Emmanuel: Research & Reflection

While working on the production, there are several key factors that will tie the series together, in which I took into consideration. Among these key factors include content, message, and timing.

RESEARCH

When working on the TV series, it is important that I find a strong base for the story, especially being a miniseries. For the series, I had to look at a short anime TV series called Chocolate Underground, which is based on the BBC's children miniseries Bootleg made in 2000 which is 8 years before Chocolate Underground was produced. This will serve a strong reference point to the storyline for Emmanuel since the series also involves fighting against unjust and restrictive laws.

MARKET

For some years, faith-based animation has been on the rise, which programs and films such as VeggieTales, My Last Day and Superbook, all making an impact towards the viewers. It is additionally evident that there is a has been a hunger for clean content among the viewers in recent years; moreover, recent studies have shown that Christianity has made a positive impact on society. This is evident when the original series of Superbook (created by Tatsunoko Production) has made a great in Japan during the early 1980s, so much so that over 8 million people will sit down to watch the program each night it was aired; and through that program, the Bible became the best-selling book across the whole nation. The animated series has also made a positive influence in 100+ more countries across the globe including Russia.

See this link for more info: https://www.cbn.com/superbook/series-history.aspx

In recent years, there has been a decline in the quality of animation that has focused so much on the graphics without minding the content that they are exposing viewers to; and some producers tone down the Gospel message for the sake of entertainment with ought not to be. However, it is possible to have an animation of a great standard of quality without watering down the Christian message. Few animated series such as Theo Presents have beautifully executed both aspects, allowing audiences of all ages to engage with the story.

While animations of this genre can serve as an educational tool, it has been used as a form of outreach to those who are unfamiliar with the Christian faith. And that is one of the reasons which motivated me to choose this genre.

SERIES LENGTH & AIMS

Being a miniseries, Emmanuel will not be a lengthy animated program; rather it will have a minimum amount 13 episodes, each of them with a timeline of 5-7 minutes.Each episode will contain a Christian message while also addressing certain issues including materialism. In the beginning of the story, Mayor Calloway had passed certain laws which seek to eradicate the real meaning of Christmas from the minds of people such as the removal of the Nativity scene from public places. This is in reference to real-life cases in which local authorities in the US and (of recent) other parts of the world have done so including Belgium. There will be also subplots that will make the series flow, and there may a high possibility of showcasing why Mayor Calloway became this heartless. The last episode will be set during the latter end of Christmas Eve towards Christmas Day, in which will have a happy ending.Above all, Emmanuel is somewhat educational but more moralistic as it aims to tell the viewers of the true meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Jesus Christ, and why it happened, and why it is necessary to reflect on it.

REFLECTION

While considering these aspects, it is important that the production is simple, original but very effective. Furthermore, bearing in midn that non-Christians will be watching the program, it is essential to make the Gospel message clear and understandable to such viewers without toning it down in any way.