BBC News Bulletin

What techniques are used to establish the text’s genre?

Various techniques have been used to engage the audience and establish the genre of news. One of these can include the fact that there is non-diagetic sound as there is a commentator who is stating the headlines of the popular stories that will be discussed further into the programme. The serious tone that is presented to us, as the audience, allows us to recognise that this is a hard news programme and is something to be thought about. It attempts to inform and educate the audience as all of the BBC’s news programmes intend to.

The way that the news is read to the audience allows the audience to be able to identify the genre and serious tone of the programme can reinforce this. Another technique that has been used can include the theme tune that is played throughout the start of the programme.

How are people/places represented in the extract?

As the first headline, meaning the most important headline is about contraception pills should be sold to young girls across the UK as young as 13. This is an example of the work of a hypodermic needle as parents will just inject this information about their kids and other youth. Furthermore it shows a sense of gatekeeping as BBC is erasing other aspects of the youth and is prioritising the negative about the youth and has chosen to portray this to the audience.

They are representing Rupert Murdoch in a negative manner as they are in competition with him and he has the ambition to control the UK media output and BBC is one of the few broadcasters that are not owned by BSkyB and the interview with Murdoch shows the negative parts that make him look as if he has done something wrong, which admittedly he most likely has but the BBC have chosen to focus upon this for other reasons.

How is this text typical of the BBC output?

The media text starts with the medium shot of the news man; which is one of the typical conventions of BBC news as just after the opening title sequence there is always a professional looking man or women that is represented and they are reading the news stories to the audience. The way they are conveyed to be intellectual and professional is purposely used by the institutions to imply into the audiences brains that we are consuming the most accurate and reliable information from them.  However, the montage of medium to long shots that allow the audience to preview the topics of what will be in the news connotes that they are trying to catch the audience’s attention.

 This will then allow audience demographics to be encouraged to watch the news. As we are aware that this montage will be repeated in an hour or two, also connotes a sense that if the audience are busy they still have another chance to consume the text. The montage is also typical of the BBC output as within the montage only the most serious news is conveyed. This then creates a sense for the audience believing that they have to watch this and that they can’t miss out on the important news that is reaching audiences globally (hypodermic model).

Who is the audience and what uses/gratifications does the text offer them?

Also the use non-diegetic music, as they use the same theme tune every time which makes the audience able to recognize the popular British broadcaster. Also the way of presenting the headlines as they show the first one as most important and then the rest. Also they use of voice over as the presenter we first see reads us the headlines showing that sense of "reliable narrator". Furthermore the use of the same old use of colours for example, the red and white where the red stands out reflecting BBC standing out and being different from the other news channels. Also the use of mid shots reflecting this natural idea to the whole news channel.

COD MW3 Analysis

What codes and conventions does the trailer use to establish the text’s genre?

The violence and gore that is represented within the trailer show that this is clearly a FPS video game (first person shooter). This is recognised because of the way that each played is perceived whereby we see a point of view shot and the player is attempting to shoot someone. This can relate to the key concepts of the uses and gratifications theory as this can fulfil some of the needs of the audience such as escapism where the audience imagine that they live someone else’s, fictional  life. The clips are assembled together in a montage, combined with diegetic music to ensure that the audience is kept engaged. The type of characters that are used can allow the player, to experience being a rescuer because of the apocalyptic message that is portrayed – that the world is at war.

How is war represented in the trailer?

War is being represented as something that can be made to be fun and it allows the audience to be pumped with adrenaline before playing the game. The reactions needed for the game are quick and therefore war is something that most audiences fear the most; however they could still be able to purchasing this video game simply because of interest. War is being represented as something apocalyptic whereby the world is in jeopardy and the player that can purchase the game will be able to save it. As war is being globalised within the trailer, it shows that war affects people across the whole world and can take place anywhere also which is also another representation of war.

In what ways is the trailer typical of the video game industry?

This video game trailer is typical of the video game industry by the use of point-of-view shots to allow the user to experience the feeling of shooting someone. The dark colours and shadows are something that the COD franchise is well-known for and can be largely recognised across the world. The shadows create the mysterious sense that surrounds the characters and the plot of the video game. The age rating is displayed at the beginning of the trailer to warn audiences of the forthcoming pieces. This is again something that is typical of the industry that sells video games. Additionally, all of imagery used is computer generated which again is something that most video game providers use to produce a video game such as this.

Who does this text appeal to and what pleasures does it offer?

This text targets the male audience more dominantly than any other. The reason I say this is because males are stereotyped for their passion of video first of all and secondly, this game is all about shooting and killing others which is again something the males are stereotyped to enjoy. The rating of the game is given at the beginning of the trailer – 17+ so we can assume that the audience being targeted is above this age; however the COD franchise has been known to target younger children who play games on their video games consoles (ps3/Xbox). If we split the audience into psychographic groups, then we can see that it targets the ‘carers’ of the world where these people care and want to save the world from disaster. Patriarchal societies are represented through this and therefore can give the male audiences pleasure in realising that they hold power in their hands whilst playing the game.

Easter Revision Homework

What techniques does the text use to persuade the audience to watch the film?

