Textual Analysis HW: Reality TV

1)  Big Brother: The Tree of Temptation (docugame)

How is Ben the contestant being represented?

The contestant Ben is represented in various ways. In the beginning he accepts the comments made by the Tree of Temptation, which could infer his strong persona that he doesn’t give into to the trees nattering. Also the fact that Ben chooses not to be tempted to perform a certain task that the Tree desires him to do, shows that to a certain extent the contestants are in charge of the game, and that they make up the rules. At the end, Ben stand firm with his decisions against the tree, therefore representing him in a positive light, which audiences are able to recognise.

How is the Tree of Temptation represented?

The tree of temptation is shown as having a crude and dominant persona, with its humorous speech. It attempts to persuade Ben the contestant to perform a task, by degrading him, linking to biblical references as well. This could infer The Tree of Temptation to be somewhat evil or a bad influence and warn the contestant and importantly the audience to stay away from it.

2)      I'm a Celebrity (docugame)

How does the Game Show use Media Language to ENGAGE the Target Audience?

The game show uses media language in its show to engage the target audience. The use of Ant and Dec continuously encouraging Simon, enages the audience as it makes them want to find out the result, and whether the contestant will make it or not. The main focus of time, for instance and says “you have lots of time… 30 secs left”, creates suspense and tension for the audience hereby engaging them.

3)      Wife Swap (Makeovers)

Which codes and conventions of the of the GENRE are present in this clip?

The codes and conventions involve intimacy, is the use of confessional individual camera scenes, where the people can reveal their inner secrets or thoughts on a subject.

What is the future of reality TV programmes? Will they survive and if so in what format and on what platform?

The future of reality TV programmes is likely to be more on the emedia platform, as this will broaden the target audience and get people more involved. It’s also much more accessible and user friendly. Reality TV programmes are likely to be controlled by the viewers, target audience hereby making them the producers of the show.

                                                                                                              

12B Textual Analysis: Slumdog Millionaire Trailer

12B Textual Analysis: Slumdog Millionaire Trailer

1) Media Forms:
What techniques does the trailer use to persuade its audience to see the film?

The techniques that these trailers have presented are firstly through the use of it being fast paced/quick tempo which engages the audience attentions. Also these trailers use the notion of introducing the films name not at the beginning which helps to make the audience wonder the name off it, adding to its mystery.  The names of the main stars are put on screen early in both of the trailer. This is important as it lets audiences know who they can expect to see in the film. Audiences will often decide they want to see a film just because of the stars in it, so they try to include a whole variety of characters, hence broadening the audience of the film as the characters may include a variety of different ethnicities. The fact that there is question at the beginning of the trailer, gives the audience a choice and to make their own assumptions to choose whatever they want.

The trailers include key moments from the film which are not placed in the sequence of the film, and do not give away any crucial plot details, in the case of slum dog millionaire ,the audience are likely to wonder what is going to happen to the main protagonist, which makes the audience curious . The use of the director’s name being shown at the beginning of the slum dog millionaire adds reliability to the film being successes as the director is well known, hence increasing people wanting to watch it.

The On-screen text gives important information about the film in the instance of slum dog, being the ‘winner of Toronto award’, this including the stars, director/producers, tag line, title and release date. The music adds to the tempo of the trailer, signifying that the film is likely to be fast paced. The music helps to bring all the elements of the trailer together. In slum dog millionaire the use of fade shots, makes the transition of the shots easier, as well making audiences question the characters persona. Also there is a use of point of view shot, which helps to gain the audience an insight to the characters perspective.

2. Media Representation:
How is ethnicity represented in this trailer?

Ethnicity representation is demonstrated in many ways in this trailer. The protagonist is shown to be from an Indian background, and a child is seen imitating the Hindu deity; Krishna. Within the trailer, in some senses the portrayal of ethnicity could be considered to be shown in a positive light, as it conveys a sense of togetherness, as well as the fact that the main protagonist is on the verge of winning a million pounds also. Another way ethnicity is represented is by the use of money. The fact that they have lived in slums all their lives, gaining a large amount of money, is inevitability making their dreams come true.

