Friday 11 December 2015

Essay - Media Ownership


What impact does the media ownership have upon the range of products available to audiences in the media areas you have studied?

All media products made will have institutions behind them that synergise in order for the work to get the most recognition and success it potentially deserves. Hyperdermic needle theory is used by the bigger companies, because they have the money behind them in order to control the media and allow making change to the products, initially without letting other institutions know, because they have previous talent and success attached to them and at the end of the day, it is a competition in itself.

The Mega franchise Model is the idea that one company owns every step of its own setup. I.e. Disney owns its production companies like PIXAR, and also the distribution companies like Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. This means that at every step of the chain Disney controls the entire franchise, from the movie itself, to the soundtrack and even figurines. However, these big companies are set on making millions. This means that to get a lot of money out, they have to push a lot of money in. They make mainstream films, usually prequels, sequels or superhero movies. All three of these genres already have large fan bases, meaning the films made in these genres will almost always make money.

An example of one of these ‘Mega franchise model’ production companies could also be ‘Time Warner’, who were in the parent organisation of the production overlooking the blockbuster ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, inevitably achieve a wider range of products; because of the amount of money the company has behind it. The most recent ‘Mad Max’ movie, had a big budget of $150 million and grossed almost $300 million back, which proves that the range of products this film made would be a lot bigger compared to the British low budgeted  film ‘Ex_Machina’, produced by DNA Films and Film 4 productions. ‘Ex_Machina’ only made a global gross of $38 million and although this was a huge profit for the moving picture, (as the budgeting was just $15 million), it still only had a DVD gross of $7 million, which is a very low figure in comparison to the ‘Mad Max’ DVD sales figure of almost $40 million. This means, that obviously ‘Mad Max’, figure wise, achieved more success, because of the size and popularity of the companies working behind it.

Films like ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ had the ability to use vertical integration, this is when the production company has the ownership of the means of production, distribution and exhibition of the film by the same company; because of this they receive all of the profit. ‘Time Warner’ is the parent organisation of ‘Warner Bros’, ‘Village Roadshow Pictures’ and ‘Village Roadshow Entertainment’, which were the subsidiary companies of the main media ownership of the film. Other moving pictures that the company have produced have all developed a lot of success, some of these include, ‘Harry Potter’, (which is one of the biggest franchises ever made), ‘The Dark Knight’, and other ‘Batman’ films. Institutions like ‘Time Warner’,  tend the follow the ‘7 steps to create a blockbuster’, which means that each film has an A-list star and the best visual effects companies working on the product etc. the company does everything with the money it has, in order to get the most success.

Low budget British films, like ‘Ex_Machina’ and ‘Kill List’ (also produced by small, independent British companies), have to synergise with other production companies in the industry to enable to make firm connections, enough the find the right amount of money to make and produce the film.  One of the production companies that produced the British film ‘Kill List’ was ‘Warp X’.  Warp Films is an independent film production company based in Sheffield and London. Warp Films is a well-known company in UK but doesn’t get much notice globally, it has produced many successful films in the UK like Four Lions, this film made $41,512 at the opening weekend in the US and £608,608, it also grossed at £2,932,366 (UK Box office) and $4,658,570 (US Box office).  Although Four Lions gross wasn’t as big as ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, it still made a huge profit. Warp film is a much smaller production company, mainly because Warner Bros is has much more power and money because of a higher conglomerate and links with subsidiaries because with other subsidiaries, they are able to use them as advertisement for a product or service, which brings more money input, this allows Warner Bros (Time Warner) to have a more dominant position in the media as it knocks out or knocks out other competition, giving Warner Bros more global success, whereas Warp films would only be popular with Britain and partly America.

Production companies based in America will have the automatic ‘jump’ into success compared with British filmed, purely based in the UK. The whole concept of blockbusters and success came from Hollywood and hit moving pictures made in places in America like New York, LA and California. The films that are produced by institutions like ‘Warner Bros’ will have a pre-judgment filter pasted through them by the mass audience, which links back to the Hyperdermic needle theory, which therefore substitutes the low budgeted movies made by smaller production companies into the band of unsuccessful films.

With new technology and a wider range of product available to the public now, more movies can become successful. For example, apps and games can be distributed to the apple app store and movies can be distributed to ITunes also. With this new marketing routine, movies can produce a lot more money from their distribution in the post-production stage of their journey as a piece of media produce.

