Friday, 24 January 2014

Script

Because my programme is a reality programme, most of my scenes weren't scripted and so I only required a script when the 'celebrities' reviewed my show. I created a script for all 3 reviews, with comments on a positive note to my programme. This would ensure that in my opening sequence of my programme audiences would be encouraged to watch the programme through celebrity endorsement and use of words which made the programme look appealing. The script above can show the script that I used for the programme, and that I used my friends as celebrities to make the programme look more interesting and to appeal to more audiences.

The reason why I chose the certain phrases and words that I did was to ensure that the programme sounded appealing to audiences, and by the use of 'celebrity' and the way that celebrity says positive things about the programme may encourage more audiences to watch it. This is because usually audiences take on board what celebrities say because they think the celebrities are watching it and so want to do the same as them. The reason why I chose 'Kim Kardashian' as one of the celebrities reviewing the show was because she is one of the main celebrities in the media right now. Because of this if she was to review a show the media would follow up on this, and then cause a huge following to the show because she has taken interest in it. Also, I chose 'Helen from the Daily Mail' because I wanted the programme to have an aspect of class and intelligence to it. So, if a upper class intelligent newspaper professional was to say this reality show is worth watching then other audiences than the target audience may be encouraged to watch the show. For example, upper class individuals of the demographic of B and above. Lastly, a fictional band of the Sundaes was created to give a majority of ages to the show. This is because the band appeal to a young audience of 9-20 years old, and so by saying they like the show might encourage their fans to watch the show because they like it. Encouraging younger audiences, as well as the older audiences to ensure the programme has a good rating (if this was to be a real programme airing on national television).

Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Broadcast Research- The Only Way Is Essex

The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) is another reality programme I will be analysing, this will enable me to see the differences between different reality programmes. The program is evident of its glamorous lifestyle that it is a reality genre, combined with the type of characters involved. The programme follows a group of young adults living a luxury and glamorous lifestyle, living in Essex and beyond.  The show features what drama unveils in the day to day lives of the glamorous individuals, including break-ups, parties and friendship dilemmas.

Language
At the beginning of the opening sequence two of the main characters are featured wearing expensive clothes, where Lydia is wearing a black velvet dress combined with expensive diamond jewellery whilst 'Arg' is wearing a simple suit. With Lydia wearing black this could suggest an expensive but luxury lifestyle, and be associated with wealth which is combined with the fur coat she is wearing. By having Arg by Lydia's side it could suggest that Arg is the dominant male character in the show, but also he could be a protective figure to Lydia. As the opening sequence continues the two can be seen entering one of the most expensive cars to date, a Ferrari. As well as this, two men are shown opening the doors of the Ferrari for both Lydia and Arg. This could suggest that their lifestyle is not only luxury and expensive but also a bit over the top. By this use of semiotics overall it portrays the concept of sophisticated style and slightly more expensive taste, suggesting that the show is similar or the same to this. This could suggest why the particular audience watch this programme. Throughout most of the sequence the two main characters are the main focus point and are shown to have the 'limelight' on them. The continuity of the sequence continues to focus on a set group of characters (main), although the whole cast and other members of the general public are featured during busier party scenes, usually featuring more dramas. Most settings are featured in either the characters houses, local clubs/bars/restaurants or beauty parlours such as salons and clothes shops; which are key places for majority females to socialize. Which could suggest that the only drama that happens is with those particular characters, showing their dramatic lifestyle further.

Non-diegetic sound of a well known song is used during the opening scene, continuing through diegetic sounds when some of the main characters are talking, it then fades out when the scene is led to the party venue. This use of non-diegetic music is used throughout transitions in the sequence whilst the scene changes, this helps to crossover from scene to scene as the audience are made aware of the change of location. As well as this, one of the main characters (Jess) can be seen in the centre of one of the shots where she is wearing a sequinned dress and singing. As the non-diegetic music fades out, Jess is in full view of a medium close up shot but is then zoomed in to show the character being the one of attention. There is a variety of camera angles in the sequence, which can be immediately made aware of when Arg and Lydia (two of the main characters) are walking down the stairs of a large mansion. The camera is facing under them, suggesting that they are powerful and superior to the other characters. Other shots such as close up can be seen where Lydia is confronting Arg about a cheating scandal with another main character, Lucy. The camera angles are very portrayal of emotions and try to show the feelings that Lydia is feeling, whilst Lucy is shown as far away and just something of a distraction.
The lighting used within the scenes looks fairly natural, which is shown where some of the scenes are outside. Other lighting is usually bright lights, and in the party scene the light is dark but light is focused on characters with their sequinned outfits which are shined on by the light. The lighting is mostly natural because it is a structured reality programme and they don't want to take the attention away from the drama and characters.