Ethnicity is also shown to be a thing that has impacted their lives, the fact that they are that specific ethnicity, means they can’t move forward in life as much as a white person could, as they are likely to have much more possibilities.

3. Media Audiences:
Who is target audience and how does the advert attempt to persuade this audience to watch the film?

The primary target audience for slum dog millionaire is 12-55 age groups unisex, but perhaps more male based, due to the main protagonist being a male, and that he is putting his life on the line for a girl, some of the audiences could relate to this. Moreover the socioeconomic class would be skilled working class, unemployed E or D, as the characters in the trailer, are considered to be living in poverty as they are in slums.

The secondary target audience for this film is likely to be females, as females can relate to the notion of love, and doing anything for love. The trailer is considered to be a romantic genre, which means that young females may be attracted by this kind of film. The soci economic group for females would be D and E as the females in the film are shown to be of lower status.

The advert attempts to persuade the audience to watch the film by using a upbeat recognisable song, which again attracts the audience to come watch the film, as they will recognise. The use of music is also shown to be diverse, with a mix of English and Indian Bollywood music, which helps to broaden the target audience.

4. Media Institutions:
What is communicated about the institution?

The institution of Slumdog millionaire is shown to be off a modern and fresh institution. This means that they are likely to more open minded, evidence of this open mindness is shown by the use of Indian actors. Moreover the fact the actors aren’t well known, suggests that the institution is small, and wants them to be recognised.

Textual Analysis: Kidulthood Trailer

1.    Media Forms:
What techniques does the trailer use to persuade its audience to see the film?

There are a number of various techniques used in this kidult hood trailer, which all help to persuade the audience to see the film itself. Firstly the use of fast paced shots is used to gain momentum and pace within the shots, which create an emphasis that the film is quick paced, which engages the audience to want to find out more. The use of fast paced shots is a contrast to the not as quick tempo shots in the beginning they are quite long, which creates suspense and tension, persuading audience to find out more about the film. Sound is also used to help to achieve the audience to persuade to view the film. Moreover the sound in the beginning seems to be gaining momentum as well, which could foreshadow some form of dilemma to be approaching soon. Firstly non digetic sound via music is used; in this case the music is quite solace and dim, yet kind of edgy (gangster), which is also typical of the films genre, which may give audiences an insight into the gratifications of this film, hence persuading them to view it. Use of digetic sound is also used via dialogue which helps to give audiences an understanding of dilemmas the characters may face as well as establishing the “goodies” and “baddies” in the film, which persuades them the audience to see the film, as they are likely to want to discover the outcome of the dilemma. The name of the film is said right at the end, via a slogan, this slogan is “before adulthood comes kidulthood”; this slogan or film line creates anticipation as well as excitement for the name of the film to be heard.

2.    Media Representation:
How is gender represented in this trailer?

Gender is represented mostly in a males perception, firstly due to the fact that the main protagonists is also a male and that most of the characters seen in the trailer are men .In addition the males in this trailer are shown to be controlling ,superior and  dominant. They have the power to do anything they want. The males are also represented to be the main ones causing chaos and conflict, which can be seen as a stereotype for men to be troublemakers. In contrast women are perceived to be inferior in relation to men. During the trailer audiences hear offensive terms in reference to women, which again demonstrates women to being sexually objectified. Moreover in one scene in the trailer it is shown that a young girl is beat up, which again could infer women to be weaker, inferior to women, or the prey in relation to men being the predator. The fact that the young girl who is also hit and thrown doesn’t fight back again portrays the influence of violent young males to be strong on women, and that there may some sort of acceptance by the females that they will never outdo or fight back with the males as there is no point, as they will always win.  

