PRE-PRODUCTION: Episodes Synopsis: First Draft & Feedback

I have began writing the Episodes Synopsis for Motherhood. I decided to approach this, by looking at a few examples online for structure and length before writing it, but generally knew that I wanted each episode to be about a page of around 500 words. I decided I wanted it to be detailed and descriptive but not overly long and specific. I ensured that I introduced the characters with a simple description to give the audience an insight of who they are and what they would look like. In terms of the story structure, I began by breaking the episodes up into brief outlines so I knew what I wanted to include in each one and make the story flow evenly. After receiving some feedback from Simon during a tutorial, he thought that I had achieved the right balance of detail, not being overly vague but also not overly detailed. He also liked the creativity and style in which I had been writing it which gave me some confidence in the quality and refinement of it. 

In terms of things to improve, Simon suggested starting the series with the abduction straight away, as he thought that it took too long getting to that point in the first episode and would make watching it seem too long. He also suggested to elaborate on the location description to really set the scene right at the beginning of the series. Below I have included the outlines of the each episode and the first drafts of the first three episodes of the synopsis. 

Outlines/Tag-Lines

Episode 1: In the rural town of Dunmor, Kentucky, a struggling young Mother (Vivian) is negotiating long shifts at the local diner to support her twin daughters, determined to better their lives. Unbeknownst to her, someone has been observing her hectic lifestyle, with an ominous motive.

Episode 2: Following the sudden disappearance of a twin, the police are informed and an abduction enquiry is under way. However, Vivian and Thomas are faced with a disturbing revelation. Thomas attempts to comfort Vivian but is driven away by her delusions and outbursts. She repeatedly contacts the Police for more information but they deny her.

Episode 3: Vivian refuses to accept the evidence and begins her own search, with little faith from Thomas. She mistakes a child in the supermarket for her own, but is quickly escorted away by security. Confiding in Jill and Gregory, she sets up a web page for missing children enquiries. Meanwhile, a local woman starts to notice Vivian’s unusual behaviour, voicing it and alienating her further.

Episode 4: We return 6 years later. Thomas is living with their other daughter Sarah. Vivian has dedicated her working life to the enquiry, with little hope remaining and a disheveled house that harshly reflects her struggles. However, she is alarmed when a new family move to the town, with a daughter who bares a striking resemblance to her missing child. Vivian begins to befriend the child, who is warned to stay away from her.

Episode 5: Vivian will do whatever she can to prove her suspicions correct. She finally obtains a hair sample and the help of a Police Officer who eventually gives in to her pleading. DNA results prove that Vivian is in fact the birth mother of the child.

Episode 6: With confirmation, comes a drive to act fast! Vivian feels compelled to forcibly take back her daughter, but is soon met with the repercussions.

Motherhood: Episodes Synopsis (First Draft) 

Episode 1

It’s a hectic Saturday afternoon in June and the Diner’s busiest time of year. Vivian has been asked to work late, leaving her feeling flustered, having told her babysitter she would be home just after 6pm. She is paid for the week and leaves in a hurry, meeting every traff­ic light on the way home, making her feel more and more impatient. Babysitting the twins is Vivian’s neighbour and friend Jill Brown who is 62 and retired from her job as a nurse. Jill is a lonely woman who lives with her husband Greg, a hard-working self-employed Gardener. Always wanting to have children herself, Jill enjoys the chall­enge of handling Vivian’s 5-year-old twins – Sarah and Elise, who are bright and independent for their age.

Vivian picks up the girls from Jill, her profuse attempts of apology are met with Jill’s usual kind words and calm demeanor. They arrive back at their tiny and cramped chalet house. Vivian feels exhausted after work but agrees to let the girls watch their favorite movie – ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with their sparkly red slippers and dressing gowns on before curling up on the sofa together and falling asleep in front of the television.

