Respsonse to feedback on pitch

What went well:

• The group responded well to the treatment, as they liked the level of detail I went into, and my presentation of it to them.
• The group responded positively to the large amount of forward planning I had undertaken, most namely the fact that I had a whole episode planned so there was a basis for any possible footage.
• The group liked the fact that I had taken into considered the relevance of my programme to the target audience and why I thought it would be popular.
• The group liked that I had considered multiple elements within my mood board, and that I had explained it to them.

How I could improve:

• My script was somewhat underplayed in my presentation  as such, in future I should take more time to explain my script in greater detail.
• Some important details of my overall pitch were missed as I included almost too much information within it. As such, in the future I shall attempt to condense the information in a presentation down to the essential information.
• I felt that my presentational skills were somewhat lacking as I explained elements of the pitch somewhat poorly to my group, as I had to go over certain elements twice. In future I shall practice my presentation before I actually present it.

Pitch/treatment

Summary of group research

Summary of research from Stalkyprawn

Overall summary of research

Overall summary of research

In my secondary audience research I read multiple online reviews of two chosen example TV products. These products were Shameless and Dead set. I chose to read of these particular shows, as they both share the same genre that we intend to use for our own product (drama), and I also took into account that both of these shows were (and in the case of the shameless still continues to be) very well received by audiences. This factor of popularity ultimately validated my research more so, as the information I took was positive feedback, so would benefit my show when taking these things into account. My research found many things. Firstly, in the case of shameless, the depiction (and emphasis for comedic effect) of the working class was heavily praised by fans and critics alike. From this, it would be wise for me to attempt to include some kind of portrayal of the class system in Britain. Another element of shameless that was praised was its mix of humour and drama (in particular the dark humour within it). This again will influence the content of my show, as it can be seen to be popular with audiences. Dead sets praise came largely from two elements. Firstly its use of gore. Whilst I am producing a pre watershed programme, so would not be able to use this element, this praise has influenced me somewhat to try to create a distinctive feature within my programme. Secondly, further praise came from the portrayal and characterization of the leading character and villain. This has influenced to put a great deal of thought into creating parts for the ‘hero and villain’ in my own show (so I intend to put Propps narrative theory into practice at least partly), , in order to make sure that the themes of 'good' and 'evil' are connoted to the audience as much as possible.

My primary audience research was an analysis of the E4 show “Beaver falls.” Within my analysis, I took note of semiotic features, micro aspects and the effect they had, and the meaning the connoted to the audience. Overall I found that the most effective elements that ‘Beaver falls’ uses to appeal to its audience is the dialogue between characters and the situation of the characters. There is a heavy on the dialogue of the characters, as this is the predominant element which drives the narrative. Emphasis is put on this with the use of high key lighting and shot reverse shot editing. Both of these techniques allow more focus to be put on the conversation at hand, and indeed make the content itself seem more immersive. This is a technique I may consider using in my own programme as it offers a larger element of escapism within the show. The situation of the characters presents them as ‘underdogs’ in a situation where they are somewhat alienated from the other characters around them. I would consider using this technique my own show, as I have seen it been used for effective appeal to the audience in this and other shows, as it gives the audience the impression that they are almost ‘supporting’ the characters’ struggle by watching the show, which overall makes it more entertaining for the audience.

 My secondary production research was to find out details of existing production companies, and select information that may be beneficial to take into account when producing my own content. The production that I selected to research into where; Cowboy films (top boy), Bwark productions (the inbetweeners) and company pictures (Beaver Falls, Shameless). From these production companies  I leant multiple things to take into account when producing my own show. Most namely, I found that having an extensive knowledge of the selected broadcaster, and indeed other broadcasters and television institutions appears to assist in the production of successful products. I have derived this information as both Bwark productions and company pictures have knowledge of broadcasters and other media institutions, due to some of their staff have worked for broadcasters in the past. Both of these producers have subsequently produced successful shows, when taking this into account, my research is somewhat validated. I also learnt from cowboy films’ page that some of their staff also have extensive knowledge in the area of film. When taking this into account, I will use my existing knowledge of film also when producing my own TV product.

