Pride: Masculinity

Pride is a film that challenges the stereotype of what it means to be a man. In society someone who is masculine shows specific character traits such as, being emotionless, strong, aggressive and independent.  However despite many of the characters possessing strength and confidence, they are not necessarily masculine.

One character that changes over the course of the film is Carl. At the beginning, Carl is a typical working man, which is suggested by his clothing.

Film narrative- Annette Kuhn

• "Verisimilitude may be a feature of the representation of either, or preferably both, the spatial location of events in the narrative and temporal order in which they occur."
• "Temporal and spatial coherence are in fact preconditons of the cause-effect logic of events in the classic narrative." 

Quotes about the internet

Power without Responsibility- James Curran and Jean Seaton

• "the internet is transforming our relationship to the physical world"
• "The virtual world is best viewed as an extension of structures and processes of the real world"
• Miller and Slater's account about the virtual world "not as a featureless space determined by it's technology, but as a field of interaction shaped by local contexts"

Modes Of Documentary- Bill Nicholss

Bill Nicholls - Introduction to Documentary
Expository Mode

• "Some expository films adopt a voice-of-god commentary"
• "The mode assembles fragments of the historical world into a more rhetorical frame than aesthetic or poetic one."
• "The expository mode addresses the viewer directly, with titles or voices that propose a perspective or advance an argument"

Poetic Mode

• "The filmmaker's engagement is with film form as much as or more than social actors"
• "opening up the possibility of alternate forms of knowledge"
• "sacrifices the conventions of continuity editing" 
• "The mode stresses mood, tone, and affect much more than displays of factual knowledge or acts of rhetorical persuasion"
• "We learn in this case by affect or feeling, by gaining a sense of what it feels like to see and experience the world in a particular,  poetic way"

Participatory Mode

• "The participatory mode has come to embrace the spectator as participant as well."
• "Participatory mode can stress the actual, lived encounter between filmmaker and subject"  
• "Participatory documentary can stress the actual, lived encounter between the filmmaker and subject"

Reflexive mode

• "From a formal perspective, reflexivity draws our attention to our assumptions and expectations about documentary form itself."
• "From a political perspective, reflexivity points towards our own assumptions and expectations about the historical world more than about film form."
• "Both perspectives rely on techniques that jar us"
• "Reflexive documentaries ask us to see documentary for what it is: a construction or representation"
• "The reflexive mode is the most self-conscious and self-questioning mode of representation"
• "Reflexive documentary sets out to readjust the assumptions and expectations of its audience, more than to add new knowledge to existing categories" 

Observational mode

• "Many filmmakers now chose to abandon all of the forms of control"
• "observe lived experience spontaneously"
• "resulted in films with no voice-over commentary, no supplementary music or sound effects, no inter-titles, no historical reenactments, no behavior repeated for the camera, and not even any interviews."

Performative mode

• "raises questions on what knowledge actually amounts to"
• "The nature of reality changes" 
• "Performative documentaries bring the emotional intensities of embodied experience and knowledge to the fore rather than attempt to do something tangible"
• "If they set out to do something, it is to help us sense what a certain situation or experience feels like"
• "They want us to feel on a visceral level more than understand on a conceptual level"
• "Performative documentaries intensify the rhetorical desire to be compelling and tie it less to a persuasive goal than a affective one- to have us feel or experience the world in a particular way as vividly as possible"
• "Performative documentaries primarily address us emotionally and expressively rather than factually"
• "It does not however counter error with fact, misinformation with information. Instead, performative documentaries adopt a distinct mode of representation in which gaining knowledge and understanding require an entirely different form of engagement."
• "freely mixes expressive techniques that gives texture and density to fiction"
• "approaches the poetic domain of experimental or avant-garde cinema but gives, finally, less emphasis to the self-contained formal rhythms and tones of the film or video"

Quotes

Bill Nicholls Introduction to Documentary

• "If documentaries represent issues and aspects, qualities and problems found in the historical world, they can be said to speak about this world through both sound and images."
• "documentaries become one voice among many that give shape to our world"
• "For every documentary there are at least three stories that intertwine: the filmmaker's, the film's and the audience's."
•  "Documentaries are about real people who do not play or perform their roles."
• "the filmmaker shapes this story into a proposal or perspective on the historical world directly, adhering to known facts, rather than creating a fictional allegory."
• "many documentaries violate any specific definition"
• "documentaries are not documents"

BFI Screenonline

• "Sacrifice factual accuracy to dramatic storytelling"
• "Documentary and drama cannot be viewed as mutually exclusive, since the assumption that documentary is objective and innately factual is misguided

Digital distribution, participatory culture and the transmedia documentary by Chuck Tyron

• "films seek to address audiences largely with the goal of producing social or political change"
• "modes of representation that Bill Nichols (1991: p. 3) has associated with 'the discourses of sobriety,' which operate under the assumption that non-fiction films 'can and should alter the world itself, they can effect action and entail consequences.'"

