Marxism & hegemony: blog tasks
Mail Online review of Capital
1) Re-read the Mail Online review of Capital. Why does it suggest that Capital features a left-wing ideology?
Capital features a left-wing ideology as it features an ensemble cast. The white upper class are represented as greedy and selfish. This is due to having a lot of money. Whereas the immigrants are presented as helpful and dedicated. These representations support left-wing ideology as they portray a positive image regarding the issues of immigration.
2) Choose three quotes from the review that are particularly critical of Capital and paste them into your blogpost. Do you agree with the criticisms? Why?
'The last 20 minutes contained no plot'. I also believe the narrative went completely off board as they was no meaning relationship the story arc.
'The police were clueless, but they still got to the bottom of it'. I agree with this criticism since the police gave no interpretation of what was going therefore, left the audience clueless throughout the investigation.
"The hardest worker on the street was an illegal immigrant, determined to pay her way and not touch a penny of benefits" I strongly agree that this criticises capital and London itself since immigrants are shown to be more contributed to London than the British citizens who live in London. The traffic warden works morning to evening just to earn a living and live a peaceful life a part of the community.
3) What scenes or characters from Capital could be read as promoting left-wing ideology?
One scene that promotes left-wing ideology is the Pakistani family giving the British white family coriander for free. This depicts that not all Muslims are terrorists and have evil morals in life. However, they are shown to be kind-hearted and welcoming.
4) What about the other side of the argument - are there any aspects of Capital that reinforce the status quo in capitalist London?
A point where capital reinforces the status quo in capitalist London is that the people who work hard and passionate in what they wanna do in life, strive forward among everyone else living in that same society. This is seen through the character Roger who works incredibly hard to satisfy is wife and kids.
Media Magazine feature on BBC drama The Casual Vacancy and ideology
Now go to our Media Magazine archive and read the feature 'The Beeb, The Mail and JKR' in MM53 (page 20). This focuses on the politics of The Casual Vacancy, another BBC three-part drama based on a book by JK Rowling.
Answer the questions below:
1) Why did the Daily Mail suggest The Casual Vacancy promoted a left-wing ideology?
The daily mail suggests that the Casual Vacancy promoted a left-wing ideology since it claims that it dominates the narrative. The daily mail disagree on the criticism of the reviews from the Casual Vacancy, instead they believe it supports the conservative view that food banks, rehab centres and a larger state do little to foster personal responsibility.
2) How does the article suggest characters, narrative and setting are used to promote a left-wing ideology?
The characters promote a left wing since they are shown to be caring and equal when sharing wealth. The narrative is constructed through the decisions that these characters make such selling of the local food bank.
3) What research is quoted regarding BBC bias and what did it find? Do you think the BBC is biased?
Christopher Stevens argued that the BBC is rushing to screen Tory-bashing shows like The Casual Vacancy because very soon we’ll be in the countdown to a General Election, when the Corporation must remain neutral, fair and balanced. He refers to the period known as Purdah, after the dissolution of Parliament when politicians must not refer to themselves as MPs, are locked out of their offices, and broadcasters must follow special stricter rules about their programming, being careful to give equal air time to the views of all major parties.
4) Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggests people are kept under control through active consent - the control of 'common sense'. How could you apply the Daily Mail or the BBC to the idea of hegemony and dominant ideologies in the UK media?
The BBC are not really biased they support many organisations and they feature many TV programmes.Daily Mail is more right-wing as they shame immigrants and different cultures within the UK however, whenever it is someone that is a White British they get praised.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Blog task: Deutschland 83 Close-textual analysis
Blog task: Deutschland 83 Close-textual analysis
Scene 1: Garden/BBQ scenes (East & West Germany)
4.58 – 8.20 and 34.00 – 37.20
Make notes under the following headings:
Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene
-hand help camera creates realism from his perspective
Representation of East & West Germany / Family / Gender
gender:
women dressing man reinforces that men still had authority.
west Germany:
-the houses were more modern and posh because they had more wealth
- they were all dressed smartly which also shows class and wealth
-the man was dong the BBQ which is a stereotype
-there were different ethnicity which subverts/challenges as they are ahead of time.
-women told men to let the main character stay which challenges stereotypes of women.
-father/daughter relationship (gender)
-children were privilege vs exploitation
-west is more developed than west
-360 shot which is like a surveillance shot and causes tension
Scene 2: Martin/Moritz first sees the West German supermarket
14.30 – 20.25
Make notes under the following headings:
-POV shot which shows and represents identification
-we had to change his sense of fashion/clothing to fit in to the culture of west as it was different to east
-was shocked when entered the supermarket as he was used to have and be bale to have these types of product which links back to economic problems in east.
Scene 3: Training montage scene when Martin/Moritz learns how to be a spy
20.40 – 22.40
Make notes under the following headings:
camera work:
montage= fast pace editing/compressed time/narrative so it doesn't take to long and audience loses interest
-jump cut=table scene
-binary opposition=showing difference between east and west.
voice over:
-fast pace
-non diegetic
1980's soundtrack which builds tension
intertextuality:
-rom-com=girl makeover which is normally in a montage
-james bond spy genre
Scene 4: Briefcase scene when Martin/Moritz is stealing the NATO nuclear plans
31.13 – 33.30
Make notes under the following headings:
camera shots:
-close up on the lock and breifcase which build tension
-fast pace editing to build suspense
-facial expression for audience identification
soundtrack:
-tense and non diegetic
-breathing heavily to create tension and realism
-foley sound
-on locks and draws
-high angle shot like surveillance
-shot through the blind
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Film Industry: Assessment learner response
Film Industry: Assessment learner response
1) Type up your feedback in full (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential).
