Social and cultural context
Read this Billboard interview where Common talks about Letter to the Free, political hip hop and contemporary American society. Use the article and the notes we have made in lessons (also available above) to answer the following questions on the social, cultural and genre contexts for Letter to the Free.
1) What other projects has Common been involved in over recent years?
In 2003, Common won a Grammy for best R&B song for 'Love of My Life' (An Ode to Hip-Hop),' a collaboration with Badu that ended up featuring on the 2002 soundtrack Brown Sugar. In addition, he recieved another Grammy years later for the song 'Southside'.
In 2005, Common dropped an album that ended up reaching No.2 on the Billboard charts. The project featured production from fellow Chi-town artist Kanye West and singer John Legend also appearing on one of the tracks.
Common has continued to focus on recording as seen with albums: Finding Forever, Universal Mind Control, The Dreamer/The Believer and Nobody's smiling. He has also turned to more and more acting roles, having made his television debut with a role on the sitcom Girlfriends. Later TV projects included One on One and Hell on Wheels, with Common playing a character for several seasons.
2) What is the 13th Amendment of the American Constitution?
It was theoretically written to outlaw slavery, the 13th Amendment had the effect of paving the way for local and State law reforms that created loopholes that enabled the continued enslavement of Black Americans through mass imprisonment.
3) What were the Black Codes?
The Black Codes were introduced at state level in the southern states, provided for forced labour as punishment for petty crimes that in actuality only applied to the newly emancipated black slaves.
4) Why do people suggest that the legacy of slavery is still a crucial aspect to American culture 150 years after it was abolished by the 13th Amendment?
It is still a crucial aspect to American culture because still in this day and age black people are still prejudiced against by mainly white people just because of their skin colour like how we see in this police shootings, wrong imprisonment of black people and just general violence, this shows how slavery could still be seen as a thing but just in a different way that doesn't go against the constitution. Another reason why is because obviously slavery is and forever will be a major part of American history that wont just be forgotten, considering how it ruined the lives of thousands of black people and families.
5) Why was Ava DuVernay inspired to make the Netflix documentary 13th?
Her Netflix documentary focused on the historic legacy of the 13th amendment to the US constitution, which was written to outlaw slavery.
6) Focusing on genre, what was the most significant time period for the rise in political hip hop?
Late 80's and 90's was truly reflective of a movement as it was the movement of black empowerment, black love, consciousness, just being aware. It was all of the above. Common stated, 'obviously things go through evolution, it changes. I don't think, right now as a whole, we have that in hip-hop -- Big Daddy Kane, Mo D, N.W.A had stuff that was saying something too. The 1980s marked the diversification of hip hop as the genre developed more complexity like the political rising style of hip hop.
7) Common talks about other current artists that have a political or protest element to their music. Who are they? Are there any other hip hop artists that you are aware of that have a strong political element to their work?
Hip hop isn't the place to go to to listen for that voice of a revolution but there are artists that do it like Kendrick Lamar. I also believe Chance the Rapper, though he may not speak in black consciousness, he has a consciousness about him, self-awareness and a spirituality was something powerful in hip-hop. Common states, 'I also believe that I do my best to put my spirituality and belief in the creator before anything because, that in itself, no matter where I go, if I carry that with me, then i'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.'
8) What album is Letter to the Free taken from? What was the critical reception for this album? You'll need to research this - the Wikipedia entry for the album is a good place to start.
Black America Again is the 11th stuido album by American rapper Common which Letter to the Free was taken from. The album recieved widespread acclaim from various crititcs. The album infact recieved an averga e score of 88 from Metacritic, based on 13 reviews. Eric Renner Brown of Entertainment Weekly said, 'it's the MC's empathetic and clear-eyed rhymes that truly make this a vital contribution to the national conversation.
Close-textual analysis and representation
Re-watch the music video several times to complete the following tasks in specific detail:
1) How does the Letter to the Free music video use cinematography to create meanings for the audience? (Camera shots and movement).
There are a variety of long shots used throughout the video giving the audience a clearer look of what is around Common and the message he may be trying to represent and to show off a sense of realism. Throughout the video the camera movement is slow paced which could be done to show how the pace society is changing from back in the day is very slow showing that the government don't care or want change and want things to stay as they are. The shots also show facial expressions and body movement which shows their emotions.
2) What is the significance of the constantly moving camera?
The constant camera movement is significant as it could signify how black people had to constantly move around America as they were never greeted with acceptance, therefore having to find a place where they could call home which was very hard to come by.
3) Why is the video in black and white?
The video being in black and white stresses the rise of black empowerment and lifting up the black culture through media in order to make a name for ourselves. The black and white may also be done in order to convey the serious, depressing and sombre tone as this video is regarding a revolution that must be taken seriously because of the deep history behind it. Another use of the black and white is that it is done to show the evolution of America as black people and white people are living as equals.
4) How is mise-en-scene used to construct meaning for the audience - prison setting, costume, props, lighting, actor placement?
For actor placement Common used good methods to create different meanings. For instance 'No exessive noise' is written on a wall and in front of it are black people playing musical instruments which shows the growing defiance black people have against this corrupt society that wants to try and control black people to live under their rules. In terms of lighting we see low key lighting being used in full effect, done to reinforce the serious tone of the video so the audience engages more and understands the meaning Common is trying to present. For costumes there is no sexual objectification and instead the clothing is very casual to show how we should be able to make our own choices and are in control of our own lives therefore we wear what we want and do what we want. For setting we see that the video is filmed in a prison which done to show the lack of freedom black people were and still are presented with, however by having Common rap about such revolutionary matters while in a prison is effective as it shows him putting up a stand for something he believes in.
5) Focusing on the track, what are the key lyrics that suggest the political message of the song?
The lyric 'Shot me with your ray-gun and now you want to trump me is very significant as it shows how social issues are mainly derived from the corrupt government from leaders like Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan. Ray-gun and Trump is also use of word play in order to show how corrupt the government is.
6) What is the significance of the floating black square motif? Discuss your own interpretations alongside Common's explanation of it in the Billboard feature linked above.
The significance of the black square is that it signifies the black people living in America as we see how it goes from different place to place. For example how it is shown to be in prison and what it looks like to be cotton fields and so on, which is a clear representation of black people in America and how they were stereotyped to be in prison. Although at the end when we see the black box outside links to how black people have finally found freedom and can create their own identity.