For my primary production research I contacted production companies via telephone call. I contacted Clerkenwell films, producers of Misfits, and Company Pictures, producers of Beaver Falls. Company pictures were unable to answer my questions due to time constraints. However through Clerkenwell Films, I was able to speak to Petra Fried, the executive producer for Misfits.  I asked her questions concerning target audience, characterisation, Mise En Scene and crew training. All of the information that I gathered from this source is incredibly useful to me. This information was useful as, firstly, it was information given from a perspective that I had not considered before. For example, I was told, that Clerkenwell do not create Misfits with solely a certain target audience in mind, rather they aim to simply produce a product of high quality. I also learnt that elements that Clerkenwell aim for (which ultimately contribute to its success) are realistic characters and setting, characters who are distinctive from one another, and a more working class backdrop for their show. I further learnt that use of a 'pre synced' location for my product could prove very successful  Additionally this information was given to me by and industry professional, who is heavily involved with the production of a very popular show on E4. This fact validates my research somewhat, as I know due to the success of the content that Petra has been involved in making, that the information she gave me would be accurate and valid.

Phone call to production company primary production research

Phone Call to Clerkenwell Films (Petra Fried, executive producer, Misfits)

OK firstly, when making your programmes, what specific measures to ensure that it appeals to the target audience?

•  We just try to make something that is good instead of something that just appeals to a certain audience. 
• When we first made the show we didn't consider a certain audience, we just aimed for people aged 16-34. E4 asked us to produce another drama for them that would go alongside Skins, but something that was different from Skins, something that dealt with issues that where different from relationships. 
• E4 asked for something more Working class. Whilst they wanted something different from Skins, they still wanted something that was funny, dramatic and real.

Secondly, what do you take into consideration when choosing your characters costumes, personalities etc?

•  Try to make the characters feel real. 
• Even though we give the characters superpowers, we give them a power that reflects their personality in some way.
•  Try to reflect the characters personality in their costume aswell, we try to make each characters outfit distinctive.

 What factors do you take into account when choosing the set for your programme?

• We aim for a location to be pre-synced. Because Misfits is a low budget, we have to make it affordable. That's why we use the community centre, because it's a pre-synced location so as such its a lot cheaper. 
• We shoot most of the programme on that one location, in the community centre. Sometimes we use other sets like flats. 
• We use a set for two effects, heightened and realistic. Ee obviously use realistic to make the show seem more real, and those kind of sets are the communtiy centre or someones flat. The heightened sets we use, are things like superhoodies lair, which are more over the top, usually used for dramatic effect.

How long do you spend  training your crew ?

• We sometimes offer work placements and some training, but we don't train our crew very often, rather we look for previous work that is impressive.
• We have used inexperienced directors on Misfits, but when using someone who has little experience  we often surround them with people who have a lot of experience

Research plan

Production secondary research

http://www.cowboyfilms.co.uk/scroller.php
Cowboy films produced Top Boy. The information on Cowboy films' founding and key staff members indicates that many members of the Cowboy Films team have wither knowledge of film or past experience within working in film. This has proved useful in Cowboy Films' case as Top Boy received positive reviews. This proves useful, as when making our own show, we can both use our existing knowledge of film to assist us in appealing to our target audience, and perhaps research on films techniques to assist us further.

http://www.zodiakmedia.com/our-companies/uk-belgium-netherlands/companies/bwark.php

Bwark production were the producers of the inbetweeners. the information on this page reveals that the founders of this production company (Iain Morris and Damon Beesley) where both previously commissioning editors for Channel 4, prior to founding the company. this is useful information as it reveals that extensive knowledge of the broadcaster of the selected programme, may well help in producing a show, this can be verified by the fact that the inbetweeners was hugely successful.



http://www.companypictures.co.uk/content.aspx?code=theteam
Company pictures are the producers of Beaver Falls, Skins and Shameless. Company was established by George Faber and Charles Pattinson, both of whom previously worked at the BBC. This is useful information to take into consideration when making our own show, as it shows that instead of just researching information into the broadcaster we are allotted (E4), it may be worth doing some research into other broadcasters, and the TV industry as whole, in order to look at production in a different perspective, and how our programme may compete against broadcasters with a similar target audience.