WWW:
Some good detailed knowledge of the case study
EBI:
needs more focus on the genre/industry.
Your handwriting needs to be more legible.
2) Read the mark scheme for this assessment carefully. Write down the number of marks you achieved for the three questions:
1/2; 4/4; 5/9.
3) For Question 2 on Chicken, use the mark scheme to identify at least one strategy used to promote Chicken to an audience that you didn't mention in your answer. The key lesson from this question was to make specific reference to the CSP in your answer.
Social media promotion; creates word of mouth marketing; ineffective in reaching educated, digitally-literate social realist audience.
4) Now look at Question 3. Using the mark scheme as a guide, write a paragraph arguing that it is NOT important for the British film industry to make social-realist films like Chicken and that it should concentrate on making bigger-budget movies funded by Hollywood studios.
The British industry should rather concentrate on creating big- budget movies funded by Hollywood instead of social realist film. This is because, the British film industry would gain a larger audience and will be recognised not just in Britain but in Hollywood. Using American actors in British films, will maximize the revenue for each movie released and create a better image for the British industry. Furthermore, creating big- budget movies would make it easier for the British film industry to release films with varieties with genres. If they only focus on social realist movies not enough genres could be expressed.
5) Finally, cover the other side of the debate. Write a paragraph arguing that it IS important for the British film industry to make social-realist films like Chicken and that such films contribute strongly to the social and cultural influence of the industry. You may also consider how they should be funded here. Use the mark scheme to help you with this.
It is important that the British film industry continues making social-realist films like chicken as it offers a portrayal of under-represented or misrepresented groups. Also, important aspects of British life that rarely feature in big-budget films aimed at commercial success. Furthermore, social-realist films take on issues of social class and politics, addressing addressing important issues that would not feature in commercially-driven or Hollywood-funded productions. This is clearly and perfectly shown in the movie chicken as it reflected social class in the movie, where the lower class have less opportunities in life and live in harsh environments. This evident that social realist films educate us to understand the world and politics.
1) Type up your feedback in full (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential).
WWW:
Some good detailed knowledge of the case study
EBI:
needs more focus on the genre/industry.
Your handwriting needs to be more legible.
2) Read the mark scheme for this assessment carefully. Write down the number of marks you achieved for the three questions:
1/2; 4/4; 5/9.
3) For Question 2 on Chicken, use the mark scheme to identify at least one strategy used to promote Chicken to an audience that you didn't mention in your answer. The key lesson from this question was to make specific reference to the CSP in your answer.
Social media promotion; creates word of mouth marketing; ineffective in reaching educated, digitally-literate social realist audience.
4) Now look at Question 3. Using the mark scheme as a guide, write a paragraph arguing that it is NOT important for the British film industry to make social-realist films like Chicken and that it should concentrate on making bigger-budget movies funded by Hollywood studios.
The British industry should rather concentrate on creating big- budget movies funded by Hollywood instead of social realist film. This is because, the British film industry would gain a larger audience and will be recognised not just in Britain but in Hollywood. Using American actors in British films, will maximize the revenue for each movie released and create a better image for the British industry. Furthermore, creating big- budget movies would make it easier for the British film industry to release films with varieties with genres. If they only focus on social realist movies not enough genres could be expressed.
5) Finally, cover the other side of the debate. Write a paragraph arguing that it IS important for the British film industry to make social-realist films like Chicken and that such films contribute strongly to the social and cultural influence of the industry. You may also consider how they should be funded here. Use the mark scheme to help you with this.
It is important that the British film industry continues making social-realist films like chicken as it offers a portrayal of under-represented or misrepresented groups. Also, important aspects of British life that rarely feature in big-budget films aimed at commercial success. Furthermore, social-realist films take on issues of social class and politics, addressing addressing important issues that would not feature in commercially-driven or Hollywood-funded productions. This is clearly and perfectly shown in the movie chicken as it reflected social class in the movie, where the lower class have less opportunities in life and live in harsh environments. This evident that social realist films educate us to understand the world and politics.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Applying Marxism: blog task
Applying Marxism: blog task
1) What does Marxism suggest regarding power in society?
The majority of the population (the mass or proletariat) has only their labour (strength and time) to help them make a living. Industrialisation had meant that the elite were the only ones who had access to the means of production.
2) Why is The Apprentice a good example of the media reinforcing capitalist values and ideologies?
The fact that Sugar has all the power
reinforces the ‘superior’ position of the capitalist elite. He has power
as he has used the system to create wealth and he is shown using
this power to provide a livelihood for the winner of the competition.
3) Come up with three examples of media texts (e.g. TV programmes, newspapers etc.) that either fetishise working class life (e.g. EastEnders presents quite a harmonious East End community which probably doesn't accurately reflect East London life) or demonise working class life or poor people (e.g. The Daily Mail and The Sun newspapers regularly demonise people living on benefits with headlines referring to 'scroungers'.)