Common explained in a conversation with Nelson George that, 'It represents the infinite thing about blackness and blackness can't be defined in time or space.'
7) How does the video reference racism, slavery and the oppression of black culture? Make reference to specific shots, scenes or moments in the video.
The video references racism as we so the black box stuck in side a prison with nobody around to help or any background information and how at the end we see the black box in a cotton field which is reflective of how the slaves had to work n those said fields. In regards to the prison it is important as a regard to racism because of how thousands of black people over the years have been wrongfully imprisoned.8) How can Gilroy's idea of black diasporic identity be applied to Common's Letter to the Free?
Gilroy suggests that black music articulates diasporic experiences of resistance to white capitalist culture, this is evident through Letter to the Free as Common is trying to put across the message of how hard it was for black people to just live in America due to the white capitalist culture. Gilroy also mentions how the slave trade had a massive cultural influence on modern day America.
9) What other theories of race and ethnicity can be applied to this video? E.g. Hall, Rose or Dyson.
Stuart Hall suggests audiences often blur race and class which leads to the association of races with certain social classes. Hall also suggests how western cultures are mainly white dominated and that ethnic minorities in the media are misinterpreted due to underlying racist tendencies. This all links to the message Common was trying to spread through Letter to the Free.
10) What current events in America and worldwide are referenced in the song and video?
Current events referenced in the song is the racism within America, especially within the policing system and the government since black people are constantly prejudiced against without even being given a chance to share their side of things. Donald Trump is also referenced in the song, highlighting how corrupt of a president he is and how he only does things for his own peoples benefit. Another issue referenced in the video is the equality problems black people are faced with when living in America as they are treated much differently for all the wrong reasons.
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Tuesday, 14 May 2019
Music video: theory
Create a blogpost called 'Music video: the
ory', watch the video again then answer the questions below:
1) How does the This Is America video meet the key conventions of a music video?
There are many key conventions throughout this music video. Firstly there is use of a performance element through the video as we see Childish Gambino dance in the video along with his other performers as he also lip-syncs his lyrics. The dancing could have many meanings, e.g. to show how black people are commonly seen as entertainers. Regarding mise-en-scene there is use of different props in this video, one of which being an assault rifle which Glover uses to shoot the choir as they sing which is done to show how black people are always at the centre of gun crime whether it's them directly shooting or getting shot. These different narratives shown throughout the video engages the audience very quickly if they are able to catch the meanings and will keep them gripped.
2) What comment is the video making on American culture, racism and gun violence?
The video shows how corrupt America is from their racism and wide spread violence. The use of guns in this video shows how your life is always at risk when living in America as you can be as innocent as possible but still be a target of gun crime and most of the time especially with black people it is overlooked as just a usual thing because of how normalised it has become. The lyric 'This is America' shows clearly how violence and racism is what America pretty much is this day and age and there is no better way to describe it and how it's just how people in America have to live as long as they stay in the USA.
3) Write an analysis of the video applying the theories we have learned: Gilroy, Hall, Rose and Dyson.
Gilroy
Black diasporic identity is the feeling of never feeling accepted in western societies. Gilroy suggests that black music creates diasporic experiences of resistance to white capitalist culture. In Gambinos music video he raises the racism problem in America as black people have to constantly betlitting themselves when amongst white people because of how they are a constantly pressured minority. Gilroys idea of double consciousness can also be linked to this video as because the media is so white dominated a lot of time issues regarding racism are continuously disregarded.
Stuart Hall
Stuart Hall suggests audiences blur race and class. He also suggests that western cultures are white dominated and ethnic minorities in the media are wrongly represented because of racism continuously growing. This links to the video as Glover is said to be presented as an entertainer/clown type so that people can be entertained.
Rose
Rose suggests hip hop gave audiences a better insight into the lives of young, black, urban Americans and gave them a voice especially in order to empower female artists. Throughout this video Childish Gambino gives the audience an insight as to how it is living in America being a black person, which at the same time raises awareness which links back to Rose, as she states, 'give them a voice'.
Dyson
Dyson suggests how political hip hop back in the 90s didn't gain enough commercial success as it deserved to get which eventually led to today's music which is very stereotypical as things are mainly sexualised and violent. This is very different to Dysons view as he believes "Hip hop music is important precisely because it sheds light on contemporary politics, history and race...Sadly the enlightened aspects of hip hop are overlooked by critics who are out to satisfy a grudge against black youth culture". This links to Glover as he is conveying a powerful message through his music to raise awareness about racism and the social constraints placed on black people.
Read this Guardian feature on This Is America - including the comments below.
4) What are the three interpretations suggested in the article?
He's playing Jim Crow
In the opening scenes, Glover uses grotesque smiles and exaggerated poses, with some on Twitter suggesting this is an invocation of the racial caricature Jim Crow. It was also suggested that Glover was accusing black performers of coonery. One of the lyrics is "Grandma told me get your money black man". From this it has been asked whether Glover feels he has to take on stereotypically black performance roles (rapper,soul singer, comedian) in order to gain money
He's duping us with dance
Glover and his fellow dancers do extremely popular dances like the 'shoot' in order to mask the riots happening behind them. The videos choreographer, Sherrie Silver retweeted a comment from someone who argued: "Childish Gambino's dance moves distracted all of us from the craziness that was happening in the background of the video and that's exactly the point he's trying to make.
He's taking on the police
The line "this a celly /that's a tool" has a powerful double meaning. Fans have pointed out that on the one hand it refers to the case of Stephon Clark, shot dead just weeks ago by Sacramento police. who assumed he was armed but actually only had his IPhone on him. Glover distils the distorting way black men are seen by police with "tool", meaning gun. In the video, the camera pans up to black men filming the chaos on their phones. Commenters on Genius have pointed out, Glover could also be saying that phones can be actual tools for documentation.
5) What alternative interpretations of the video are offered in the comments 'below the line'?
One user states, "could his message be that America is evil, racist and violent? Nah, that would be too obvious. Everyone already knows that. As with all satirical masterpieces, there must be a hidden meaning that requires ponderous artistic explanation".