MediaKnowAll

• "Documentary texts are supposedly those which aim to document reality, attempting veracity in their depiction of people, places and events. However, the process of mediation means that this is something of a oxymoron, it being impossible to re-present reality without constructing a narrative that may be fictional in places."

On documentary filmmaking by Helga Reidemeister

• "Just the presence of filmmakers and their tools immediately changes reality. Unavoidably filmmakers cannot record reality "like it is.""
• "the filmmaker waits patiently until something happens "on its own" in front of the camera. The filmmaker records this process without interference or provocation. Presumably (s)he discovers reality without distortion."

New Frontiers in American Documentary Film

• John Grierson labeled the non-fiction film Nanook of the North as a "documentary" because it was an example of the "creative treatment of actuality."
• Robert Flaherty believed it was acceptable to add fiction to documentaries, as long as the effect on the audience was real. It was content that mattered most and not the method. - disagree with the add fiction 
• A documentary teaches at the same time it appeals to the heart 
• It is important to remember that although one of the purposes of the documentary is to present reality, it is constructed and can only be a representation of reality. By using specific techniques to form the production, documentarians can make their footage seem like the absolute truth and control to a large extent how the film is received by the viewer.

MacCann, Richard Dyer. The People's Films: A Political History of United States Government Motion Pictures. New York: Hastings House, 1973. (11).

• The important thing is not the authenticity of the materials, but the authenticity of the result

Genre is dead - long live genre A critique by Rob McInnes

• "My argument is that it's simply nonsense to claim that genres possess clear, stable and identifiable boundaries."
• "Ultimately, perhaps we need to remember that the concept of genre is a little like stereotyping. Once you start investigating real people in all their complexity, stereotypes tend to fall apart; similarly, once you start analysing a complex media text, generic labels become fairly meaningless"

Confronting Reality: An Introduction to Television Documentary by R. W. Kilkorn

• "Empathy, our own identification with the figures on the screen, is a powerful means not only of engaging our attention, but also of getting us to conspire with the film makers into surrendering our disbelief" - In catfish we choose to not even consider the fact that it might be fake as we have grew such a connection with the social actors that we wouldn't question that any of their story is a lie.

Oxford Dictionaries

• "Verisimilitude-The appearance of being true or real"- Appearance being the key word as appearance just means that not have to actually have to be that thing it just has to be a representation, just has to appear to be like it. Therefore documentaries may not actually be reality but will make sense.

Magazine Shows

Magazine Shows

Typical Examples
Magazine shows are usually broadcasted across the major channels e.g. ITV, BBC and Channel 4. 
Examples of magazine shows are:

• This Morning
• Top Gear
• The One Show
• Blue Peter
• Sunday Brunch

Format

Magazine shows usually are continually broadcasted.  Most of them will be broadcasted every weekday, either during the morning or early evening e.g. This Morning and The One Show. Others may be scheduled to be broadcasted every week on a specific day at a certain time e.g. Top Gear and Blue Peter. Magazine shows will usually have presenters in a studio that will cover a range of topics like entertainment, current affairs, real life issues and more. Some of this will be broadcasted from the studio interspersed with links to reporters in specific locations during news features. It will usually have two presenters maybe one male and one female.

Appeals

I think the appeals of Magazine shows is that it provides a lot of information about a range of subjects. There are so many subjects within the show that most people could relate to at least one part. If they watch the whole show they will gather enough information about a range of subjects that this will allow them to discuss what they've learnt and communicate with their friends. This means magazine shows can be used for the use of information due to the news featured included in them. Also it helps with social interaction as since the audience gains new information on a range of subjects they will be able to use this new knowledge and form connections with friends and family. It may even help with personal identity as the audience may be able relate to the people being interviewed and the situations that they have been in. The shows usually have a similar layout every show, touching a range of subjects but at certain times e.g. a feature on showbiz. With this conventional layout the audience will know when to tune in and what to expect so the audience is more likely to come back and return to what they know. The audience will know the presenters as they will be famous, they will see them at least once a week so will trust the show and become familiar with it, due to this the audience will take the preferred reading.