The media ownership of a product, like a movie, has a huge impact on the range of products that are available to global and local audiences, because of the fact that money is a big factor to the success of a film. If a possible blockbuster potentially flops in the post-production stages of its journey, like how well it does in cinemas, then a bigger production company wouldn’t feel the loss as much as a smaller and independent company that doesn’t use horizontal integration or links in the production stage.

 

 

 

Tuesday 8 December 2015

100 Facts

100 Facts on 'Mad Max: Fury Road'

FACTS 
QUESTIONS
ANSWERS










  • Max and the main antagonist, Immortan Joe, never directly interact with each other, apart from when Max hijacks the People Eater's Limousine. They exchange gunshots during the takeover.
  • The film used three identical War Rigs, the large main truck in the film. They were based on a Czechoslovakian all-wheel drive military vehicle.
  • In the German-dubbed version seen in Germany, as in the original English version, the Buzzards speak Russian. In the Russian-dubbed version seen in Russia, they speak German. This way, they sound foreign and evil to everyone.
  • The "crows" on stilts are the boys abandoned by the Vuvalini when the green place turned sour.
  • Night scenes were filmed in bright daylight, deliberately overexposed, and colour-manipulated. In many shots, the sky was digitally replaced with more detailed or interesting skies.
  • The first Mad Max film where Max is credited by his full name Max Rockatansky.
  • This is the second Mad Max film for screenwriter Nick Lathouris. As an actor, he played a brief role in Mad Max (1979).
  • This is director George Miller's first R-rated movie since The Witches of Eastwick(1987).
  • First 'Mad Max' movie since Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), a gap of thirty years.
  • With a runtime of two hours, this is the longest film in the Mad Max series.
  • Actors were digitally duplicated in post production to expand the crowd scenes so in reality only a few actors were actually needed on set during filming.
  • The girl who Max sees in his visions, commonly believed to be his daughter, is in fact Glory the Child, who can be seen in the comic series. It can also be noted that she is seen being run down in a desert by a selection of vehicles, while Max's child was killed by a biker gang prior to the war.
  • Certain screenings have shown the film in black & white. There was a rumour that this print would appear on the home video release, and that George Miller tried to press Warner Bros to include it, but it doesn't appear that's going to happen.
  • Production was originally set to film around 2011 in the traditional setting of Broken Hill, Australia, but due to heavy rainfall transforming the desert landscape into a lush meadow of flowers, the production was moved to Namibia.
  • Australian crows or ravens are used in the Mad Max films, including Fury Road, as symbols of death and destruction.
  • In the new Max Rockatansky's back-story: Max lost his family when they were killed in the midst of the chaos of the nuclear attack.
  • Although Max never gives his exact nickname to the audience, he refers to himself with similar words like "insane" or "crazy".
  • This is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's second major acting role after Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011).
  • Co-writer Brendan McCarthy designed many of the new characters and vehicles.
  • Marco Beltrami was considered to score the film.
  • John Powell was set to compose the soundtrack.
  • Keeping in line with the previous incarnations, Max barely speaks in this film. This excludes his narration in the beginning.
  • Filming lasted 120 days, and the film runs at 113 minutes without credits. So, it could be said that each day equals about a minute of the film.
  • Since Immortan Joe wears a full breathing mask in all of his scenes, no part of his face below his eyes is ever seen.