It’s Saturday and Vivian’s day off. However, she is abruptly woken by the sound of her phone, the Boss tells her Kate – a flaky and useless co-worker has called in sick and they need her urgently. Vivian feels panicked and phones the twins’ Father – Thomas who hesitantly agrees to babysit the twins for the day. Thomas Peyton is 28 years old and works as a Delivery Van Driver. He is strongminded and financially stable, and spends time with the girls when he has an evening off work. He and Vivian keep a civilized relationship, co-parenting and supporting their daughters, but often disagree on parental arrangements.

Vivian returns just after 5pm and her and Thomas argue about the excessive hours she works. Vivian tries to explain that she wants to save to provide a better life for the girls, a life she was denied as a child. Thomas eventually gives in and leaves.

Determined to keep her word and spend a bit of quality time with the girls, Vivian agrees to take the twins to the park for an hour or so before it gets dark. They walk across the road to the park just adjacent, which is always empty apart from the odd dog walker. Unknown shadows cover the park as the sun begins to descend, leaving a few areas almost dark.

Someone is watching them.

They make their way to the Kids play area, complete with several swings, slides and a hopscotch. Vivian likes to get involved, encouraging the girls. She helps Sarah get out of one of the caged swings, she is stuck. Sarah begins to get upset and Vivian attempts to calm her and prevent her from wriggling. With a bit of force, she finally manages to lift Sarah out of the swing before turning around to look for Elise.

She has vanished from sight.

Episode 2:

Outline: Following the sudden disappearance of a twin, the police are informed and an abduction enquiry is under way. However, Vivian and Thomas are faced with a disturbing revelation. Thomas attempts to comfort Vivian but is driven away by her delusions and outbursts. She repeatedly contacts the Police for more information but they deny her.

Vivian looks around frantically, Elise is nowhere to be seen. Sarah begins to cry and Vivian picks her up straight away, seizes her hand bag from the bench and begins to run towards the gate. Her heart is pounding and she loudly summons Elise, her head turning to scour as far as she can see, attempting to block out Sarah’s shrieks. She cannot see or hear anything clearly, almost as if she beginning to lose consciousness. Screaming louder and louder, she is met with nothing but the whistling of the wind and a faint noise of cars.

Vivian speedily runs back to the house and hurries Sarah inside, placing her on the sofa. She picks up the landline and thumps the keypad. Thomas picks up quickly, and speaks in a calm manner, however, he is met with screams of panic and despair. Trying to make sense of what is being said, his voice turns serious and he leaves his house immediately without saying goodbye.

Thomas arrives within 10 minutes at the house and is met by a now sobbing Vivian. He instantly notices Sarah who looks stunned, sitting in silence. Thomas reasons with Vivian and takes Sarah next door to Jill and explains the situation. Jill is hugely concerned and offers her help but Thomas reassures her that the best thing she can do is take care of Sarah in the meantime.

Thomas and Vivian drive to the Police Station and report that is Elise missing. They give them a photo of her from Vivian’s purse and Vivian is taken in for questioning by Inspector Daniel Reed who has been working in the local area for over a decade and is known well by its residents. Vivian relays the events of the evening, explaining her concern that Elise wouldn’t have just run off. Inspector Reed attempts to reassure her that she won’t have gone for and will be found by the next morning.

Thomas and Vivian leave and agree to stay with Sarah until the morning at least and go out to look the next day.

It is midday and Vivian has been anxiously staring at the phone all day. Thomas takes his car out and scours Downtown Greenville, asking in shops and restaurants. When he gets back Vivian looks just as distressed, she has just had a phone call from Inspector Reed. They’ve found some evidence.

Episode 3:

Outline: Vivian refuses to accept the evidence and begins her own search, with little faith from Thomas. She mistakes a child in the supermarket for her own, but is quickly escorted away by security. Confiding in Jill and Gregory, she sets up a web page for missing children enquiries. Meanwhile, a local woman starts to notice Vivian’s unusual behaviour, voicing it and alienating her further.