Capital fetishes working class since only the British white people are working as bankers who are really selfish over their possessions. However in some aspects it also demonises working class, as you see in season one episode one, the upper class live on the same street as the lower class. This suggests that equality plays a part in the show. Also the dominant class don't control the less fortunate as they are seen as caring and sympathetic.
4) Look at the bullet points on page 4 of the factsheet:
When making a Marxist reading of a text, look out for representations that:
- show the values of the power elite as beneficial to the mass
- show queries or challenges to the base as meaningless, foolish or anti-social via ‘failed revolt’
- show the subdominant position of the masses as a naturalised idea
- show the values of the power elite as ‘natural’ or ‘right’
- show that being a member of the mass is a good thing
- show the masses accepting the values of the power elite
- show the values of the power elite as being ‘for the good of the masses’ (even when unpleasant)
Now apply those bullet points to Capital. Think about the setting, characters and narrative strands - how many of the bullet points apply to Capital? Does Capital reinforce or challenge the values of capitalism? Give examples from episode 1 to support your points.
Shows the values of the power elite as beneficial to the mass. For example, in capital, the upper British family are more recognised and acknowledged in the show as there wealth is presented to the audience in each episode. This is evident when capital shows the British luxurious houses and the enormous garden they have. A glimpse of when the audience see how upper class really oppresses the lower. Roger the character shows violent behaviour when found out that he only got 30k as his bonus. Some lower or middle class people will be awestruck and amazed receiving such a big bonus. However Roger exhibits a complete different reaction.
Shows the values of the power elite as beneficial to the mass. For example, in capital, the upper British family are more recognised and acknowledged in the show as there wealth is presented to the audience in each episode. This is evident when capital shows the British luxurious houses and the enormous garden they have. A glimpse of when the audience see how upper class really oppresses the lower. Roger the character shows violent behaviour when found out that he only got 30k as his bonus. Some lower or middle class people will be awestruck and amazed receiving such a big bonus. However Roger exhibits a complete different reaction.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Capital: case study blog tasks
Capital: case study blog tasks
Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Capital. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.
Reviews and features
Read the following interviews, reviews and features on Capital:
Guardian review by Sam Wollaston
Telegraph review by Ben Lawrence
London Evening Standard: five things you need to know about Capital
Behind the scenes filming Capital from the Daily Telegraph
1) What positive points do the reviews pick out about Capital?
1. the cast is brilliant
2. its far more gripping than a drama about the property market sounds
3.it will ring true for alot of Londoners
2) What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?
There was an overly schematic tangle of under-developed storylines populated by underwritten characters.
Some may have been frustrated by the plot which meandered like the Thames, with only the sinister postcards that were delivered to the residents (which read “We want what you have”) giving a connection to the disparate lives.
3) How does the TV drama change the time period and location for the story in comparison to the original novel?
The novel was set in 2007-8 around the time of the financial crisis. However, the TV drama is set in 2015 and is located in Balham, rather than Clapham.
4) In the Telegraph 'behind the scenes' article, what does the writer say about the London housing market?
Average London house price hits £500,000 as capital's house market shows no sign of loosing stream.
5) What references can you find in these reviews and features to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?
Capital refers to a 'state-of-the-nation' drama as it is designed to capture the issues facing the country at the time it is written and produced. Capital offers a microcosmic metaphor for London at large. It also gives an overview of the center of London where it is most developed with enormous, modern buildings.
Textual analysis
Watch the trailer for Capital:
1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
Capital uses camerawork very effectively at the beginning of the trailer. The video starts of with a closeup shot of the streets name, quickly giving the audience an insight of what the show is gonna be mainly focusing on. At 0:02, the video uses a birds eye view shot to amaze the audience of the beauty of London and briefly show where this TV show will be set. Later on the show, there are many big/close ups of letters that are sent through the mail all with a different meaning and narrative concept behind it. These letters cause disruption among families which is captured through a over-the-shoulder shot.
2) What does the camera movement when characters are initially introduced suggest about the drama and its London setting? Pick out one or two shots in particular.
At the beginning when all the characters were being introduced, mainly a pan shot was taken place to capture the movements of the characters , reinforced by fast paced transitions between the characters. The shifts between the clips, only focused on the main characters and therefore the background and atmosphere was quite quiet in London.
3) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
The main character, who is always in crisis, named Roger, wears a suit or something formal when hes at work or at a family motive. This suggests that the man is the provider in the family as his clothes connotes power, confidence. The props used such as the the supermarket owned by the Muslims suggests that they are in a financial crisis due to low income compared to Roger's job.
4) Bastille's 'These Streets' is used as the soundtrack for the trailer. What does this communicate to the audience and why is it effective?
The Soundtrack 'These Streets' could be said to be parallel sound since it syncs with the video really well. The fast upbeat music keeps up with the fast paced editing between each character and the tension created in the video. The beat speeds up when there is suspense; this is effective as it brings realism and acts as an advocate for the tension being built up for the audience.
5) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
The character Roger seemed happy in the first 20 seconds of the video and then suddenly seemed worried and frightened. The change in attitude creates enigma codes about the situation the characters are going through. Also the letters sent in the mail also generates enigma codes which also builds tension for the characters as well as the audience.
Watch the Episode 1 preview for Capital:
1) What does this preview clip suggest about the potential sub-genres for Capital?
The preview clip suggests that the potential sub-genres for Capital could be crime as we see a police officer being introduced and is investigating these letters which normally occurs in a crime drama series.
2) What elements of the clip might suggest this is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama?
In this clip it refers to immigration and racism, which could suggest the ongoing issues in society. This is shown through the islamophobia used by the police officer, which reflects back to the issues in today society as it has been ongoing for the last couple years.
3) Analyse the mise-en-scene in this clip. How does this provide realism and familiarity for audiences?
The undercover cop is wearing a very formal suit which connotes authority. The audience are easily familiarized by the British white character. However, You see Muslims working while joining into the conversation. This suggests labor at a young age which reflects to the audience how harsh reality is towards foreigners than British white people.
4) What audience pleasures are provided by this scene?
The preview clip exhibits visceral pleasure to the audience as the impression given from the police officer lacks confidence towards the letters in his hands. This creates tension for the audience due to the unfamiliarity in the cops face when looking at the letters. Another audience pleasure that is shown is vicarious pleasure as we feel sympathetic towards the family receiving these obscured letters.
5) How is the audience positioned to respond to the different characters in this particular sequence?
The audience is positioned to respond in a sympathetic way towards the Muslim family as they are going through a crisis even though they are low on financial income compared to the Roger family. The audience cant put much faith in the police officer as he looked completely lost in words when he read the letters for the first time as well.
Watch the Episode 2 preview for Capital:
1) How does this clip represent upper-middle-class family life?
The upper-middle class are able to hire workers to look after their kids. This is rarely seen in middle class family's but however seen as normal in the upper. We see a glimpse of the enormous garden they have and the bright white colours in the living room indicates richness and a luxurious lifestyle.
2) What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?
The narrative strands suggested in this sequence are difficulties in the relationship between the husband and wife. As noticed on the previous episode, the wife was furious about the way the husband was acting. We also see the husband flirting with the nanny with the question " do you have a boyfriend "
3) How is the audience positioned to respond to Roger Yount, the main character (banker and father to the two boys)?
The audience should be disappointed in the the main character Roger Yount due to his selfish behaviour of flirting with another lady even though he has a wife with two kids. However, we do see Roger interacting with his kids and leaving work aside for a day by singing along with them.
Representations: close-textual analysis
Capital offers a range of fascinating representations - from London and Islam to the issues of asylum seekers and inequality. You need to be able to confidently discuss these issues in the context of 2015 London - with reference to key scenes from episode 1. Representations include: London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging and more.
1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in class:
Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49
low key lighting of the London, birds eye view of a specific location in London - one neighborhood
Family is not fixated- fast pace cuts, females are weak and fragile- men doing all the work
White British think they are superior than others, close up of Pakistanis
House pricing increasing - showing a rapid economic change
Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10
Busy underground stations, police sirens on the street of london,fetishes the buildings- birds eye view shot.
Rogers wife spending husbands money, top floor workers filled with men- male dominated- sexist
British white working in the city- profesional jobs
High paid jobs in the city , old lady is aging at the hospital, women are invisible
Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35
Point of view shot of the houses, enigma codes in the beginning, music is very tense
husband in bed still doing work, wife has power of her body, the relationship isn't strong
Stereotypes of German being reinforced
The rich have holiday and weekend houses
Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40
Birds eye view of the houses, random noises coming from the houses whilst outside
Black female fearing to be deported, male sexual exploitation of female, black woman as an immagration lawyer- shows power
Black female showing contribution to the city,white high ranking officer, black people are involved in dodgy business.
black female has a letter from the asylum about immigration, positive representation of an immigrant
Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00
Establishing shot, up-beat music
the female is flirtatious when husband is going work for a bonus
british male working in the city in a modernized office
the rich doesn't understand 30,000 is alot for poor people, time lapse showing how long he has worked for only to get 30,000
Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55
diversity represented in london
Wife going outside for food to cook instead of the husband
Pakistanis are shown to be helpful, Pakistani men are expected to have a medical degree, Asian family own a corner shop.
Older generation have more authority over the younger generation, diversity is reinforced since the upper class and the lower class live on the same road. You can choose which aspects to focus on for each scene: e.g. London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging etc.
2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?
Capital reinforces Muslim stereotypes as they are expected to get a medical degree and go university hopefully. However there are some aspects where Capital subverts Muslim stereotypes as they are not all seen as terrorist in fact none of them. Instead they are viewed as genuinely caring and down to earth.
Industries and production context
Capital was produced by independent production company Kudos for the BBC. Look at the Kudos website and also read the Kudos Wikipedia page.
1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?
The parent company for Kudos is 21st Century Fox. Apollo Global Management and Endemol Shine Group are also parent companies.
2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
Spooks - debuted on BBC One, 13th May 2002.
3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
Kudos have won awards such as Peabody Award for Broadchurch ,Television Bulldog Award - Best Indie and Broadcast Magazine Supplement. They have produced TV dramas such as: Broadchurch, Flowers, Grantchester, River, Humans and The Tunnel. These programmes have made them receive these awards.