Audience secondary research-Drama show reviews

Chosen example show: shameless

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377260/
These reviews, whilst short proves useful as it demonstrates what it is viewers like about Drama shows. whilst it does not state whether the person in question is part of the target audience that we seek to appeal to, this review lists some of the things that viewers enjoy from drama shows, which include; immersion in the story, developed characters and well written dialogue.furthermore, the element of comedy within this drama show proves very well received from audiences. this shows that a light hearted approach to some aspects of our drama show may prove very successful.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8731730/Shameless-Channel-4-review.html
This review continues to praise the comedic side of shameless, whilst also praising the aspects of the show which step away from moral boundaries  and the dark humour aspect of the show. this proves useful to keep in mind when trying to apply a humorous side to a show, as it shows that a different approach to the humour often proves succcesful.

http://aerialtelly.co.uk/shameless.php
This review shows that the representation of the social diversity within the UK is a popular motif of the show. in this instance the portray of working class people in particular proves very popular. this is emphasized by the fact that most of the characters featured are of the same social group. this shows that the representation of a specific social class in Britain in an emphasized manner proves popular.

http://www.tv.com/shows/shameless-uk/reviews/
Here it is demonstrated that the portrayl of working class people within the show is well received due to it giving the programme a more realistic element, which as a drama, proves succesful with audiences. furthermore, the variety of different character types and personalities proves popular as it increases the amount of people who can relate to at least one character within the show, which ultimately makes the show more immersive and again adds to the realism of the show. from this it can be seen that realism within drama (whilst still providing a narrative that allows a sufficient amount of escapism) is successful in the sense that it is opften praised by audiences, as its relationship with real life appears to make the show more immersive.

Chosen example show: Dead set

http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1285482/reviews
Some of the reviews on this page are firstly made relevant and useful by the fact they are audience reviews. secondly. It is seen by observing some for the reviews on this page, that the dark humor and pop culture references and satires proved very popular with audience. This information may be useful to us when we are making our own TV show, as we may choose to incorporate this into our own show, due to its proven popularity with audiences. Additionally, it may be worth considering the praise that this (horror) show has received for its use of gore and special effects. This is another aspect worth considering when making our own TV show (but only if we choose to make a horror show).

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/tvandradioblog/2008/oct/28/dead-set
From this source it can be noted that a very strong performance from the leading character proves very popular amongst audiences. This can assist us in our production as it may prompt us to spend a longer amount of time both writing a significant part for a leading character so the performance can be appreciated, and spend longer choosing someone to play the leading character.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/tvandradioblog/2008/oct/28/dead-set
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B001CMV1GM/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
These two examples both point out and both praise the (somewhat subtle) satirical criticism of reality television within the show. Even though that our show will only be a two minute segment, from these reviews we can allow the prospect of introducing a more subtle connotative element into our show, to convey whatever message we see fit.

http://horror.about.com/od/theatricalhorrorreviews/fr/Dead-Set-Review.htm
This review praises the shows use and emphasis of established conventions of the shows (zombie horror) genre. In seeing the positive reception on this shows behalf, when making our show, it may be wise and beneficial if we identify the key conventions of our chosen genre, and then seek to use them in an entertaining and perhaps emphasized manner.

Production company/broadcaster write up (Beaver falls)

Production company/broadcaster write up

'Company pictures' was founded in 1998, by previous BBC employees George Faber and Charles Pattinson. They have produced multiple  dramas for channel 4 (and its subsidiaries) including;' Shameless', 'The Devils whore', 'Beaver falls 'and 'Skins'.  The predominant amount of these shows (all excluding 'The Devils whore')  contain elements and conventions of drama, whilst also showing some aspect of comedy.

