Statement of intent
My TV Crime Drama is to be called “Diamond is Unbreakable”, which has just seen the release of its second season after the phenomenal success of its first season - mainly due to the fact that it was released on Netflix and HBO Max. My three minute extract would appear in the closing moments of the season’s eighth and final episode. “Diamond is Unbreakable” (or “DiU” for short) follows the story of Faraan Kurii, a seasoned detective trying to connect the dots on the murder of his parents and take down the crime syndicate, along with the man who did this to him.
The brief, I feel, will be met quite easily as my three minute extract features 4 different settings with each being incongruous to the other - however they each stick to the gloomy and miserable feel of the second season. The extract also presents a plethora of iconic narrative features, such as flashbacks, rises in tension, and relief periods. Humans convey a lot of emotion with just their bodies, whether it be with movement in the face or movement in the actual body, so a majority of the camerawork used in the extract will be centred around people - as I strive to make sure that the audience feel every single emotion conveyed. However, scenery is important to a story too, so as a result camera shots such as fast cuts and pans will be implemented to ensure the narrative fits the environment and the world within it. Sound won’t appear to be an issue either, as I’ve made sure that diegetic and non-diegetic sound will be used correctly and effectively, as sound can really impact the emotions and the overall tone of a scene. This, in turn, helps the audience to understand certain scenes and certain decisions made by the characters better. Narrative theory is addressed heavily in “DiU”, presented as such are Propp’s “Character Theory” and Todorov’s “Equilibrium”, allowing for audiences to be familiarised with the show/extract - thus opening the door for more surprises.
The show can be considered radical by dictionary definition, as it challenges stereotypes that have been implemented in the media since their conception - physically and, well, also physically. Using Faraan as an example, he doesn’t appear as the cigarette smoking, fedora-wearing detective but instead is a detective defined by his insecurities and losses, and also prefers comfort over class as formal wear ‘feels itchy’ on his skin. The female ‘Secretary’ character actually feels like a normal person, going through her own battles and who’s strong in her own way, not bound by stereotypical ‘female dumbness’ or the chains of suggestive officewear. Every character in “Diamond is Unbreakable” has their own story, their own personal vendettas, and goals. Everything, even down to the setting, follows Stuart Hall’s ideas on representation to ensure that the story and emotions conveyed aren’t overused and plastic.
“Turn to the Action, TV!” is the name of my TV Listings magazine. For this issue, the front cover will feature Faraan in similar to the themes presented in the second season, while the double page spread will also feature him, leaving the fourth page to be focused around other cast members and staff involved. The main focus of the magazine is an exclusive interview with Frankly Arapi, Faraan’s actor, close to the release of the second season with topics such as the cast, success of the first season and fame. The plan is to have both “Turn to the Action, TV!” and “Diamond is Unbreakable” advertised to as many social media platforms as possible in order to make sure word about the show returning for a second season travels everywhere.
Yes, the 12+ rating definitely raises some concerns about the overall output and feel of the show, however rest assured, the series still flourishes and stands out astronomically. The age rating for the show knows no limits, and is suitable to watch regardless of age maturity - there is something for everyone to love and enjoy with “Diamond is Unbreakable”. Blumler and Katz have a sort of silent shoutout in the show, in the form of perfectly using uses and gratifications. Audience will be able to feel emotions for and with the characters, whether it be anger, bliss, or sadness - the audience will feel it all. The show also has another benefactor - being able to let the audience disassociate from the real world and offer and ‘escape’ from all the horrors we all face in our day to day lives.
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