4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?
The showreel gives an insight of what TV shows can be viewed on Kudos production. Showreel exhibits alot of personal relationship where the audience builds an emotional connection with one of the character. Also some TV shows on showreel create visceral pleasure, a sense of suspense that occurs during the season.
Marketing and promotion
Read the BBC Press Pack for Capital.
1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?
Capital's analysis on the post codes deepens which evokes changes in the audiences focus on learning more about this vivid and unforgettable ensemble of characters. Interweaving stories reveal lives filled with love and loss, fear and greed, fortune and envy and most recognisable of all, family and home. All these factors emphasise the social realism in depicts towards the modern reality.
2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
The director promotes his other shows to give an insight of what sub genres would be included in Capital. The audience that have watched the previous shows, will be more engaged in watching the next upcoming TV drama which is Capital. This shows familiarity between two TV shows.
3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
Kudos commissioned Capital for BBC One.
4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
According to Toby Jones, Roger isn't and evil banker. instead he is presented as a slightly complacent banker. he’s a very well educated, functioning human being on one level, who has obeyed the rules and earned a lot of money.
5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
The crossroad is slowly evolving culturally, economically and socially. Pepys Road is a manifestation of this. The idea of a community is that it consists of everyone from different backgrounds however in capital some characters feel like that they don't belong in this community for example Ahmed’s brother Usman.
6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain?
If you look at the subject of Capital, we are absorbing cultures, and understanding them, or at least trying to understand them within their own paradigms.
7) Read the interview with Peter Bowker (who adapted Capital - page 14). What are his favourite scenes in the drama and why?
Christmas morning where Roger has been abandoned and left to look after his two children is one that Euros (Director) has done brilliantly. I also love the Kamals’chaotic family meals. They are quintessentially archetypal family scenes that everybody lives through, but played with great comedic panache.
8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
The novel really spoke to me as it has a sweeping Dickensian ambition to it, all life in one street. I loved the sense of this big, expansive panorama of life as well as the small details of human behaviour. The whole of London seen through the microcosm of one street. And the characters are so complex, real and believable.
The obsession with property, the fact that London house prices have risen extraordinarily, has only intensified the sense of a society of haves and have-nots.
DVD packaging
Look at the DVD packaging for Capital. There are many marketing techniques employed here.
1) How does the packaging use other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital?
The packaging uses other critically acclaimed Tv dramas to familiarize the audience that capital will be based on the same concept or same sub-genres.
2) What does the use of design and images suggest to the audience about the drama?
The design has a very modern look therefore, the audience would believe that this tv drama is based in a modern society and may include wealthy people. Also the different characters from different ethnicity shows this TV drama has diversity.
3) How are review quotes used on the cover and what do they suggest to the audience about sub-genre, narrative and audience pleasures?
The review quotes suggest that the narrative is intense and would immediately grip the audience into it. The quotes suggests that the sub genres are mystery and crime since you expect the unexpected.
4) What representation of London does the DVD packaging offer?
I believe it represents the diversity of London, due the different ethnic groups on show in the front cover.
Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Capital. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.
Reviews and features
Read the following interviews, reviews and features on Capital:
Guardian review by Sam Wollaston
Telegraph review by Ben Lawrence
London Evening Standard: five things you need to know about Capital
Behind the scenes filming Capital from the Daily Telegraph
1) What positive points do the reviews pick out about Capital?
1. the cast is brilliant
2. its far more gripping than a drama about the property market sounds
3.it will ring true for alot of Londoners
2) What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?
There was an overly schematic tangle of under-developed storylines populated by underwritten characters.
Some may have been frustrated by the plot which meandered like the Thames, with only the sinister postcards that were delivered to the residents (which read “We want what you have”) giving a connection to the disparate lives.
3) How does the TV drama change the time period and location for the story in comparison to the original novel?
The novel was set in 2007-8 around the time of the financial crisis. However, the TV drama is set in 2015 and is located in Balham, rather than Clapham.
4) In the Telegraph 'behind the scenes' article, what does the writer say about the London housing market?
Average London house price hits £500,000 as capital's house market shows no sign of loosing stream.
5) What references can you find in these reviews and features to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?
Capital refers to a 'state-of-the-nation' drama as it is designed to capture the issues facing the country at the time it is written and produced. Capital offers a microcosmic metaphor for London at large. It also gives an overview of the center of London where it is most developed with enormous, modern buildings.
Textual analysis
Watch the trailer for Capital:
1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
Capital uses camerawork very effectively at the beginning of the trailer. The video starts of with a closeup shot of the streets name, quickly giving the audience an insight of what the show is gonna be mainly focusing on. At 0:02, the video uses a birds eye view shot to amaze the audience of the beauty of London and briefly show where this TV show will be set. Later on the show, there are many big/close ups of letters that are sent through the mail all with a different meaning and narrative concept behind it. These letters cause disruption among families which is captured through a over-the-shoulder shot.
2) What does the camera movement when characters are initially introduced suggest about the drama and its London setting? Pick out one or two shots in particular.
At the beginning when all the characters were being introduced, mainly a pan shot was taken place to capture the movements of the characters , reinforced by fast paced transitions between the characters. The shifts between the clips, only focused on the main characters and therefore the background and atmosphere was quite quiet in London.
3) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
The main character, who is always in crisis, named Roger, wears a suit or something formal when hes at work or at a family motive. This suggests that the man is the provider in the family as his clothes connotes power, confidence. The props used such as the the supermarket owned by the Muslims suggests that they are in a financial crisis due to low income compared to Roger's job.
4) Bastille's 'These Streets' is used as the soundtrack for the trailer. What does this communicate to the audience and why is it effective?
The Soundtrack 'These Streets' could be said to be parallel sound since it syncs with the video really well. The fast upbeat music keeps up with the fast paced editing between each character and the tension created in the video. The beat speeds up when there is suspense; this is effective as it brings realism and acts as an advocate for the tension being built up for the audience.
5) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
The character Roger seemed happy in the first 20 seconds of the video and then suddenly seemed worried and frightened. The change in attitude creates enigma codes about the situation the characters are going through. Also the letters sent in the mail also generates enigma codes which also builds tension for the characters as well as the audience.
Watch the Episode 1 preview for Capital:
1) What does this preview clip suggest about the potential sub-genres for Capital?
The preview clip suggests that the potential sub-genres for Capital could be crime as we see a police officer being introduced and is investigating these letters which normally occurs in a crime drama series.
2) What elements of the clip might suggest this is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama?
In this clip it refers to immigration and racism, which could suggest the ongoing issues in society. This is shown through the islamophobia used by the police officer, which reflects back to the issues in today society as it has been ongoing for the last couple years.
3) Analyse the mise-en-scene in this clip. How does this provide realism and familiarity for audiences?
The undercover cop is wearing a very formal suit which connotes authority. The audience are easily familiarized by the British white character. However, You see Muslims working while joining into the conversation. This suggests labor at a young age which reflects to the audience how harsh reality is towards foreigners than British white people.
4) What audience pleasures are provided by this scene?
The preview clip exhibits visceral pleasure to the audience as the impression given from the police officer lacks confidence towards the letters in his hands. This creates tension for the audience due to the unfamiliarity in the cops face when looking at the letters. Another audience pleasure that is shown is vicarious pleasure as we feel sympathetic towards the family receiving these obscured letters.
5) How is the audience positioned to respond to the different characters in this particular sequence?
The audience is positioned to respond in a sympathetic way towards the Muslim family as they are going through a crisis even though they are low on financial income compared to the Roger family. The audience cant put much faith in the police officer as he looked completely lost in words when he read the letters for the first time as well.
Watch the Episode 2 preview for Capital:
1) How does this clip represent upper-middle-class family life?
The upper-middle class are able to hire workers to look after their kids. This is rarely seen in middle class family's but however seen as normal in the upper. We see a glimpse of the enormous garden they have and the bright white colours in the living room indicates richness and a luxurious lifestyle.
2) What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?
The narrative strands suggested in this sequence are difficulties in the relationship between the husband and wife. As noticed on the previous episode, the wife was furious about the way the husband was acting. We also see the husband flirting with the nanny with the question " do you have a boyfriend "
3) How is the audience positioned to respond to Roger Yount, the main character (banker and father to the two boys)?
The audience should be disappointed in the the main character Roger Yount due to his selfish behaviour of flirting with another lady even though he has a wife with two kids. However, we do see Roger interacting with his kids and leaving work aside for a day by singing along with them.
Representations: close-textual analysis
Capital offers a range of fascinating representations - from London and Islam to the issues of asylum seekers and inequality. You need to be able to confidently discuss these issues in the context of 2015 London - with reference to key scenes from episode 1. Representations include: London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging and more.
1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in class:
Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49
low key lighting of the London, birds eye view of a specific location in London - one neighborhood
Family is not fixated- fast pace cuts, females are weak and fragile- men doing all the work
White British think they are superior than others, close up of Pakistanis
House pricing increasing - showing a rapid economic change
Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10
Busy underground stations, police sirens on the street of london,fetishes the buildings- birds eye view shot.
Rogers wife spending husbands money, top floor workers filled with men- male dominated- sexist
British white working in the city- profesional jobs
High paid jobs in the city , old lady is aging at the hospital, women are invisible
Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35
Point of view shot of the houses, enigma codes in the beginning, music is very tense
husband in bed still doing work, wife has power of her body, the relationship isn't strong
Stereotypes of German being reinforced
The rich have holiday and weekend houses
Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40
Birds eye view of the houses, random noises coming from the houses whilst outside
Black female fearing to be deported, male sexual exploitation of female, black woman as an immagration lawyer- shows power
Black female showing contribution to the city,white high ranking officer, black people are involved in dodgy business.
black female has a letter from the asylum about immigration, positive representation of an immigrant
Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00
Establishing shot, up-beat music
the female is flirtatious when husband is going work for a bonus
british male working in the city in a modernized office
the rich doesn't understand 30,000 is alot for poor people, time lapse showing how long he has worked for only to get 30,000
Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55
diversity represented in london
Wife going outside for food to cook instead of the husband
Pakistanis are shown to be helpful, Pakistani men are expected to have a medical degree, Asian family own a corner shop.