This text is related to the fast five trailer where there are various techniques that are used to persuade the audience and cause them to show an interest in the business. For example, one of these can include the fact that there are various action elements that have been implemented in this trailer to ensure that action-lovers are intrigued by the pieces of footage shown that display action themes. This can allow the audience to be aware of the genre of the film and be interested enough to go and watch the film. Additionally, there could be enigma codes that are created during the scene where they seem to burn a large sum of cash and say that they are not stealing it, which can force the audience to question the actions that the characters have taken and why they have done this. It does not make sense to the audience and this can catch the attention of them even further.

What audiences does this text appeal to?

This trailer can appeal to a wide range of audiences including various groups of people and socio-economic classes. For example, one of the audiences that can be targeted for this film can include women who can view the men through the medium-shots that are displayed. These men in the trailer are portrayed as well-built and their physicality of the characters are shown throughout, therefore this can appeal to women as this relates to the female gaze which is a contradiction of the male gaze which is a theory suggested by Laura Mulvey. Another audience that can be attracted to this trailer can include men, who enjoy action films and this is likely to be a very large proportion of male audiences. The socio-economic classes that are targeted by this film are the middle-class, and the working class. The reason for this is because it allows the viewers to experience a sense of escapism where they are imagining that they can live the life of a fantasy (one of the characters in fast five).

How is gender represented within the text?

Males are represented as tough and well-built because of the clothes that most of the men wear during the trailer. For example, Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel are constantly wearing vests which show off their masculinity and muscular bodies to show how rough and tough they are. They are constantly stereotyped as men that have no other motives in life, except for their own selfish reasons, because they seem to race for fun or simply to gain something. The women in this trailer are portrayed as objectified and as sexual objects. They are not focused upon as much as the men are because their characters may not be as important. The women’s costumes are scarce most of the time, and can give the members of the male audience pleasure in looking at them (male gaze – Laura Mulvey).

How can we tell that Universal has produced films similar to this before?

This trailer tells us that universal, which is the company that produced this film, is a company that are able to constantly use their previous experience of films to further develop films such as fast five. For example, fast five has had four prior films released previously, which has all been successful, especially with the male audiences as it relates to cars and women. This franchise has already been successful, and therefore this institution has been known to produce films similar to this previously and have promoted them successfully also.

How does the text engage the audience and what techniques are used?

This trailer uses various techniques that can engage the audience. Firstly, there are comedic aspects that are obviously displayed at the start which can allow the audience to be intrigued with the plot of the film and continue to show an interest in it. The jokes that are given, some have a crude sense of humour which can engage a younger audience into watching the film. This is one of the key conventions of a teen comedy which this film is. There is a shot of the two main characters whereby they are both standing proudly in their police uniform where they are both smiling which can then catch the interest of the viewer because it contrast most of the shots that are shown before this.

Who does this text appeal to?

This text appeals to a younger audience and one of the reasons for this include the type of humour that is used. It is something that mostly young teenagers are most likely to find funny and thus will be more likely to watch the film.  This text can also appeal to women because of the actors which they can enjoy watching them acting and this could relate to star appeal/sex appeal of the star (female gaze). Teenagers are most likely the targeted audience because the plot relates to high school within America and this is something that most teenagers find amusing and interesting. Moreover, another audience that can be targeted is a slightly older audience between the ages of 23-28. The reason for this is because they can experience nostalgia when watching this trailer and will want to experience the a form of escapism where they can imagine going back to high school as the characters have done.

How does this text entertain the audience?

This trailer can cause the audience to be entertained for various reasons. One of these reasons can include the fact that most members of the target audience are expected to be young as the genre is teen comedy, and in order to entertain these members, there is a sense of humour that relate to young people and doing stupid things that make others laugh. The audience normally laughs at the way the actors portray a joke and how they express their views about something which can sometimes seem idiotic but also comedic in some ways. Also, the intentional breaking of rules can also cause the audience to laugh and therefore lead to the audience being entertained and kept engaged. 

How is the brand image being promoted throughout the text?

The brand, Bugatti, is being promoted through the use of language of music combined which creates an effect on the audience. The voice that is being used is of a male figure and is very soft and sounds heavenly which make the brand seem as if it is something luxurious, which it is. The music is slow and blissful and creates an effect on the audience to receive a reaction that Bugatti would like to see. They want to know that their product is being advertised and interpreted in the way that they want to, which is to promote richness and quality to a customer. The voice that is speaking about the product sounds poetic and this makes the product seem more vibrant and wanted by the audience.

Who does this text appeal to?

This text appeals to the bourgeoisie class, for the reason that these members are able to afford this product as this is a very highly priced quality product that is a luxury vehicle and there are no other models that are available that are cheaper. This can relate to the Marxist theory which states that capitalist valued members of an audience belong to the bourgeoisie because they are the wealthiest members of the target market. Other people will be attracted to this product but not to purchase it, but instead simply for the dream that they wish that they could afford it. Even within the commercial, the voiceover asks the audience “Do I meet your wildest dreams?” which can make the some members of the audience experience a sense of escapism and then imagine what it would be like to own a Bugatti for themselves.

What techniques have been used to persuade the audience to go and watch the film?

The codes and conventions that have been used include various action and adventure elements which make the audience interested by the film. Additionally, the fact that this film has been based on a comic and is produced by marvel, it allows fans of comics to identify the film and if they have had a previous interest in this plot, then the film trailer aims to simply reinforce this story into the minds of fans. The audience can recognise the different superheroes that have been portrayed in this film and this can relate to previous star appeal, however, in this case, it can be both the character’s appeal and the actor’s appeal because they could both be well known such as Robert Downey Junior who also plays Iron Man.

