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.

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

checklist of duties

Audience:
primary-analyses
secondary-read online reviews

Production:
primary- phone up e4 producers
secondary- research into production companies

summary of assessment brief

I work for Silver Lining Productions, a multimedia company that has had recent television success with fly on the wall documentaries, structured reality programming and fiction productions. We have also developed supporting media for their broadcast productions in print, audio and e-media. company is well known for its work in pushing the boundaries of existing formats.

I have been given the opportunity to prepare a pitch for development funding and so will need to present sample production work. The programme will have a target audience similar to E4’s demographic (15-35) and will be suitable for pre-watershed broadcasting. We are free to work in any format you wish. Working in groups of no more than four, we will produce the opening few scenes of a drama TV programme establishing narrative themes, characters and location. we are able to include a title sequence and our finished product should be approximately two minutes long. Our programme will be supported by a three page fan site. We will use the website to try and encourage as much audience interactivity and communication as possible. Our production materials should will be produced to a professional standard.

Legislation of the internet

What legislation covers the internet

multiple different legislations and laws cover the internet. these are for different purposes, to achieve different things, and create a safe environment on the internet overall a safe environment. A law that covers the interenet is the Data protection act 1998. "The Data Protection Act 1998 covers personal data that finds itself on the Internet, and any web site that collects personal information will need to comply with the Act." personal information may include email addresses credit card details, telephone numbers, even addresses  this act protects information from being used in a way that has not been agreed by the person themselves when giving this information to a website. as such under the data protection act 1998 websites are obliged to:

•  state what they do with the data (and stick to it)
•  register with the Information Commissioner, a government official that Related Documents
•  not export the data outside the EC without the subject's permission
•  keep the data secure, reveal it and delete it if requested by the subjects.

copyright laws also cover the internet. the effect the content of the website in the same way that they effect content of other media, such as magazine, tv shows, films and music. copyright and piracy online is still a source of much debate, with new acts like SOPA (stop online piracy act) and PIPA (protect ip act) trying to push more restrictive bounds on sharing content on the internet, in order to reduce the amount of piracy and copyright infringement online.

the UK eCommerce regulations are in effect to regulate and monitor the buying and selling of goods within the UK. websites who trade products within the uk should:

•  display the name of their business
• display their company registration number or proprietor's name 
• show their geographic address (street number etc)
• show thier contact information such as phone number and email address
• show their VAT number
• Refer to trade or professional recognition schemes, with registration number, if applicable
• Provide clear information on price, tax and delivery.
• Show clear Terms and Conditions and acknowledge order

children are protected from content that is considered innapropiate. the company websense provides filtering software within the uk for this.

"in the UK, Websense is accredited with approved Internet Filtering Product certification by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta). As an approved supplier, Websense is certified to provide schools with Web security and Web filtering solutions in line with national strategies and regulations on safe Internet use in education."

sources:
-http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Internet-law-Essential-Guide
-http://www.clickdocs.co.uk/ecommerce-information.htm
-http://www.websense.com/content/childrens-internet-protection-act.aspx