  • Who directed the film?
  • George Miller directed the film.
  • Who produced the film?
  • George Miller (yes, the same man that directed the film), Doug Mitchell and PJ Voeten.
  • What was the film's budget?
  • $150 million.
  • Who were the 2 top actors in the film?
  • The 2 main protagonists in the film were played by Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron.
  • Who did the distribution for the film?
  • Warner Bros distributed the film to all the cinemas over the world. 
  • Who wrote the screenplay for the film?
  • George Miller wrote the screenplay, again, with thanks from Brendan McCarthy and Nick Lathouris.
  • In what year was the film released?
  • 2015.
  • What was the UK release date of this film?
  • 14th May 2015.
  • Which production company produced the film?
  • Warner Bros.
  • How much money did Warner Bros spend on advertisement of the film alone?
  • $43.7 million.
  • What did characteristic did George Miller want to portray in the character of Max?
  • George wanted Max to have an 'animal charisma'.
  • What did Nicholas Hoult (actor that played the character of Nux) say about the original franchise of 'Mad Max'?
  • Nicholas 'was blown away by the fact that so many things I’d seen in pop culture were basically based upon this world that George created."
  • Which one of the 'Five Wives' does supermodel, Rosie- Huntington Whitely play?
  • She plays the role of Splendid. 
  • What was one thing that George Miller wanted to make clear about the film?
  • That is wasn't a CGI film. The film crew along with Miller's direction made the effects with real vehicles crashing and a large amount of in camera tactics were used instead of technological ways. 
  • The invasion and subsequent war in which country, that stopped filming?
  • This film was in development for many years. The pre- production stage began back in 1997. Attempts to start filming were made in 2001 and 2003, but the filming was stopped, because of the 9/11 attacks in America and Iraq War. The film was finally focused on more closely in 2007, when George had finished his work on 'Happy Feet'. 
  • What TWO formats was the film originally going to be in , to only then NOT be in?
  • Miller did think about making the film a cartoon based film, that was more aimed at a lower target audience.
  • How many times was filming delayed?
  • Filming was delayed 3-4 times within the process. 
  • In what year did filming first conclude?
  • 2011.
  • In what year did they have to go back and film additional scenes?
  • The film wrapped in December 2012, although additional footage was shot in November 2013.
  • At what point did Warner Bros panic and insist that someone should write a script?
  • Miller worked with comic book artist Brendan McCarthy on the boards for over a year. By the end they had produced up to 3500 panels, that filled the room they were working in. At some point later a conventional script was written for technical reasons. The writing was done in a visual form. 
  • When did the stars sign up to be in the film?
  • Hardy was cast as Max in June 2010, with production planned to begin that November.
  • Where was the film originally going to be produced only for it to rain?
  • Australia. 
  • How much was spent on TV adverts?
  • Warner Bros spent $43.7 million on advertising alone.
  • How long did crew stay in Namibia?
  • Around 2 months.
  • How many visual shots were in the film?
  • Over 2,000. 
  • What occupation did George Miller take up in order to earn enough money to make the 4th Mad Max?
  • A Doctor.
  • Miller has announced more movies will be made, true or false?
  • True. Tom Hardy said in an interview last month that he’s attached to star in three more “Mad Max” films, adding the qualifier. “Everything’s based on figures and how things are perceived. Inevitably it’s a business.”
  • In the post-apocalyptic world of Fury Road, everything has to be reused and reproposed, so to make sure they got the right look for the movie's props, the production design team used what?
  • They used soda cans, tyres and inner tubes to make weapons; melted down old tankards and trophies to make car accessories.
  • How many cars were used as help to props?
  • 350 salvaged cars were used to part-build and customize a host of vehicles.
  • Who built Furiosa's mechanical arm?
  • Furiosa's arm was built by industrial designer Matt Boug.
  • How many stunt performers was bought in to complete Immortan Joe's Army of 'War Boys'?
  • A core team of 65 stunt performers were used.
  • What did the stunt performers get into  in order to act as best as they could?
  • They took part in special drama workshops and intense fight training.
  • Which member of the crew helped lead this action?
  • Actor and co-writer Nico Lathouris .
  • Where did Miller get his ideas of the Polecats from?
  • After he saw street performers balancing on poles.
  • How tall were each of the poles?
  • 30 foot.
  • Who plays 'The Doof Warrior'?
  • Australian musician iOTA.
  • What was so special about iOTA's role?
  • He wrote and recorded his own war tunes, which he plays on a double-necked electric guitar as the front man of the crazy band whose music rallies Immortan Joe's troops.
  • To get a sense of their personalities, George Miller asked actresses auditioning for Immortan Joe's 'Five Wives' to read a scene from any film or TV show except Fury Road. What were some of these choices?
  • A Monty Python scene which was picked by first-time actress Abbey Lee.
  • To prepare to play the 'Five Wives', Lee and fellow actors Rosie-Huntington Whiteley, Riley Keough, Zoe Kravitz and Courtney Eaton, spent how many weeks in Sydney rehearsing and working with Fury Road co-writer Nice Lathouris and choreographer Meryl Tankard?
  • 3 weeks.
  • What did the actors of the 'Five Wives' have to research in order to get into the best character they can be?
  • Violence against women in war zones with Vagina Monologues playwright, Eve Ensier who's worked with female rape victims in the Congo.
  • When did Tom Hardy sign up for 3 new 'Mad Max' films?
  • April 3rd, 2015. 
  • The jacket Tom Hardy wore is a replica of the one Mel Gibson wore, true or false?
  • True.
  • What 3 genres does 'Mad Max: Fury Road' fit into?
  • Action, Adventure and Sci-Fi.
  • How is the film editor related to director George Miller?
  • Margaret Sixel is George Miller's wife.  
  • The older actresses playing the Vuvalini did their own stunts. True or False?
  • True. 
  • What did the actress, Charlize Theron have to do to play her role in the film?
  • Shave her head. 
  • What happened to Tom Hardy whilst on set for the film?
  • Broke his nose. 
  • How many hours of film did Sixel have to edit?
  • 480 hours. 
  • A comic book series showing how Immortan Joe came to power is being published by Vertigo. True or False?
  • True. 
  • George Miller almost pulled the plug on the idea of making the film,when location search became a struggle. True or False?
  • False
  • Who had to come out of retirement to head the film cinematography?
  • John Seale. 