Audience 

I believe that the target audience is the mainstreamer as most magazine shows e.g. Top Gear become known among family and friends and so do the people on it therefore this will appeal to them as their core need is security. It will also deal with the issues of everyday lives and is very family oriented, and usually shown at a time when younger children or mothers are around. Again, appealing to the mainstreamer as it's very domestic.I think it may also appeal to students or elderly people as they may have more time on their hands of a morning or early evening so will tune in to these shows. Another audience type that may watch this show are Groupies, as these types of shows are very popular as they tackle a broad amount of subjects, so this will appeal to them as they will want to be accepted by those around them. They can even gain information from the shows allowing them to be more diverse so people can form more of a relationship with them. Drop-outs may also enjoy these types of shows as they wont have to tune in every week to know whats going on, this means that they wont have to commit, which will appeal to them.

Opening Sequence

        
The opening sequence of This Morning is very bright and colourful. This lighting makes the programme seem very positive encouraging people to watch it as its very natural and bright, maybe reflecting how the presenters and show is. Paired up with the lively, upbeat theme tune this reinforces the idea that this show is welcoming and supportive. It shows Phil and Holly in very normal surroundings, walking down a lively city street and meeting common people, this may make them seem down to earth encouraging the audience to relate to them and watch the show. However we see that one group of people want to get a picture with Phil, a selfie in fact, maybe showing that he is of a higher status than common people, as others will stop for a picture with him. This may also show that even though he is older he is still up to date with new ideas and technology. They also constantly display a smile upon their faces when interacting with others, and each other, this is shown through medium close ups so we are allowed to see their facial expressions and their body language. This warming behaviour shows how they have a good relationship with each other and others allowing the audience to again, form a relationship with them and want to watch on.

Setting

Most of the shows will be filmed within a studio. The studio may be filled with homely furniture making it feel familiar to the audience. Most of these shows will be intertwined with features that are live or prerecorded in specific locations. This will create a sense that the presenters are only receiving the information as the audience is reinforcing that connection. The features that are mostly filmed in locations where the information is coming from creates the impression that the show is up to date and connected with the world, allowing the audience to trust the show and the information even more.


Technical codes

Most of the shows will have shots that are straight and a long shot, allowing the audience to see both of the presenters and the studio around them. The camera will sometimes use shot reverse shot during interviews so the audience can see the interviewees facial expression and feel closer to them but are also allowed to see the presenters reactions. There are close ups and medium close ups used, especially during features outside the studio again allowing to connect and see the presenters reactions. There may be prerecorded footage of events so people can see what happened before the interview so they can gain extra information and actually see the events unfold, rather than just hearing someone talking about what happened. This will make the audience trust the show even more as they may see this as if they are actually watching an event happen from a neutral perspective. However we know this is not true, how the magazine shows edit these features will have a great influence on what the audience thinks e.g. only including certain shots, using low angle angle shots to create suspense, close ups to add emotion etc. The theme tune which is a non-diegetic sound will sometimes be used when coming back and leaving from a break,letting the audience to know what they are still watching and reinforcing the programmes brand.

Characters and Representations 
I believe that the presenters are expected to be bubbly and represented as people that are down to earth, this will allow the audience to feel that the presenters are on their level. However even though they are empathetic they are not too over the top, they remain professional and non patronising. This allows the audience to respect them. This will also be shown though their body language e.g. they will lean and nod in agreement when interviewing others, making them seem understanding and inviting. They will be smartly dressed with nothing too revealing, emphasising that the main focus is their job.  Most people within the show are usually represented in a positive or mostly neutral way, this allows the audience to make their own decision on the subject and the people. However the audience may still be influenced and take a preferred reading by the type of the questions they get asked and the technical codes, e.g. more close ups will influence the audience to relate to the person more.

Narrative
Magazine shows will usually have a quick preview of the stories and topics, usually so brief that they will ask a rhetorical question that will then be answered further into the show. This creates suspense making the audience want to watch on and see what happens. All the stories within the show will be resolved by the end giving the audience a feeling of satisfaction. The show may have certain features at certain times e.g. home cooking feature during dinner time. These shows will usually cover quite positive themes, covering topics such a love, and family. The shows usually encouraging audiences to get involved in some way. 

