TV Script: Dance with me

This television script was written for my Professional Writing Unit, the script in 1250 words sets up the opening scenes of a Crime drama in the UK. I was inspired by popular crime drama such as The Bill and Silent Witness.

1. INT. LAP DANCING CLUB.

Establishing camera shot. A dark dingy nightclub with poles and chairs set out. A number of ladies dancing in skimpy clothes and platform heels are watched by the eager eyes of middle aged men. Loud music plays in the background, no clear conversations can be heard due to the volume of the music. Flashing lights. Establishing shot changes to a close up of a young lady with long curly auburn hair in hot pants and a bra. Camera zooms back out.

2. EXT. RAINY EVENING. CLUB DOORWAY.

Exaggeration on the heavy rain falling on the ground, camera zooms to the club doorway where the auburn haired girl is standing, fully clothed, sheltering from the rain. It is late at night, and the street is quiet. A man in a suit walks directly past the doorway but pays no attention to the girl.

SADIE (on the phone)

Babe, I’ll be fine, I’ll only be 20 minutes, I’m just waiting now.

SADIE

Yep, see you soon babe (pause) no I won’t be late tonight (pause) yes I love you too.

SADIE puts her phone in her pocket as a black cab screeches round the corner and pulls up in front of the club; she runs through the puddles and opens the taxi door.

Lightning and thunder in the distance.

CUT TO:

TITLES & CREDITS

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Story time – Bully

As part of our Professional Writing we were required to write a 1000 word story on any subject of our choice.

The story deals with real life issues of sexual and physical abuse means it can be presented anywhere that includes real life stories.

The story is aimed towards anyone that knows of anyone or has ever been involved with abuse at any time. The subject was chosen due to it being an issue that is very much prevalent in the news today. It is there to teach a lesson and provide help for its readers.

Research on the internet proved to be very successful when writing the story, it allowed a great insight of other people’s abuse stories and the hurt and anger they had gone through within their relationships.

He held my hand tight squeezing it as he dragged me through the front door. I didn’t want to go in but he insisted it would be fine and otherwise I was dressed up for no reason.  Billy wasn’t the possessive type which I was thankful for, it was almost as if he wanted to show me off to his friends.

As I walked through the door the smell of marijuana hit my nose, the air was thick with smoke. Mum would definitely be mad at me; she was expecting me home in an hour or two.

“Come on babe,” Bill tugged at my dress and led me through to the living room. I had told him I had a piercing headache, but my excuses soon ran dry and I had been forced to accompany him to the party.

“Stay here, I won’t be a sec.”

I sat down on the sofa as Bill went upstairs leaving me alone. I was used to it. The music in the house shook the walls. My head pulsated as I tried to ignore the drum and bass and concentrate on other things.  A small fresh-faced blonde girl came and sat beside me on the other side of the cigarette burned sofa. I introduced myself. Sophie was the girlfriend of one of Bill’s friends. Bill had never spoken about her before. She seemed kind hearted; her voice was soft and timid.

I felt more comfortable at the party. I ignored the music and spoke with Sophie.

“Wow this is gorgeous,” I said as I admired Sophie’s silver charm necklace which coiled round her neck.

“Thanks.”

As I looked at each charm individually, Sophie smiled pleasantly. As she continued to show me her dress strap fell down revealing a raw purple bruise on her shoulder. She shuddered away from me. I didn’t say anything. Our eyes glanced at one another. Moments passed before a group of boys entered the room.

“Alright ladies, we’re going now, hurry up,” Bill’s voice suddenly brought my headache back on.

As he dragged me out the door I smiled at Sophie, unable to say a proper goodbye.  Bill insisted I stay at his tonight. I knew Mum would be mad but there would be no point in saying no.

I didn’t look forward to the weekends much; I preferred being in college, spending time studying, I dreamed of getting into University next year. But Billy preferred I didn’t talk about it, and for me it was easier that way.  He always said I was wasting my time.

Bill’s eyes were glared and his stare pierced my skin as he forced me to get into bed. I daren’t argue I knew he had been taking drugs at the party.

I lay in bed, fully clothed. I hoped Bill would fall asleep or pass out in the bathroom, but I could hear him in the kitchen. I had half drifted off until I felt his tight grip around my body.

“Come on princess.”

Billy pulled me towards him resting his hands on my lower back, my body stiffened as he slowly pulled my dress up. I wasn’t in the mood. He grabbed my waist pulling me closer and locking his lips to mine, he moved slowly to my neck; the kissing became rough and unnecessary.