Class and Status Representation

Class and Status in 'Downtown Abbey' 



The mise en scene is an important feature of this still from the TV show 'Downtown Abbey'. 

The costume that the women are wearing indicate class. They are wearing fancy clothes to show that they are upper class and have the money to afford luxurious clothing. 

The wallpaper and interior of the room are also fancy looking, this shows that everything they own is of a high quality.

They are standing in some kind of order, based on their role in the house. This is a metaphor for their structure of life. From when upper class are born, stereo typically they have their life planned out for them. Inheriting a lot of money from their past ancestors etc. This is proven in the way they are placed in the image.  
 


Representation of Age


Age from MrsCmedia

Monday 7 December 2015

The British Film Industry

TASK 1

Who does what in the film industry?


Important institutions:



  • The BBFC is a British institution that is independent and not funded by the government. It classifies and and censors film, video as well as computer and console-based games released in the UK.





  • The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image, - film, television and games. 




  • The British Council is the official UK agency for international cultural relations. Its Film department promotes new British films (features and shorts), internationally principally through festivals and showcases.




  • The BFI is an institution that focuses on promoting and understanding the appreciation of Britain's rich film and television heritage and culture. 




  • The UK Film Council is an institution that is backed by the government. It ensures that the economical, cultural and educational aspects of the film are effectively represented both home and abroad,  





TASK 2

Main British Production Companies


Film 4 are a big production company based in the UK. 5 of their most recent films could include:
  • The Inbetweeners Movie (2011)       
  • One Day (2011)
  • Ex_Machina (2015)
  • A Most Wanted Man (2014)
  • The Imposter (2012)




  • The Last Witch Hunter (2015)
  • The Hunger Games Franchise (2012-2015)
  • Tracers (2015)
  • All Stars (2013)
  • 12 Years Of A Slave (2013)


  • The Theory Of Everything (2014)
  • Everest (2015)
  • I Give It A Year (2013)
  • Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010)
  • Senna (2010)




  • Selma (2014)
  • Daddy or Mommy (2015)
  • Philomena (2013)
  • The Iron Lady (2011)
  • Miral (2010) 


  • Attack the Block (2011)
  • Cuban Fury (2014)
  • The World's End (2013)
  • In Fear (2013)
  • Scott Pilgrim vs The World (2010)




  • Submarine (2010)
  • Tyrannosaur (2011)
  • Snowtown (2011)
  • Four Lions (2010)
  • For Those In Peril (2013)

Who dominates the UK film industry?
https://stephenfollows.com/who-dominates-uk-film-distribution/



BRITISH Vs AMERICAN FILMS 
British films can claim 25% tax relief from the government. This means the first 25% of any profit you make cannot be taxed!
To qualify as 'British', a film need to score 18/35 on the Cultural Test for Film.