Tom Cruise- The Official Site

Stares directly at camera
emotionless
wearing ordinary plain clothes
dark background
Actor and producer

Tom Cruise- Top Gun

Tom Cruise wears a navy uniform, this allows us to see that his character is in a dangerous line of work implying that he is a very adventurous and strong character.
He has a stern face and a focused look showing that he is driven and determined at what he does. He has quite a big, powering stance symbolising masculinity making the audience look up to him and see him as a authority figure.
He holds his helmet and mask under his arm and in is hand, this emphasises what Toms job is, however he is not wearing this equipment, implying that he may be getting ready to go out and do his job, showing again how he is a prepared worker.
The rolled up sleeves is iconography of hard worker, highlighting how zealous he is.

There is light and shadow that highlights and defines certain aspects of Toms body.
This helps conceal areas around his eyes adding a sense of mystery to him. It also makes the character seem even more powerful as we aren't allowed that close as his
The medium shot of Tom shows his dominance and importance, yet it allows us to see the background and setting that acts as a anchorage to the title.
In the background we see two fighter planes bringing more attention to his characters line of work. On one plane we the roof is open making it seem as if he is just about to go to work

Tom Cruise -

Tom Cruise has chose to look at his children and not the camera, that allows us to see what is more important to him, he is more interested in his family than the media. This makes him seem even more attentive as he directs all his attention to his children.

The main copy reads 'The Perfect Fit'

In the top right hand corner it mentions that this is 'previously unpublished' this will draw audiences in and they will be intrigued to see and read about this exclusive information, this will make the reader feel important and involved.

The fact his children wear no clothes and he is dressed very simply also makes the audience see this as a much more personal photograph but also one that is very simple at displaying the fathers relationship with his children, yet also very effective.

Tom Cruise looks very relaxed and content, as do the children. Connor is seen playfully putting his finger in Toms mouth showing the relaxed yet special relationship they have. The fact they've chose to look happy and act playful allows the audience to see what a close family unit this is.

In the top left corner is says 'Behind the scenes' this makes it feel as if the audience is given more access to the celebrity than anyone else and they are in fact just as close to the celebrity as the encoders, even though we know this isn't true.In this sense its implied that the encoders are not being intrusive but are allowed into their home and this is just a natural, everyday scene. This emphasised by the copy 'welcomed' and 'into their lives'. We almost feel like friends of the family as we see such intimate photographs.

The encoders have chose to edit the main text which is an image of Tom Cruise and his children in black and white. This makes it seem that the love Tom Cruise has for his children is that simple, its black and white. This audience will decode this and see Tom Cruise as more down to earth and a caring father. The audience may also find this relatable if they have children, helping form a relationship between the celebrity and the audience.

Magazine Cover Analysis

Vogue-Magazine Cover 

The masthead is partially covered by the image concealing part of the word from the audience, even though we can't see part of the word we are still expected to know what magazine this is. This shows how well known and iconic the magazine is, we automatically fill in the blank ourselves showing its popularity. The font of the masthead is quite linear and sleek, but in the right places its curved and full, giving the impression that it fashionable but its sure of itself, its effortless and elite. The colour white could also be associated with something plain or boring however in this case the colour is effective, this again highlights the prestige of the magazine. The white colour also runs throughout the magazine by being used with cover lines, showing continuity. The word 'vogue' has connotations with fashion and beauty, in a sophisticated way, this acts as interpellation as it prepares us for what lies in the magazine. The word is in uppercase this allows us to see how significant this magazine is and shows confidence.

The image is of Beyonce. She is recognised as a woman with power and status among the celebrity world. This is reinforced by the copy 'Queen B!', this gives us anchorage, we see her as even more influential and stronger than before. The word 'Queen' signifies that she is above every one else, with strong connotations to royalty it also shows the way she is, sophisticated and elegant. She looks directly towards you making eye contact, this creates a connection between the magazine and the audience allowing you to connect. She look like she is almost standing with her hands on her hips, which is a rather powerful stance. She wears black and white that are very bold but known colours.

The mise-en-scene is very minimal as the background is only the colour grey. This doesn't take away from the image or the cover lines allowing you to focus on what is important. The cover lines are positioned down the two sides of the magazine in a very neat way. The copy 'Queen B!' is in black and bold allowing you to see what the magazine is mainly about, and then underneath in black there is fashion tips maybe suggesting a subconscious connection between these tips and Beyonce making the audience believe if they read this magazine and find out about the fashion they will be more like


french

Guity Pleasures

Media Diary

 

 

Dance Moms

 

The show Dance Moms is an American reality TV show that follows the lives of young dancers that battle to win contests under the guidance of the infamous dance mentor, Abby Lee Miller. It also precedes to follow the doting Mothers of the children and shows the rivalries they have with each other as a result of their owns child's status and performance.