I tried to struggle free, pleading with him that I was not in the mood; that was no good. His cold hands ran over my body, every touch making me shudder with fear as he thrust his body towards mine. I felt his hand against my cheek with a burning slap. As I tried to get away from him and leave the room he grabbed me and head-butted me to the bed. I cowered away from him, holding my tender head. I lay under him crying, utterly desperate for him to stop, my face red and swollen. After Bill had fallen asleep I tried to leave, but he had locked the door. I sat in the bathroom like a prisoner, contained between four walls, towering above me.  Without thinking I grabbed a razor blade off the side.  I pressed the tip hard into my skin but the pain didn’t break through the numbness I was feeling. Crimson red blood poured out from my wrist and my breath became shaky. I can’t do this. I felt helpless.

The next morning Billy woke me up with breakfast. I forced down some toast with a fake smile, each crumb of toast repeatedly scratched my throat; it was sore from where I had cried myself to sleep. I was scared to go home, Mum was sure to say something about the raw purple bruises on my cheek and forehead. Billy left me to eat while he went to shower. Without thinking twice I left a note on the side, and went through his jean pockets to find the keys to let myself out of the house. I caught a glance of my reflection as I left.

Tears began to prickle down my cheeks as I left the complex, my pocket vibrated and an unknown number flashed on the screen, composing myself I answered.

“Hello Lauren,” a muffled voice said. “It’s Sophie, from the party.”

“Oh hi, how are you?” I was pleasantly surprised.

“I got you’re number from Jake’s phone, I was wondering if you could do me a favour,” she paused

“Yeah, anything?”

“I need someone to come to the police station with me,” she paused again.

My mind clogged itself with images of last night, did she know? Had Bill already told Jake what had happened last night? Surely not?  I panicked.

“Lauren, are you there, this is important to me, Jake hurt me last night, he split my lip and I had to go to accident and emergency, I met a really nice lady, we’re not alone Lauren, we can get help.”

Had she just said “we”?  I was so confused; my head went into overdrive as Lauren arranged a place to meet. The morning frost stung my cheek as the salty tears streamed down my face.  Before I knew it I was running towards Pine Park, I fought back the tears as Sophie came into view. She stood up from the park bench and threw her arms round me. We stood there for minute before either of us said anything. I had met Lauren the night before, yet it felt like I had known her all my life. We were both in pain. Her once vibrant face was hidden behind bruises and stitches; she passed me a tissue as we stood studying one another’s battered faces.

“We’re not alone.” Sophie repeated.

“Let’s go,” I replied

I didn’t want this for my life; I was ready to take a stand.

“Interview conducted at 18:40 Tuesday February 24th.

Mr Billy Davis we have evidence to believe that you have been abusing Lauren Hodges for the past year in your relationship. You have used your power to gain and uphold total control over your victim. You abused Lauren physically, sexually and verbally to the extent where she self harmed in the hope to kill herself and end the violence you have forced upon her.”

“You are a bully Billy Davis.”

Time to analyse

The Times is a daily national newspaper which has been being published in the United Kingdom since 1785. The Times has a dedicated website which provides its users with a database of news stories, new and old as well as extra features that are written especially for the website. Well known organisations such as The Times must be “aware that they have to give their visitors good reasons to visit their site and good reasons to return to it.” (Geest,2001, p1) There are a number of aspects of a webpage that if not done successfully can automatically put a reader and viewer off.

Searchability

In order for a site to be effective it must be searchable. When typing ‘times’ into Google, the Times Online is the first webpage that is presented. As well as a link to the site there are direct subject headings that will take the user directly to a specific type of news category for example “sport”. A search bar means that if the user is looking for a specific news story the Times Online search bar will allow the user to make a search before even entering the website.

Navigation

A website’s navigation scheme should be intuitive, predictable, and easy to find. (Summers & Summers, 2005) The Times Online site is simple to use, its main toolbar makes it easy for a user to navigate to their desired topic of the website, whether it is ‘businesses or ‘travel’ for example. Once selecting the desired toolbar the link is highlighted and another toolbar underneath gives a number of further options.  A Clearly labelled navigation bar is one of the easiest ways to create a satisfying navigational experience for its users (Cox and Koelzer, 2004).

