marxism & hegemony

 Marxism & hegemony: blog tasks

Task 1: Mail Online review of Capital

1) Re-read the Mail Online review of Capital. Why does it suggest that Capital features a left-wing ideology?

The capital was overflowing with trendy movements just like Jeremy Corbyn's busy schedule. 

2) Choose three quotes from the review that are particularly critical of Capital and paste them into your blogpost. Do you agree with the criticisms? Why?

'With a fizzle like a firework on a wet night, Capital (BBC1) dribbled to a soggy ending.'

'the crime was handed from one cardboard character to the next. That’s not a whodunnit, it’s a cop-out.'

'Everything British came in for a dose of loathing'

Some criticism is valid, and Capital didn't have a satisfying ending despite the stress and fears of the characters. It felt rushed and done just to finish the series. However, there was potential for improvement, like focusing on a smaller cast or making the police more realistic with the threat of postcards more prominent in their daily lives. This could have made the series more engaging for viewers.

3) What scenes or characters from Capital could be read as promoting left-wing ideology?

Kwentina encounters the black female lawyer, while Roger and Arabella are depicted as snobby and overly focused on money, just like in the bedroom scene. Roger's lack of parenting skills is evident, and the Kamal family is shown to be assimilating into British society and culture. Petunia displays great tolerance towards immigration.

4) What about the other side of the argument - are there any aspects of Capital that reinforce right-wing or capitalist viewpoints?

Roger is dedicated to his work, even when he is at home. Kwentina puts in extra hours at work. They both receive bonuses for their hard work and save money to create a better future for themselves.

Task 2: Media Factsheet - Applying Marxism 

Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet #66: Applying Marxism. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level or online here (you'll need your Greenford Google login to access). Read the factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What does Marxism suggest regarding power in society?

1. The elite have power and the masses depend on them for jobs and income, while the elite need the masses to remain passive and not question their authority.

2) Why is The Apprentice a good example of the media reinforcing capitalist values and ideologies?

The entire show revolves around the concept that people's fate in getting a job depends on the decision of entrepreneur Lord Alan Sugar. The show emphasizes that being employable and suitable for the job requires not challenging authority and working diligently. This aligns with Karl Marx's idea that the elite, represented by Alan Sugar, relies on qualified laborers (the contestants) who must be compliant and non-confrontational to maximize profits for the elite. Consequently, the show reinforces the notion to its viewers that being a good worker means not questioning authority and avoiding excessive individuality.

3) Come up with two examples of media texts (e.g. TV programmes, newspapers etc.) that either fetishise working class life (e.g. EastEnders presents quite a harmonious East End community which probably doesn't accurately reflect East London life) or demonise working class life or poor people (e.g. The Daily Mail and The Sun newspapers regularly demonise people living on benefits with headlines referring to 'scroungers'.) Explain what meanings these texts communicate to their audiences.

The New York Times discusses how TV shows are focusing more on blue collar workers, leaving the middle class underrepresented. However, many of these shows lack class-consciousness, portraying characters who prioritize drama over maintaining their livelihoods. 

In the TV show Shameless US, the family is depicted as financially unstable and causing trouble without feeling any shame for their actions, as implied by the show's title.

4) Look at the bullet points on page 4 of the factsheet:



When making a Marxist reading of a text, look out for representations that:

• show the values of the power elite as beneficial to the mass - The failure of the bankers is what caused the housing crisis and so need to be protected in order for things to go back to normal

 

• show queries or challenges to the base as meaningless, foolish or anti-social via ‘failed revolt’ - Kwentina cannot work legally due to asylum laws

• show the subdominant position of the masses as a naturalised idea - The Kamal family working hard running the store and a newspaper delivery service while Roger struggles due to an 'unfair' bonus

• show the values of the power elite as ‘natural’ or ‘right’ - Rogers reference to his bonus being 'Fundamentally not fair' suggesting its his 'right' to earn a significant bonus

• show that being a member of the mass is a good thing - The close knit Kamal family which even in the recession stays close together 

• show the masses accepting the values of the power elite - The characters have no real choice against the crisis

• show the values of the power elite as being ‘for the good of the masses’ (even when unpleasant) - If the banking crisis did not happen most things would be alright

Now try applying those bullet points to Capital. Think about the setting, characters and narrative strands - how many of the bullet points apply to Capital? Does Capital reinforce or challenge the values of capitalism? Give examples from episode 1 to support your points.