 

I believe the target audience are young teenage girls, around the age of 13 years old, or maybe mothers. I believe this due to the fact that the show follows the lives of young stars, they will see them in music videos, on other TV programmes and social media, they may already know the stars very well therefore will want to watch this show.

Throughout the show there is a lot of drama and arguing between the stars of the show, this will create entertainment for teenagers, as it will provoke a reaction out of them when their favourite star may be shouted at, or may fail or win.

The show is of successful children going after their dreams, they may overcome a lot of obstacles but there are sometimes high points. This may create a connection between young people and the stars as they may be able to relate to the challenges they face and want to follow the stars on their journey, so will watch the show.

Overall I  think the show is not very intellectually challenging with a lot of entertainment, problems with easy solutions crop up and a lot of fuss is made out of nothing, this will result in it being very easy to watch and attract a younger audience that just wants to escape and enjoy themselves for a bit.

Mothers may all be targeted because of the TV shows name 'Dance Moms' with the word 'Mom' obviously addressing them. they may want to see how other mums cope with the stress of looking after their children and compared them to themselves. This may create entertainment for a

 



Genre Essay

Man of Steel

The costume that Clark Kent wears as Superman is typical of the genre. He wears a spandex costume that shows off and compliments his well kept figure allowing the audience to know that he is strong, visually.The red and blue on the costume are very bold and prominent, this is recognisable to superheroes as they usually wear colours that are well marked, making the hero distinguishable. The vivid colours also may reflect the intensity of their life and personality and shows their power in society. The symbol superman wears is uniform to so many heroes as they all usually have their own symbols that also make them identifiable. The cape quickly allows the audience to know that he is a hero as wearing a cape is not what most people wear day to day.

The character is represented as a normal person at points in the trailer, and a hero at others. The fact we see the same character dressed normally and then dressed up as a hero implicates that he is living a double life, this dual identity is a typical characteristic of a superhero film. This allows the audience to see the normal person behind the costume, causing a connection by allowing us to relate and even wish to be him.

In certain parts of the trailer it uses low key lighting, this is usual of a superhero film. The low key lighting can be used to create suspense or maybe even fear of something that is other worldly. Towards the end we see the superman symbol in darkness but some light from a unknown source shines upon it, this creates a contrast as shadows fall. This makes it seem mysterious as the contrast only highlights certain detail.

There are close ups of his face allowing the audience to focus on him. This allows the audience to almost automatically identify him. We are allowed to see his eyes and the eyes are described as the windows to the soul, allowing us as the audience to create a connection to him as we are placed very close to him, closer than most of the characters in the film. His eyes are squinted and his brows are frowned making him look determined and focused, this allows the audience to believe in him as we see how much he really wants to win.

The trailer appears to be set mostly in a city in modern day America, this is typical of the superhero genre. This will allow the audience to relate as cities are one of the most common places for people to visit and live in. Most people will know of one therefore will be able to relate to the setting.

In the trailer we see a female character and she is being carried by the male superhero, she is also seen at different points in the trailer. This suggests that there may be a romantic interest between the two characters which is typical of a superhero film. This also relates to the theme of love, although the hero is seen mostly alone, he is seen to be physically close to Lois. Suggesting even though he may have other duties saving the ones he loves is a priority.

In this trailer it provides the audience with the binary opposition of Family vs outsider. Although superman is not actually related to the public he is metaphorically their family. He stands by them in times of trouble and there is a sense of togetherness. This can be shown through the close up shot where we see Superman holding hands. In this shot all you can see is the two hands together, this denotes affection, protection and comfort in the most obvious way, as its a very visual sign of what standing by someone is. We also see what we believe to be the villain come in on a spaceship. Space ships are abnormal and mystical but create a sense of fear as we don't know who is on the ship. This shows they are an outsider. The beginning of the trailer where the screen goes static and white noise can be heard can also resemble an outsider, they are trying to break through the barrier of technology and project their message onto the televisions. The fragmented sound with bits of dialogue spilling through can also create intrigue and concern, they are still hiding, we cant see them and the dialogue  is not clear. The concealed identity can make the audience feel eerie and anxious as they don't know what they're dealing with. The more the outsider attacks, the more united everyone else becomes creating a sense of empowerment.