Another commenter says how, "visually the video is just stunning, trying to keep track of so many layers and movements is nigh on impossible as the brain gets pummelled with message after message, sp many parts where the brain makes you see what is not there, and the track itself just pushes the boundaries of rap - and what can be considered popular music. Mindblowing stuff".
"Childish Gambino shows his sanity and humanism by showing and condemning random violence and madness".
ory', watch the video again then answer the questions below:
1) How does the This Is America video meet the key conventions of a music video?
There are many key conventions throughout this music video. Firstly there is use of a performance element through the video as we see Childish Gambino dance in the video along with his other performers as he also lip-syncs his lyrics. The dancing could have many meanings, e.g. to show how black people are commonly seen as entertainers. Regarding mise-en-scene there is use of different props in this video, one of which being an assault rifle which Glover uses to shoot the choir as they sing which is done to show how black people are always at the centre of gun crime whether it's them directly shooting or getting shot. These different narratives shown throughout the video engages the audience very quickly if they are able to catch the meanings and will keep them gripped.
2) What comment is the video making on American culture, racism and gun violence?
The video shows how corrupt America is from their racism and wide spread violence. The use of guns in this video shows how your life is always at risk when living in America as you can be as innocent as possible but still be a target of gun crime and most of the time especially with black people it is overlooked as just a usual thing because of how normalised it has become. The lyric 'This is America' shows clearly how violence and racism is what America pretty much is this day and age and there is no better way to describe it and how it's just how people in America have to live as long as they stay in the USA.
3) Write an analysis of the video applying the theories we have learned: Gilroy, Hall, Rose and Dyson.
Gilroy
Black diasporic identity is the feeling of never feeling accepted in western societies. Gilroy suggests that black music creates diasporic experiences of resistance to white capitalist culture. In Gambinos music video he raises the racism problem in America as black people have to constantly betlitting themselves when amongst white people because of how they are a constantly pressured minority. Gilroys idea of double consciousness can also be linked to this video as because the media is so white dominated a lot of time issues regarding racism are continuously disregarded.
Stuart Hall
Stuart Hall suggests audiences blur race and class. He also suggests that western cultures are white dominated and ethnic minorities in the media are wrongly represented because of racism continuously growing. This links to the video as Glover is said to be presented as an entertainer/clown type so that people can be entertained.
Rose
Rose suggests hip hop gave audiences a better insight into the lives of young, black, urban Americans and gave them a voice especially in order to empower female artists. Throughout this video Childish Gambino gives the audience an insight as to how it is living in America being a black person, which at the same time raises awareness which links back to Rose, as she states, 'give them a voice'.
Dyson
Dyson suggests how political hip hop back in the 90s didn't gain enough commercial success as it deserved to get which eventually led to today's music which is very stereotypical as things are mainly sexualised and violent. This is very different to Dysons view as he believes "Hip hop music is important precisely because it sheds light on contemporary politics, history and race...Sadly the enlightened aspects of hip hop are overlooked by critics who are out to satisfy a grudge against black youth culture". This links to Glover as he is conveying a powerful message through his music to raise awareness about racism and the social constraints placed on black people.
Read this Guardian feature on This Is America - including the comments below.
4) What are the three interpretations suggested in the article?
He's playing Jim Crow
In the opening scenes, Glover uses grotesque smiles and exaggerated poses, with some on Twitter suggesting this is an invocation of the racial caricature Jim Crow. It was also suggested that Glover was accusing black performers of coonery. One of the lyrics is "Grandma told me get your money black man". From this it has been asked whether Glover feels he has to take on stereotypically black performance roles (rapper,soul singer, comedian) in order to gain money
He's duping us with dance
Glover and his fellow dancers do extremely popular dances like the 'shoot' in order to mask the riots happening behind them. The videos choreographer, Sherrie Silver retweeted a comment from someone who argued: "Childish Gambino's dance moves distracted all of us from the craziness that was happening in the background of the video and that's exactly the point he's trying to make.
He's taking on the police
The line "this a celly /that's a tool" has a powerful double meaning. Fans have pointed out that on the one hand it refers to the case of Stephon Clark, shot dead just weeks ago by Sacramento police. who assumed he was armed but actually only had his IPhone on him. Glover distils the distorting way black men are seen by police with "tool", meaning gun. In the video, the camera pans up to black men filming the chaos on their phones. Commenters on Genius have pointed out, Glover could also be saying that phones can be actual tools for documentation.
5) What alternative interpretations of the video are offered in the comments 'below the line'?
One user states, "could his message be that America is evil, racist and violent? Nah, that would be too obvious. Everyone already knows that. As with all satirical masterpieces, there must be a hidden meaning that requires ponderous artistic explanation".
Another commenter says how, "visually the video is just stunning, trying to keep track of so many layers and movements is nigh on impossible as the brain gets pummelled with message after message, sp many parts where the brain makes you see what is not there, and the track itself just pushes the boundaries of rap - and what can be considered popular music. Mindblowing stuff".
"Childish Gambino shows his sanity and humanism by showing and condemning random violence and madness".
Friday, 3 May 2019
My favourite music video
The narrative of this video is that the protagonist, XXXTENTACION who is also the person singing is actually dead and is taking in what he has left behind in the world as he witnesses people having fun in remembrance of him at his funeral as they dance and just generally enjoy themselves. The dancing itself is a convention of a music video as they probably had to do choreography to get the moves right and sync up with the music correctly. The editing in this video is also very important as there are many different camera shots featuring from wide, medium, close up and long shots. This is done to show all perspectives throughout the video and to show the message being brought by this video as we see people enjoying themselves in remembrance. There is a lot of African american representation in this video as in America black people are often the targeted victims of racial abuse and therefore this video includes a lot of black representation in order to build up black people and show we are not weak and that we should get the same respect others races receive.
Music Video introduction blog task
1) What is the purpose of a music video?
The purpose of a music video is to sell products, the most obvious of which is the song featured in the video. However, other connected products are also marketed by a music video, e.g. the album the song may be featured on, the film the song is part of the soundtrack for or an upcoming tour by the artist.
2) How has the digital age changed the production and distribution of music videos?
The development of new media technologies meant that music videos and songs were more widely available at any time as videos could be uploaded to video hosting sites like YouTube and viewed by using portable devices like IPods and mobile phones.