Older generation have more authority over the younger generation, diversity is reinforced since the upper class and the lower class live on the same road. You can choose which aspects to focus on for each scene: e.g. London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging etc.
2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?
Capital reinforces Muslim stereotypes as they are expected to get a medical degree and go university hopefully. However there are some aspects where Capital subverts Muslim stereotypes as they are not all seen as terrorist in fact none of them. Instead they are viewed as genuinely caring and down to earth.
Industries and production context
Capital was produced by independent production company Kudos for the BBC. Look at the Kudos website and also read the Kudos Wikipedia page.
1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?
The parent company for Kudos is 21st Century Fox. Apollo Global Management and Endemol Shine Group are also parent companies.
2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
Spooks - debuted on BBC One, 13th May 2002.
3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
Kudos have won awards such as Peabody Award for Broadchurch ,Television Bulldog Award - Best Indie and Broadcast Magazine Supplement. They have produced TV dramas such as: Broadchurch, Flowers, Grantchester, River, Humans and The Tunnel. These programmes have made them receive these awards.
4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?
The showreel gives an insight of what TV shows can be viewed on Kudos production. Showreel exhibits alot of personal relationship where the audience builds an emotional connection with one of the character. Also some TV shows on showreel create visceral pleasure, a sense of suspense that occurs during the season.
Marketing and promotion
Read the BBC Press Pack for Capital.
1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?
Capital's analysis on the post codes deepens which evokes changes in the audiences focus on learning more about this vivid and unforgettable ensemble of characters. Interweaving stories reveal lives filled with love and loss, fear and greed, fortune and envy and most recognisable of all, family and home. All these factors emphasise the social realism in depicts towards the modern reality.
2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
The director promotes his other shows to give an insight of what sub genres would be included in Capital. The audience that have watched the previous shows, will be more engaged in watching the next upcoming TV drama which is Capital. This shows familiarity between two TV shows.
3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
Kudos commissioned Capital for BBC One.
4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
According to Toby Jones, Roger isn't and evil banker. instead he is presented as a slightly complacent banker. he’s a very well educated, functioning human being on one level, who has obeyed the rules and earned a lot of money.
5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
The crossroad is slowly evolving culturally, economically and socially. Pepys Road is a manifestation of this. The idea of a community is that it consists of everyone from different backgrounds however in capital some characters feel like that they don't belong in this community for example Ahmed’s brother Usman.
6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain?
If you look at the subject of Capital, we are absorbing cultures, and understanding them, or at least trying to understand them within their own paradigms.
7) Read the interview with Peter Bowker (who adapted Capital - page 14). What are his favourite scenes in the drama and why?
Christmas morning where Roger has been abandoned and left to look after his two children is one that Euros (Director) has done brilliantly. I also love the Kamals’chaotic family meals. They are quintessentially archetypal family scenes that everybody lives through, but played with great comedic panache.
8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
The novel really spoke to me as it has a sweeping Dickensian ambition to it, all life in one street. I loved the sense of this big, expansive panorama of life as well as the small details of human behaviour. The whole of London seen through the microcosm of one street. And the characters are so complex, real and believable.
The obsession with property, the fact that London house prices have risen extraordinarily, has only intensified the sense of a society of haves and have-nots.
DVD packaging
Look at the DVD packaging for Capital. There are many marketing techniques employed here.
1) How does the packaging use other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital?
The packaging uses other critically acclaimed Tv dramas to familiarize the audience that capital will be based on the same concept or same sub-genres.
2) What does the use of design and images suggest to the audience about the drama?
The design has a very modern look therefore, the audience would believe that this tv drama is based in a modern society and may include wealthy people. Also the different characters from different ethnicity shows this TV drama has diversity.
3) How are review quotes used on the cover and what do they suggest to the audience about sub-genre, narrative and audience pleasures?
The review quotes suggest that the narrative is intense and would immediately grip the audience into it. The quotes suggests that the sub genres are mystery and crime since you expect the unexpected.
4) What representation of London does the DVD packaging offer?
I believe it represents the diversity of London, due the different ethnic groups on show in the front cover.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
The appeal of arthouse cinema
Final reading: Media Magazine - the appeal of arthouse cinema
Complete the following tasks to improve your understanding of arthouse film and the possible audience pleasures that the genre offers:
Read Beyond Hollywood: Reading Arthouse Cinema. This is in MM45 on page 24 - go to our Media Magazine archive to find the article.
1) Summarise the article in 50 words.
Hollywood dominates to such an extent that American culture is the second culture of many Western countries. Art-house films are artistic rather than commercial in character. In other words, they are films that are purposely difficult to understand or read. People who are easily entertained by straightforward and easily understood films, are more likely not to enjoy Arthouse films. The art cinema is less concerned with action than reaction; it is a cinema of psychological effects in search of their causes.
2) What are some of the suggested audience pleasures for arthouse film?
The audience pleasures that the audience are most likely to receive are vicarious pleasure since art house movies are difficult to understand therefore being able to relate to the situation, your more likely to engage in the story line. Referring to User and Gratification, Surveillance may be adopted by the audience from art-house movies since the films are for educational purposes and therefore much harder to understand
3) Why do some audiences struggle with arthouse film? Refer to some media theory here (there are some important media theories discussed in the article itself).