Audience
 Because of the genre, many females are the target audience for this show. This is because the reality genre is stereotyped into believing that females are the only one to like this genre and therefore, be the only ones to watch reality TV shows. It could also be linked in with the fact that the luxury lifestyle represented could be watch some of the audience want. For example, many young females dream of living the luxury, glamorous lifestyle; owning a large house/mansion, going to parties, wearing expensive/glamorous clothes and being with a handsome male. Therefore may watch the show so they can relate to similar interests and to get an idea of what it is like. Another aspect of the younger target audience is the social networking and interaction side of it. At the end of the sequence the text reads about 'VIP extras' on their website, suggesting that the show is for younger audiences because stereotypically younger people are the ones with social networks and technology. However, because the show is broadcast after the watershed it could suggest that the show is only for adults, as well as its sexual references and bad language included. Furthermore, Towie is broadcast on ITV2 which is owned by ITV and aimed  at a younger audience. Suggesting that the shows aired on ITV2 would be aimed at the audiences who tune in to that channel. Taking this all in conclusion, the age range suited to the programme would be 16-35, although it is on after watershed, the social interaction side of it would show the younger audiences for this programme.

Institution
Because The Only Way Is Essex is broadcast on ITV2 it would suggest that the channel offers audiences to watch programmes which are controversial and based upon structured reality. As an institution the channel seems to be quite daring with what programmes it airs, such as Celebrity Juice cause many controversies and could be another reason to why audiences use the channel. If audiences know they can witness drama or a scandal many become intrigued by this and then feel a sense of empowerment knowing that they technically have the power over that programme. This is because the channel is a free-to-air entertainment channel, and so if viewers do not tune in to that specific TV show and there is not enough viewers and ratings, then ITV2 may then invest in another show which entices more viewers; which may potentially feature drama, scandal and rude references. By having the sequence show many dramas, as well as a rich, lavish lifestyle it empowers the ITV2 brand name and makes them a company of freedom as such. As well as allowing audiences to tune in to other people's lives and know exactly what they're doing. Further to this, the company also features their website throughout the sequence with itv.com at the bottom of the screen, making viewers aware of that function. As well as featuring other functions on the website made available at the end of the sequence.

Representation 
Throughout the sequence the females are represented as glamorous, rich and seem to be living a dramatic but at the same time a care-free life. With most of the males seen as quite calm and content. Arg, is the only dominant male in the sequence, a counter type shown. This is because usually males are seen as the dominant gender. Although, this is only the case with one of the characters, and most of the main female characters are dominant and shown in a centred shot. For example, when Jess was signing, the shot was focused on her and she seemed to be confident and a ring leader of the scene. Another representation is that Arg and Lydia are very representative of the Essex lifestyle- the rich, extravagant and glamourous lifestyle that Essex individuals are said to have. This is followed up with the party scene, where it shows most of the characters, as well as some of the general public, which would show the typical Essex lifestyle. Furthermore, the female characters are shown as attractive and are seen wearing skimpy clothes- Sam and Chloe who are seen pouring champagne to their friends whilst wearing hot pants. This could suggest the sexual reference to the programme, as well as the sex appeal of the men. Although, another counter type is shown because Mark is known as one of the most attractive characters in the show, but in this sequence is shown as unattractive. Also, when Arg and Lydia were seen in the first part of the opening sequence, Arg can be seen next to Lydia. This could suggest that he is protecting her and that he is a dominant figure and therefore showing an archetype.

Friday, 20 December 2013

Audience Research- Made In Chelsea

This secondary resource has given me extended evidence on the age range for my target audience for my reality programme. By basing the research on structured reality programmes it will enable me to take some of the information and use it for my own benefit. For example, by knowing the audience for Made In Chelsea is mostly females under 18, I can fit that in with my programme and use that as an advantage. Again, this supports evidence that reality programmes appeal to females and a young audience. This is because the graph shows that the ones who watch the show the most are females who are aged under 18. As well as this, the second most popular audience is females aged 18-29, which is the second youngest audience, suggesting further to young audience who watch reality programmes.

Storyboard

                                                                     Medium Shot
2s
Characters are in centre of the shot, and are placed by myself for the constructed reality.
Sound is diegetic (talking)





Medium shot
2s
Another character is added within the shot.

Diegetic dialogue (talking) Most of the scene is as it is and not constructed/scripted.







Medium shot
2s
Diegetic dialogue (talking)





Low Angle shot and two-shot
2s
Diegetic sound (talking and background noise- door opening)
Again, this flowing clip lasts 13s (including the end which is below) but does change slightly with characters moving at angles. Although, the angle of the shot does not change. Sound is diegetic throughout.




Close up
1s
Diegetic sound (background noise- sniffling, coughing)





Very Long shot (VLS)
2s
Diegetic sound (talking)








Long shot and a cutaway shot.
2s
Diegetic sound (talking)






Medium shot
2s
Diegetic sound (talking)
Original clip is 13s but the clip throughout is the same, with angles and sound not changing. Only the movement of the character is slight facial movement, head movement and hand movement but does not affect angle of shot.


Medium shot and cut-away
2s
Diegetic sound (talking)
Original clip is 4s but angles and shots are all the same throughout this clip.