What audiences does this text appeal to?

This text can appeal to a various number of people ranging from audiences also. For example, the range of characters that are present within the film can be identified from previous films that have been released not too long ago, and this can allow them to become genuinely interested in what this film is about because of the amount of superheroes that star in it. They have purposely shown that there are various superheroes that have been portrayed in the duration of this trailer and each of them can attract different audiences. The male superheroes will be able to attract male and female audiences, the latter because of the female gaze and the male because of the uses and gratifications of the audience that are fulfilled through the use of escapism.

How is the institution that produced this film promoted throughout the duration of the text?

The film has been combined of various previous comic book adaptations and have used the same actors (except for the Hulk) to ensure that the audience is kept entertained. This can show the audience that they have combined elements of all these films to promote this film and its plot.  Marvel Studios has partnered up with Paramount pictures (Viacom) in order to complete this. This institution has been lucky enough to experience success with previous films and therefore has a well-established fan base which most audiences can identify the film that is being released and is aware of the production company that is responsible for the production of the film.

Question 1 rewritten

What techniques does the text use to engage the audience?


The voiceover is the text has been used as one of the main features of an expository documentary and is often referred to as the voice of God. It is often a male and authoritative voice which provides anchorage for the images being presented on the screen to the audience. Additionally, the intimate moments of the producer's life also could provide a more personal basis for the audience to relate or identify to which is part of the uses and gratifications theory which was proposed by Blumer & Katz and was looked further into my McQuail. Identification can be used to attract large audiences and the reason why these particular shots can do this is because of the natural mise-en-scene which gives the text a sense of realism.


Furthermore. relating to the voiceover, it is of a man whose tone of voice is very sombre and the audience soon realise that this is not a text that is meant to humour or provide entertainment for them. The voice used is of a family man and can also provide audiences to identify with the man and the way he is speaking about his family as he sounds as if he is a father figure and family man. He constantly uses the word 'you' which promotes a direct mode of address to the audience and increases their involvement the facts that are given throughout the video could possibly allow members of the audience to recognise themselves as individuals and this could relate to Malsow's hierarchy of needs.


The fact that the voiceover is of a male and American voice could promote hegemonic values where the dominant values in our society lead the way people think. As America is probably the largest superpower in the world at this moment in time, it could prove to be a form of Americanisation and a patriarchal society because of the conviction in the man's tone of voice. The sound that is attached to the images on the screen is parallel and not contrapuntal because for example, at the start when the setting is very dark and gloomy, the music is dull and slow paced throughout whereas when the baby is born, is a natural scene and is a high-key lighted room which is attached to a little more upbeat and lifting music which matches the scene on the screen.


The extract could relate to Todorov's theory of equilibrium which states the every narrative begins at a calm period and is then disrupted and causes unsettlement which is called the disequilibrium and towards the ending, the equilibrium is achieved once again because of a resolution given by the main members of the narrative to provide peace and harmony. The extract starts off as if it is near catastrophic because of the images of the globe and the phrase given at the start ' nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come' which makes is seem as if the idea that is being focused on could bring disastrous results and this could also be a method of foreshadowing of future events in the text.


There are several montages uses to create pace for the text and an example of this is the snapshots of the producer's son and some of these are taken from the point of view of the producer and could possibly allow audiences to emotionally attach themselves to the video and increase their involvement. The close-up shots can also reinforce this to the audience and can engage them into continuing to watch the text. The fact that this could appeal to the global village could relate to the growth of e-media and its uses to spread news virally which was a theory suggested by McLuhan.

Kony 2012

1.      1. What techniques does the extract use to engage the audience?

The extract uses effects such as sound to engage the audience into paying attention to the facts that are being explained. The voiceover makes it sound factual and anchors the images on the screen. It makes the extract seem as if it is an expositional documentary and in some ways it is because of the way the producer is talking over the video as the ‘voice of God’ which is a term referred to describe the voiceover. There is a child used and is represented as the son of the producer who has sat him down to speak to him about Joseph Kony and the child connotes a sense of innocence and the audience could be shocked as to the questions being asked to the child and could intrigue them.

Also, the sound that is used is parallel to the images that are being displayed on the screen. For example, as soon as Kony’s picture enters the screen, the sound completely changes to create a sense of danger about him and his power so that the audience is aware of his supremacy within Uganda and can engage their interests.  The image at 11:28 reinforces his power and control over the land in which he lives and has a major influence of the children and the way they think. The facts that are given to the audience by the voiceover can also shock them and connect to the video.

Older members of the audience who could possibly have children could also relate and identify to the video and could engage their interests because it is explained that Kony kidnaps and recruits children like the producer’s son and forces them to kill for him. They then form the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) which could surprise the audience as he is forcing children to come together as an army to protect himself and increase his power in Africa. This could relate to the uses and gratification theory which was suggested by Blumer & Katz as the audience is being informed of Kony’s wrongdoings and could fulfil some of the satisfaction of the audiences to be informed and educated.

2.       2. How is Kony represented in this extract?