They hurriedly drive to the Police Station and announce themselves before being taken into a private room. Inspector Reed comes into the office, he is carrying a parcel and reveals a clear plastic bag inside. He sits down and looks at Thomas and then at Vivian. Before he can begin his sentence Vivian screams “What have you found then?”. Reed sighs and takes the plastic bag out of its wrapping. It contains a pair of pink and white spotty trousers and a single white lace up boot. Both have what appears to be blood staining. He explains that the items of clothing were found in the woods, about half a mile from the park. Vivian confirms they belong to Elise and breaks down into tears whilst Thomas attempts to comfort her. Reed tells them that they are assuming a violent crime has been underway but reassures them that they are still searching and will inform them of any further news.

They return home. As they step out of the car, they are approached by town local –Francesca who has seen them acting strangely, however, they quickly brush off the conversation and go inside. Sarah comes back home and Thomas tries to comfort her, whilst Vivian stays in her room in despair.

The following day, the pair decide to go to the supermarket and surprise Sarah with some of her favorite foods. Whilst looking in the confectionary isle, Vivian notices a young girl at the end of the isle, her back is facing Vivian and she has long blonde hair. Vivian alerts Thomas who dismisses her and beckons her away. However, she starts to speedily walk down the aisle to catch up after her. People keep getting in her way and she forcibly pushes her way through. Eventually catching up, she holds out her arm and pulls on the young girl’s shoulder who turns and lets out a yelp! The girl’s mother is confused and alerts the staff who escort Vivian away. Disillusioned, and unconvinced, she struggles and breaks free. However, the police are called and she is taken home. Francesca oversees.

PRE-PRODUCTION: 13 Reasons Why.. Netflix

As a way of justifying my choice for the Broadcasting Channel for this production, which was an important element of the Pre-Production package, I have devised my 13 reasons why. For those who are familiar with Netflix Originals, 13 Reasons Why is one of their series released in March earlier this year and has proven to be very popular with audiences. Stating my reasoning like this I thought would be great for the presentation in the book as simple bullet points are much easier to read. This will also contrast significantly with the rest of the text in the book which is quite detailed. My chosen Broadcasting Channel is Netflix, an American Entertainment Company originating in 1997. However, the platform didn't gain a global presence until recent years and is now one of the largest networks in the world. Here are the 13 reasons I have come up with, that stretch across the entire production from the story development and characters to casting and crew choices and even branding. These are not final drafts and more formal versions will be put into the book. 

1. Genre:

‘Motherhood’ is a Crime/Thriller Drama, not only is this particular combination of genres favoured for Netflix Original Series including Stranger Things and Narcos. 

2. Series Inspiration:

The series takes early inspiration and creative influences from Netflix Original Series - ‘Stranger Things', in terms of its character development, and Branding. Being a Netflix Original, the choices are make regarding these elements should be suitable for the platform and their series preferences.

3. Company Origin:

Netflix is an American Entertainment Company and ‘Motherhood’ is set in and would be filmed in the state of Kentucky. I think it is important that the series reflects its American influences and that this is apparent through the setting choices. 

4. Target Audience:

The target audience for ‘Motherhood’ is adults and young adults, Mothers in particular. Lots of young adults choose to use this platform due to its online presence which allows for accessible watching at any time of day.

5. Global Presence: 

Netflix is one of the biggest global networks, which would allow for the series to be shown across the world. It is important for an American industry scale production to have a platform that will enable it to achieve it audience reach.

6. Accessibility

Online streaming has become the most popular way to watch Television series as of 2017. To attract the target audience, this must be an option.

7. Branding: 

The branding and colour palette in particular take inspiration from other Netflix Original Series such as ‘13 Reasons Why’ and ‘Punisher’. Both of these series are Netflix Originals, and adopt the typical branding styles that Netflix Productions seem to favour.

8. Adverts

Netflix does not show adverts which is an affective selling point as viewers won’t be deterred by repetitive advertising. I think that regular advertising is particularly frustrating during a Thriller drama as it can interfere with the suspenseful moments. 