The frequent portrayal of young people within these programmes, strongly appeals to E4’s target audience of young people aged 15-35, due to the fact that many can relate to these characters and their experiences.This shows slight horizontal integration on Company’s part, as their shows  all contain similar elements and issues. Company makes good use of convergence by cooperating with the broadcaster of these programmes (channel 4+E4) services, most namely, their 4OD service, which allows the programmes to be viewed at any time online. Company is a subsidiary of ALL3MEDIA. ALL3MEDIA also produce (thorough other subsidiaries) programmes with a similar target audience to the 

 a fore mentioned programmes (which are also distributed through the same broadcaster), and with similar content and format, such as' Hollyoaks', and' Fresh meat'. This shows horizontal integration on the conglomerates part, in again producing drama shows that also provide some elements of comic relief.   Channel 4 was started in 1982. It is a publicly owned and commercially funded channel, meaning it receives most of its funding from advertising. Channel 4 has many subsidiaries, including E4,4+1,More 4,4Music, and Film 4. Through film 4, Channel 4 claims to be a ‘key supporter of British film making talent'.  The subsidiary in question, (as a broadcaster for Beaver Falls), E4, was started in 2001. It’s target audience is mainly young people aged 15-35. E4 has shown and continues to show a variety of British dramas, including;' Misfits',' Dead set', 'Skins', and' Beaver falls'. E4 also broadcasts some shows first broadcast on Channel 4 such as 'Hollyoaks'. Company pictures relates to E4 as a broadcaster, due to the common target audience.

Sources:

http://www.companypictures.co.uk/index.aspx

http://www.all3media.com/programList.php?id=2&cat_name=DRAMA%20AND%20SOAPS

http://www.channel4.com/info/corporate/about

http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/faq/name/when-did-e4-start-broadcasting/id/400286710

http://www.e4.com/tv-shows/

Beaver Falls website analysis

Beaver Falls website analysis

The signified item in question is the homepage of the 'Beaver falls' website. Multiple signifiers are used to portray meaning and increase appeal of the show to the target audience. The central image (in a denotative sense), is a close up shot of the character of ‘Flynn’ (one of the three main characters from the show) with an out of focus background in an extremely high key lighted environment.  The use of the lighting and background in this image, causes a great amount of attention to be drawn to the character in question. Within the show, this particular character is considered to be the attractive one amongst the main characters, by female characters within the show. The choice of this character within the central image, appeals to the audience in two ways: firstly it appeals to the female target audience because when choosing the character whom is considered to have the most sex appeal to them, the show is connoted overall to have a more desirable theme to it. In relation to the male section of the target audience, by choosing this character whom is portrayed as ‘cool’,  the male side of the audience may well forge a link between this character and themselves,thus achieving a higher social status, by in turn watching the show. This choice in character ultimately creates appeal for the show, as it plays into the well known phrase ‘women want him' and 'men want to be him.’ This helps to market the show successfully to the audience, as it causes elements of the show to become desirable. The background image of a pale white cabin from the camp in which the show is set,  also helps to create an appeal to the audience. The fact that the cabin is white and plain, signifies that the setting itself is somewhat irrelevant in the narrative and the elements of escapism within the show. This in turn suggests that the characters are what will ultimately make the show popular (which ties in with the central image).This creates somewhat of an enigma, as it leaves many to question what may happen in the show, and subsequently may lead to more viewers and a wider target audience. Finally,  the choice of thumbnails for video links on the page (one of the characters getting married), provides anchorage within the drama genre for the show, as the event in question which is being pictured, is something that is typically thought of as something that (while still a happy and light-hearted occasion, which supports the comedic element of the show)  effects a large amount of a person’s life, and is stereo typically used in drama to amplify certain aspects, or to play across dramatic plot turning points.

