introduction to TV drama
capital case study
marxism and hegemony
Deutschland 83
postmodernism
The rise. of foreign language tv
The impact of new digital media
Monday, April 20, 2020
The impact of new digital media on TV
1) What does the 'industry' concept in A Level Media Studies refer to?
The industry concept refers to the companies that create and distribute media texts, the standard practices of media production as wells the regulatory and legal frameworks in which the companies operate.
2) What does David Hesmondhalgh argue with regards to how the creative industries have changed since the 1980s?
Hesmondhalgh argues that there have been two changes to the creative industries which is that cultural industries have moved closer to the centre of economic action and an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry and the other changes have been facilitated through the Internet.
3) Choose the three most significant points Hesmondhalgh makes regarding the changing cultural industries. Why are these the most significant in your view?
Niche audiences are increasingly targeted, deregulation has reduces public ownership and advertising dollars had significantly increased as has cross promotion within texts.
4) What is technological convergence?
Digitisation of media meant every form could be accessed on computers.
5) How are technology companies challenging traditional broadcasters in the TV industry?
Amazon is now producing it's own television programme and Netflix is now liberating television programmes from broadcasters schedule with on demand viewing.
6) What budgets will Netflix, Amazon and Apple spend on original programming next year according to the article?
Netflix is planning to spend 8 billion, Amazon 4.5 billion and Apple 1 billion.
7) How many countries are Netflix and Amazon available in?
Netflix is 190 and Amazon 200 countries in total.
8) The global nature of modern television means producers are having to consider international audiences when creating content. What example from Netflix does the article use to explain this?
In stranger things, the Netflix team renamed the Demogorgon in some parts of the world based on how other cultures translated it.
9) Do you think technology companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon will increase their interest in the
television industry?
I think they will since a lot more technology corporations are creating media companies to expand their interest in the television industry.
10) How do changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83? Try and make specific references to the two TV CSPs in your answer.
Capital and Deutschland are based on one specific culture and changes in technology means that tv shows will be more international however for these two shows it will pose difficult because the other cultures will struggle to understand.
The industry concept refers to the companies that create and distribute media texts, the standard practices of media production as wells the regulatory and legal frameworks in which the companies operate.
2) What does David Hesmondhalgh argue with regards to how the creative industries have changed since the 1980s?
Hesmondhalgh argues that there have been two changes to the creative industries which is that cultural industries have moved closer to the centre of economic action and an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry and the other changes have been facilitated through the Internet.
3) Choose the three most significant points Hesmondhalgh makes regarding the changing cultural industries. Why are these the most significant in your view?
Niche audiences are increasingly targeted, deregulation has reduces public ownership and advertising dollars had significantly increased as has cross promotion within texts.
4) What is technological convergence?
Digitisation of media meant every form could be accessed on computers.
5) How are technology companies challenging traditional broadcasters in the TV industry?
Amazon is now producing it's own television programme and Netflix is now liberating television programmes from broadcasters schedule with on demand viewing.
6) What budgets will Netflix, Amazon and Apple spend on original programming next year according to the article?
Netflix is planning to spend 8 billion, Amazon 4.5 billion and Apple 1 billion.
7) How many countries are Netflix and Amazon available in?
Netflix is 190 and Amazon 200 countries in total.
8) The global nature of modern television means producers are having to consider international audiences when creating content. What example from Netflix does the article use to explain this?
In stranger things, the Netflix team renamed the Demogorgon in some parts of the world based on how other cultures translated it.
9) Do you think technology companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon will increase their interest in the
television industry?
I think they will since a lot more technology corporations are creating media companies to expand their interest in the television industry.
10) How do changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83? Try and make specific references to the two TV CSPs in your answer.