Usability

A professional website must be faultless when it comes to the links. All the links on the Times website work fast and efficiently, taking the user to and from their selected topics of news. The simple layout of the toolbar allows the user to navigate around the website successfully. There is no overcrowding on the site and although at times attention may be given to the adverts bordering the page, the main information is centred in the middle of the homepage making it easy to gain the user’s attention to the most important news stories and features.

Design

According to Burgess (2008) a “website needs to objectively promote visual, functional and design consistency.” The design of a website is the first aspect that pulls a user in and persuades them to read on further.  The Times Online uses a plain design with blue, green and clear black font and a number of different headlines and images all placed on a white background.  The Times has a well known reputation so therefore the design of the website must work with the newspaper and its reputation in the industry. The majority of the layout suits the newspaper, and the plain white background promotes maturity. The green, white and blue colour scheme is kept across the whole site to follow through with the theme of keeping the site simple and business like.

Content

Content for the Times Online must be rich and informative to follow the reputation that the newspaper has held for many years.  At an initial glance it is clear that the site will fit within this requirement, the amount of news stories is ongoing, and when reading them they match closely to what would be expected of the Times newspaper; mature yet engaging news stories which are well written and presented.  The website boasts a high quantity of feature articles and other articles such as recipes, league tables, reviews, and interviews to name but a few. The news stories are sorted correctly under the specific headings on the toolbar. Burgess (2008) says that “content should be organised clearly and in a logical manner so information context is maintained.”

Video/Audio

A large variety of the news stories are supported with images or appropriate media, allowing for the user to support their reading with other mediums. Any media on the website which is provided in the format of audio, videos or slideshows load fast and play effectively on a regular internet connection.

Interactivity

“Interactivity” describes communication with a medium (Jucker, 2002, cited by Janoschka 2004). It allows a user to get involved with news topics and debates. The Times’ website allows people to comment on every news story published in a “have your say” box at the bottom of each story.

User Generated Content

User generated content comes from the “my profile” section, once registering with the Times Online the user is able to set up a personal profile and manage their own account. By registering the user is able to take part in competitions and promotions and sign up for free email bulletins.

To conclude, it is the clear that The Times Online works closely alongside the theme of The Times newspaper which has a high reputation in the newspaper industry. The website follows a simple yet effective design which reeks professionalism. Not only is the website easy to function but the straightforward layout makes it easy to navigate to a specific area of choice. On the whole The Times Online and its effective database provide its users with a satisfactory website experience.

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Surveying the mounds

Last year we were required to write a feature interview for one of our assignments. I decided to interview Paul Mckenzie and ask him about the constuction of Northala Fields Park in Northolt Ealing. Two years on the park is being used successfully and turning into a perfect habitat for a number of different species. With the warm weather predicted this Summer there is no doubt the park will be used by all:

It is over two years since the Northala Fields of Northolt and Greenfield Park was opened in the spring of 2008 by Ealing council. The park offers a variety of ecological and recreational opportunities to the public.  I visited the park to track its growth over the past two years, and investigate the initial construction process the park went through in the four years it took to create.

Paul McKenzie ACinstCES survey director of McKenzie Geospatial Surveys undertook the leading role in the geospatial engineering of the park. His company specialises in providing land and engineering surveys/setting out for civil and construction industries. It merits itself on years of experience working with the bulk earthmoving sector involved with land redevelopment.

I met with Paul to discuss the process Northala Park went through to reach what it is today. He was first involved in the project at contract tender stage with the company CJ Pryor (contract) ltd in 2002. This required verifying the volumes that would be required to create the shapes as shown on the initial design for the park. The initial process also involved having an appraisal meeting with Ealing Borough council to discuss how the park would be constructed between the various contractors with their bid. Paul explains; “I was quite taken back by the initial designs because it involved the creation of four very large conical mounds on a flat landscape.” The tallest of which would be approximately 26 metres. These mounds would be the largest of their kind in Europe. After he was awarded the construction bid of the project, many tasks had to be undertaken before any construction could actually begin.

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Patterned language

Last year we were required to write either 2 sonnets or a collection of limericks. I chose to focus on the sonnets after studying a number Shakespeare’s famous sonnets at A-Level.  Here’s my attempt at keeping to the conventional sonnet format:

Sonnet 1

My love for him is true but also rare,

His dazzling voice is music to my ears.

With each other many good times we share

Never would he hurt or bring me to tears.

The other man not special at all,

From him I did not get any pleasure,

He was a mistake, and I am a fool

It meant nothing it was out of leisure.