Thursday, 12 December 2013

Audience Research- The Only Way Is Essex

This secondary resource can allow me to identify and further my knowledge on my own target audience for my reality TV programme. This graph shows that the audiences who watch The Only Way Is Essex are primarily females, with most of the results being that the female audience is twice as more as the male audience. According to this graph the age who watch Towie the most is 18-29 year olds which gives evidence to reality programmes having young audiences. The graph shows that females aged 18-29 are the ones who watch this show the most and therefore support the gendered and age argument over reality programmes, particulary ones who are structured. Although, this graph does show that older viewers watch the show too just not as much as younger views, who are pimary audience for this show.

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Broadcast Research- Keeping Up With The Kardashians

It is an American reality TV series starting on October 14th 2007 on E! Which features the Kardashian and Jenner family who are known for the drama in their family, with the people involved being: Kris Jenner mum of (Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Rob Kardashian and, Kendall and Kylie Jenner) Bruce Jenner being the step-dad to the Kardashian sisters and Rob, but being the biological father to Kendall and Kylie. Not only is Bruce the father to Kendall and Kylie Jenner with Kris, but also has other children from previous marriages to Christy Crownover, with whom he had a son, Burt, and a daughter, Casey. He was also married to Linda Thompson, with whom he had sons Brandon and Brody. It also features Kourtney's boyfriend Scott Disick, who have 2 children together- Mason and Penelope. It also features Khloé's husband basketball player Lamar Odom, and in newer episodes Kim's boyfriend Kanye West who recently gave a birth to a baby girl- North West. The programme is very popular still to this day where it reaches near to 2 million or over each episode. Although the programme has dropped ratings compared to 2009, where the programmed seemed to be more popular. Even though the show seems to be rated quite highly, there are a lot of critisms about the show, with allegations that they fabricate the storylines to create more drama and entertainment. Throughout the criticisms the family still continue to film episodes, with Ryan Seacrest being the main executive producer who once saw the family knew they would entertain audiences, so made the show. Whatever critics they get, they will always have the fame as the show has made them worth a net of $80M.

Keeping up with the Kardashians is often known for its dramas and are often circulated out of the show also. Some of the well-known dramas include Scott's behaviour towards the family where he often says that he doesn't enjoy their company and would much rather spend it with his friends. Also a massive drama is a more recent one with accusations that Khloè and husband Lamar are divorcing as he faced being in rehab after drug scandals. Another well known drama is Kim's pregnancy and also the trouble with Khloè becoming pregnant. A recent trip to Greece saw Kendall have a break down which became a hit with the media. Another recent drama in which the paparazzi are being dangerous towards the family as there is so many of them, especially now Kim has a baby where not only Kim but also boyfriend Kanye are worried for their daughter's safety.

This show is another inspiration for my own work. The show gives me inspirations because of the layout of the cameras and how their lives are portrayed. A similiar idea founded by myself for my reality TV show. The camera angles in the Kardashians are at times focusing on their expressions, which would be a close up on their faces; medium close up. When there is emotion portrayed the cameras interestingly, zoom in, this captures all the drama and emotion from the show. By zooming right in to the face, it can connect the audience with the emotion and may even make them feel the same. The trailer for season 9 shows clips of some of the episodes, the most dramatic and emotional ones. This is because the trailer needs to capture all of the drama, so the audience will want to watch it. The audience for this TV show is normally teenagers to young adults, but some of the mums of the teenagers watch it, which are the secondary audience. In the show, the location is usually at their homes, but sometimes features holiday destinations around the world, Bora Bora being an example of one of their holidays as a family. By publisising their holidays, it shows they rarely have privacy, which viewers can find interesting and the fact that it will contain drama and moments that should be private but aren't. Within the title sequence, it has a theme tune, which features on every episode. The theme tune is quite upbeat, and also features the family posing at the start of the scene. They portray the family as 'happy' and try to convey a bit of all of their personalities. For example, Kim is shown to be late as this is like her in real life, but it is also showing how she comes into the scene priming her hair and checking to see if she looks right, showing Kim's personality. The text comes in right to the end, but is emphasised because of its colour, purple; quite a bright, cheerful colour to show how the show is supposed to be like its logo.

Hollyoaks Opening Sequence Analysis


This title sequence of the soap Hollyoaks is of inspiration to what my title sequence might be. The introduction of all the characters of the show and a backdrop of their personality has also given me inspiration to what I could put into my sequence. The colours are bright and vibrant which could be to portray a sense of drama and to give a sense of what's coming on the episode. With the title sequence there is different backdrops to represent the different character's and their personalities. This in interesting because if one of the character's is a 'bad guy' then his personality would be portrayed as dark, dull and seemingly scary. This would show the audience what type of people are on the show and how stereotypes are used. This appeals to what I'm doing because I am interested in the camera angles and the title sequence, where the characters have small scenes to show bits of their personality. I would like to feature something similiar to this in my title sequence, where I will feature a backdrop and various shots to capture each character's personality of my show. As well as this, the non-diegetic sound featured would be of similar use because I would feature non-diegetic sound throughout the title sequence and then let it fade out when the title sequence is finished.