Capital and Deutschland are based on one specific culture and changes in technology means that tv shows will be more international however for these two shows it will pose difficult because the other cultures will struggle to understand.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
The rise of foreign language TV
independent: British viewers can't get enough of foreign-language dramas
Read this Independent feature on foreign-language dramas. It features an in-depth interview with Walter Iuzzolino who curates Channel 4's Walter Presents programming. Answer the questions below:
1) What does the article suggest regarding the traditional audience for foreign-language subtitled media?
Subtitled dramas were declared pretentious, dull and, possibly, a little odd.
2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?
His shows were the most diverse so audience would see different countries and cultures
3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?
When we are distracted from Tv by checking twitter feeds and pinging whatsapp subtitles helps us to maintain focus
4) What are the other audiences pleasures of foreign TV drama suggested by the article?
The concentration on the subtitles gives an intensity to the viewing experience.
Now look at the bonus article - on Sherlock and how viewers are steering their favourite shows.
5) What examples are provided of how TV companies are increasingly using audiences to inform the production process?
Sherlocks asian fanbase voice is becoming increasingly significant since Moffat is cementing the fanbase to further exploit them.
Film School Rejects: The foreign TV dramas you're missing out on
Now read this Film School Rejects feature on the foreign TV dramas you're missing out on. This contains some particularly useful background on Deutschland 83's reception internationally. If the website is blocked, you can access the article text here. Answer the following questions:
1) What does the article tell us about Deutschland 83's release schedule?
Release schedule was very slow since the German commercial channel only recieved it 5 months after and then released on channel 4 which Walter discovered it from and released it.
2) The article contains important statistics on viewing figures in different countries. What were the German viewing figures for the first and last episode? What were Channel's 4's viewing figures for Deutschland 83?
Channel 4 saw viewing figures reach a peak of 2.13 million viewers in a prime time TV slot. US premiere garnering 0.066 million viewers compared to Germany’s 3.19 million,
3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October?
SundanceTv and Fremantle media announced that there would be a new series.
4) What does the article suggest was the driving force behind the series being renewed for a new season (and possibly two new seasons)?
It was due to the US critical reception and UK’s record-breaking viewership have a role to play in renewing the show.
5) How does Walter Iuzzolino use social media to engage audiences in new international TV dramas? How does he suggest this has changed the reception of foreign productions in the UK?
Walter used trailers to promote the German thriller and rebranded posters and promotional materials.
IndieWire: The rise of international television
Now look at this IndieWire feature on the rise of international television. If the website is blocked, you can access the text from the article here. Answer the questions below:
1) What does the article suggest regarding the difference between TV and film?
TV is culturally specific and is always changing whereas film follows specific guidelines.
2) What cultural differences are highlighted in the article - for example in turning 'Prisoners of War' into 'Homeland' when remade in the US?
On making prisoners of wars into homeland , there was a focus on more American issues of distrusting the government and a fear of agents amongst them.3) Why do you think Deutschland 83 was able to rise above these cultural differences to be successful in the US and UK? Did this inadvertently make the drama fail in Germany?
Deutschland 83 brought a sense of diversity to the US and it's historical context which was foreign to them however for Germany they already had exposure the history and culture so it was nothing new therefore failed to Germany .
4) What does the article suggest about subtitling?
Peoples perception is that subtitling is hard work however in Deutschland the genre nature of it outweighed the signification subtitles
5) What does Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt suggest is the appeal in foreign television drama?
The fact that the guy speaks English brings the American audience into the show.
The Guardian: How tech is changing television
Finally, read this Guardian feature on how tech is changing television. This has some particularly useful aspects from an industry perspective - how TV is made, the different formats of TV drama and more. Answer the following questions:
1) What are the traditional lengths for TV drama and what dictated these programme formats?
The three most frequent lengths of TV and radio programming – referred to on commissioning forms as 60’, 30’, 15’ – arose from a grid schedule designed around hours and half-hours in order to make programmes easy to find –
2) How have streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime changed the way TV drama narratives are constructed?