              

3.    Media Audiences:
What target audience would be attracted to this film?

The primary target audience whom would be attracted to this film is mainly of 14-18 males, as the characters’ in the actual film are of a similar age cohort. The demographics would include soci economic class to be of E as they are likely to be students, as the characters in the trailer are students who attend school as well. The soci economic class would also be of a class D and C2 as they means they are working class, and are likely to be on benefits or live in council flats where there is likely to a soaring crime rates, in, which also relating to the characters in the trailer, as their lives are seen to be influenced by crime and violence which may be similar to some of the audiences lives. Another notion of the target audience being males mainly is that the costumes that they are wearing are mostly inexpensive, cheap tacky tracksuits, which is stereotypical of young males to be like that.  Moreover it could be inferred that the target audience could include females as well, as there may be a woman who could be in a similar situation, and seeks solace in a film like this. What’s more is that the costumes of the women are shown to be quite chavy with the use of hoops and short skirts, which again could relate to secondary target audience.

4. Media Institutions:
What low budget values and characteristics can you identify in this trailer?

The institution of this film is SNHY media which is perceived to be quite a modern, gangster type organisation which touches upon realistic aspects of society, which may startle audiences but is true. There is also a lack of lighting, which is conventional of low budget values in a film. More low budget values and characteristics present within the trailer is the fact that they use inexpensive clothes, as well as unknown actors, which again conveys that the film is likely to be low budgeted.

Baby car advert Textual Analysis

Media Forms:
Which advertising techniques being used?

Uses of advertising techniques help to achieve an effective advertisement. In the case of this baby Hyundai car advert many devices are used to create a desired effect. Firstly humour is used to create a comical notion with the use of babies being shown to be drivers, this humorous concept gains readers attention as well as making them laugh hence giving the advert remembrance. Other techniques such as fast paced shots/cuts are used as well. This specifically gain momentum up and adds emphasis to the excitement of the child and how and how far the car travels.

Moreover the fast tempo cross cuts are used on the boy and the girl to convey their emotions whilst in the car, on the hills signifying the car to be reliable and sturdy’s slogan is used, in this case “drive your way”, which engages the audience with the use of pronouns which make makes it direct, as well as making it something to remember by. Use of voice over is also used at the end of the advert; of a woman her voice is light and airy which may have been used to target females as well. Non Diegetic sound is used in the form of light/oldie traditional music era 60s which may have been used to engage older generation as well. The name of the brand is also said right at the end and shown right at the end deliberately so that the audiences will view the advert first and then hear the name hence remembering it more.

Representation:
How is gender represented in this advertisement?

Gender in this advert is shown to be male perceived and dominated. The fact that the baby is male, typical blond blue eyes child, plays a huge role as not only has it got a dominant ideology, but empowers men again to be the knight in shining armour, in an already patriarchal society. Whereas the female baby again of the dominant origin as she has blond hair, white and is blue eyes is portrayed as the weaker wander as she is shown to be a hitchhiker. This could infer that her life is complete when she’s in the car and with the baby boy. The fact the male baby is seen to be surfing, connotes the male to be the performer ,the one in control and is free to do whatever he wants, in contrast to the traditional woman applauding the mans efforts. The phrase “men are better drivers” is also invoked as the male baby is seen to be in control of the wheel meaning that the male gender is represented positively and empowering for men.

Institution:
What is communicated about the Hyundai brand and the experience it offers?

The institution of the Hunyadi brand and its experience is a traditional perception on the male being the next in kin as even the music’s lyrics say those exact words in the chorus adding emphasis to their norms and values. Also the fact they are both of dominant ideologies could portray Hyundai brand is not really ethnicity appealable. What’s more is communicated is that the brand promises the car to be reliable ,safe and work as an efficient transporter as even on the hills and sand dunes this car won’t let you down.

Audience:
Who is target audience and how does the advert attempt to persuade this audience to buy the product?