3) Which three major record labels are behind VEVO? What is VEVO and why was it created?
In America three major record companies, Sony music entertainment, Universal music group and Abu Dhabi media have launched VEVO. VEVO is a video hosting site specifically made for music videos.
4) What are the key conventions of a music video?
Movement is very essential to a music video as it usually complements the rhythm of the song. Movement is normally achieved by physically moving the camera, the people in the video moving and dancing or through the speed of editing. Many music videos also have a narrative. The story will usually relate to the song slyrics and illustrate what is being said or tell a completely different story. Almost all music videos feature the band or artist as they are also a product to be 'sold'. In the video the artist may be performing their music, either in the form of lip-syncing or playing an instrument.
5) How can narrative be used in music video? Give an example of a music video that uses a narrative.
The narrative can relate to the songs lyrics and illustrate what is being said or be independent from the song and tell its own story. For example 'I was a teenage anarchist' by Against me! uses a loose narrative which links to the songs lyrics. In the video it has a young man running along venice beach trying to avoid the police who are chasing him.
6) What examples are provided in the factsheet for intertextuality in music videos?
The Blink 182 video for all the small things makes references to videos by pop artists such as the back street boys (I want it that way) and Christina Aguilera (genie in a bottle) by directly copying scenes. Also the video for My Chemical Romance's teenagers features alternative cheerleaders which is reminiscent of the cheerleaders in the video for Smells like teen spirit by Nirvana.
7) Why do audiences enjoy intertextual references in media products?
When references are esoteric and obsure it allows the audience to feel pleasure and satisfaction when they figure out the reference as it shows off their knowledge on the media text that others may not have.
8) Read the music video example analysis on page 3 of the factsheet. Select a music video of your own choice and write your own analysis using the following headings:
Conventions
Firstly, there is use of a performance element as 21 Savage and J.Cole both lip sync to their lyrics as the track plays in the background which is very common in almost all music videos that star the artist in them. Throughout the video there are a lot of different camera shots focusing on different aspects. For example at 0.49 there is a wide shot of 21 Savage and many other black people in front of a big house getting ready to take a picture. There is a lot of use of medium shots in order to show the rappers facial expressions which allows the audience to get a better understanding of the video. In terms of narrative 21 Savage raps about having 'a lot' of blessings and curses in his life. Throughout the video 21 reflects on his upbringing, dangerous lifestyle and the pain and loss he's gone through. In the video one family member is shot. another is in jail and a third is dying.
Representation
The whole video is full of black representation , in order to lift up black people as a minority showing their culture and what they have to go through. We also see some form of gang stereotype when it comes to black people as at 1.37 we see a black man getting a gun aimed his head by another black man. We see how in America black people are constantly rejected and treated differently to other races which is a constant form of racism, these are the issues 21 talks about in this song. I also think it;s important to note that 21 Savage was arrested days after releasing this music video by ICE and held in custody for a prolonged period.
Audience
I feel as though this song is aimed at black young adults and adults because of how it talks about real world issues that primarily black people face when trying to make a living in America as they re constantly stereotyped and prejudiced against because of their skin colour, without knowing anything about their background and what they've mentally and physically gone through. This is effective as many people will be able to relate to this, therefore not feeling alone, as other people are also going through the same problems.
Institution
This music video was released on the 21 Savage YouTube channel on the 1st of February in 2019. The song was originally from his album released in 2018 by the name of 'I am > I was'. The video was directed by Aisultan Seitov and produced by Wear A Hat Productions and Alchemist Productions. The label he is currently signed with is 'Epic Records'.
9) Watch the video for Ice Cube's It Was A Good Day (1993). How did this video set the conventions for later hip-hop music videos?
This music video was directed by the numerous award winning director F Gary Gray, who began his film making career in the early 1900s making hip hop music videos. He is highly credited as he was the first director to use many of the visual codes that have become prevalent in gangsta rap videos. These visual codes include: low-rider cars, the hood, basketball courts and gang colours. Many of these visual codes feature in Ice Cubes It Was a Good Day and is set in South Central Los Angeles, an area that is synonymous with early gangsta rap acts such as NWA.
10) How important do you think music videos are in the marketing and promotion of music artists in 2018? Are music videos essential to a band or artist's success?
I believe music videos are very important to an artists success as they help promote them in a fun visual way for the audience allowing them to engage very well and get a better understanding of the artist and the message they are attempting to make evident in their music. Music videos also allow artists to become better well known as music videos are constantly shared across the world gaining engagement from audiences in various countries. The main purpose is to sell an image of an artist, making them grow in the industry and the overall purpose is to help generate money for the record company.
The purpose of a music video is to sell products, the most obvious of which is the song featured in the video. However, other connected products are also marketed by a music video, e.g. the album the song may be featured on, the film the song is part of the soundtrack for or an upcoming tour by the artist.
2) How has the digital age changed the production and distribution of music videos?
The development of new media technologies meant that music videos and songs were more widely available at any time as videos could be uploaded to video hosting sites like YouTube and viewed by using portable devices like IPods and mobile phones.
3) Which three major record labels are behind VEVO? What is VEVO and why was it created?
In America three major record companies, Sony music entertainment, Universal music group and Abu Dhabi media have launched VEVO. VEVO is a video hosting site specifically made for music videos.
4) What are the key conventions of a music video?
Movement is very essential to a music video as it usually complements the rhythm of the song. Movement is normally achieved by physically moving the camera, the people in the video moving and dancing or through the speed of editing. Many music videos also have a narrative. The story will usually relate to the song slyrics and illustrate what is being said or tell a completely different story. Almost all music videos feature the band or artist as they are also a product to be 'sold'. In the video the artist may be performing their music, either in the form of lip-syncing or playing an instrument.
5) How can narrative be used in music video? Give an example of a music video that uses a narrative.
The narrative can relate to the songs lyrics and illustrate what is being said or be independent from the song and tell its own story. For example 'I was a teenage anarchist' by Against me! uses a loose narrative which links to the songs lyrics. In the video it has a young man running along venice beach trying to avoid the police who are chasing him.
6) What examples are provided in the factsheet for intertextuality in music videos?
