creating.
When it comes to writing for non-fiction, it becomes a much bigger issue. Programmes such as the BBC News have a commitment to be balanced, impartial and fair.
Back in 2009, The well known soap Eastenders was accused of political biased when Boris Johnson ( the mayor of London) made an appearance in the show. He also hosted BBC 1's Have I got news for you and to add to that he also had his on documentary strand on BBC 2. This left people with he question is this bias ethical?
Watershed- In broadcasting, Watershed is the point in time after a programme with adult content in are allowed to broadcast. It splits the day into the overnight period where family-orientated programmes suitable for children may be aired and where programming aimed at or suitable for a more adult audience is permitted, though not required.
The majority of other counties these same set of rules apply to advertisements, both for the content and the nature of the product or service being advertised.
( U.K Watershed)
The watershed on free to air TV in the UK is between 9 pm- 5:30 am but premium or pay-per-view services allow watershed at 8 pm. Programmes with a rating of 15 cannot be shown outside the watershed period. Some 12 rated shows like Doctor Who, The Simpsons and Futurama can be show before 9 pm. The watershed does not apply to PIN protected channels such as Sky movies, on this type of channel trying to watch an 18 before 8 pm will require a PIN.
There has to be a gentle transition to adult material, and 18 rated content must not air until 10 pm on most channels that are without PIN protected channels that are dedicated to airing adult content such as Horror channel maybe aloud to start 18 rated content at 9 pm without PIN protection.
Libel- This refers to writing inaccurate or malicious things about an individual, group or business in a written, broadcasting published text it can even be pictures or said verbally know as slander, anything that is considered to cost someone's reputation. This means tat all research has to be accurate.
One example is back in 2013 captain Phillips has been accused of being full of lies, particularity about his heroism. This shows that there are fine but essential lines between the phrases "true story", " based on a true story" and " Inspired by a true story".
Copyright- Copyright is a law which covers literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, sound recordings, broadcasts, films the law is there to protect their work and gives the owner control over it, including receiving payment. An author may ask or sell them to other companies for example a recording studio. You can't copyright an idea but you can copyright your scripts, copyright lasts for the entire life of the writer plus 70 years after.
Plagiarism- Plagiarism is when someone takes work that has not been done by them. Plagiarism covers a spectrum from word for word copying through to changing a few words but keeping the same basic structure, through copying ideas and arguments. he copying is deemed as dishonest as its un- knowledgeable,
A good example of this is David LaChappelle's claim on well known music artist Rihanna's video.
Sources:
http://www.myiportfolio.net/blogs/blog216/year-two-2/writing-for-television-and-video/
https://prezi.com/kvi5i-kvhzev/unit-24-writing-for-tv-film/
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/oct/20/rihanna-david-lachapelle-lawsuit
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/oct/14/captain-phillips-tom-hanks-real-life-no-hero