  • Avengers: Age Of Ultron = 12/35 // not classified as a British film.
  • Ex_Machina = 11/35 // not classified as a British film.
  • Star Wars: The Force Awakens = 20/35 // classified as a British film.
  • Mad Max: Fury Road = 13/35 // not classified as a British film.
How do British films attract audiences (consider how these films might attract either a British or a global audience) ?

British films will attract a British audience, because the British audience can relate to an underlying issue or theme of a film, if it is British. For example, British comedies will have subjects of British humor running throughout it, that sometimes, only a British audience will understand, because it relates to the country's current welfare state and other media related issues.

Many major Hollywood productions have been filmed in British studios, on British locations with British visual effectives companies etc.
£1.1 billion was spent of film production in the U.K in 2013. This was up 7.5% compared to the previous year (2012). The UK provide 42,000 people with jobs within the British film industry.

So, the British film industry is a big business.

Elstree Studios, North London, is one of the UK's biggest film studios. It has housed a range of productions, from blockbuster movies like: 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows', to TV Shows such as: 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Big Brother'. Being built in 1926, the studios has a long history attached to it.

In the 1970's, the studios received a large amount of success. In this year, George Lucas, American director, came over from the states to produce the first 'Star Wars' film and another 2 in the franchise.
Following this success, his friend Steven Spielberg came over to produce the 3 'Indiana Jones' films in the Elstree Studios.

Despite the success from these franchises, in the 80's and 90's, the film industry became under threat for failing and the Elstree Studios was in danger of closing. Local and political campaigns were introduced, because people were unhappy that these things were happening.

In 1996, the local council bought the studios from the property developer, with the intention to re-build and re-develop the studios. They invested money back into the system to do this.

This was a wise and profitable move made, as now there is a building part of the studios, named the 'George Lucas Stage', which was used to produced many feature films and TV Shows over the last 20 years.

Roger Morris, managing director of Elstree Studios, has explained how there is a 10 year plan inn order to make Elstree Studios, the most successful it can be. Within this plan, new building schemes, new studios and new workshops are being planned to come about.

He explains how recently they have spent a 'good few million' on an area behind the studios, that has been cleared out and sorted in order to produce more workshops and stages in the 4 acres of land made. The previous space, was used to create the feature film: 'The Shining'.

The last 15 years has seen a dramatic change in how films are actually made. The majority of motion pictures are now shot on digital rather than film, with British film studios not just facilitating the production of major Hollywood movies, but contributing to their dazzling visual effects too.

Framestore , is one of the biggest visual effect institutions in the UK. It won a (Bafta) and (Oscar) for their work on the feature moving picture 'Gravity'. The company's base, is located just of London's Oxford Street. William Sargent is the C.E.O and co-founder of Framestore. He states that the company began with producing TV ad's and music videos, then worked their way up to things like feature films and TV Shows. Their biggest success within television, was the hit British show: 'Merlin'. His most proudest work was one from Spielberg: 'War Horse', and obviously 'Gravity', with the amount of success it reached. He also had a lot of fun making effects for the Marvel movie, 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' starring Chris Pratt.

It's only been in the last few years, though, that Hollywood have recognised the success and talent distributed from the UK. Sargent says: 'Here in the UK, the thing that has taken off in the past decade is not just the visual effects but the whole package that the UK  has to offer.' He discusses the fact that we have the capacity to allow a number of Hollywood films to be made in the UK all at one time, which is something that used to be unavailable to do.

Growing demand has come from the Government's increased efforts to attract international productions to the UK.

The agency FILM LONDON, that was established just under 10 years ago, to encourage more major movie producing companies to come to the capital of the country.

There are things that are specific to British films that US and other region films, do not have.

Adrian Wooton is the C.E.O of FILM LONDON. He says that based on statistics, 40 film crews are working in London today.

One of the main reasons more production companies have decided to base themselves in the UK, has been the film 'tax relief'. This was introduced by the previous government in 2007. This was the reasoning for the industry beginning to build.

If a film that was had any British input passes the 'cultural test', then they qualify as a British film and this means they are in order for tax relief. The films that cost under £20million to make, are guaranteed at getting over 20% of the back, however films that cost more than £20million to make are only entitled to around 13/14% of the money spent. By the UK offering this out to production companies, the UK benefit as for every £1 they give out, the company spend £12 more. This is a fantastic ratio, because the UK are handing money out, but getting it back in a much greater amount.