The Blink 182 video for all the small things makes references to videos by pop artists such as the back street boys (I want it that way) and Christina Aguilera (genie in a bottle) by directly copying scenes. Also the video for My Chemical Romance's teenagers features alternative cheerleaders which is reminiscent of the cheerleaders in the video for Smells like teen spirit by Nirvana.
7) Why do audiences enjoy intertextual references in media products?
When references are esoteric and obsure it allows the audience to feel pleasure and satisfaction when they figure out the reference as it shows off their knowledge on the media text that others may not have.
8) Read the music video example analysis on page 3 of the factsheet. Select a music video of your own choice and write your own analysis using the following headings:
- Conventions (movement/narrative/artist)
- Intertextuality
- Representation
- Audience
- Institution
Conventions
Firstly, there is use of a performance element as 21 Savage and J.Cole both lip sync to their lyrics as the track plays in the background which is very common in almost all music videos that star the artist in them. Throughout the video there are a lot of different camera shots focusing on different aspects. For example at 0.49 there is a wide shot of 21 Savage and many other black people in front of a big house getting ready to take a picture. There is a lot of use of medium shots in order to show the rappers facial expressions which allows the audience to get a better understanding of the video. In terms of narrative 21 Savage raps about having 'a lot' of blessings and curses in his life. Throughout the video 21 reflects on his upbringing, dangerous lifestyle and the pain and loss he's gone through. In the video one family member is shot. another is in jail and a third is dying.
Representation
The whole video is full of black representation , in order to lift up black people as a minority showing their culture and what they have to go through. We also see some form of gang stereotype when it comes to black people as at 1.37 we see a black man getting a gun aimed his head by another black man. We see how in America black people are constantly rejected and treated differently to other races which is a constant form of racism, these are the issues 21 talks about in this song. I also think it;s important to note that 21 Savage was arrested days after releasing this music video by ICE and held in custody for a prolonged period.
Audience
I feel as though this song is aimed at black young adults and adults because of how it talks about real world issues that primarily black people face when trying to make a living in America as they re constantly stereotyped and prejudiced against because of their skin colour, without knowing anything about their background and what they've mentally and physically gone through. This is effective as many people will be able to relate to this, therefore not feeling alone, as other people are also going through the same problems.
Institution
This music video was released on the 21 Savage YouTube channel on the 1st of February in 2019. The song was originally from his album released in 2018 by the name of 'I am > I was'. The video was directed by Aisultan Seitov and produced by Wear A Hat Productions and Alchemist Productions. The label he is currently signed with is 'Epic Records'.
9) Watch the video for Ice Cube's It Was A Good Day (1993). How did this video set the conventions for later hip-hop music videos?
This music video was directed by the numerous award winning director F Gary Gray, who began his film making career in the early 1900s making hip hop music videos. He is highly credited as he was the first director to use many of the visual codes that have become prevalent in gangsta rap videos. These visual codes include: low-rider cars, the hood, basketball courts and gang colours. Many of these visual codes feature in Ice Cubes It Was a Good Day and is set in South Central Los Angeles, an area that is synonymous with early gangsta rap acts such as NWA.
10) How important do you think music videos are in the marketing and promotion of music artists in 2018? Are music videos essential to a band or artist's success?
I believe music videos are very important to an artists success as they help promote them in a fun visual way for the audience allowing them to engage very well and get a better understanding of the artist and the message they are attempting to make evident in their music. Music videos also allow artists to become better well known as music videos are constantly shared across the world gaining engagement from audiences in various countries. The main purpose is to sell an image of an artist, making them grow in the industry and the overall purpose is to help generate money for the record company.
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
TV index: Capital & Deutschland 83
1) Introduction to TV Drama
2) Capital: Case study
3) Capital: Marxism and Hegemony
4) Capital: Applying Marxism
5) Deutschland 83: Case study
6) Deutschland 83: Close-textual analysis notes
7) Deutschland 83: Postmodernism
8) Industries: The rise of foreign-language TV dramas
9) Industries: The impact of new/digital media on television
10) TV: 750-word exam question
2) Capital: Case study
3) Capital: Marxism and Hegemony
4) Capital: Applying Marxism
5) Deutschland 83: Case study
6) Deutschland 83: Close-textual analysis notes
7) Deutschland 83: Postmodernism
8) Industries: The rise of foreign-language TV dramas
9) Industries: The impact of new/digital media on television
10) TV: 750-word exam question
TV: Exam question
“Realism is a vital component of television drama”. To what extent does an analysis of your television close-study products support this view? [25 marks]
870 words
Undoubtedly, both Capital and Deutschland 83 offer realism as
a huge aspect. Capital, being a state of the nation drama makes sure and has to
bring issues in the real world to the show making it one of the main focuses.
In Capitals case it reflects on the financial crash in London and also others
like immigration, doing this intrigues British audiences as if they are
watching this they most probably have gone through the financial crash time
period and would like to see how a TV company like BBC interpret it. In the
same way, Deutschland 83 focuses on the historical event, The Cold War from an
Eastern perspective showing the conflict between East and West Germany. From
this you can get a strong sense of Realism as audiences who lived through it
will remember the time very clearly and may also feel a sense of nostalgia when
watching the show.
In addition, Capital has a wide range of characters all with
different personalities, class, ethnicity and views as Capital focuses on
social and cultural context. For example the middle classed in Capital are
viewed as the elite and obsessed with any and everything money related as we
see with the bankers family. They are shown to be selfish and take things for
granted, money being one of the major aspects as we see he gets a great sum of
money as a bonus but he doesn’t appreciate the gesture and wants even more
money whereas someone lower classed than him would gladly accept the money as
it’s not easy to come by especially when living in London. This shows a sense
of realism as in reality the middle class are often viewed as quite snobbish
and thinking they are better than most people, therefore wanting large sums of
income to fuel their ego even more.
Issues like immigration are also touched upon in Capital when following
the story of Quentina who fled from Zimbabwe to London and now works illegally.
This offers realism as in the show we see her constantly being oppressed by
other characters because of her background, and is also not met with many
opportunities and has to fend for herself, which is very common in not just
London but other countries too for immigrants. The fact that she works so hard,
not relying on other people and still not getting any recognition or any
support shows the harsh reality many immigrants face when they come to England
in hopes of finding a better life.