The primary target audience for this advert is most likely to be 25+, parents with children or who desire to start a family. The soci economic class is likely to be c and b and of a male gender as the main character is a male baby. The male is likely to depend on his transport to get him to jobs, hence would need a beneficial car, and safe for his children or partner. The secondary target audience could be aimed at females as the voiceover at the end is female, and it could be seen as a gift for them or to get for their partners, it works as a broadening audience appeal as it relates to both genders. The advert attempts to persuade this audience to buy the product by ending the scene with a traditional romantic scene which will engage younger couples who are looking for a car suitable for their families.

Cross Media Case Study HW

"Audiences are no longer just consumers of texts, but producers too" - To what extent is this true of the media products in your case study?

My case study consists of three primary texts which include Hannah Montana, Icarly and Wizards’ of Waverly place .They all have a similar genre which is teen sitcom as well as operating on all cross media platforms, such as broadcasting via TV shows, print being magazines and e media through websites. These three platforms touch on the demographics of my texts, creating a diverse audience. Within my case study it can be argued that audiences are no longer just consumers of media texts but producers too .I’m going to discuss to what extent this statement is true in relation to my case study.

How did Hannah Montana print platform cause audiences to create their own pages in the magazine?

There is a specific difference between consumers and producers; a consumer is someone who receives a service, for instance viewing an icarly episode, whereas a producer is a person with control of creating something like a fan page. In the case Of Hannah Montana, its print platform, involves its very own magazine, where audience can read about fashion, music and updates of the characters, mostly everything Hannah Montana based. The magazine itself also contains comments sections and images. However some may question whether consumers have evolved into producers in the print platform as audiences can create stories and show strips ideas to the actual creator of Hannah Montana. Therefore, making the audience into producers as they have the control over what stories to pursue. This encourages audiences to want to produce more idea and comic strips as they will be featured in the magazine as well as a possibility of it being produced and broadcasted. The fact that audiences could have the possibility of seeing their script published, and perhaps developed into a storyline for the actual program ,may even appeal to young writers with ideas, which again broadens the target audience of Hannah Montana. As well as touching on the idea of consumers becoming more than just that, but producers.

This means that audiences are participating a contributing to the media product, the Hannah Montana magazine so that their ideas may be heard. In addition in Hannah Montana print platform, use of comments from readers are published and emails making of quizzes as well as a image shown and readers have to produce a headline/title for the image. These again questions the determinism of audiences being much more than consumers or whether they have now developed into producers as what they want to say or create can be easily published and shown to other readers and creators of the show. The fact that readers can create their own headlines, establishes the power and control to be in their hands, which is conventional of a producer. Also the use of a print platform broadens the audience as they relate back to e media platform where you can send comments and emails to the characters’ and creators for any ideas as well.

How have wizards of Waverley users used fan pages to engage audiences?

Wizards of Waverley users have created their own fan pages to initiate and engage audiences. Their unofficial websites include fan pages, where there is user interactivity, via quizzes and polls included. The main difference between the unofficial and official wizards of Waverley place websites’ is that on the unofficial, users can sign up /register to the site, and become a part of the page and interact. These kinds of interactions include the creation of quizzes. Users can upload their own produced quizzes, such as what kind so spells you would use in what episode. Then after you have participated in the quiz, you can upload your result to the page, and others will comment back. This broadens the audience of the fan page, as more people are likely to want to get involved if there other users, with the same interests commenting. 

Another aspect of the users unofficial fan page is images, that you can create yourself, such as wallpapers, which entices audiences to get involved and make their own images to upload, which then can be commented unto from other users. Moreover users can upload their own made videos. The videos which are produced by the users are of their own creation and include wizards of Waverley character and the show’s theme tune as well. These videos can be shared with other users, and you can favourite them as wells as comment on them. This encourages consumers to become the producers, as they can upload their own creation of content. Fan picks are also created on the fan page. These picks involve a basic yet effective concept, where users can upload their questions to address to the other users on the fan page, questions including character traits as well as the actors themselves. Not only does fan picks persuaded audiences to sign up so that they can comment, but also interact with other users and share opinions of recent episodes. There are a number of contests on the fan page itself, which consists of users being able to create their own wallpapers’, and the best one of wizards of Waverley place is uploaded and receives a gift. This enages audience to produce wallpapers for the site, as they will also receive comments and feedback from numerous users on the site.