The concept of the story being set in London gives the impression of a prosperous city filled with wealth and the upper class. This comparison between the London residents and the privileged few is further emphasized by the presence of Capital. However, there are certain beliefs or regulations held by either the citizens or the government that hinder the possibility of earning a living through hard work, as seen in the case of Kwentina being detained for working illegally.

1) Why did the Daily Mail suggest The Casual Vacancy promoted a left-wing ideology?

J. K. Rowling has expressed her disapproval of benefit cuts and the reduction of public services in various interviews. She has shared her personal experience of relying on benefits while raising her daughter and writing the first Harry Potter book. Rowling is known for her strong friendship with former Labour leader Gordon Brown and has been an outspoken advocate for social issues.

2) How does the article suggest characters, narrative and setting are used to promote a left-wing ideology?

In the novel, Barry Fairbrother dies early on, but in the TV adaptation, he plays a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of Sweetlove House. In the first episode, Barry delivers a powerful speech during a Parish Council meeting, opposing the Mollisons' plan to shut down the house. Meanwhile, Howard Mollison, the antagonist, insults some children outside his bakery and connects them to his political beliefs. Later, when Howard learns of Barry's death, he distributes pastries and coffees, expressing disbelief and mourning. The use of lively music highlights Howard's hypocrisy and suggests he can be seen as a comedic character rather than a true villain, portrays conservative ideas a lot more negatively than more left leaning ones

3) What research is quoted regarding BBC bias and what did it find? Do you think the BBC is biased?

Is the BBC license fee now included in Labour's election budget? I believe that the BBC should remain impartial and not be influenced by any political party. However, as a public service broadcaster with a duty to inform, educate, and entertain, it may lean slightly towards the left to fulfill its role. Despite being government-controlled, I don't think they would purposefully show bias.

4) Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggests people are kept under control through active consent - the control of 'common sense'. How could you apply the Daily Mail or the BBC to the idea of hegemony and dominant ideologies in the UK media?

Individuals consciously select to engage with articles and news stories from these newspapers, whether through digital platforms or traditional print, thereby granting permission for the media to actively present them with ideas and ideologies that may be embraced or contemplated by the consumer. Consequently, the media has influence over the ideologies to which people are exposed. For instance, The Sun may prioritize the promotion of their own ideas, while The Guardian may prioritize different perspectives. This can create a division in beliefs if individuals do not actively and critically form their own viewpoints.

Capital: Case study blog tasks

 Capital: Case study blog tasks

Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Capital. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.

Reviews and features

Read the following review and feature on Capital:

Guardian review by Sam Wollaston
London Evening Standard: five things you need to know about Capital

1) What positive points does the review pick out about Capital? What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?

The guardian applauds the actors performance such as Gemma Jones: "Gemma Jones is so good at being old and confused" they like the show overall however they had a bone to pick                                   

2) What references can you find in the reviews and features to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?

It's amazing how relevant it still is today. Housing prices just keep going up, even after the recession. Many people can relate to the series because they live in London and see many of the same themes in their own lives. The show also touches on the changes happening in London, like immigration, foreign investment, and the government.

Trailer analysis

https://youtu.be/Ce1EKM4nKMM?feature=shared

1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?

By featuring numerous medium close-ups of various characters, the film not only introduces the extensive ensemble cast but also showcases the diverse range of people living in London, each coming from different backgrounds. The quick cuts and fast pace contribute to city life's bustling and hectic atmosphere that never seems to slow down. Additionally, the setting is reinforced through a close-up of the street sign where all the characters reside, emphasizing the variety of individuals residing in London, especially on this particular street.