Although, many argue that Capital has a left-wing bias as
they portray the upper classed in such a negative manner making them look bad
therefore the sense of Realism in Capital may not all be so authentic. When
compared to how the working and lower classed people who are presented as kind
hearted and hardworking the middle and upper classed are out shined as they are
just shown to be a stain on society because of the way they are shown to go about
life and whatnot.
In continuation, there is a strong sense of realism
throughout the entirety of the whole show as the main focus is about the
conflict between East and West Germany, therefore allowing audiences to educate
themselves on what actually occurred in real life from another perspective they
wouldn’t have got from anywhere else offering realism to them. Audience members
who may have lived in Germany through this time period will feel nostalgic as
the settings will be very recognisable to them and will be able to recall them,
e.g. the way the houses looked and the supermarket which we see in episode 1
when Martin runs through it. Also whilst running through the supermarket music
can be heard playing which was relevant to that time period and therefore could
also offer realism as older audiences will recognise it easily. Another way the
show offers realism is how they include clips from real life into the show like
Ronald Reagans Evil Empire speech which older audiences will recognise and
start to feel nostalgic when remembering all that happened. This is how
Deutschland 83 draws in audiences as they include things that they know people
will be attracted towards and then keep on giving them more of the same thing
to make them feel like it’s not just a TV programme but also reality.
At the same time, many
argue that the representations of East and West Germany are inappropriately
portrayed to make them look worse than they actually are taking away the
realism that the show has. It is also said that because some locations are top
secret the production team had to come up with what they thought certain
locations were actually like instead of actually having the info from real life
which further takes away the aspect of realism of the show. Although as a whole
Deutschland 83 is very accurate in what it does which makes it as successful as
it is. The same goes for Capital as it offers such realistic features people
enjoy it as they can relate to certain aspects and feel comfortable when
watching it as they have a wider knowledge about the topic than people outside
of London.
870 words
Wednesday, 10 April 2019
TV: The impact of new/digital media on television
Go to our Media Magazine archive and read the article on Netflix and the Cultural Industries(MM63 - page 45). Create a blogpost called 'The impact of new/digital media on TV' and answer the following questions:
1) What does the 'industry' concept in A Level Media Studies refer to?
The industry concepts refers to the companies that create and distribute media texts, the standard practices of media production as well as 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 since the 1980s there's been a significant shift in cultural production. He covers wide range of topics in his book and some of his main points are: Cultural industries have moved closer to the centre of economic action, There has been an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry, Globalisation has meant media texts can circulate more easily across borders reducing North American dominance, Deregulation has reduced public ownership and Nice audiences are increasingly targeted.
3) Choose the three most significant points Hesmondhalgh makes regarding the changing cultural industries. Why are these the most significant in your view?
Digitisation's first major impact was on the music industry with the creation of CD's in the early 1980's, it was the growth of home computing and the creation of the World Wide Wed, which then led to increased technological convergence; digitisation of media meant every media could be accessed on computers which eventually led to tech companies being able to compete directly with media companies and even become media companies.
5) How are technology companies challenging traditional broadcasters in the TV industry?
Digitisation and the ability to distribute texts via the internet meant that technology companies could challenge traditional broadcasters. E.g. Amazon now produces its own 'television' programmes from broadcasters schedules with on-demand viewing. Netflix came to the realisation that it needed to create its own online subscription service, therefore places like Blockbuster went bust after broadband connections facilitated video streaming.
6) What budgets will Netflix, Amazon and Apple spend on original programming next year according to the article?
Next year Netflix plans to spend $8bn on original material; Amazon's budget is estimated at $4.5bn. Apple has recently joined with a $1bn spend.
7) How many countries are Netflix and Amazon available in?
In 2016 Netflix simultaneously launched its service in 130 new countries, bringing its total to 190 and Amazon opened in 200. Going global means they have to pay the license to broadcast individual shows in different countries.
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?
The monster in Stranger Things the Demagorgon after a Dungeons and Dragons demon prince. To ensure that connection transcended language barriers, Netflix's team dug into old D&D materials to nail down how various cultures translated Demagorgon was renamed in some parts of the world based on what the demon prince was called. They also use the actors that regularly voice particular performers in foreign language versions.
9) Do you think technology companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon will increase their interest in the television industry?
I believe so as the world is becoming so technologically focused it would be hard for these companies to not keep up with these changes and profit from them. For example, in 2017 Facebook launched Watch, which hosted original reality TV programming. However Google can still do fine as they have YouTube which is popular all around the world and is taking over regular TV as younger generations enjoy watching their favourite YouTuber these days instead of their 'favourite channel'.
10) How do changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83? How?
Deutschland 83 and Capital include different aspects to appeal to a wider audience. For example Capital features a selection of characters from different cultures which appeals to audiences all around the world and Deutschland 83 being a foreign language drama means it highlights the global nature of television as a whole across the world.
1) What does the 'industry' concept in A Level Media Studies refer to?
The industry concepts refers to the companies that create and distribute media texts, the standard practices of media production as well as 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 since the 1980s there's been a significant shift in cultural production. He covers wide range of topics in his book and some of his main points are: Cultural industries have moved closer to the centre of economic action, There has been an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry, Globalisation has meant media texts can circulate more easily across borders reducing North American dominance, Deregulation has reduced public ownership and Nice audiences are increasingly targeted.
3) Choose the three most significant points Hesmondhalgh makes regarding the changing cultural industries. Why are these the most significant in your view?
- Digitisation has allowed the technology sector to compete directly with traditional media companies- This shows how far technology has come, it has gotten to the point where even media companies who have been around for ages are having to fight for their spot because of the uprising of technology in media.
- Globalisation has meant media texts can circulate more easily across borders reducing North America dominance
- There has been an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry
Digitisation's first major impact was on the music industry with the creation of CD's in the early 1980's, it was the growth of home computing and the creation of the World Wide Wed, which then led to increased technological convergence; digitisation of media meant every media could be accessed on computers which eventually led to tech companies being able to compete directly with media companies and even become media companies.
5) How are technology companies challenging traditional broadcasters in the TV industry?
Digitisation and the ability to distribute texts via the internet meant that technology companies could challenge traditional broadcasters. E.g. Amazon now produces its own 'television' programmes from broadcasters schedules with on-demand viewing. Netflix came to the realisation that it needed to create its own online subscription service, therefore places like Blockbuster went bust after broadband connections facilitated video streaming.