Kony is represented as a dominant figure within Uganda and surrounding African countries because his ‘army’ the LRA is gradually growing which is therefore increasing his power and command in these countries. Kony is represented as a negative individual who could be considered as the enemy of the world because of the crimes he is repeatedly committing. These crimes could also represent Kony as an individual who stands for anti-hegemonic values and ideologies because of the acts that he enforces such as child soldiers and sexual slavery.

Kony is represented as an individual who could possibly gather followers and grow and could lead to disastrous results for the world. He symbolises evil during the three minutes of the extract as the images of him all portray him as someone who looks fearless and will do anything to sustain his power and control within Uganda. Kony is looked at as the villain and binary opposition is used to show the difference between him and the rest of society. This is a theory that was suggested by Levi Strauss which explains the effect of oppositional individuals. The video represents Kony as having a negative persona which people do not like and he has been listed as the most wanted criminal in the whole world which again shows his influence and position in Africa.

3.      3.  How does the text trying to make Kony 2012 seem a positive brand?

Kony 2012 is now a brand that is widely recognised across the whole world. The extract promotes the brand as a positive institution that is dedicated to a cause that is worthy of people’s time. The facts that are given during the three minutes of the extract makes Kony seem worthy of catching and arresting. Also, the urgency of arresting Kony is also continually represented to reinforce the fact that their brand, Kony 2012, is being used to rid the world of someone who is as horrible as Joseph Kony.

The fact that there are views expressed from people from Kony’s own country such as politicians who do not have the power to change anything, they are joining together as one and connotes peace and unity across the world which makes the brand seem positive.

4.       4. Who does this text attempt to appeal to?

This text attempts to attract a large number of people across the whole world and was originally posted online and has been spread virally. The extract has been started as an online campaign to ensure that Kony is made famous across the world to make others aware of the crimes that he has committed. This can appeal to the psychographic group of carers because these are people who want to save the world and want to have sustainable futures for their future generations.

E-media has been used therefore this could appeal to the younger generations (15-25) because this range of people are the most literate in the use of technology. It could appeal to older members of the audience if they have children themselves, they could possibly identify and empathise with the views expressed in the text. As the recent Arab spring that has occurred in the Middle East, there could be people that are scared of something similar happening again in Africa this time, and could be attracted to this cause as they have the opportunity to do something about it.

Celebrities are used in the extract to promote Kony 2012 and making him famous is the first step that is explained as the best possible action to take. The producer has stated that they have targeted 20 of the most diverse and popular people within the world to make Kony famous and can make the world aware of the acts that Kony has committed and is likely to continue to do.

The Guardian Analysis

Codes & Conventions: What techniques does the ad use to persuade the audience to consume the Guardian?

This advert is used to promote the Guardian's new 'whole picture' campaign where they are making the audience aware of their philosophies such as open journalism. The story that they are using for this is 'the three little pigs', a story which many have heard during their childhood, therefore people will be able to relate as they have heard the story before.

The story normally portrays the wolf as the antagonist, however the Guardian have used this to their advantage and shown the wold’s side of the story and why he blew the houses of the three little pigs down.  During the advert, there are many countries shown that have received the news, therefore this makes this story seem highly popular and the Guardian seems to have full coverage of the story and could possibly attract audiences to consume the Guardian. The Guardian has a website where people from around the world can view the news and comment on stories that have been published. Furthermore, twitter and Facebook allow the Guardian to increase this interactivity with their audience and this meets the audiences needs as if fits into the uses and gratifications theory which Abraham Maslow suggested was an extension of the needs and motivational theory which states that members of audiences want to be valued and recognised. They want their needs to be fulfilled and by giving them the news of the world, the Guardian may be succeeding with some of these needs. The audience could also identify with the different races and ethnicities that are presented to them that are reading about the news and are getting involved through social networking. This makes others want to get involved if they see others that could possibly be like them getting involved as well.

Representation: How is the news represented in the ad?

The news is represented as global and viral as it spreads extremely quickly over the internet. It makes a small story into something big, where they bring in a mortgaging problem, and then add murder to the crimes that the pigs have committed. This shows how sometimes, during a news story, there are more details that we are aware of they are investigated properly and by the right people. The Guardian is trying to subliminally imply that they are a brand that looks into stories in-depth and try to look at the whole picture rather than one aspect. This allows the news to be represented as good and true to their word therefore this can also attract audiences.

The news could also be represented a negative because of all the negativity that is shown through the duration of the advert. For example, there are riots that are shown and these riots are taking place as a result of the news that the Guardian have distributed. This could lead us, as the audience, to possibly assume that all the news that the Guardian portrays, will have some negative spin on it and could lead to dangerous events like riots.

Media Institution: What issues of new technology does this ad raise and what does it tell us about the values of The Guardian?

The Guardian has stated they are a brand that is able to harness and use 21^st century media to their advantage. This can link in with how the internet has impacted a lot of businesses not only the Guardian and how they have to adapt to meet their audience’s needs. The news that the Guardian produces is available on all media platforms for consumers to access however, e-media is the most dominant platform by far as it is easily accessible 24x7. 82.5% of the UK’s populations have access to the internet therefore the Guardian makes itself available to more than 50 million users in the UK by having a website that is continuously updated.

The fact that the Guardian displays various luxurious items such as iPhones and iPads, could possibly lead us to assume that they support values where they believe they are the most noble because of their wealth. This could encourage audiences that fit into the aspirers segment of the market who hope to join the ranks of the upper class but could also discourage some members of the audience who may believe that the Guardian is produced for them therefore they should not consume it.