2) How does the trailer introduce the different narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?

There are numerous characters and constructions based on various recurring themes in this story. From the individual capturing images of houses to letters being delivered through the letterbox, these elements connect all the characters. However, their living arrangements and the people they reside with create a separation among them.

Capital in Media Magazine

Issue 83 of Media Magazine has a feature exploring Capital as a media product. Read ‘We Want What You Have’ in MM83  (p10). You'll find our Media Magazine archive here - remember you'll need your Greenford Google login to access. Answer the following questions:

1) What does the article suggest about the 'state of the nation' genre and how Capital is an example of this?

The drama also showcases the societal aspect through its characters. In the first episode, the spotlight is on Petunia How Roger and Arabella Yount. Additionally, we are introduced to the Kamal family, who manage the local corner shop, and Quentina Mkfesi, a religious asylum seeker who holds a PhD and is working as a traffic warden unlawfully. The interactions among these characters effectively portray the conflicts arising from diverse cultures, and the use of costumes efficiently conveys the distinct roles of each character.

2) What does the article suggest regarding the setting of Capital?

It is possible that this perspective could provoke anger among individuals who perceive the UK as excessively focused on London. However, within the framework of a multifaceted production, this approach is logical. The production itself is expansive, intricate, and perpetually captivating. The aerial footage captures extensive portions of the city, gradually narrowing down to smaller sections, eventually focusing on Pepys Road, and ultimately highlighting a solitary residence or individual.

3) What are the major themes in Capital and what does the article suggest regarding the impact of money on communities?

The concept of economic stability and financial earnings is closely examined in conjunction with the investigation of housing and the fluctuation of house prices. The character of Quintana, a traffic warden originally from Zimbabwe, serves as a lens through which immigration is explored. The detrimental impact of monetary matters on the community is emphasized, leading to the erosion of social connections throughout the nation. This disharmony is prominently highlighted in the initial sequence.

4) What different representations in Capital are discussed in the article?

Banker Roger is a weak, irresponsible character who is obsessed with wealth and often asks, ‘What use is £30,000 to anyone?’ His wife Arabella, on the other hand, is only interested in interior design and foreign holidays, staying with him solely for his money. There is also Petunia, who is community-minded but slightly racist in an old-fashioned way, Ahmed who shares the same community spirit, the diligent Eastern European builders, and the spirited Quintana. This clash of good versus bad, rich versus poor, and hardworking versus lazy creates a simple yet engaging drama. The Daily Mail criticized the show for attacking banks and portraying immigrants as always good and hardworking.

5) What does the final section of the article suggest regarding genre and overall message of the drama?  

In the beginning, the drama primarily centers around the real-life occurrences of the financial crisis. It portrays the banks as wrongdoers and highlights the difficulty in uncovering their actions due to their intentional secrecy from the public. Eventually, all of this is exposed in the show called Capital. While shedding light on these illicit acts is one approach, the first episode introduces an unseen character who is portrayed as the intentional culprit, but in reality, they are an urban artist named Bansky. It seems that the producer has entrusted this artist with the responsibility of unveiling the true identity of the criminal in London.

Capital Media Factsheet

Use our Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets) or on Google Drive here (you'll need your Greenford Google login) to find Media Factsheet #194 on Capital (BBC TV Drama). 

Read the whole of Factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What does the factsheet say about the characters on the first page?

The Multi-strand narratives are examined by focusing on the different people living in the area. This helps to show how the drama reflects the current state of the nation. The way the characters interact with each other highlights the conflicts between different cultures, and the costumes they wear help to quickly convey their individual roles.

2) Focusing on the industrial contexts, how does Capital help the BBC meet its obligations as a public service broadcaster?

- The BBC aims to provide unbiased news and information to help people understand the world around them.

- Educational content will be available for people of all ages, supporting learning for children and teenagers in the UK.

- The BBC strives to offer creative and high-quality content across various genres and platforms.