6) What budgets will Netflix, Amazon and Apple spend on original programming next year according to the article?
Next year Netflix plans to spend $8bn on original material; Amazon's budget is estimated at $4.5bn. Apple has recently joined with a $1bn spend.
7) How many countries are Netflix and Amazon available in?
In 2016 Netflix simultaneously launched its service in 130 new countries, bringing its total to 190 and Amazon opened in 200. Going global means they have to pay the license to broadcast individual shows in different countries.
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?
The monster in Stranger Things the Demagorgon after a Dungeons and Dragons demon prince. To ensure that connection transcended language barriers, Netflix's team dug into old D&D materials to nail down how various cultures translated Demagorgon was renamed in some parts of the world based on what the demon prince was called. They also use the actors that regularly voice particular performers in foreign language versions.
9) Do you think technology companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon will increase their interest in the television industry?
I believe so as the world is becoming so technologically focused it would be hard for these companies to not keep up with these changes and profit from them. For example, in 2017 Facebook launched Watch, which hosted original reality TV programming. However Google can still do fine as they have YouTube which is popular all around the world and is taking over regular TV as younger generations enjoy watching their favourite YouTuber these days instead of their 'favourite channel'.
10) How do changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83? How?
Deutschland 83 and Capital include different aspects to appeal to a wider audience. For example Capital features a selection of characters from different cultures which appeals to audiences all around the world and Deutschland 83 being a foreign language drama means it highlights the global nature of television as a whole across the world.
Wednesday, 3 April 2019
The rise of foreign-language TV: Blog tasks
1) What does the article suggest regarding the traditional audience for foreign-language subtitled media?
It suggests that fifteen years ago if you'd mentioned to a colleague that you were highly interested in a subtitled European drama you would been declared as pretentious, dull and a little bit odd
2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?
Iuzzolino states 'You develop a love for the distant world because while you're watching, you're in Sweden,'. He also says 'If you see something amazing set in Argentina, then Argentina itself, the houses, the people, what they wear, what their voices sound like, the language, is one of the biggest appeals. There is a huge pleasure in that.
3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?
There may be something else in foreign TV's new popularity, too. It may sound prosaic but when we're frequently distracted from our TV-viewing by Twitter feeds and a pinging WhatsApp, subtitles are a welcome enforcement for us to focus. 'When you read subtitles, you have to be glued to the screen' says Deeks that concentration gives a particular intensity to the viewing experience. You just can't multitask when you're watching a foreign-language drama'.
4) What are the other audiences pleasures of foreign TV drama suggested by the article?
It suggests foreign dramas offer an insight into the lives of those who are from different ethnicities allowing audiences to become more diverse as they become more educated on different cultures.
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?
The team at Sherlock Holmes recognise their huge Asian fanbase and therefore include a clue in a special episode that only Chinese speakers will be able to decipher. Amazon now responds directly to potential fans with its 'pilots season', in which online viewers watch and rate six new shows, the most positively experienced dramas going to full series. This process led to the Golden Globe and Emmy-winning Transparent.
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?
It premiered on AMC Network's Sundance TV in June 2015, the show was the first German-language TV series to premiere on a US network. The fact that Germany's commercial RTL channel received Deutschland 83 five months after the US both signifies the series global appeal as well as foreshadows where the German crime thriller was to find its audience.
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?
Whilst Deutschland 83 received significantly fewer viewers in the US than Germany with its US premiere garnering 0.066 million viewers compared to Germany's 3.19 million, the series proved more successful in the US than its homeland. Most German audiences didn't like the show at all. The German premiere did have 3.19 million viewers but each new episode saw that figure drop and by the series conclusion the figures had fallen down to 1.63 million- it's lowest figure.
3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October?
After a period of uncertainty surrounding its renewal, SundanceTV and FremantleMedia finally announced in October that there will be a second series called Deutschland 86.
4) What does the article suggest was the driving force behind the series being renewed for a new season (and possibly two new seasons)?
What its lackluster response in Germany, its apparent 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 frequently posts on his Facebook page and engages with his viewers over on Twitter as it's impossible not to become engrossed in the experience.
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?
The article suggests, TV tends to feel more culturally specific and tailored to domestic tastes as it gets piped into your home and for many people serves as audiovisual wallpaper in the background while their attention is mainly focused elsewhere, something that is impossible when you have to rely on subtitles just to understand and enjoy the action.
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 War' into 'Homeland' for instance, creator Gideon Raff noted that the original series focused on the experiences of and the idea of POWs, which he called an 'open wound in Israeli society. 'The Returned' which had attracted significant critical praise in its run here feels unmistakably Gallic in its rhythms and its characters in addition to its language.
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?
I believe Deutschland 83 was able to rise above these cultural differences because the differences were not as drastic in comparison to other dramas cultural differences. Also, Deutschland 83 was quite Americanised making it easier for US audiences to understand a German drama a lot better.
4) What does the article suggest about subtitling?
People's perception of subtitles films, let alone subtitled TV shows is that they're really hard work-somewhat obscure,agreed Sundance Channel President Sarah Barnett. 'What we loved about this piece was that the genre nature of it to us outweighed the signification of the subtitled TV show. The quality of the work and the ability for it to really engage would be there regardless of the subtitles'. Finally, while there was resistance expressed on Twitter regarding the format, it wasn't a major backlash and there was initially a surprise.
5) What does Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt suggest is the appeal in foreign television drama?
Van Sandt explains that people love to learn about how other people live as it is what people gravitated toward. The fact that the guy speaks English brings the American audience into the show and you start to live the show and Norway the way the character does and after a few minutes you forget about the subtitles.
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. And within that schedule, BBC and ITV crime dramas - say, Line of Duty and Broadchurch have distinctly different rhythms because licence fee funding 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.
2) How have streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime changed the way TV drama narratives are constructed?
With streaming networks releasing all of the episodes in one block and many viewers of mainstream TV shows now waiting until all the episodes can be watched as a box set producers of TV fiction have had to rethink, especially as streaming services such as Netflix have created a platform that allow people to binge watch the entire series whenever they want to.