Referring to the article as evidence it says 'art-house is also characterised by ‘maximum ambiguity’, where a bizarre turn of events can only be ‘explained’ by characters’ subjectivity, rather than the world of the film'. This means that art house inhabit Prop's theory about certain characters in a story arc. Art house movies use characters to create the atmosphere rather than the props used or setting.
4) To what extent is arthouse film only for the middle classes and older audiences? Why might this be the case?
The younger generation are more engaged in movies that are straightforward and action packed. Whereas, the older generation are intrigued by movies that have deeper meaning to the narrative and films that have many plots. Normally posh and highly valued British movies that have a lot of dialogue in their movie, reinforce an arthouse film. Mostly middle class would enjoy an art-house movie because it includes highly sophisticated language which a working class person wouldn't be educated enough to understand.
5) What type of audience would be interested in Chicken?
The target audience that would be interested in watching chicken would 30 year old to people who have retired. Audience who have fully experienced the whole world and who are educated are most likely to be interested in watching the movie chicken.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task
An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task
1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.
A serial is a television show which has a continuous plot that unfolds in sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials are, more often than not, shows that possess narrative complexity. They typically follow many story arcs.
2) List five of the TV dramas discussed in the history of the genre on page 1 of the factsheet. How has the genre evolved over time?
Doctor Who, The avengers (1961-1969), Danger Man (1962-1968), The Sweeney(1975-1978) and Minder(1979-1994), TV Dramas that are discussed. Genre has involved over time since TV dramas are starting a trend of featuring a cold opening. The is when the TV drama jumps directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown. This creates enigma codes for the audience and engages them into the show even more. This offers greater flexibility and provides easy to follow narratives, but at the cost of character progression and narrative complexity.
3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV dramas to fit each category.
Police procedural(crime)- Luther , Medical- Holby City, Period(costume)- MadMen, Science-fiction/fantasy- The Flash , Family- Game Of Thrones, Teen- Riverdale
4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?
dramas that tend to focus on a story of the week, invariably ‘cops and docs’, are generally based around a location. His allows the drama to develop over a long period of time, weathering the comings and goings of the cast member. Even heavily serialised dramas like Lost are defined by their location.
5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)
As broadcasters seek to ensure that their most successful brands run for as long as possible it is necessary to populate them with a large cast of character. More often than not their presence in story of the week forces the guest characters to change and grow. This is especially true of medical dramas like House. Certain characters that fit the sub genre such as Teen Create vicarious pleasure, where the audience gain a emotional connection with the characters manly due to the characters scenario or favouritism. A typical user gratification for the sub genre teen is personal identity. Audience are able to relate to the character or its scenario.
6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.
A multi-strand narrative is where there are more central characters and will have multiple plots. An example of a TV show that has a multi strand narrative is Doctor Who.
7) What is a cold opening?
when the TV drama jumps directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown.
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
In a linear narrative arc, the first episode may be the equilibrium( state of normality). As the season unravels more episodes, the narrative will be disrupted causing a disequilibrium in the story. This may be a kidnap or an introduction of a villain. Once the disequilibrium is solved, The next season will start of with a new equilibrium. Whereas in a multi-strand narrative, Todorov's Theory is inhabited in each episode.
9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?
TV
shows are typically distributed in the length of a 'season'. In the UK,
many serial dramas fill one-hour or a ‘commercial hour’
(about 50 minutes), with some dramas commissioned to span a two-
hour slot. Sherlock was originally made as a 60-minute pilot but was
later remounted as a 90-minute drama on the suggestion of the BBC
in order to improve certain elements such as the look and pacing of
the show.
10) How have subscription channels (such as HBO) and streaming services (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) changed the form and content of TV dramas?
HBO, AMC and Showtime are not governed by the same considerations, hence their dramas allow for a lot more adult and challenging content. Netflix and Amazon Prime also often commission shorter runs (between six and thirteen episodes) and do not need to stick to rigid running times.
11) Choose a TV drama and do your own analysis of it using the SETTING / CHARACTERS / NARRATIVE / FORM headings as featured on page 3 of the factsheet.
The TV show that i have chosen is The Flash
Setting
The Flash is set in a city called Central city where crime is dealt with every hour of the day. The setting is pretty much fixated in one area since its an enormous location. The flash also known as Barry explores the location with the audience while fighting crime.
Character
The flash has an ensemble cast where there is many important main characters. The audience can create vicarious pleasure with numerous characters since they all have an important and specific role in the show. However the main character who intrigues and engages the audience in the show is Barry Allen also known as the Flash.
Narrative
The show follows a linear narrative arc where the disequilibrium is solved at the end of 23 episodes. The story arc is about a 24 year old man with supernatural powers who fights other evil supernatural people for the safety of the world and the people in it. With his speed and his team beside him, they fight crime that runs in the city mostly every hour of the day.
12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future?
Online programme makers are starting to create more short form content, leading to drama serials that run for much less than 60, or even, 30 minutes. With BBC 3’s move to an online only platform, and the rise in the popularity of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, the form and content of the serial drama is likely to evolve further.
As Hollywood concentrates on superheroes, special effects and high octane action,
many film actors are turning to television to play ‘difficult’, this trend is likely to continue.
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