TV dramas now wait until a boxes set has been made to release all it's episodes
3) Why has the rise in streaming led to more complex storylines and an increase in cliffhangers?
A rise in streaming has means more use of technology leading to an increase in change of storytelling.
4) How have the "economics of production" kept TV drama largely sticking to the 45- or 60-minute episode format?
Because they have a licence fee funding that permits a 59-minute uninterrupted episode, while advertising on a commercial network mandates a script of 46 minutes that is broken three or four times for ads.
5) How has "permanent 24/7 connectivity" changed both the production and consumption of TV drama?
It has altered viewer responses and has usefully democratised criticism .
There is a fair amount of work here - the questions are not too challenging but there is plenty to read. However, this will prepare you brilliantly for the extended essay question in Media Paper 2 - particularly if the question focuses on industry or audience.
Read this Independent feature on foreign-language dramas. It features an in-depth interview with Walter Iuzzolino who curates Channel 4's Walter Presents programming. Answer the questions below:
1) What does the article suggest regarding the traditional audience for foreign-language subtitled media?
Subtitled dramas were declared pretentious, dull and, possibly, a little odd.
2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?
His shows were the most diverse so audience would see different countries and cultures
3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?
When we are distracted from Tv by checking twitter feeds and pinging whatsapp subtitles helps us to maintain focus
4) What are the other audiences pleasures of foreign TV drama suggested by the article?
The concentration on the subtitles gives an intensity to the viewing experience.
Now look at the bonus article - on Sherlock and how viewers are steering their favourite shows.
5) What examples are provided of how TV companies are increasingly using audiences to inform the production process?
Sherlocks asian fanbase voice is becoming increasingly significant since Moffat is cementing the fanbase to further exploit them.
Film School Rejects: The foreign TV dramas you're missing out on
Now read this Film School Rejects feature on the foreign TV dramas you're missing out on. This contains some particularly useful background on Deutschland 83's reception internationally. If the website is blocked, you can access the article text here. Answer the following questions:
1) What does the article tell us about Deutschland 83's release schedule?
Release schedule was very slow since the German commercial channel only recieved it 5 months after and then released on channel 4 which Walter discovered it from and released it.
2) The article contains important statistics on viewing figures in different countries. What were the German viewing figures for the first and last episode? What were Channel's 4's viewing figures for Deutschland 83?
Channel 4 saw viewing figures reach a peak of 2.13 million viewers in a prime time TV slot. US premiere garnering 0.066 million viewers compared to Germany’s 3.19 million,
3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October?
SundanceTv and Fremantle media announced that there would be a new series.
4) What does the article suggest was the driving force behind the series being renewed for a new season (and possibly two new seasons)?
It was due to the US critical reception and UK’s record-breaking viewership have a role to play in renewing the show.
5) How does Walter Iuzzolino use social media to engage audiences in new international TV dramas? How does he suggest this has changed the reception of foreign productions in the UK?
Walter used trailers to promote the German thriller and rebranded posters and promotional materials.
IndieWire: The rise of international television
Now look at this IndieWire feature on the rise of international television. If the website is blocked, you can access the text from the article here. Answer the questions below:
1) What does the article suggest regarding the difference between TV and film?
TV is culturally specific and is always changing whereas film follows specific guidelines.
2) What cultural differences are highlighted in the article - for example in turning 'Prisoners of War' into 'Homeland' when remade in the US?
On making prisoners of wars into homeland , there was a focus on more American issues of distrusting the government and a fear of agents amongst them.3) Why do you think Deutschland 83 was able to rise above these cultural differences to be successful in the US and UK? Did this inadvertently make the drama fail in Germany?
Deutschland 83 brought a sense of diversity to the US and it's historical context which was foreign to them however for Germany they already had exposure the history and culture so it was nothing new therefore failed to Germany .
4) What does the article suggest about subtitling?
Peoples perception is that subtitling is hard work however in Deutschland the genre nature of it outweighed the signification subtitles
5) What does Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt suggest is the appeal in foreign television drama?