3) Why has the rise in streaming led to more complex storylines and an increase in cliffhangers?
More complex storylines keep the audience hooked in as they are engaged every episode wanting to know what will happen and the audiences also pay a lot more attention to the show. With a thriller for terrestrial TV you tend to have a recap at the start of each episode but with streaming video on demand you can get straight on with the story.
4) How have the "economics of production" kept TV drama largely sticking to the 45- or 60-minute episode format?
TV dramas largely stick to these 45 or 60 minute episode format so they can maximise the use of the time given and minimise all costs associated with the production of each episode.
5) How has "permanent 24/7 connectivity" changed both the production and consumption of TV drama?
Permanent 24/7 connectivity has radically altered viewer responses. Live-tweeting by audiences has usefully demonstrated criticism but the downside of this new media interaction has been in giving the old media a stick with which to beat broadcasters. Live tweeting allows audiences to connect and interact better.
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.
It suggests that fifteen years ago if you'd mentioned to a colleague that you were highly interested in a subtitled European drama you would been declared as pretentious, dull and a little bit odd
2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?
Iuzzolino states 'You develop a love for the distant world because while you're watching, you're in Sweden,'. He also says 'If you see something amazing set in Argentina, then Argentina itself, the houses, the people, what they wear, what their voices sound like, the language, is one of the biggest appeals. There is a huge pleasure in that.
3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?
There may be something else in foreign TV's new popularity, too. It may sound prosaic but when we're frequently distracted from our TV-viewing by Twitter feeds and a pinging WhatsApp, subtitles are a welcome enforcement for us to focus. 'When you read subtitles, you have to be glued to the screen' says Deeks that concentration gives a particular intensity to the viewing experience. You just can't multitask when you're watching a foreign-language drama'.
4) What are the other audiences pleasures of foreign TV drama suggested by the article?
It suggests foreign dramas offer an insight into the lives of those who are from different ethnicities allowing audiences to become more diverse as they become more educated on different cultures.
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?
The team at Sherlock Holmes recognise their huge Asian fanbase and therefore include a clue in a special episode that only Chinese speakers will be able to decipher. Amazon now responds directly to potential fans with its 'pilots season', in which online viewers watch and rate six new shows, the most positively experienced dramas going to full series. This process led to the Golden Globe and Emmy-winning Transparent.
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?
It premiered on AMC Network's Sundance TV in June 2015, the show was the first German-language TV series to premiere on a US network. The fact that Germany's commercial RTL channel received Deutschland 83 five months after the US both signifies the series global appeal as well as foreshadows where the German crime thriller was to find its audience.
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?
Whilst Deutschland 83 received significantly fewer viewers in the US than Germany with its US premiere garnering 0.066 million viewers compared to Germany's 3.19 million, the series proved more successful in the US than its homeland. Most German audiences didn't like the show at all. The German premiere did have 3.19 million viewers but each new episode saw that figure drop and by the series conclusion the figures had fallen down to 1.63 million- it's lowest figure.
3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October?
After a period of uncertainty surrounding its renewal, SundanceTV and FremantleMedia finally announced in October that there will be a second series called Deutschland 86.
4) What does the article suggest was the driving force behind the series being renewed for a new season (and possibly two new seasons)?
What its lackluster response in Germany, its apparent 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 frequently posts on his Facebook page and engages with his viewers over on Twitter as it's impossible not to become engrossed in the experience.
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?
The article suggests, TV tends to feel more culturally specific and tailored to domestic tastes as it gets piped into your home and for many people serves as audiovisual wallpaper in the background while their attention is mainly focused elsewhere, something that is impossible when you have to rely on subtitles just to understand and enjoy the action.
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 War' into 'Homeland' for instance, creator Gideon Raff noted that the original series focused on the experiences of and the idea of POWs, which he called an 'open wound in Israeli society. 'The Returned' which had attracted significant critical praise in its run here feels unmistakably Gallic in its rhythms and its characters in addition to its language.
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?
I believe Deutschland 83 was able to rise above these cultural differences because the differences were not as drastic in comparison to other dramas cultural differences. Also, Deutschland 83 was quite Americanised making it easier for US audiences to understand a German drama a lot better.
4) What does the article suggest about subtitling?
People's perception of subtitles films, let alone subtitled TV shows is that they're really hard work-somewhat obscure,agreed Sundance Channel President Sarah Barnett. 'What we loved about this piece was that the genre nature of it to us outweighed the signification of the subtitled TV show. The quality of the work and the ability for it to really engage would be there regardless of the subtitles'. Finally, while there was resistance expressed on Twitter regarding the format, it wasn't a major backlash and there was initially a surprise.
5) What does Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt suggest is the appeal in foreign television drama?
Van Sandt explains that people love to learn about how other people live as it is what people gravitated toward. The fact that the guy speaks English brings the American audience into the show and you start to live the show and Norway the way the character does and after a few minutes you forget about the subtitles.
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. And within that schedule, BBC and ITV crime dramas - say, Line of Duty and Broadchurch have distinctly different rhythms because licence fee funding 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.
2) How have streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime changed the way TV drama narratives are constructed?
With streaming networks releasing all of the episodes in one block and many viewers of mainstream TV shows now waiting until all the episodes can be watched as a box set producers of TV fiction have had to rethink, especially as streaming services such as Netflix have created a platform that allow people to binge watch the entire series whenever they want to.
3) Why has the rise in streaming led to more complex storylines and an increase in cliffhangers?
More complex storylines keep the audience hooked in as they are engaged every episode wanting to know what will happen and the audiences also pay a lot more attention to the show. With a thriller for terrestrial TV you tend to have a recap at the start of each episode but with streaming video on demand you can get straight on with the story.
4) How have the "economics of production" kept TV drama largely sticking to the 45- or 60-minute episode format?
TV dramas largely stick to these 45 or 60 minute episode format so they can maximise the use of the time given and minimise all costs associated with the production of each episode.
5) How has "permanent 24/7 connectivity" changed both the production and consumption of TV drama?
Permanent 24/7 connectivity has radically altered viewer responses. Live-tweeting by audiences has usefully demonstrated criticism but the downside of this new media interaction has been in giving the old media a stick with which to beat broadcasters. Live tweeting allows audiences to connect and interact better.
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.
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