The recurring use of the cabin as a background image to base the content of the page on, (especially due to the fact that upon the page is links to videos which contain footage of the events from the show), continues to connote that there are other elements of the show that will be more significant and appealing to the audience.  The use of the ability to comment and leave opinions on the videos that are available on this section of the site, causes the users of the site (who are largely the target audience and viewers of the show), to feel as if they have a more established and personal relationship with the show itself, which contributes to a more immersive experience for the audience. The use of the colour purple, (throughout both pages and indeed the entirety of the website), creates a non-gender specific appeal on the website. This ties in with the choice of central image on the home page, as it widens the parameters of the target audience. The choice of central image on this page, depicting a scoreboard for some kind of game, creates appeal and enigma for the audience. The connotation of this sign of competitiveness, provides anchorage and signification of the drama aspect of the show, with the competitive element, due to its ambiguity in not displaying what the ‘game’ is, thus leaving the enigma to be created, whether a more significant aspect is being competed over. In contrast to this, the light hearted element of the show is also signified, due to the associations with light hearted and fun games like football etc. that signs like this have to them. 

Beaver Falls analysis

Beaver Falls analysis (S01E01 6:55-11:55)

Beaver Falls uses different aspects in order to appeal to its target audience. The target audience is young people aged 15-30. This can be seen from the use of a representation of paradigms within the show. Different aspects of Mise en scene contribute to the appeal of the show. Firstly, the setting of an American ‘summer camp’ located in a beautiful rural American setting, benefits the show as it brings a large amount of appeal with it, as due to its beauty and signified tranquility.It is presented as a desirable location for the audience to want to visit.  This appeal is furthered by the means by which the characters got to this location (by working as camp workers), which is a realistic and common method of young British people visiting America. This creates a sense of realism and perhaps some are able to relate to it, which benefits the programme as a drama, as it creates a greater sense of escapism. Another aspect of Mise En scene which creates more appeal to the target audience, is their choice of clothes. The character of ‘Flynn’ is shown wearing ’trendy’ or 'fashionable' clothing. This makes the programme seem more desirable, as it appeals to the target audience in a materialistic sense. The character of ‘Barry’ is wearing a t shirt with a comedic slogan on it. This connotes to the audience that the show will have comedy aspects, which makes the show more desirable, as whilst it is a drama, the element of comedy within it causes the show to distance itself from reality somewhat, which adds to the sense of escapism within the programme. Finally the character ‘Adil’,  who is shown to be wearing an England football shirt, helps to create and emphasize a sense of sympathy and support for the characters, as they are portrayed as being outsiders and somewhat alienated due to the fact that they are  the only British characters amongst an ensemble of Americans. This generates support for the characters,  as they come across as being somewhat  the ‘underdogs’ in the situation.

The use of no 'non diegetic' music in the sequence,  helps to create a greater focus of the events in which the characters are taking part in. The use of quiet 'diegetic '(and upbeat ‘party') music in the background in the instances of the characters of ‘Flynn’ and ‘Barry’, signify that these two characters are in an exciting environment, in which the audience can assume they will provide a comic relief and light hearted element to the programme. In contrast, the use of no 'diegetic' music in the segment featuring solely the character of Adil, tied in with the dramatic nature and content of the segment,  (in which  Adil is shown to be concerned over his apparent collapsed love life),  both amplifies the dramatic element of the segment, in creating focus on the drama, and not lifting the mood through music, and creates anchorage in the dramatic aspect of the programme. The lighting is used in conjunction with the sound, as in both Flynn and Barry’s segment, the lighting is kept very high key to signify their overall pleasant experience, whereas in Adils segment the lighting shifts to a slightly lower key to again play across a more serious and dramatic narrative for the character. These multiple dimensions within the programme,  cause the experiences of the characters to appear more diverse and interesting, which ultimately makes the show more appealing to the audience.