- The diverse communities of the UK will be accurately represented and served by the BBC.

- The BBC will reflect the culture and values of the UK to the world through accurate and impartial news coverage.

3) What do we learn about the ownership structure for production company Kudos? 

Peter Bowker wrote the TV series Capital, while Euros Lyn directed it. The show was produced by Kudos Film and Television, a British company known for creating TV dramas for popular channels like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. Kudos specializes in producing TV series that have the potential to be sold or remade for the American market, reflecting the trend of global media institutions. This makes Kudos a horizontally integrated company. The parent company, Endemol Shine UK, owns various TV production companies that cover a wide range of formats and genres.

4) How can David Hesmondhalgh's ideas in The Cultural Industries be linked to Capital and Kudos? 

Many industries are horizontally integrated, meaning they are involved in various areas that they are not specialized in. This can be risky because they may end up losing money and connections, just like Hesmondhalgh's concept of a risky venture. One example of this is FOX and News Corps.

5) How does the factsheet suggest Capital meets the genre conventions of crime and social realism?

Capital is a film that combines elements from the crime genre and social realism, creating a compelling story that reflects the development of these genres. It incorporates narrative enigmas and a restricted narrative to keep the audience engaged, while also raising questions of morality and sparking debates around innocence and guilt. The film portrays ordinary people in everyday life, making them relatable, and depicts power struggles, corruption, and betrayal. Additionally, it authentically represents different regions of the UK, explores social issues, and intertwines humour and seriousness in its storytelling. Overall, Capital is an entertaining and thought-provoking film.

6) How does the factsheet analyse the DVD packaging and what this communicates to the audience?

The DVD cover features promotional images seen in media packs, websites, and press coverage, establishing a recognizable brand for viewers. It includes geographical markers indicating the setting and themes of British culture and financial matters. The layout showcases characters like DI Mills, The Kamal family, and Bogdan in medium close-up shots, suggesting a crime drama. However, the colour scheme, particularly the use of yellow, aims to differentiate it from typical crime dramas and instead reflects a contemporary representation of the nation.

7) Look at page 5 of the factsheet. Choose one of the audience theories in the table and apply it to Capital.

Blumler and Katz: uses and gratifications

The TV drama trailer connects to the financial banking crisis of 2008, providing insight to those who didn't experience it. It also serves as a form of entertainment, with dramatized events and relatable characters that viewers can connect with. The show initially appears to be a crime drama, adding to the diversion from the historical context.

8) What does the factsheet suggest regarding binary oppositions in Capital?  

The multi-stranded narrative uses binary oppositions throughout to highlight the difference or inequality in Pepys Road, and then raise questions about inequality in London more widely. Financial inequalities through Roger and Arabella. Their initial highly stereotyped dialogue (“How do you feel about cedar wood cladding?”) serves to position the audience to understand the change in society and the Pepys Road community from ‘normal’ residential streets to million-pound properties.

Representations: close-textual analysis

Capital offers a range of fascinating representations - from London and asylum seekers to capitalism and inequality. You need to be able to confidently discuss these issues in the context of 2015 London - with reference to key scenes from episode 1. Representations include: London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, capitalism, aging and more.

These notes from a lesson analysing these clips will help with this element of the case study. You'll need your Greenford Google login to access the document.

1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in the lesson:

Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49

- Different camera angles capturing the transformation of the house

- Aerial view of London showcasing authority and influence

- Urban renewal leading to a mix of social classes

- Traditional expectations of men and women within the family

- Interactions and relationships within a conventional family setting

- Economic status and lifestyle of the middle class

- The Kamal family is tightly bonded and supportive of each other

- Property values that do not necessarily indicate true wealth

- Traditional and conventional beliefs and opinions

- The impact of immigration on society

- The feeling of isolation and solitude in old age

- Albert preferred things to stay the same.

Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10

- London tube and commuting are extremely crowded

- The financial building was captured from above by a drone, showing its power

- The meeting consisted only of white men

- There is a lack of female representation in the meeting

- Bankers have a strong rivalry among themselves

- The focus is solely on making money, even if it means working for foreigners

- Seniors are incompetent and don't bother explaining complex terms

- The boss is German

Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35

- The wife is only interested in money, she is white and wealthy

- Roger is expected to earn money, which reinforces traditional gender roles

- Saying 'I'm no feminist' shows a conservative, left-wing ideology

Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40

- The opposite part of London is packed with too many people living in small spaces.

- There are constant noises in the background in this area.

- There is a black woman who works as a traffic warden.

- There is also a black woman who is a lawyer.

- These two women, Roger and Arabella, are very different from each other.

- They often talk about how everything is influenced by politics.

- One of them hopes to get lucky in life.

- One of them even mentions the possibility of a little kiss.

- There is a problem of people being taken advantage of.

- Some people are working illegally.

- The government is implementing strict financial measures.

- Zimbabwean nationals are not granted asylum in this country.

Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00 

- Aerial footage taken by drones showcases the financial district and its impressive buildings.

- The financial district represents power and influence in the business world.

- The use of cross-cutting and a montage creates a feeling of sadness and despair.

- The focus on white men highlights the issue of white privilege, with one person saying "This isn't how it works."

- The situation is described as fundamentally unfair, emphasizing that it's not about greed but about seeking justice.

- Roger becomes sick and vomits, symbolizing the negative impact of the situation.

- The contrast between Roger and Kwentina adds depth to the narrative.

Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55

- Local convenience store - essential part of the community

- Tight-knit family in a bustling space

- Beliefs and values

- Warm welcome - herb coriander

- Aspirations and goals

- Moving up in society

- Differences between Arabella and Ahmed

- Lack of understanding from Caucasians

- Feeling out of touch with contemporary society

- Duty of supplying nourishment

You can choose which aspects to focus on for each scene: e.g. London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging etc. Feel free to use bullet points for each scene - a summary of your notes is fine.

2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?

Capital reinforces certain stereotypes like white people being more privileged, but it also challenges stereotypes by showing hardworking immigrants like Kwentina and Kamal, and a tolerant old white woman named Petunia who welcomes immigration into the community.

Industries and production context

Capital was produced by independent production company Kudos for the BBC. Look at the Kudos website and also read the Kudos Wikipedia page.

1) Who is the parent company for Kudos? What changes of ownership have there been for Kudos? This is an example of conglomerate ownership.

Banijay UK Productions was initially purchased by Shine Limited in 2006 and then acquired by News Corps in 2011. It was later split 50 50 with Endemol Shine Studios before being fully acquired by Banijay.

2) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced and for which channels? What awards have they won?

Here are some popular TV shows and awards in the UK:

1. SKY has "Tin Star" and "Code 404"

2. BBC and EPIX have "SAS rogue heroes"

3. ITV has "Grantchester" and "Deep water"

4. Channel 4 has "Dead water fell"

5. HBO max has "Two weeks to live"

6. BBC has "Responsible child"

7. SKY and Amazon have "Tin star"

8. SKY and NBCU have "Code 404"

Some awards include:

- 2021 British academy Scotland awards best actress

- 2020 writers guild of great Britain award best long form TV drama

- 2021 Venice TV best comedy

- 2020 Rose D' OR

- Nominee BAFTA TV awards best single drama

- 2 international Emmy awards best TV movie/ mini series

- Nominee for BAFTA TV craft

- Nominee RTS craft 2020

- Nominee British academy

Film Industry assessment learner response

Film Industry assessment learner response

1) Type up your feedback in full (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential). 

WWW- A solid assessment showing some good knowledge of the CSP

EBI- Written English: spelling, Capital letters etc.

- Revise Key terminology: distribution etc.

- Revise marketing techniques for BBTL

2) Read the mark scheme for this assessment carefully. Write down the number of marks you achieved for the three questions: 3/3;  3/6;  5/9. If you didn't achieve full marks in a question, write a bullet point on what you may have missed.