9. Schedule:

Being an online platform allows for the series to be released all at once, giving the audience complete freedom. This was important because I want it to be gripping to watch and encourage audiences to watch it all in one sitting. 

10. Watch-ability:

Each episode ends with a gripping cliff hanger, giving it that binge-watching quality that Netflix favour in their Original Productions, encouraging viewers to finish a series in one hit.

11. Actors:

Several of the Actors chosen including Catherine O’Hara have been featured on popular Netflix favourites, making them recognisable to viewers. The choice to cast Jessica Lange as a main character will attract audiences largely as she is a better known, critically acclaimed Actress.

12. Crew:

Several of the crew members have worked on Netflix Productions previously including the Editor, Dean Zimmerman, who 

edited ‘Stranger Things’. 

13. Plot/Episodes Synopsis:

The plot of the series includes a triggering event and strong characterisation of the Mother, which were essential elements to creating a series with thrilling and dynamic appeal, to keep the audience engaged throughout. Although, the abduction concept itself was not inspired by other Netflix series, it was helpful to look at those when writing the synopses.

Now that I have decided on the final reasons for my choice of Netflix as the Broadcasting Channel, covering a number of aspects within the production, I will add these to a page in the book. Doing this was important for me as I felt like I had lots of reasons why I chose the platform and wanted to certify its suitability for the production. However, I intend on shortening some of them so that they are not so detailed and are in a more formal presentation for the book.

PRE-PRODUCTION: Motherhood Final Pitch & Overview

After several adjustments to the pitch and overview of the series, I have written the final draft that will go into the book. This will feature right at the beginning of the book and will give the reader an insight into what Motherhood is about. This is important as it will set up the rest of the package and let the reader know what's to follow.

The Idea

Motherhood is a concept for a hypothetical Television Production. It is an original Thriller/Crime Drama Television series. The theme of Motherhood itself forms the basis of the story, with recurring themes of family, abduction and sacrifice. The story has a principal focus on the life of one strong character in particular, that should be both relatable for the audience whilst offering some rather thrilling and enthralling moments. A Netflix Original Series, with 6 episodes of a 40 minute duration, that will make up the first series to be premiered on 9th February 2018. 

Tag-line

'The search isn't over'

I have altered the original tagline I came up with to simplify it significantly. The original tag line was far too specific. Simon suggested that the second half was confusing and didn't add anything to it. When researching tag lines for films and television series, a pattern I discovered was that they are usually very brief and vague. I think that this is actually very effective as it leaves the audience on an instant cliff hanger, making them want to know more. I am happy with the final tag line and think that it doesn't give away any details but largely hints to the main plot line of the story. 

Pitch

In a rural town in Kentucky, without warning, a child is snatched from a desperate Mother who quickly descends into a panicked frenzy that drives her family away. She will stop at nothing to uncover the truth of the investigation and locate her child. Until we return several years later, she is alarmed when a family move to the town, with a little girl who shares a striking resemblance to her missing daughter. 

Overview

The Mother in this story, not only takes her role very seriously, but becomes so fixated on the idea of being good enough, that it becomes her downfall. Although, the focus is on her as a Mother figure, this is a recurring theme throughout that applies to other characters also. 

The series is set at present day in a rural neighbourhood, located in Greenville, Kentucky, home to many residents including the main character Vivian Nicholls and her young twin daughters. The neighbourhood itself is eerily quiet and secretive. The inhabitants are anti-social and like to keep to themselves, whilst closely and carefully watching all those that live there. 

At the beginning of the series, Vivian is struggling to keep on top of her hectic lifestyle whilst being a good mother to her young girls and putting them first. However, someone has been keeping close watch, observing her every move with an ominous motive. Any Mother’s nightmare is revealed - a child is snatched and Vivian finds it unbearable to deal with, driving away her loved ones and alienating herself. 

As the series unfolds, we return to Greenville several years later when a little girl moves to the neighbourhood with her parents, sparking a new set of actions and a turning point for Vivian with some life changing repercussions.