The British film industry's hope is that such tax credits, will mean that British film spreads to other creative industries and the country will be the 'Global content Hub of The World'.

Wooton wants it to be the place where everybody comes to make movies, like Hollywood stereotypically is now. He thinks the UK have the opportunity in front of them to really become a World leader.

The system proves to be great, because films like the latest 'Avengers' movie and the brand new 'Star Wars' film was chosen to be made partly with the UK's help. Without it, the films couldn't have been made so well.

International companies bottom line are in love with the talent that the UK has to offer. Together with the infrastructure and system, the British film industry is looking to have a positive and promising future.



AUDIENCE TYPES


Mainstream: Unlikely to ever view anything other than major 'Hollywood' style blockbusters.

Mainstream Plus: Generally mainstream, but apt for less mainstream films on the odd occasion.

Aficionados: Tend to view a mix of films, including major foreign language titles, and can be encouraged to become even more adventurous in their viewing choices.

Film Buffs: Eschew mainstream films in favour for more extreme, esoteric, challenging and difficult subject matter films.

In my opinion, I think a mainstream audience would be interested in blockbusters such as the new 'Star Wars' film, because of the amount of screens it will be distributed across and also the amount of good reviews it has been getting from the public and media. Based on attractiveness, it looks like the leading success- so mainstream audiences would go to see that film. Compared with the say, 'Aficionados' who would have chosen to see things like 'The Suffragettes' and 'Ex_Machina'. All these films were produced in the UK and had a large amount of British involvement.

Why have a British Film Industry?

Without a film industry here in Britain there would be a limit to how films are made and what films are about. Production companies enjoy the talent that the UK have to offer and in order to get the most successful media product.







Wednesday 2 December 2015

Sexuality in TV Dramas

Gay Couple in the TV drama, 'Teen Wolf' - Ethan and Danny // American TV Drama:


This is a scene from an early episode in 'Teen Wolf' season 3. In this season Ethan and Aiden (the twins spotted by Danny) are new to Beacon Hills high school, so they're catching an eye for all the students anyway. This clip demonstrates the introduction of sparks between the characters of Danny (the guy who has the focus of the camera angle) and Ethan (the twin who is in the fore front of the long shot) that are created from the start.

There is a usage of music added to the clip, which means it is non diegetic sound. This is music we as an audience can hear, but the characters cannot and this could reflect the fact that the characters are oblivious to the fact that there is a connection begging, as they are acting as innocently as looking at each other, but for fans of the show a budding new romance has been conjured up by the producers and therefore fast paced music is there to add power and tension. It gets the audience excited, as the music track has hints of 'sexy' coming from it.

The music stops at 0.08 seconds and this is because, once Danny has realized that Jackson (the student next to him) has noticed him 'checking Ethan out', the situation becomes awkward rather than exciting.

Whilst the music is playing a series of turn taking in camera angles is made. Each character gets a close up shot of their reaction to what it going on. Everyone's is a little different and that is why humor is bought into the short clip also. This could reflect the view the producers have on homosexuals. They could see gays as a product of humour and abnormality. It could be seen as an odd relationship to characters like Jackson who is in a heterosexual relationship. 'Teen Wolf' and TV dramas as a whole have a dominant ideology that a male and female should be together and this relationship between Danny and Ethan is different for the show.

The 'oddness' to this whole situation is shown by the facial expressions that Jackson portrays. As a character in the show, Jackson is aware of Danny's homosexuality; however there has never been another main gay character on the show, therefore he has never theoretically been in a relationship with another guy and it be a big story line. Introducing the fact of the two characters ending up together is shown as a little strange for the other characters in 'Teen Wolf'.

Once the music has ended. Dialogue is shown when Jackson confronts Danny about Ethan. He says: "Got a little crush going on there?". When Jackson asks this, we can tell he feels awkward and embarrassed at the fact he is asking a boy, if he likes a boy. Danny feels awkward about the situation too as he says: 'No!', whilst shaking his head and shuffling in his seat. Jackson then tries to lighten the mood by pulling a sarcastic facial expression. He does this to make Danny, maybe feel more comfortable about talking about it and it shows his acceptance as a character to be for homosexuality. If not, the TV drama could be at risk of getting hate towards the characters opinions of issues as strong as homosexuality. Also, some viewers could been offended.