Audience: On the basis of this ad, who does the Guardian brand appeal to?

At the end of the advert the Guardian states that they are ‘web, print and tablet mobile’, which allows us to identify the Guardian as a brand that has shifted into convergence where its consumers can access the news from various sources and again meets the needs of the audiences such as the uses and gratifications theory. If the audience was segmented through psychographics, then this ad would appeal to upper class individuals because of the luxurious items that are shown during the ad. For example, there is Apple products that are shown which can display the news for the audiences and as these are not cheap items, they are items that these succeeders can afford.

The most literate generation in technology is the younger ones therefore this could allow them to be more involved with news and social networking that relates to the news around the world. Silver surfers that use the internet could also be attracted to consume the Guardian as they may have an interest in global issues and the spread of technology will allow them to become more advanced with it. 

Trailer Analysis

What techniques does this trailer use to persuade an audience to see the film?

This trailer, like all trailers shows the best parts of the film that will allow the audience to be intrigued by the event s in the film and go to watch it. Other things in the trailer such as star appeal can also attract audiences to watch the film. For example, the main character is Liam Neeson who is a very established actor and has won numerous awards previously in his acting career and this could appeal to audiences because he is the protagonist in the film. The fact that the film is based on kidnapping and trafficking may appeal to some members of the audience but could also be a sensitive issue. The major relationship that is being threatened in the film is the father-daughter relationship whereby the daughter is kidnapped and trafficked during a trip to France and the damage to their relationship can be related to by some of the audience.

There are various shots used to express the feelings of the women in the film. For example, some of the women Neeson sees are shown with a wide shot whereby we can see their surroundings and their clothing. However, when he finds his daughter, there is a close-up shot used to identify the expression and the effects of the drugs that she has been given. Again linking in with the clothing, the women are seen with minimal clothing on which can relate to a theory that was suggested by Laura Mulvey which was called the 'male gaze'. The audience may feel as if they are experiencing voyeurism as they are observing women with scarce clothes on.

Question and answers relating to 'Websex'

What is being done by the soundtrack/ voiceover/ dialogue?
The music, dialogue and voiceover are used to anchor te images that are on them screen in order for the whole audience to be informed of the same detail.

What sound and visual techniques are used to convey meaning?
The diagetic sounds that are used include dubstep and other upbeat music which relates to a young audience. Also, the presenter is a young attractive female who uses social networking and wants to investigate the effects of this using this particular documentary.

What are the denotative meanings and connotations?
The music denotes an image of modernism and the technology that is used connotes the fact that she (the presenter) is trying to represent the younger generations using things like technology which we are very literate in the use of.

What is the significance of the mise-en-scene? 
Mise-en-scene is useful because it allows us to identify the authenticity of the documentary. For example reaction could be staged and planned however in this programme, all of the dialogue is improvised on screen and lets us recognise the people's clothes and etc. This is very casual to further reinforce the authenticity.

What are the dominant images and iconography?
The dominant images include when the presenter is looking directly at the screen whilst pretending that the camera is actually an iPad which displays the facts as she browses. This also  reinforces the decision of he target audience.

What assumptions about the audience are made?
That every young teen desires to take part in sexual activities and social networking sites may be contributing to the increase of STI's spreading.

How might the audience react to the text?
They may be shocked or surprised by some of the facts  like the presenter when half of the things were revealed.

How does the text appeal to the audience?
It appeals to a young audience because of the issues that it relates to which include teen sex and social networking.

How do you read and evaluate the text?
In my opinion I think that this programme was very informative as I have learnt many new things however there is no evidence that has been found to link social networking to the increase in STI's.

Who is the target audience?
The target audience includes the younger audiences and the people that are more literate in the use of technology and involved with social networking.

To which genre/s does the text belong?
This belongs to the expository and participatory forms of documentary.

Which generic conventions is the text using?
Real footage edited together, the film maker is involved with the action in the film and is seen by the audience. There is also a VoiceOver used to anchor the images on the screen.

What are the audiences’ generic expectations are they fulfilled or subverted?
The audience may be informed and educated which is the BBC's main aim especially using it's documentaries. If this particular documentary is similar to others on this channel then the audience will not be disappointed.

Who is being represented?
Young teenagers and young adults ranging from the ages 14-25.

What is being represented?
The implications that websex has and how it is an increasingly trending subject matter.

Why is the subject being represented in this way?
To ensure that the audience actually understands the risks of websex and how it can have a negative impact.

Are there any stereotypes?
Some stereotypes are used to represnt males as players and why they have turned into this is addressed during the course of the programme.

Is the representation fair and accurate?
Possibly not because they only look at a couple examples and this may not be representative of the larger UK target audience.

What are the major ideologies, values and assumptions behind the text?
Sex before marriage, homosexuality and young people having sex.

How are these ideas and values put across in the text?
Sex is now something that can be freely discussed and this could not have been done 3 decades ago. It was simply not socially acceptable for sex before marriage to be talked about but now times have changed and is discussed freely taking into consideration other sexual perspectives including gays.

How did the institution affect the text?
BBC produced this programme therefore it may have contained similar elements of others documentaries that they have produced in the past as heir productions have one specific aim which is to inform and educate audiences.

