In the case of a LAMDA examination we define a television screenplay as a film that has been written specifically for television (a full-length film that has been commissioned by television companies) whereas a television show would be a one-off episode or group of episodes (serial). A television serial is a story which is broadcast on television in a number of parts over a period of time.

The reason we do not allow Learners to use a serial is because the character arcs and story lines are on-going. Even if a character has been written off, the character could return at any point and their story line revisited. Also, in the era of reboots, many TV shows which had previously concluded have been revitalised and the character arcs and story lines continued. Those shows which have not yet been rebooted may be revisited at any point during the course of the syllabus being in effect.

Where there is no definite ending for a character or story lines, the Learner cannot answer the Knowledge question on: “The character’s role within the context of each play as a whole.”