Though my secret love affair, that one night

Did make it clear and help me to notice

I wish to stay forever if I might,

With my true love and his meaningful kiss.

The furtive affair made it clear to me

That forever my love and I will be.

Sonnet 2

My lovers’ seductive eyes sparkle bright,

Forever with her I wish to remain.

When I lay close and next to her at night,

I think of when she entered my domain.

To the human eye she is seen faultless,

I know the truth of what lies beneath,

I want her to admit and to confess;

Her unfaithful actions cause me great grief.

I take pleasure in the times we do share

I am drunk with love, could never conspire.

Her sordid secrets do make my heart tear,

I dare to tell and be named a liar.

I believe it better if I forget

And be consumed by love like when we met.

Just Jas: Quick questions

A Twitter style Q&A Interview with Jasmin De Vivo, BA(Hons) Communication & Media student at Bournemouth University. Covering everything from Robert Pattinson, shoulder pads and  chocolate curry.

Codie: So Jas, how are you finding Bournemouth this year?

Jas:  Better than last year actually, I love all my friends they’re the ones that keep me going.

Codie: Have you had any good nights out in Bournemouth recently?

Jas: Yeah Bournemouth tends to be a good night out usually, I went out the other night in a Chelsea shirt! If only Joe Cole was out…

Codie: Hmm not sure about the Chelsea shirt, I’m an avid Arsenal fan through and through, Joe Cole is okay though I suppose. If you did come across him (unlikely I know) what outfit would you like to be spotted in?

Jas: My black dress with shoulder pads definitely, and a pair of gigantic heels, couldn’t go out without my heels!

Codie: What song are you guaranteed to get up and dance to when your out at the moment?

Jas: Erm, I actually don’t know pretty much anything!

Codie: Except for Mr Cole do you have any other celebrity crushes?

Jas: Definitely Robert Pattinson, I plan to marry him in 2015!

Codie: Random, but I do understand why people have a soft spot for Twilight! Anyway moving on from vampires have you got any plans for the future, what do you want to do after university?

Jas: I’d love to go travelling and hopefully I can find a decent paid job so I can pay my Dad back for all the money he has lent me already!

Codie: What would be your dream job?

Jas: An actress!! But if not then maybe a presenter I think, (laughs) as if!

Codie: The past couple of years seem to have gone so fast, is there anything you would relive if you could?

Jas: I think if I could, I’d go back to my College years and have a bit more fun, maybe not take my work so seriously and party a bit harder.

Codie: Sounds good, we all know Valentines Day has just passed, except for Robert Pattinson did you have a valentine?

Jas: No actually, I went to Leeds this weekend, my friend gave me roses and we went out for a chocolate curry followed by cocktails.

Codie: Eurgh chocolate curry, Sounds interesting!

Timeline: Thierry Henry ♥

Thierry Henry has been most recently recognised for his controversial hand ball which set up a winning goal against Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers. However I want to concentrate on Henry’s famous football background, the games that made him  exactly who he is today and his successful career with Arsenal in the Premier League.

August 1995: Henry signs for Monaco at the age of 17, where he stays for 4 years scoring 20 goals in 52 starting games.

October 1997: Henry makes his International debut with the French football team against South Africa.

July 1998: Although not placed in the Starting 11 or on the bench, Henry’s International team beat Brazil 3-0 in the final of the World Cup.

January 1999: Thierry Henry begins a new career in Juventus, however he scores only 3 goals in 16 appearances.

August 1999: Henry signs for Arsenal in a £10.5 million deal. Arsene Wenger trusts he has potential and moves him to a striker position. Henry fails to score for 8 games, but finally makes his debut against Southampton.

July 2000: Henry wins the European Championship with the French team scoring 3 goals.

May 2002: Henry wins the double with Arsenal, contributing with his 31 goals scored.

June 2003: Henry is named PFA player of the year and Football Writers Association player of the year.

July 2003: Henry marries Nicole Merry (model) at a lavish ceremony in Berkshire.

February 2004: Henry scores his 100th league goal with Arsenal.

April 2004: Henry is named the first man to retain his PFA player of the year award.

May 2004: He remains part of the starting Arsenal team, and goes on to win the title and complete a league season unbeaten.

May 2005: Henry has his first child with girlfriend Nicole and wins the FA Cup with Arsenal again.

