THE SCRIPT DOCTORING OF SERIES SCREENPLAY IN THE AGE OF STREAMING PLATFORM: A CASE STUDY OF “EXTRAORDINARY SIAMESE STORY OF: ENG & CHANG” (2020) AND 23:23 (2023)

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to examine the roles of script doctors and their approaches to script supervision under the communication conditions of streaming platforms. The study employs case studies of Extraordinary Siamese Story: Eng & Chang (2020), distributed on Disney+ Hotstar, and 23:23 (2023), distributed on TrueID. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with seven experts, including script doctors, screenwriters, and series producers, alongside script transcription from 31 episodes viewed via streaming platforms. The concept of media distribution through streaming platforms serves as the analytical framework. The findings reveal that script doctors in both cases function as “Idea Directors,” overseeing the creative process from beginning to end while analyzing platform characteristics to ensure that scripts are fit to platform. Shared approaches include emphasizing the First Page, applying Time’s Up or Bomb Alert techniques to create narrative tension, and designing story structures that support binge-watching behavior. For Extraordinary Siamese Story: Eng & Chang, the script supervision process consists of four stages: 1) developing the First Page based on themes, categorized into Universal Theme and Moral Theme; 2) constructing the story structure by integrating Dan Harmon’s Story Circle with the approaches of Syd Field and Robert McKee; 3) designing characters and backstories using the Hero’s Orbit concept; and 4) supervising the development of sequence, scenario, and screenplay. In contrast, 23:23 is a remake and follows five stages: 1) conducting comparative analysis with similar films; 2) developing the First Page from a Big Idea using the Five Acts Structure as the primary narrative framework; 3) constructing the story structure alongside Time’s Up techniques; 4) designing characters and backstories adapted to the Thai context; and 5) supervising the development of sequence, scenario, and screenplay. These approaches can be applied to accommodate flexible viewing behaviors on streaming platforms, where audiences may engage in continuous or non-linear viewing patterns effectively.