The fact that the clip is very short, could show the awkwardness of all the characters involved. A heterosexual relationship begging to blossom, for example, would take a longer time to blossom. This is because the male and female being together is more accepted in society today, as the 'norm'. In media terms, this is the dominant ideology for all media products. Comparing it probably, would mean comparing it to a dominant ideology couple from ''Teen Wolf'. So taking Scoot and Allison, for example, there relationship was looked upon as much more 'loving' than 'sexy'.

We see a clip of when they both begin to 'fancy' each-other underneath the clip of Danny and Ethan.




 This is seen as a more 'normal' way of two people falling in love... The scene promote mystery, romance and the whole connect of 'falling for each other'. This is because it is the dominant ideology that a man and women are seen as 'normal'. When gay couple fall in love it is more secretive and hidden away, because it is known that some people, or in this case characters in TV dramas - will not actually agree with it.





Lesbian Couple in the TV drama, 'Pretty Little Liars' - Emily and Alison // American TV Drama:




The dominant ideology of a lesbian couple of a TV drama would be that there is a partner in the relationship who takes on the more dominant role. So, one person in the relationship would stereo-typically 'wear the trousers' and act as a more masculine figure, whilst the other partner promotes her feminine side and acts to the stereotype  of the female in TV drama. In this relationship, I personally believe that Emily takes on the 'male' and 'dominant' lead.. only when she becomes much wiser to her situation. She is the lesbian, who has told everyone and is happy to let people know of her sexuality. This makes her more powerful as her sexuality is known to the public, whereas Alison has to hide her lesbian identity and she acts heterosexual to the rest of the characters. Emily then has the power over her as she doesn't theoretically have to 'hide' anything from society.

In the clip below, we see Emily acting as the dominant one in the relationship. She does this at
0.40. Both times the couple hug, Emily goes in for the hug first. This shows she is willing to give physical affection towards Alison in front of the rest of her friends. Emily then stops Alison from going onto the bus she tries to get on at 0.52. Alison is on a higher level than Emily and she uses her dominance to bring Alison down back to the same level she is on, in order to demand the control. Their relationship isn't controlling - it is just frustrating for the couple, as they have to hide it.


At 1.10, Alison is crying.. we are guessing over something Emily has done. This shows Emily has control over her emotions. Alison is pictured in her bedroom through a long shot. The bedroom being a place personal to the being - proving that the issue is personal and close to her heart, which is why she is crying. Putting Alison in the situation where she has to text Emily at 1.20 minutes, means Alison must do the chasing. At 1.50, Alison is on a lower level than Emily again. She is sitting on the bed talking up to Emily, which proves that Emily has the dominance and decision whether or not to walk away. The whole clip shows times where Emily gets to pick and choose what happens to the couple. Mainly for the fact that Alison is hiding her sexuality, but also, because she is the male figure in the relationship. Alison receives the male gaze, because of her stereotype of a women: long blonde hair, makeup, jewellery etc.

Mark Scheme via Mr Ford's Blog

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Age Representation in TV Dramas

20-29's

Derek Hale from 'Teen Wolf' 
Derek Hale is a character in the TV drama, 'Teen Wolf'. The majority of characters in the show are teenagers and Derek plays a character around the age of 20-21. Compared to the teenage characters, Derek shows signs of independence and doesn't rely on a parent to get him through the daily life he lives. This is partly, because of his personality and the fact his immediate family died in a fire, however he is a strong and caring character. The way he deals with situations, prove that he is experienced in dealing with situations. 



 He's clever. He recognizes when people are playing around with his feelings. This is because he has had experience with friendships and relationships in the past and stereo-typically the 21 year old character in TV Dramas, would be more wise than the teenage characters who are stereo-typically unaware and uneducated. 

Derek is wise. He shows it in this example photo here. He is giving Scott advice. Advice given by older people to younger people shows helpfulness and care. We see some of Derek's personality here. He cares for Scott and states facts. He meets the dominant ideology of a 20-29 year old as he is strict, fair and wise. 




However, Derek subverts the stereotype as he is alone for most of his time in the show. He isolates himself from everyone else and this is because he has had a troubled past. His character has trouble trusting people and connecting with people in order to create relationships.