Breaking the Intimate Screen: Pre-recording, Special Effects and the Aesthetics of Early British Television Drama. Issue 3 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnston, Derek
• Is Part Of: Critical studies in television. Volume 10:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: live drama -- BBC -- special effects -- pre-recording -- audience; Television -- Periodicals; Television criticism -- Periodicals; 384.5505
• DOI: 10.7227/CST.10.3.5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-6020

Abstract

In his seminal study of early British television drama Jason Jacobs emphasises the importance of the concept of 'intimacy', during the period from the beginning of regular BBC television broadcasts in 1936 to the arrival of competition in 1955. This article focuses upon the role of special effects in breaking free from the restrictions of the studio, showing that effects were not only of use in expanding the temporal and spatial scope of television drama, but were also considered to be of interest to the audience as a way of exploring the new medium, receiving coverage in the popular press.