What is the institutional source of the text?
BBC Three has conducted research into the lives of their target audience to use as a source of it's information.

How has the text been distributed?
The text has been aired on TV on BBC Three and is available to be watched online using the BBC iPlayer.

Who owns and controls the institution?
The BBC is privately owned however is funded using payments from consumers through tv license fees.

Is the text a public service or commercial institution?
Public service broadcaster

TECHNOPHOBES

BBC Three is launching a new program called “Technophobes”, following the lives of five people who are afraid of technology.

AUDIENCE: I think this programme will appeal to teenagers and older audiences. This could range from ages 15-35. This is because this programme is related to technology and the younger generation is more literate in the use of technology and this programme may make more sense to them. In terms of social status, this will be likely to target a C1 and C2 class because these are the more well off people therefore they will be able to afford the technology and could possibly own the technology therefore can relate to key concepts. However it  target audiences with a lower socio-economic status such as students as they may have part-time jobs and have the luxury to spend money on technology.

INSTITUTION: This will allow us to recognise what kind of programme this is depending on the time that the programme is set to air on BBC Three. This particular programme will be aired at 10:00pm which means that this has been placed at this specific time for a reason and this can include the fact that this is after watershed which implies that there may be profane language exhibited during the programme which makes it unsuitable for younger audiences.

MEDIA FORMS: You may expect to see an observational documentary as this is a documentary based on natural situations. However, there will be elements if other forms if documentary such as expository where there may be interview with the main characters and how they feel when they are around technology. It is unlikely that BBC Three would use a hand-held camera to capture all the action and therefore editing will be used to piece together clips about the cast and how they try to get over their phobia.

REPRESENTATION: This could lead to a negative portrayal  of the main stars because of he fact that the younger generations are likely to find the phobias of the stars and their reactions slightly amusing. Also, we are more used to having technology all around us therefore this could lead to a negatively perceived outlook on the programme.

REVIEW: Just watched the first episode of "Technophobes". All I can say is LOOOOOOL. I just couldn't stop smiling, because of how weird the idea of technophobia could even exist. If this was the  intended reaction that BBC Three wanted then well done because it was a good and informative programme. Thumbs up people!!

Documentaries

There are 6 types of documentary which are as follows:

1. Poetic
2. Expository
3. Observational
4. Participatory
5. Reflexive
6. Performative

 

Expository Documentaries:

• Voiceover which addresses the audience directly (acts as a commentator) – usually a male who has an authoritative voice (voice of God) and may be an expert in the relevant topic of the documentary
• Images are used to reinforce the voiceover and advance the argument that has been put forward
• Editing is used for continuity to link the images together which support the voiceover furthermore
• Attempts to persuade the audience of a particular point of view

Observational Documentaries:

• Hand-held cameras are mostly used
• Least amount of intervention from documentary makers
• No voiceovers are used – it is presented in its ‘purest’ form
• The subject pretend as if they are not being filmed

Reflexive Documentaries:

• Borrows techniques from fiction film for an emotional, subjective response
• Voiceover (if there is one present) will sound questioning and maybe a little uncertain
• Relies more on suggestion rather than facts
• Emphasises the expressive nature of the film
• Makes the audience question the reality of documentary

Plan for Essay

Consider the reasons media products from your case study are present across a range of media platforms? In your answer you should:

i.)      Provide a brief outline of your case study

ii.)    Discuss the advantage for producers of each media platform

iii.)  Support your answer with reference to examples from all three platforms

Intro:

ü  Outline Super 8 Cross-Media Study

ü  Answer the question briefly

ü  Briefly describe each platform

First Paragraph:

ü  Relate to broadcast media and apply elements of CMS

ü  Advantages and disadvantages of this particular platform

ü  Link back to CMS

Second Paragraph:

ü  Explain how Super 8 is present across the print media platform

ü  Discuss the pros and cons of this platform

ü  Link back to the CMS

Third Paragraph:

ü  Describe how Super 8 is presented through e-media (viral marketing etc.)

ü  Consider the negatives and positives of this platform

ü  Relate back to the CMS

Conclusion:

ü  Which platform is most important

ü  Reasons why

SUPER 8 CASE STUDY PRESENTATION

https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dhqfmnxm_1g3xssdgj

Super 8 Cross Media Study Continued...

Super 8 is likely to be targeted at an audience over the age of 10 or 11. The reason for this is the profanity that is present in the film. This may not be suitable for younger audiences. However this is not the only factor that makes this film targeted at such an audience. Another reason can include the spookiness and actions of the alien that is represented in the film. The alien seems to promote violence from its entrance on the screen until towards the ending where it soon leaves the Earth; therefore a younger audience may be startled because of these actions that are taken by the alien.

The audience may be able to form some sort of connection with the protagonist who is the young boy in the film who has lost his mother. His character is very emotional throughout the film and the audience may be able to relate to some of the emotions that are portrayed through the characters during the film.

