1. Television Drama

2. Conventions o Dramas have been a part of television since the beginning. o The Hallmark Hall of Fame o The Kraft Hour o Police Dramas, Lawyer Dramas and Medical Dramas have proven to be the most popular o In 1994 ER presented a medical drama with more action and intensity than ever before. This set a new standard for all dramas. Perry Mason 1957

3. The ER Style o Fast paced action; o Long tracking shots and moving cameras; o Many characters; o A single main plot with multiple sub-plots; o A focus on societal issues; o On-going story lines.

4. ER o Season One ratings success. o Used very graphic emergency room visuals to add a documentary feel to the production. o The personal struggles of the main characters were featured as part of the main plots.

5. Episode Plot Diagram TeaserAct 1Act 2Act 3Epilogue Exciting event in the main plot: Big Car Accident. Issue behind main plot revealed: Car accident caused by alcohol. Issue behind main plot complicated: Accident victim can be saved by expensive operation Issue behind main plot reaches crisis: Beer company willing to pay for surgery, but victim refuses. Main plot resolved: Victim dies. Subplot 1 introduced: Doctor is always late Subplot 1 complicated: Doctor argues with colleague about his work habits. Subplot 1 crisis: Patient almost dies due to lateness of Dr. Subplot 1 resolved: Doctor is seen shopping for alarm clocks. A typical hour long drama may have 4 or more subplots. Subplot 2 intro: Patient has crush on Dr. Subplot 2 complicated: Patient reveals crush on Dr. Subplot 2 crisis: Dr. avoids patient. Subplot 2 resolved: Patient dumps Dr.

6. Episode 2Episode 1Episode 3 Main Plot: A Child is dying from a mysterious disease. Sub-Plot 1: Money is missing from the budget. Sub-Plot 2: A doctor is allergic to her boyfriend. Main Plot: Police investigate missing money the budget. Sub-Plot 1: A homeless woman is found in the hospital. Sub-Plot 2: The cafeteria staff are on strike. Main Plot: The strike turns violent. Sub-Plot 1: The homeless woman is related to one of the doctors. Sub-Plot 2: An expensive new machine doesn’t work. Series Plot Diagram