To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:54:50 -0500
Subject: [Puptcrit] examples for scriptwritnig


I grew up watching TV. A whole lot of it, but thankfully, there was even 
more outdoors time, to compensate.

One show that fascinated me above most of them was "Are You Afraid of the 
Dark?". It was a Canadian production (shown on YTV) , but aimed also at the 
U.S.A. (probably shown on Nickelodeon).

The concept:
Some kids have a storytelling club, tellling scary tales at night around a 
campfire.
The tales are introduced by them, and they are then shown as tv movie.
Very well done, very inventive, considering the obviously small budget.
Some episodes feature puppets, but most creatures are costumed actors.
The show was VERY popular, lasted a few seaons, and even had a second 
generation with a new cast, and still has fans today.

I mention this show because I am watching the episodes again online.
And I realize their scripts are extemely simple and efficient.
Like many mentionned here on puptcrit: A story must have a clear beggining, 
middle and end.
Every episode is built like that, very clearly.

So, watching a few episodes could help some people analyse what makes a good 
story.
Most episodes are entertaining and a lot are memorable.
This was the second time I saw good storytelling blended well for the medium 
that is TV.
Jim Henson's Storyteller was the first example for me. It was better better, 
but the show I,m taling about here is still well worth watching.

I should mention that my mind stayed very teenager-like for certain topics, 
and that nostalgia for the 80s and 90s is very strong in me. So my judgement 
of appreciation is most probably biased.
However, I still stand by my judgement of the scripts.

How can you watch those episodes?
I recommend you watch a few episodes online, and if you like them, get them 
on DVD (Amazon sells them).

To watch online: just do a search for the show, or its abbreviation, on 
Youtube.
The abbreviation is "AYAOTD".
There are a lot of episodes there, posted by a lot of people. Episodes are 
divided in 3 parts, and identified as such. It's easier to go see each 
contributor's list of videos, to be able to watch the parts in proper order.

Enjoy!










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