Twitter regularly tweets itself and buzzes information within seconds which go all over fans communicate by blogging posts. Super 8 itself has its own Twitter page and has around over 16000 followers. The cast in the film also have their own social networking pages such as Facebook and Twitter where fans may be able to interact with them increasing the level of audience interaction.

http://www.facebook.com/Super8Movie - 579649 likes

http://twitter.com/super8movie

579,649

like this

579,649

579,649

YouTube is another way Super 8 promotes the movie as fans make their own productions and fans can edit or view the videos that are posted site and make a comment on their views.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2011/11/22/super-8/ - Blog which contains an article on the characters and the film overall

Rotten tomatoes is an useful  online website where fans can view pictures from the clip, read reviews and learn more about the cast in the film. A great advantage for this is that they can attract audiences because of star appeal. Although the person may not have seen the film, they may be able to recognise the actors in the film, and relate them to previous films that they have starred in.

Print media is used for many reasons and is cheaper than advertising on television or the internet, which costs significantly more. Furthermore, print advertisements in newspapers and magazines are usually targeted at a slightly older audience as the younger generations do not tend to read newspapers regularly.

Reviews that are also printed in newspapers can allow an audience to identify what the genre of the film is and if it looks appealing to them. An example of this could include The Guardian which contained a review on Super 8 in the actual paper print and online. However, a drawback of this can include any negative reviews may put off some people from actually watching the film and negative feedback spreads much quicker than positive.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/aug/04/super-8-review

An example of promoting Super 8 via broadcasting is when Kyle Chandler, who is Joe’s father in the film, was a guest on the David Letterman show.

A great benefit of this can be that, not only is he promoting the film, but himself as well. Also, the young female actress in the film, Elle Fanning was interviewed by a journalist from The Telegraph which may attract audiences because of star appeal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PBwMLlRmGI

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIuqWOTH9U0&feature=related

All three platforms promote the film in the same way but use a different format as they adapt their marketing to meet the needs of the audience that they are trying to target. The platform that I think has been heavily invested in is e-media because of the fact that it was originally marketed virally. They are targeting mostly teenagers and the generations that are highly literate in the use of technology.

Super 8 Cross-Media Study

How are texts in the three platforms constructed?:

Super 8 is promoted through print media by reviews of the movie in newspaper and magazine and the print media also show how the movie got its inspiration for example a spin off publication such as comic book and super 8 is also a comic book.

Furthermore, Empire magazine feautured an article on Super 8 involving J.J Abrams and Steven Spielberg himself.  

The e-media to promote Super 8 was different to any other type of film as they had viral marketing going on for the film which was a massive hype for the film, which the first trailer of the film was attached to the film Iron Man 2 and this trailer there was a hidden message, that message was revealed by the fans as they analysed the trailer which led to a website, ‘Scariest thing I ever saw’ which had a old computer that relate to the  film's story line. Another viral website, Rocket Poppeteers was also found but was indirectly related to Super 8.

The official Super 8 website contains an 'editing room' which allowed users to find various clips from around the web and piece them together. When completed, the reel makes up the film found by the kids in Dr. Woodward's trailer, showing the ship disintegrating into individual white cubes, and the alien reaching through the window of its cage and snatching Dr. Woodward.

Super 8 also had e-media merchandising such as that are available of the move for examples the many soundtracks of the movies which range from the title track to the ending track altogether there are 33 tracks in the movie which lead up to 70 minutes of the whole movie and also and blu-rays of the movie came out on the 22ND November 2011. Also there was Super 8 Twitter promotion for any of the audience which followed them also links on website. Itunes download an app that shows a camera and you can edit a video it cost about 0.69p Version 2 of Super 8™ is all about sharing! You can now share videos everywhere you can view them on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and via E-Mail. 

Print media will give a review of a new film, provide information about the cast, certificate, etc and will often include an interview with the star or director and the codes and convention in a print media is One strong key image, Words are kept to a minimum The title is always included, The slogan is also included on the print advert, The scheduling information always included, Channel logo is prominent  and on the right hand side and The print advert is usually a4 landscape size so that it is versatile and can be used at various sizes in newspapers, magazines or on billboards.

How do audiences access the text across the 3 platforms?:

We can assume that the target audience for Super 8 is most likely to be families because of the young actors that star in this film. Children within the audience can identify and relate with the protagonist who is a little child him self who has lost his mother. However, parents can also identify with this film as it bring back memories from their pasts and this creates a nostalgic effect of them.  

  

Print media usually reaches an older audience, normally they are aiming to an older audience as they will grabbed in by the name Steven Spielberg as he has made many successful films before and the review in the magazine or the newspaper will entice the reader to continue to read, to see if the film is suitable for their family to watch. This platform doesn’t interact with the audience at all unless the newspaper or the magazine is a electronic version and this way the audience are able to express their views through comments. On the contrary, print media doesn’t allow the audience to interact. The audience do not play any role in the construction of the newspaper or the magazine unless the editor of the newspaper or the magazine go to watch super 8 themselves.     

Broadcasting includes television, radio or DVD as most of the audience it is statistically, there are 26 million people who own a television and TV license and many people go to the cinema for example 31 million people so most people find out about new films through the TV from trailers to talk shows and Super 8 have done this through to ways by having many different country channels viewing the interview which was shown on BBC and Hit list.