How has Icarly’s official website gained audiences interests via use of uploading?

On the official website of Icarly, there a numerous attractions for audiences to interact and upload on the website. In the actual program, users uploaded videos are featured at the end of the program, and the characters base their next storyline around the concept of their video. The characters also comment back on the videos uploaded and may send them an autograph from the characters themselves. This means that audiences are persuaded to upload their own videos from the comfort from their own house, which may be shown on the program. Moreover the websites encourages audience to log in and send them issues of their own produce, including videos, photos and texts even. Free texts are sent to tell them what is thought of the show as well as thoughts of the show itself, and perhaps something that could be improved. The fact that the texts are free encourages more of the audiences to send texts, with feedback as well. But mostly it’s the sending your own videos which causes audiences to get involved and become the producers.

Overall it seems that audiences are much more than consumers, but now have evolved into producers. In the case of platforms, it seems that emedia is the most improved way of getting consumers opinions and produce across to the shows, is videos texts. However it seems that audiences are taking matters into their own hands, with the use of fan pages, with better features than the official programs website, hereby declaring to a great extent that, audiences are considered to be the producers of texts, regardless of platform.

T-Mobile analysis

Media Forms:
What conventions of advertising are evident in this text? 

There are many conventions which are evident in this text, which create an overall perfected advert in motion. Firstly the use of ambiguity is used throughout the advert. This means that audiences are likely to want to know, why is there music playing? And what’s about to happen? These questions provoke the audiences to actually watch the whole of the advert to determine its helpfulness or its product and its use. The use of cross cutting consistently helps to keep the audience engaged to.

The use of popular songs, which are well known, helps to broaden the audience and grip them, as they are likely to sing along with them. A humorous tone is used throughout the trailer, as it is comical, audiences are likely to laugh and remember the advert, which means they remember the brand or product too. The slogan at the end “life’s for sharing” is also conventional of an advert as it connects the audiences and creates a sense of remembrance for them. The end theme tune and logo of the brand helps to show that the source is reliable, and also refers back to the fact that audiences are going to want know what the advert is about, hence are likely to watch all of it, which means they remember the product better, making it a successful advert.

Representation:
How is technology represented in this advertisement?

In this advert technology is seen as something which connects people together, and gives a positive/optimistic outlook on life, with the reference to the fact that “life’s for sharing”. The fact that everyone is together, happy and dancing could connote us to being the wires and networks into how knowledge or stuff is shared quickly, via Internet/phone. Also it also seems like technology is being portrayed as a necessity as well, by the use of everyone having it ,and using it in the advert, which just shows its importance in the modern world.

Institution:

What is communicated about the T-Mobile brand and the experience it offers?

One point could be that the pace that the dancers are moving at is pretty rapid, which could relate to the quickness involved in the connection of T-Mobile services perhaps.Another thing which could be communicated about the T-mobile brand and the experience it offers is that it is quite modern,in the way it wants to involve everyone in the whole process,the institution could be seen as family orientated.Moreover they could be seen as an evolving institution as they have different music genres,which are related to the years like the 80s .90s etc,which means that they are a hip modern institution,in keep with new changes in the world.

 Audience:
What target audience are T-Mobile aiming to attract in this advertisement?

Well, the primary target audience consists of mainly 14-35 males and females as they are more prone to be weary of the latest technological advances as well as the songs which are played come across a broad audience too. The secondary target audience is likely to be perhaps other ethnicities as a majority of white people are shown throughout the advert, however there are other ethnicities, including Asian and African American .This could mean that T-Mobile is trying to reach out to other ethnicities and engage them in the whole “sharing” which is happening as well as connect them. Hereby attracting audiences to purchase product or use network as they can relate to it.