This trailer provides the binary opposition order vs chaos. The non-digetic music starts off quiet and electronic and continues to build into a much more intense orchestral style. This reflects how as the trailer progresses so does the action and disorder. 

self sacrifice

The line of dialogue "the fate of your planet rests in your hands" could be seen as an enigma code, it leaves the audience to think what will happen with the planet? It leaves the audience with a lot of questions that they want answered, it also implies that the planet is in danger which is usual of a superhero film. Because of these two things the audience will watch on so there questions can be answered.

Overall this trailer depicts what is usual of a superhero film with explosions that show the dramatic and intense situations superheros seem to get into and the flying that is specific to someone with powers allowing you to know exactly what genre this is. 

                                                                                                                                                       

Mary Poppins

When I think back to being a child, and even now i am encircled by a range of different media texts that all individually left a mark on my life, each in their own way. As a child of two very busy parents it was almost rare to sit down and watch a film together, however my first recall of being totally encapsulated by a film was the classic Mary Poppins. As I became older i would find another message or meaning that would grab my attention, the film constantly appealing to a different part of me, discovering new sides of the film as i grew and discovered new sides of myself. The film became a part of my life.

As a young child the magical and jubilant music  appealed to me. the songs where very repetitive and rather simple, helping to be very memorable and easy to learn and listen to, making them catchy. They would reflect the emotions, helping me  decipher the mood of a character when i was too young to relate and understand. for example, .... i knew was a sad song due to slowness,subconsciously it allowed me to know how to feel.

The bright colours and animation made it very appealing to me as child also. The colours drew me in and grabbed my attention. When Mary Poppins falls into an animated world, it made the whole plot even more mesmerising and enchanting. The characters literally escape to this other world, allowing you to escape with them. i found this magical. This still appears to me, as it is very positive and captivating scene it allows me to escape from the worries of life with the characters.

Reception Theory - Modern Family

Modern Family

Modern Family is an American Television mockumentary which follows the lives of one family. It explores the evolving relationships and problems between a household in a comedic manner. The show is filmed as if it is actually a documentary, with occasional interviews with family members, this makes it relatable for people as it will come across as an actual family in their natural surroundings, not actors playing a part. Modern Family is a very popular TV show, it has won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series and is currently going into its seventh season. I believe this TV show would appeal to the mainstream as it always airs on a Wednesday at 9pm, this shows consistency,and the mainstream enjoys daily routine. It is also aired on a Wednesday which is a week day, this means it is more likely that the viewer will be around their family and the mainstream believes in 'we' rather than 'me'. They would also enjoy the fact that it is about a family and would find their experiences and maybe some of the characters relatable making them feel safe and able to connect with the characters and stories. A lot of people watch this and will express their opinions on certain episodes and characters, so the mainstream will watch this so they can engage in conversation and know about the show, this will give them a sense of security which is their core need.

I believe the encoders wanted you to see the truth about the family in the present day. That they wanted to take away the idea of a traditional family, and explore the new challenges of the Modern Family. The encoders clearly wanted to show people how families may be different but are still a family even with all the problems that are present. This signifies that family is everything no matter what has happened, this will target a lot of people, as the majority of people will believe this as they will have a family and relate with the similar circumstances. The preferred reading would allow you to relate to the family members and connect with the choices they have made. The preferred reading would also be that the audience laughs at the characters and the situations they get themselves into. The show also shows you how you can rely on your family at hard times and they will be there.

People may believe in the oppositional reading that there is more to life than family and you can create the same feelings and experiences on your own or through friends. Others may take the oppositional reading because they are very old fashioned. For example an older family member e.g. a grandparent may believe that family's should not be mixed and that marriages are for life and divorce is not an option, they would then look down on the characters, as they would believe that they are making wrong decisions. People that takes the oppositional reading would also be a very serious person and believe that life is not all fun and games especially when it comes to problems that affect your family, so they will not find some problems the characters encounter funny. Others may disagree with the show because they believe you should be your own person and not look to anyone for help, these people will usually be very serious and older, with traditional views. In one episode the father lends money to his children when they are in need, the person with the oppositional reading would not agree with this.

People with a negotiated reading may of enjoyed the show at one point and related to the family, as

  

Media Diary Week 3

Media Diary Week 3

The media text that I will be classifying the audience for is The U.S. Office.