Kyle Chandler from Friday Night Lights, King Kong and a recurring role in Greys Anatomy. Chandler also produced and starred in an old favorite TV Sci Fi series Early Edition.
Elle Fanning who got her start playing younger versions of Dakota Fanning, her older sister before she landed the part in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'.
The movie 'Super 8' seems cloaked in mystery, after watching the promo on the official website here's what we know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMA2138Nd5w

Super 8 Research

Super 8 DVD is was released on 22/11 as part of a 2 disc Blu-ray combo pack featuring 14 deleted scenes and 8 behind the scene featurettes.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_URTtoHpbEc – MTV Awards clip


http://www.super8news.com/


http://www.filmfreak.com/2011/06/10/super-8-movie-review/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpzUCA5i6zY – First Trailer that was released

People began spotting anomalies on February 6. Not long after a trailer for Super 8—the latest J.J. Abrams flick—showed up on the movie’s official website, viewers noted that several frames differed from a Super Bowl ad that had aired earlier in the day. By the time another version appeared the following day, Abrams fanatics were hooked, posting pics and compiling clues.

Of course, Abrams is no stranger to secrecy and surprise. Nobody even knew he was producing a movie when the first trailer for Cloverfield (directed by Matt Reeves) came out. It’s a risky strategy—the more a lothario teases, the greater the potential for disappointment. When Cloverfield was finally released in 2008, The New York Times snubbed it as “a feature-length gimmick.” Can Super 8—which has already spawned fictional websites and fake blogs—hope to meet fans’ throbbing expectations?

Abrams’ television projects—Alias, Lost, and Fringe—infatuated audiences by introducing new mysteries with each episode. Abrams compared Lost to the cliff-hanger fiction serialized by Charles Dickens, though the analogy is a stretch. For Dickens, each unexpected turn of events led to the next; Abrams lets his mysteries proliferate without definitive resolution. He’s more like James Joyce, who once informed a befuddled translator of Ulysses that “I’ve put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant, and that’s the only way of insuring one’s immortality.” Our lothario’s elixir of life flows from the labyrinth of Lost. And we love him for it.

Super 8 has the makings of something different. Produced by Abrams’ idol, Steven Spielberg, it shares a kinship with E.T. Spielberg originally intended to create a movie about divorce, but it worked best overlaid with an extraterrestrial plot. If Abrams is to be believed, the havoc that gives his film momentum—children making a zombie flick in 1970s middle America witness the late-night derailment of a train coming from Area 51—is all in the service of character. Super 8 will romance us with—gasp!—old-fashioned sentiment.






http://www.super8comiccontest.com/


http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/super-8/5561


Like Cloverfield, an earlier J. J. Abrams film, Super 8 was promoted through an extensive viral marketing campaign. The first trailer for the movie was attached to Iron Man 2, released in May 2010. The trailer gave the premise of a section of Area 51 being closed down in 1979 and its contents being transported by freight train to Ohio. A pickup truck drives into the oncoming train, derailing it, and one of the carriages is smashed open while a Super 8 camera films. Fans analyzing the trailer found a hidden message, "Scariest Thing I Ever Saw", contained in the final frames of the trailer. This led to a website, Scariest Thing I Ever Saw, which simulated an old computer and contained various clues to the film's storyline (the computer was eventually revealed to belong to Josh Woodward, the son of Dr. Woodward, who is trying to find out what happened to his father). Another viral website, Rocket Poppeteers was also found, which like Slusho from Cloverfield plays no direct part in the film but is indirectly related. The official Super 8 website also contained an "editing room" section, which asked users to find various clips from around the web and piece them together. When completed, the reel makes up the film found by the kids in Dr. Woodward's trailer, showing the ship disintegrating into individual white cubes, and the alien reaching through the window of its cage and snatching Dr. Woodward. The video game Portal 2 contained an interactive trailer placing the player on board the train before it derails, and showing the carriage being smashed open and the roar of the alien within. The viral campaign generated massive hype for the film long before its release


Super was produced by Amblin Entertainment, Bad Robot Productions and Paramount Pictures which is currently owned by Viacom


Dedicated film website - www.super8-movie.com/


Blog- http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Article/Movie-Blog--Not-So-Super-8-Popcorn-Diaries-021243066866484


http://www.super8-movie.com/editingroom.html - interaction with audience


Now this is how you do a movie tie-in.

Super 8, a new app named for the eponymous j.j. Abrams flick that opens june 10, isn't some lame collection of teaser clips or a slapped-together game. Rather, it's a full-featured video recorder designed to emulate super 8 film cameras.

In other words, it's like a wayback machine for your iphone and ipad 2, allowing you to record home movies with a decidedly '60s flair. The only thing it's not is new: apps like 8mm vintage camera and silent film director have offered this capability for a while.

Ah, but super 8 is free--and it's mighty slick. The entire interfaced is modeled after a super 8 case, complete with vintage instruction manual, super 8 "cassettes" (i.e. Your library of recordings), and the camera itself.

The camera comes with your choice of seven photorealistic "lenses," including color, sepia, negative, and even infrared. For any of them you can toggle a scratch-and-dirt overlay and a frame-shake effect; the latter literally makes the frame jump based on movement of the iphone. (this effect is probably incomprehensible to anyone who's never watched old home movies--but it's seriously cool for those of us who have.)

After you've shot some "film," you can organize (but not edit) your clips, then add titles and credits, insert an authentic-looking super 8 film leader, and "develop" the movie for viewing with super 8's "projector." (the attention to detail here is terrific: you have to pull down the "screen," and there are reverse and forward buttons you can hold to shuttle the playback in real-time.)

When you're done, you can e-mail your movies to friends or copy them back to your pc via itunes. Alas, there's no way to share via facebook or youtube.