Comparison: Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child and His Dark Materials - The City of Magpies

 1) How are the technical conventions different between 1963 Doctor Who and 2020 His Dark Materials (e.g. camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene)?

In terms of camerawork, Doctor Who from 1963 utilized more traditional and static camera angles, often due to the limitations of technology at the time. On the other hand, His Dark Materials in 2020 employs more dynamic camera movements, including sweeping shots and intricate framing to enhance the visual storytelling.

Regarding editing, the editing techniques in Doctor Who from 1963 were simpler and more straightforward, with less emphasis on quick cuts and visual effects. In contrast, His Dark Materials in 2020 utilizes more complex editing styles, incorporating CGI and special effects to create a more immersive viewing experience.

Sound design has also evolved significantly over the years. While Doctor Who in 1963 relied heavily on practical sound effects and limited musical scoring, His Dark Materials in 2020 features a more intricate and layered sound design, including a diverse range of sound effects and a rich musical score to enhance the emotional impact of scenes.

Lastly, mise-en-scene, or the arrangement of visual elements within the frame, has seen a shift from the simpler sets and costumes of 1963 Doctor Who to the elaborate and detailed production design of 2020 His Dark Materials. The modern series pays more attention to intricate set designs, elaborate costumes, and detailed props to create a visually stunning world for the audience.

Overall, the technical conventions between the two shows have evolved significantly over the years, reflecting advancements in technology and storytelling techniques in the television industry. I hope this comparison helps shed some light on the differences between the two series!

2) What similarities and differences are there between Doctor Who and His Dark Materials in terms of genre and narrative?

Both Doctor Who and His Dark Materials fall under the genre of science fiction/fantasy, but they have distinct differences in terms of narrative and themes.

Doctor Who is a long-running British television series that follows the adventures of the Doctor, a time-traveling alien known as a Time Lord. The show explores themes of time travel, alien civilizations, and the Doctor's moral dilemmas as they navigate various worlds and time periods. The narrative of Doctor Who is episodic, with each episode featuring a new adventure or mystery for the Doctor to solve.

On the other hand, His Dark Materials is a fantasy book series by Philip Pullman that has been adapted into a television series. The story follows a young girl named Lyra Relacquer as she embarks on a journey through parallel universes, uncovering dark secrets and confronting powerful forces along the way. His Dark Materials delves into themes of religion, power, and the nature of consciousness. The narrative of His Dark Materials is more linear and focused on a central quest, with overarching themes that are explored throughout the series.

In summary, both Doctor Who and His Dark Materials share the genre of science fiction/fantasy, but they differ in terms of narrative structure and themes. Doctor Who is more episodic and focused on the Doctor's adventures through time and space, while His Dark Materials is a more linear story that delves into complex themes and character development

3) How are representations of people, places and groups similar or different in the two shows?

In Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child and His Dark Materials, the representations of people, places, and groups differ significantly due to the distinct settings and narratives of each show. In Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child, the focus is on the Doctor and their companions traveling through time and space, encountering various alien civilizations and historical figures. The representation of people in Doctor Who is diverse and often fantastical, with a wide range of alien species and characters with unique abilities and characteristics. The places visited in Doctor Who are often otherworldly or historical settings, showcasing a variety of landscapes and cultures.

On the other hand, His Dark Materials is set in a parallel universe that is similar to our own but with key differences, such as the existence of daemons and the presence of powerful organizations like the Magisterium. The representation of people in His Dark Materials is more grounded in human characters, with complex relationships and motivations driving the narrative. The places depicted in His Dark Materials are richly detailed and reflect the different worlds and societies within the story, from the bustling streets of Oxford to the frozen landscapes of the North.

In terms of groups, Doctor Who often explores themes of unity and diversity through the Doctor's interactions with various species and civilizations, highlighting the importance of understanding and cooperation. His Dark Materials, on the other hand, delves into themes of power and control, with different groups vying for influence and dominance in the world of the story.

Overall, while both Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child and His Dark Materials feature diverse representations of people, places, and groups, the nature of these representations differs based on the unique settings and narratives of each show