The fact that the guy speaks English brings the American audience into the show.
The Guardian: How tech is changing television
Finally, read this Guardian feature on how tech is changing television. This has some particularly useful aspects from an industry perspective - how TV is made, the different formats of TV drama and more. Answer the following questions:
1) What are the traditional lengths for TV drama and what dictated these programme formats?
The three most frequent lengths of TV and radio programming – referred to on commissioning forms as 60’, 30’, 15’ – arose from a grid schedule designed around hours and half-hours in order to make programmes easy to find –
2) How have streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime changed the way TV drama narratives are constructed?
TV dramas now wait until a boxes set has been made to release all it's episodes
3) Why has the rise in streaming led to more complex storylines and an increase in cliffhangers?
A rise in streaming has means more use of technology leading to an increase in change of storytelling.
4) How have the "economics of production" kept TV drama largely sticking to the 45- or 60-minute episode format?
Because they have a licence fee funding that permits a 59-minute uninterrupted episode, while advertising on a commercial network mandates a script of 46 minutes that is broken three or four times for ads.
5) How has "permanent 24/7 connectivity" changed both the production and consumption of TV drama?
It has altered viewer responses and has usefully democratised criticism .
There is a fair amount of work here - the questions are not too challenging but there is plenty to read. However, this will prepare you brilliantly for the extended essay question in Media Paper 2 - particularly if the question focuses on industry or audience.
Deutschland 83
REVIEWS AND FEATURES
1.One positive aspect in Deutschland is that with the least ambiguous title ever,Anna and Joerg Winger created an irresistible export: a funky exercise in pop nostalgia underpinned by actual events and one criticism is that as if to make up for such a radical premise, it then backtracks into stereotype.
2.By focusing the story around Martin Rauch, a young East German border guard going undercover in the west, it doesn’t just make the viewer empathise with a Stasi agent on a human level
3. The audience stated that Deutschland 83 doesn’t just make the viewer empathise with a Stasi agent on a human level – in the way The Lives of Others did – it makes us engage with the socialist regime’s worldview, in which a military exercise in West Germany poses a potentially existential threat. I agree with this statement because the show gives the audience an impression of Germany from the viewpoint where Germany is fractured and at war with each other which is quite a negative impression.
Jonas states that the feud between west and East Germany was history for him and the East were monitored all the time but however now living in a united Germany they have a lot more freedom and are not monitored as much.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
3) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
1.One positive aspect in Deutschland is that with the least ambiguous title ever,Anna and Joerg Winger created an irresistible export: a funky exercise in pop nostalgia underpinned by actual events and one criticism is that as if to make up for such a radical premise, it then backtracks into stereotype.
2.By focusing the story around Martin Rauch, a young East German border guard going undercover in the west, it doesn’t just make the viewer empathise with a Stasi agent on a human level
3. The audience stated that Deutschland 83 doesn’t just make the viewer empathise with a Stasi agent on a human level – in the way The Lives of Others did – it makes us engage with the socialist regime’s worldview, in which a military exercise in West Germany poses a potentially existential threat. I agree with this statement because the show gives the audience an impression of Germany from the viewpoint where Germany is fractured and at war with each other which is quite a negative impression.
INTERVIEWS AND BEHIND THE SCENES
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?Jonas states that the feud between west and East Germany was history for him and the East were monitored all the time but however now living in a united Germany they have a lot more freedom and are not monitored as much.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
Channel 4 is known to provide innovative content that challenges the status quo which they conform to by conducting the interview in German because it is not part of the norm.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
The audience may want to know how stable the political situations so that they can rule out a repeat of history where Germany was split into two and not united.
BEHIND THE SCENES CLIPS
1) According to the clip, why should audiences watch Deutschland 83?