The U.S. Office is an American television comedy that's an adaptation of the U.K. version of The Office. The Office follows a team of employees that works for the fictional Dunder Mifflin paper company. It's filmed as if it is an actual documentary, with no studio audience, no laugh track and filmed as a single camera setup,therefore takes the form of a 'mockumentary'.

I believe that The Office would appeal to a lot of different type of people but mostly to people that fall under the E category for the income and status model. This is because I believe that light and visual humour would mostly appeal to teenagers, with them still being students they would fall under this category. However I still believe that most people up until the C1 category would enjoy this due to having relatable jobs that create similar situations, helping the audience connect and enjoy the comical goings-on of the office staff.

I believe that the average viewer would be a 17 year old male. With the silly humour, i believe this would entertain them and allow them to escape the stress of being a student. Also it was on Netflix up until earlier today,and most teenagers use Netflix and will see this piece of media, giving it extra publicity among young adults. I think it would appeal more to men as some woman may see it as inappropriate. I believe that they would be from a lower class or middle class due to some of the jokes made, might be deemed as childish due to the fact some of it is visual humour. I don't think location or religion would make a difference since they would enjoy the show because of their humour type.

The Office will appeal to the mainstream owing to the fact it shows familiar situations and relationships making the audience feel safe and secure and this is what they seek most in their life. This show is also a very popular one and is mostly positive, a lot of people will talk about this show and recall key moments that they would find particularly funny to friends, being able to do this would appeal to the mainstream.

People who tend to watch The Office would probably be groupies as it is a very famous and well known show. A lot of people enjoy to watch it and talk about the comical happenings, therefore groupies would take pleasure in also watching it and finding out about the show. As having the same interests as other people would mean they would be accepted. And this is what they would want the most.

Media Diary Week 2- Bates Motel

Name of the text:
Bates Motel

  Date/Time:
11/05/15

Where did you find it:
Netflix

Genre:
Drama-thriller television series

What is the purpose:
The purpose of a TV series is to fulfill the needs of the audience by providing them with entertainment that makes them think, feel, and connect, but always leaves the user wanting more. The audience should want to come back and watch all the episodes. This will also lead the viewer to express interest to family and friends, in turn, this causes further promotion of the show. In this case also, the TV series provides past viewers of Alfred Hitchcock's 1960s film Psycho, with answers and tells the origin story of Norman Bates in the modern day.

Institution producing the text:
Universal Television

Target Audience:
Bates Motel was promoted as a "Contemporary Prequel" to the film Psycho, this could imply the target audience would be past viewers of the film, searching for answers on what molded Norman to be the infamous murderer that we see in the film.
However I believe the target audience is in fact young adults. This dark and unsettling drama appeals to teenagers through shock and scare tactics. As well as this, most episodes have film accompanied with contemporary music, for example the first episode of season 3 opened with Arctic Monkeys.The hit rock groups song "R U Mine" played out as we see Dylan listen to the radio while driving, this immediately cause an attraction with young viewers and listeners of the band, forming a connection between them and the show. Furthermore, I believe that this aimed at young adults due to the time it airs, it airs fairly late meaning families wont be around and adults that are occupied with work may already be in bed, while teenagers are more likely to stay up. The show is also on Netflix, which is popular among teenagers, providing more evidence that Bates Motel is aimed at a young audience.

Your reaction to the text:
Bates Motel is a piece of media that I really enjoy but feel I shouldn't. The show uses suspense to shock the viewer, and touches on horrific subjects that most people wouldn't dare go. With Norman's and Norma's unnatural relationship becoming uncomfortable to watch and Norman very slowly becoming the twisted murderer he will grow to be, this messed up behavior is disturbing but equally fascinating to watch. You also find yourself connecting with the characters, through pity, as you see why they act the way they do making it even harder to watch as we know what inevitably will happen.

Why would people consume the text
People would consume the text because they know what will happen as it is a prequel. However with the first meeting of Norman, we see him as a shy and reserved boy, who actually seems very sensitive, this causes intrigue as the viewer knows the outcome but questions how possibly he could get this way; making the audience watch on.

Could some people react in different ways?
Some people might find the TV show thrilling and exciting to watch as we start to solve the mystery of how Norman becomes the person he will eventually be, the added shock of the situation entices viewers to come back for more.
However some situations, for example the murders, could put people off, as it is a dark situation to cover.
Others, fans of film the Psycho, may find it hard to watch as them seeing Norman in the modern day is maybe not the character being portrayed in the correct way, causing doubts of whether the writers keeping the link. The viewers may then choose not to watch it so they can stay true to the classic film.