October 2005: Thierry Henry becomes the top goal scorer in Arsenal history where his goals total to 186, (one more than Ian Wright in the 1990s)

February 2006: Henry scores his 200th goal in a win over Birmingham

May 2006: Henry captains Arsenal in their first Champions League Final where they are beaten by Barcelona. He ends months of speculation over his contract, extending it by 4 years.

June 2007: Henry unexpectedly signs for £16.1 million at Barcelona where he keeps his number 14 shirt. Barcelona deny any rumours that the transfer is due to personal issues, promising it is only football related.

September 2007: Henry and his wife Nicole go through with a “quickie” divorce after there are rumours that Henry has out taken unreasonable behaviour with make-up artist Sadie Frost. He puts it down to getting away from “everything English.”

July 2008: Arsenal fans vote Henry the greatest Arsenal player.

November 2009: During a World cup qualifier match with France, Henry uses his hand to set up a winning goal. Henry admits to the goal saying; “I will be honest, it was a handball. But I’m not the ref. I played it, the ref allowed it. That’s a question you should ask him.” The speculation continues as Ireland demand a reply, but are denied by Fifa.

The Sun online – good or bad?

Evaluating the official website of The Sun newspaper, how did I rate the website that runs alongside the famous newspaper?

Searchability: The site is the first to come up when typing “The Sun” into Google, the URL of the site is exactly the same as the name of the newspaper, so people shouldn’t have any difficulties with finding the site.

Usability: Despite the many flashing multimedia links and the diverse range of articles on the homepage, each page seems to load quickly when the links are pressed . All the pictures also act as links so if the picture catches your eye before the heading does, you can just press on the image.

Navigation: My first thoughts of the homepage is that it is overcrowded! As you click on the site you’re faced with a rainbow of different multimedia and articles. Although the link navigation proves to be successful; in my opinion the navigation could be hard in terms of finding exactly what you want. However the search bar at the top is an easy way of finding a specific article.

Design: The homepage uses a large heading at the top and a left hand side toolbar and a red and white colour screen. Although the toolbar layout seems pretty simple, there are a lot of links, and it could be time-consuming finding exactly what you want in the toolbar. In the middle of the page are print screens of popular newspaper articles, these flash from one to the other, although eye catching they take a huge amount of attention away from the website and in my opinion are not necessary. Along the right hand side there are many annoying adverts which take up too much space, wedged between the adverts are more articles headlines accompanied by small thumbnail images. Ticker lines and flashing images take the much-needed attention away from the headlines of the stories. As you keep scrolling down (quite far) there are more article headings all jumbled between forums and features. The design has a lot of potential, the colour scheme is successful in catching the eyes of its user, however the overcrowding of the features and articles makes me feel pretty claustrophobic!

Content: The content runs alongside the news of the day. However the website has taken the content out of hand. There are a good selection of well written (depends what you personally describe as well written, but well written in terms of “The Sun”) articles. On the other hand if you can’t find the articles then there is no point in having the site. The content needs to be presented simply. If the toolbar was used alongside a print screen of the newspaper’s front page article then I think it would be easier to find a specific article or just browse for the day-to-day news. The multimedia is not necessary and makes the site look tacky. The site is definitely not well signposted! The homepage left me feeling overwhelmed by the amount of articles the website is presenting.

Interactivity: The reader is invited to become involved with the website in the numerous polls named “have your say”. However these forums are lost in the homepage until the user navigates precisely to the dedicated forum “discussion” page.

UGC: The user is welcomed to create their own account in order to enter competitions and reply to discussions and forums.

Overall, although The Sun website does include a numerous variety of articles, I as a user felt lost and confused about exactly where I start to to find my particular chosen news. If I was unable to use the search bar then I would feel completely confused as to where to start a search for a particular item. The site has too much information and links which can go on forever. The headlines are wedged between flashing outside advertisements. I feel bombarded with the amount of eye-catching headlines, and feel that there is no priority given to the top stories of the day.

The essentials

Most people will agree that without their specially selected websites they would be a little bit lost, I definitely couldn’t live without these ones…

1) Facebook.com: The best way to keep in contact with friends online, and snoop for goss & photos as well as sharing my own.

2) Youtube.com: Provides easy links to funny vids, film trailers and music, there’s always something guaranteed to make me laugh on here!

3) Asos: A way to keep up with the latest fashions by drooling over clothes I can’t afford,as well  as searching for online bargains!

4) Arsenal FC: As a true gooner I check the site regularly for updates on injuries, scores & fixtures. Not forgetting tickets, which I usually can’t afford!