It features many young characters and it is fast paced and action packed.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
The east and west of Germany have never been a topic that has been brought to media and Deutschland teach us the history of it without giving us a period.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
The cinematography, costume and production design uses a style known to be used in event movies.
MAKING OF SET DESIGN
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
They Brough the dramatic composition of the characters and the story to life.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
It was really historically accurate since the prop masters used props such as computers and telephones that were used in that time which gave it that further historical affect.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
Although none of it was real, the props and costumes made the scenes seem as of it was still set in olden Germany which was interesting and warming for older viewers such as the army base which looked quite realistic.
PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRY CONTEXTS
1) What kind of company is UFA Fiction and what shows have they produced?
They are qualitative and successful fictional formats. They have produced Deutschland 83,naked under the wolves and I'll be gone then.
2) What kind of company is Freemantle Media International and what do they produce?
2) What kind of company is Freemantle Media International and what do they produce?
They make shows that are associated with drama and entertainment. They have produced family feud and X factor.
3) How does Deutschland 83 reflect the international nature of television production?
3) How does Deutschland 83 reflect the international nature of television production?
Deutschland was more successful internationally rather than in its women country since the actors were interviewed in Britain and it was also produced by American companies.
WALTER PRESENTS
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
Walter is introduced in a quite dramatic but positive way since they state that he is a man of impeccable taste and that everyone should trust him indicating that he is quite reliable when selecting TV dramas. They also present him as a closed off and mysterious person since his face is not clearly shown throughout.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
I think a younger audience because "provocative, funny and thrilling dramas are mentioned which appeals more to young adults and teenagers.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
The idea of entertainment dramas has changed which is displayed in the series since provocative ad thrilling and funny dramas are described as the new entertainment which would not have been as ideal in the olden times.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
1) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Personal identity is a pleasure suggested in the trailer because germans watching the show may recognise themselves in it and their culture.
2) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
2) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
It uses action codes which alters the narrative for example , they include a part where Martin is attacked but do not show a continuity of it which creates curiosity .
3) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
Audience are less likely to watch shows that include subtitles because not all audiences speak the elaborated code due to a difference in social class.
PRESS PACK
1) How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
She interviewed politicians, people in intelligence, diplomats and also just regular people about their experiences. Also, everyone who worked on the project brought personal memories of that time to it
2) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
A German soundtrack is used which instills a sense of culture because it is quite familiar.
PRESS RELEASE
1) List the key statistics concerning audience figures. Why is considered the most successful foreign language drama?
After launching with 1.49 million viewers, the first episode has now consolidated with 2.5 million. This is because Deutschland 83 is the first German- speaking drama to play on a mainstream US cable network.
2) How does the news release describe the drama?
Deutschland 83 is a stylish coming of age story, framed within a suspenseful thriller.
International marketing
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
In the background behind Martin , there is a quite provocative image f a couple kissing and on the left there is a picture of two soldiers which indicates that there is a mix of sub genres such as romance and drama.
2) How do these use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
They use quite bold font in capital letters which makes it stand out and also use captivating colours which are appealing to the audiences eye.They also feature different pictures in the background that have nothing to do with each other but this variety of pictures all carefully selected in the back
3) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
Some countries have specific genre that they are interested in or some may not be fond pf foreign tv shows meaning that they have to use a more persuasive marketing technique,
2) How does the news release describe the drama?
Deutschland 83 is a stylish coming of age story, framed within a suspenseful thriller.
International marketing
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
In the background behind Martin , there is a quite provocative image f a couple kissing and on the left there is a picture of two soldiers which indicates that there is a mix of sub genres such as romance and drama.
2) How do these use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
They use quite bold font in capital letters which makes it stand out and also use captivating colours which are appealing to the audiences eye.They also feature different pictures in the background that have nothing to do with each other but this variety of pictures all carefully selected in the back
3) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
Some countries have specific genre that they are interested in or some may not be fond pf foreign tv shows meaning that they have to use a more persuasive marketing technique,
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