Media Diary

Lana Del Rey- High By The Beach

A year after the release of her album Ultra Violence, Lana Del Rey releases her newest video, of the second single lifted from her upcoming album called Honeymoon. Del Rey in her newest song sticks to her recognizable mystical sound, while reinventing it with this more edgy track.

I thought the song was okay, with a mix of a lot of musical components, starting with a delicate blending of harmonies to create an almost eerie feeling, going on to to create an enticing chorus that leads you to quite a haunting outro. As a singer that rose to fame fast and with a lot of criticism for her unusual sound and brutally honest lyrics this could seem like a safe bet for the singer, falling back on a classic Lana Del Rey song about love not working out. However while seeming familiar it has a feeling of progression.

In the video Del Rey is seen moping around a sparse empty beach house while being relentlessly followed by a helicopter, the helicopter has a man inside taking pictures of the singer. The singer occasionally entertains the photographer by posing for some photos, after that the video ends with a big bang!

Del Rey is seen wearing a white flowing dress, that catches in the wind created by the helicopter, this could be shown to symbolize innocence, purity and kindness making the viewer see the singer as a positive, almost god- like person. Del Rey sings about resentment about how her man can never be enough for her and how she needs to escape, this could link to the idea of her being this spiritual, whole person by not needing another person to complete her, and only allowing certain people to be a part of her life. This also could show how she does not want this photographer to be a part of her life. From the beginning Del Rey is painted as a complete, pure and innocent person, this gives added shock half way through the video when the singers actions change, creating a bigger impact at what she does. This idealization is destroyed, creating a feeling of shock, but almost pity when you realize the stress she must have been put through by the photographer to go through with what she does.

This video also represents how the media makes an impact on stars. While she is seen wondering  around an empty house, the pictures she poses for show her beauty, the helicopter does not see it all. It does not see her restlessly wondering around the house alone, it does not see her tiresomely flicking through the magazine. This shows that what the media captures and what goes on behind close doors are two completely different things. At the start of the video you see the outside of the magnificent beach house from the helicopters perspective (you know this due to the propeller sounds), standing beside a road, something impressive (the mansion) placed next to something that is only seen as ordinary (a road). When you go into the house you see that it is not all that glamorous, the walls are plain, and the house remains fairly empty. This could represent what the media sees in celebrities, as all the photographer can capture is what is of the outside;something/someone amazing compared to something/someone ordinary, however when you look inside although its different its not as amazing as pictured, the photographer can never see inside of the home, the photographer can never see what truly lies inside of a person.

The video also helps show how lonely celebrities are. Del Rey is not seen with another person, in fact even the magazine that is shown, shows pictures of the singer. Showing again how she is consumed by the media. The big house sits in front of a very busy road, which you see a lot of people driving by on. Del Rey is alone in a a huge house but so close to a lot of different people making a brief appearance, but they can never see the inside, and will never know how bare the inside of the house is. This could represent the loneliness the singer feels, she is part of many peoples lives but no one can ever really tell whats going on inside of her.

The end scene is very dramatic, the rest of the video is very calm, Del Rey is painted as a pure character, and the house is clean and simple. This contradicts the striking ending, creating a bigger impact on the viewer. You also see tabloids fluttering down, showing how the media again is still a part of the singers life, but in this scene Del Rey seems to finally have the upper hand as the tabloids are now pretty much destroyed.

The video is mostly shot in a shaky camera technique.The footage has little edits and gives the impression that it is shot by the camera being hand-held. So when the camera is following the singer you feel that this footage is unprepared and you almost see the true Lana Del Rey, unlike the photographer, creating a connection between the viewer and her.

The song ultimately, shows Del Rey being shrunken by life and love, while she looks desperately for a sweet escape. The song wont be everyone's cup of tea, it's oddly paced, with electronics in the background, and very wispy singing, that may even be considered as whispering. Although the video doesn't fail to shock you, and the song can be seen as hazy and magical.

Photographic Composition

This picture is effective because of the angle it has been taken at. It has been taken from a low angle looking up allowing you to see the sky scraper but also allowing you to see to the ground and the road ahead, making it seem as though it is from your point of view, allowing you to feel as if you are there.

test

this is a test