Q2: I may have missed out on:

● Film festival circuit – particularly the Sundance Film Festival where it was bought by New Line

Cinema.

● Premieres - London, Luton and Asbury Park, New Jersey (attended by Bruce Springsteen).

Q3: I may have missed out on ;

● Blinded By The Light cost $15m to make – money raised between Bend It Films (huge success

with Bend It Like Beckham), Levantine Films (huge success with Hidden Figures) and

Ingenious Media investment company.

● Blinded By The Light generated great excitement at the Sundance Film Festival which

resulted in an all-night auction that saw New Line Cinema pay $15m to distribute the film.

3) For Question 2 on the promotion of Blinded By The Light, use the mark scheme to identify at least one strategy used to promote the film that you didn't mention in your answer and why it was used. The key lesson from this question was to make specific reference to the CSP in your answer and ensure each explanation was different.

● Interviews with writer, director and stars across TV, radio, newspapers and magazines (e.g.

BBC1 The One Show). This would have been useful as this is a more mainstream way to promote their product and they can give more insight into behind-the-scenes that the fans may want to see.

4) Now look at Question 3 - focusing on Hesmondhalgh's point that making media products is a 'risky business'. Write three bullet points from the mark scheme that you could have added to your answer. Try and include a specific reference to the CSP where you can and ensure you understand the key contexts to Hesmondhalgh's quote. Additional reference to Hesmondhalgh's ideas would help here too - you may want to look back at our work on Hesmondhalgh and the Cultural Industries.

● Unfortunately, despite good reviews and positive word-of-mouth from audiences and online

(rated 89% on Rotten Tomatoes) it only pulled in $18m at the box office, barely covering the

production budget and nowhere near covering marketing costs.

● Some industry figures suggested the film was released too closely to Yesterday – another

British comedy featuring popular music that was far more successful at the box office.

● New technology is opening new ways to distribute films and Blinded By The Light now has an

extended slot on Amazon Prime which will bring in some of the money it has lost. However,

it remains the perfect example of why the cultural industries are a “risky business” as

Hesmondhalgh says.

TV: Introduction to TV Drama

Use our Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets) or on Google Drive here (you'll need your Greenford Google login) to find Media Factsheet #164 on Television Serial Drama. 

Read the whole of Factsheet and answer the following questions to show your comprehensive knowledge of the television drama genre:

1) What is serial television drama? Write your definition.

Serial television drama is when the plot carries on through each episode and is developed.

2) List five of the TV dramas discussed in the history of the genre on page 1 of the factsheet. How has the genre evolved?

Doctor Who 

The Avengers 

Starsky & Hutch 

Hill Street Blues 

Dallas

3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your example of an existing TV drama to fit each category.

Crime drama - Brooklyn Nine-Nine 

Medical - Scrubs

Periodic - Downtown Abbey

Science-fiction/fantasy - Fallout

Family - Modern Family

Teen - Pretty Little Liars 

4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?

The setting is so important for TV drama as it helps to create a backdrop for the story and creates immersion which helps the audience believe that this could be real.

5) How do TV dramas typically use characters? What audience pleasures can be linked to characters in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)

TV Dramas usually make the characters as relatable as they can so that people can see themselves in the character and will have a stronger connection to the show and the characters. This links to the Uses & Gratifications theory specifically to personal identity.

6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.

A multi-strand narrative is when there is more than one storyline in the episode . One example of a multi-strand narrative is pulp fiction and another example is Eastenders. 

7) What is a cold opening?

A cold opening is when in the beginning of the episode you are brought straight into the action without any introduction or context.

8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?

The narrative could start with equilibrium then a problem may occur which would be its disequilibrium. Usually the problem will be solved by the end of the episode or in the next few episodes which will lead to a new equilibrium.

9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?

TV dramas are usually set up in a seasons and episodes format. Typically a season will have in the ballpark of 20 or few more episodes. They are usually distributed through streaming services like netflix or amazon prime video nowadays as people love to binge watch shows so that they can get as much of the story at one time as they can.