The shots in the sequence are predominately either medium close ups/ medium shots and OTS shots. Both of these types of shots are used for the same purpose. They are used when the characters are interacting with other characters in order to show their body language,  facial expressions and reactions in interacting with the other characters of the show. This connotes the significance of interactions of a flirtatious manner within the show,  which further anchors the programme in the drama bracket. Long shots are also used in order to show a change in mood within a scene within the segment. The majority of editing within the segment is' shot reverse shot' editing.  This type of editing supports and emphasises the importance of conversations and creates a greater amount of ‘flow’ in conversations, and immerses the audience to a greater extent.

In conclusion,  the multiple aspects of this show helps it to successfully immerse the audience in a dramatic fashion, but still add comedic and light hearted elements, in order to create a greater sense of escapism within the show.  The syntagm of the show in which we see events play out in the logical sequence, fits in with the conventions of a typical drama.

Sources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM7eG1X_oYI

http://www.comedy.co.uk/images/library/comedies/180x200_eps/b/beaver_falls_episode_0101.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-cxfWr2JkWs662wYrmLQg2M6Sf4OKXgDp9j9zhKkehUwMsmh_2NPqoMUGZ3MyJYGQUQcVBxlH8Ac5gwNgbOjPbTQFygvqTT8AsfBhAxN2xgpQEFxhAnw0COpXK9dHUMTsJYcSc2bcAc/s400/Beaver+Falls.jpg

Narrative theories with Beaver Falls (episode 1)

Narrative theories within Beaver Falls (episode 1)

Todorov

Equilibrium: The main characters appear to embarking on a seemingly carefree holiday, where  they will visit America, and, whilst have to supervise children, they are under the impression that they will want little to do with them.

Disruption:The Trio arrive at the camp and soon realize that they will have to look after a group of socially inept and dependent children.

Recognition of disruption: The children show hostility towards the trio, and the characters learn that they have gained access to the country based on a poor lie,  that the character of Flynn told in order to ensure their placement in the camp.

Attempt to repair: The characters save the children from being harassed by a group of ‘jocks’ by standing up for them and presenting themselves as strong leaders.

New/return to equilibrium: The main characters and the children establish an understanding, reconcile their differences, and agree to help one another.

Propp

Hero: Adil

Villain: Jake

Donor: Flynn (gives the characters opportunity to be in this situation)

Helper: Barry

Princess:

(Barry): Kimberly

(Adil): Rachel

(Flynn): the promise of being at the camp

False hero: Flynn (reveal lied to fellows)

Barthes

Action: In presenting the main characters interactions of a flirtatious and friendly manner with other female characters in the show, the probability that more serious relationships will be pursued and possibly obtained by the characters, is very strong, and becomes expectant from the audience.

Enigma: Enigma presented by Flynn’s strange behaviour  receiving phone calls and not answering them, and hesitating when sending a text to his mother. The enigma is not solved at the end of the episode, but remains as a recurring element throughout the series. An enigma is also presented early on with Adil, as it is hinted that he has had some kind of failed relationship, but this is kept mysterious. This is confirmed later on in the episode.

Semic: The signs used within the set,( like sunshine, a perfect lake, set in America) and cast members (mostly young attractive people), are used to convey the (perfectionist) image of the ‘American dream,’ something considered to be very desirable. This causes the product to be more appealing and enticing, as it gives the viewers the sense that they are experiencing the ‘American dream.’

Symbolic: Conflict is expressed through Barry’s attempt to seduce Kimberly,  whilst his plans are thwarted due to her already being in a relationship. Furthermore, conflict is shown against the juxtapositions of the group of children presented to be the side of ‘good’, (all of whom are physically unfit and socially inept), against those who are presented as 'bad', (all of whom are shown as very confident and athletic).

Cultural: Cultural stereotypes are reinforced by the juxtaposition of the groups of children within the show. One group who are physically unfit and do not fit into any particular social group, reinforce the stereotype that these traits make them ‘uncool’ or ‘unpopular.’ Whereas their opposition whom are athletic and confident, enforce the stereotype seen in many American set or made TV shows that these traits make them ‘popular’ or ‘cool’

assignment brief word cloud