10) How have subscription channels (such as HBO) and streaming services (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) changed the form and content of TV dramas?

They have given local shows and smaller studios a greater audience base as netflix and amazon prime are available in almost any country. For example, the squid game was popular in asian countries however it hit mainstream as it was put onto netflix and people from around the word could watch it. Subscription channels have also changed how regulated TV & Films were as they aren't as regulated as before they allow for more adult content. 

11) Choose a TV drama and do your analysis of it using the SETTING / CHARACTERS / NARRATIVE / FORM headings as featured on page 3 of the factsheet.

Suits | The Pilot Scene

SETTING

It is set in a office - usually where business and law firms have their team placed 

CHARACTERS 

Harvey Spectre, Jessica Pearson, Mike Ross  

NARRATIVE

Episodic narrative along side a on going narrative arch 

FORM

Seasons and episodes 

Distributor

NBCUniversal Global TV 

Running Time

73 minutes - Pilot Episode

12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future?

Content consumption patterns are changing and this shows that the current generation of audiences have a variety of  different preferences and interests in entertainment. This has allowed serial dramas to become more focused on one topic, catering to specific niche audiences. This led to a variety of shows and new concepts or genres.

Film Industry: Final index

1) British Film Industry factsheets #132 & #100

2) Blinded By The Light case study research


3) Regulation - BBFC research and tasks

BBFC: Film Regulation

Factsheet #132: British Film

Use our brilliant Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets) to find Media Factsheet #132 on British Film. You can find it online here - you'll need to log in using your Greenford Google login. Read the whole of Factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.

the people making the film are British or that it is funded by the British. Also the film’s subject is about Britain or British culture.



2) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and the production context of a British film?

Hollywood studios have tall budgets, an overwhelming dependence on celebrities both within the cast and team and display-driven stories. Whereas what might be considered to be repeating characteristics of the British film generation setting are that movies made inside the British generation setting will in a few ways reflect British culture, movies such as The King's Discourse (Energy Pictures, 2010) and Child of Rambow (Optimum Releasing, 2007) have shifting degrees of inclusion from Hollywood or other exterior organizations be that as it may they are both inherently British in their subject matter.

3) When did the James Bond franchise start?

The 1960s is when the James Bond franchise started.



4) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?

5) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.

The 1970s saw an ascent in English Movies of sexual substance, both the demonstration of endlessly sex connected to brutality. The 1980s saw the ascent of recordings and the 'video awful's alarm where filmmaking was turning out to be more open and more outrageous substance was being made and tracking down its direction to England. Thus a consistent development of film restriction and order in this nation has occurred since the 1980s that sees all movies delivered in the UK to have one of 7 (conceivably 8 albeit the R18 declaration is seldom utilised) groupings granted to it. The BBFC over the most recent couple of many years has attempted to connect more with English crowds, making its rules available to all as well as drawing in with the public while checking on these rules.



6) What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?

This is the first step towards targeting and appealing to a British audience as with any film made by a country for its own populace. The main characteristics that can be identified as appealing to a native British audience would include; the actors, British actors tend to be clearly identifiable as British and will often be associated with a particular genre of British film, for example, Hugh Grant has an association with British romantic comedies.

Factsheet #100: British film industry




To complete our introduction to the British film industry, we need a little more background to the industry's context.




Find Media Factsheet #100 on the British film industry. You can find it on the same link as above. Read the whole of the Factsheet and answer the following questions:




1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?




2) Complete the task on the Factsheet - choose three of the films listed and research them to work out what they score on the cultural test: The Sweeney (2012), Attack The Block, The King's Speech, We Need To Talk About Kevin and Skyfall.

We need to talk about Kevin - 10
The kings speech - 27
Attack the block - 27



3) What is the main problem for the British film industry?

Historically, the British film industry has been production-led rather than distribution-led. This means that many UK films are made but, to get the film exhibited, the filmmakers have to sacrifice the distribution rights by selling the film to a distribution company.



4) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

outstanding creative skills of practitioners
and outstanding facilities
several important film studios are British, such as Ealing Studios and Pinewood Studios.



5) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

British filmmakers could choose to rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry afloat.
The UK film industry’s second option is to attempt to make low-budget films targeted at a niche,



6) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?

In my opinion, depending upon co-productions with American studios is the more secure choice because it ensures financing and conveyance, in any case, a massive downside to doing this typically that most of what makes a film 'British' can be misplaced as the American company included wouldn't favour of the choices and would take off the film feeling more like an American film than a British one. Making moo budget movies for a niche audience is the way better alternative in case they need to hold the feel of a British film as in spite of the fact that it is risky it decreases the impact from other nations.

BBFC Regulation

 Regulation BBFC

1) Research the BBFC in more detail: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government? This history of the BBFC page may help.

The BBFC has been responsible for classifying films since 1912, video tapes and discs since 1985, and more recently, online content. They help people in the UK choose age-appropriate films, videos, and websites. They regularly ask people all over the country for their opinions on what's suitable for families and children of all ages.

Local councils still have the final say on films, even though the BBFC makes the initial decisions. They can approve films that the BBFC rejected, ban films that the BBFC approved, and even change the age ratings for films shown in their area. However, most local authorities have trusted the BBFC's decisions since the 1920s. The BBFC is funded by fees from film distributors, like advertising and certification.

2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.

The BBFC's classification decisions are made by the Chief Executive, the President, and the two Vice-Presidents who ultimately take responsibility. They typically watch DVDs individually, which is known as 'solo viewing'. Movies intended for theaters are classified by pairs of people. Teams are assigned to view controversial or extreme content in order to gather a variety of opinions. 

3) Read this BBFC section on landmark decisions. Why did The Dark Knight generate a large amount of media coverage regarding its certificate? Do you agree with the 12A certificate The Dark Knight was awarded?

The 12A rating caused a lot of attention in the media and received numerous complaints from the public. Many people believed that the violence depicted in the film was too intense for the 12A category. There were concerns about certain scenes and the implication of violence, which had a strong impact on some viewers, resulting in 450 complaints. Personally, I think the film should have been rated 12 instead of 12A because it deals with intense themes and implications that may not be suitable for anyone younger than 12. However, I do agree that it shouldn't have been rated higher, as the guidelines followed were based on public opinions. Additionally, it's worth noting that out of the 450 complaints, only around 45 individuals had actually watched the film with children. This suggests that the surge in complaints was largely due to the controversy surrounding the ratings.

4) What are the guidelines for a 12A certificate - Blinded By The Light's cinema certificate (it was rated 12 for its home video release)?

12 racist language and behaviour, moderate bad language

The film contains occasional moderate bad language like 'wanker' and some milder terms such as 'bloody hell', 'shit', 'crap', 'frickin', 'sod', and 'Jesus'.

In one scene, two men are assaulted by National Front members, leading to a brief depiction of bloody injuries. Racist remarks are directed towards "Pakis", with one character being spat on and forced to change seats in a restaurant by racist individuals. The film does not support racism.

5) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Look at the rating for Blinded By The Light and explain why it was given a 12A certificate for cinema release.

Furthermore, there is a scene where two men are assaulted by members of the National Front, leading to a short moment of bloody injury. The attackers also make racist remarks, referring to someone as "Pakis". One character is even spat on and forced to leave his seat in a restaurant due to the request of these racists. However, it's important to note that the film does not support or endorse racism in any way.

- Films classified as 12A and video works classified as 12 are not suitable for children under 12.

- Children under 12 can only watch a 12A film in a cinema if they are accompanied by an adult.

- Adults should consider if a 12A film is appropriate for a child under 12 before taking them to see it.

- To help make a decision, it is recommended to check the content advice for the film in advance.

- The films and video works should not promote dangerous behavior, discrimination, drug misuse, excessive bad language, explicit nudity, explicit sexual activity, sexual violence, or excessive violence.