Point
Evidence
Specific
Analysis
Theory/ terminology
Answer the question
Wednesday 30 January 2019
LFTVD Essay
How are different social groups represented in the sequence
you have analysed? What role does the use of media language, signs and signifiers have in constructing and presenting these representations as real?
In Stranger Things, teenagers play
a big role in the story line. The social group of teenagers are represented
strongly throughout ST and are the general basis for the serial. The episode
follows the story of four pre-teen boys, Mike, Will, Dustin and Luke, playing
dungeons and dragons in the basement, which contrasts to the older teenagers,
Nancy, Steve and Jonathon, who all have their own stereotypes in which they
support. The four pre-teens are represented as nerdy and pubescent in the
second scene of episode one. Media language plays a significant role in
allowing the audience to create this representation of the boys through the use
of mise-en-scene. The boys are all wearing clothing typical to the age ST is
set, the 80s, giving the episode a cultural zeitgeist, and have a real passion
for the game they are playing, one that doesn’t appear to be played by the rest
of the characters or teenagers, evidently setting the boys aside as young and
naïve. The boys use derogatory terms to one another, such as “pussy”, which
further communicates their age, as this type of language is not used by other
characters in the first episode as well as signifying a close comradery between
the characters. In addition, the use of the word “pussy”, used by Luke, could
support a stereotypical representation of the social group of teenagers as offensive to one another, yet as we see later on the episode,
they actually support a representation of teenagers as loyal and faithful to
each other as they drive the force to find Will.
In addition, the older
teenagers support stereotypes that appear to be attached to their age bracket.
For example, in the scene with Steve and Nancy, Steve is presented as a
charming, promiscuous character, which is shown through the kissing scenes with
Nancy and when she reels off all the girls he has been with in the past. This
could support a stereotypical representation of popular teenage boys as
sex-driven and riddled with libido. This is then contrasted with the
representation of Nancy who holds a ‘girl-next-door’ narrative as we see her
find her way out of chastity with Steve. This is supported by her clothing as
very neat and proper along with her hair purposefully clipped back, giving her
an overall sweet and innocent representation. Both Steve and Nancy’s are
represented differently between themselves and once again differ from other
characters of the same age, like Jonathon, showing an adverse range of character types under the umbrella of 'teenagers'. All of these characters when
considered together create a varied representation of teenagers and creates typical
stereotypes that the audience can easily identify with as they have seen them
many times before.
Furthermore, a representation of
the social group of single mothers is showed evidently within the first episode.
Will’s mother, Joyce, is one of the most important characters within the
serial and a huge part of the main story line. We jump to her point of view
often through episode one and follow her journey through finding her son. Joyce
is represented in many different ways in episode one and we see a distinct
contrast. At the beginning of episode 1, she is presented as a flustered and disorganised
and we see Jonathon cooking breakfast for himself and his younger brother,
which also shows a countertype of teenagers as caring and considerate. Joyce’s
house appears to be cluttered and messy, supporting her disorganised stereotype,
as she looks for her keys. However, it is evident that she wasn’t always like
this as we see part of the fragmented narrative of flashback to a year earlier
where the lighting is much brighter showing better times at Castle Byers, which
contrasts to the present day, where it is grey and gloomy, showing pathetic fallacy.
We then see another representation of Joyce as strong-willed and determined to
find her son. Joyce is presented as loving and to have an unconditional love for
her two boys. This therefore creates an ameliorative representation in the end for
Joyce and single mothers and we venture through seeing her stressed and disorganised
to a caring and determined woman, who is fighting for her son’s freedom.
Tuesday 29 January 2019
Stranger Things Presentations
Circulation
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RDBwl4DcrSHPSEI3e_-kY4B-Kym7_Sv9t76ceN5_rHo/edit?usp=sharing
Production
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hPOdOLhCoMXUMpyvVQj5BqzCWgECtAtC1casZ3Nv6iQ/edit?usp=sharing
Ownership
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WcOZORCu8fFKySiAlzXFDJ8EZIe26SJyc9ijsDJm8p4/edit?usp=sharing
Distribution
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-1c6Ikuopbl7ItwvhWcHWAQfXHM3uzCAurdBLl_Wb08/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RDBwl4DcrSHPSEI3e_-kY4B-Kym7_Sv9t76ceN5_rHo/edit?usp=sharing
Production
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hPOdOLhCoMXUMpyvVQj5BqzCWgECtAtC1casZ3Nv6iQ/edit?usp=sharing
Ownership
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WcOZORCu8fFKySiAlzXFDJ8EZIe26SJyc9ijsDJm8p4/edit?usp=sharing
Distribution
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-1c6Ikuopbl7ItwvhWcHWAQfXHM3uzCAurdBLl_Wb08/edit?usp=sharing
Monday 28 January 2019
Wednesday 23 January 2019
Tuesday 22 January 2019
Monday 21 January 2019
Narrative
Narrative is a structure/ chain of events in which a story is told. They are carefully considered when writing the screenplay and visually achieved through the editing of different shots.
The narrative structure chosen directly affects how the audience experiences the story
The story can provide certain messages and values
It affects the audience's involvement and enjoyment
LFTVD = complex, multiple narrative strands
Narrative Structure
Linear narrative- clear beginning, middle and end, chronological, A->B->C
Fragmented narrative- non-linear, disjointed, no clear beginning, middle and end, C->B->A, shows parallel stories, closely replicate the way that human mind works and the audience has to try harder
E.g. Stranger Things employs a fragmented narrative because right from the start we witness multiple parallel plot lines such as the laboratory, Eleven and the boys. We also see a non-chronological narrative strand in the flashback to Joyce and Will's conversation in Castle Byers. The fragmented narrative creates enigmas or questions for the audience, who have to work to figure out the connection, therefore ensuring greater audience engagement
Narrative Types
Restricted narrative - we experience the story through the senses and thoughts of just one character- the protagonist, narrative cannot tell the audience things the main character does not know
Omnipresent - a panoramic, all seeing, view of the world of the story, not just one characters point of view, helps audience see a broader background, there is a number of contexts
E.g. The omnipresent narrative provides multiple gratifications for the audience, we can emphasize and identify with some characters, while gaining escapism and mystery from others
Narrative Endings
Closed endings - one character's story which comes to a resolution at the end of the episode. Following ep. has a new story
Open endings - ends on a cliff hangers, story-telling technique, can be unsatisfying, encourages viewer to continue watching the serial
Theory
Todorov- Equilibrium theory
1. Exposition -> 2. Introduction of conflict -> 3. Climax -> Resolution
Strauss- Binary Opposites
We understand the world by the relationship that two opposites have together. Narratives are arranged around the conflict of binary opposites e.g. hot and cold, old and young
Narrative Structure
Linear narrative- clear beginning, middle and end, chronological, A->B->C
Fragmented narrative- non-linear, disjointed, no clear beginning, middle and end, C->B->A, shows parallel stories, closely replicate the way that human mind works and the audience has to try harder
E.g. Stranger Things employs a fragmented narrative because right from the start we witness multiple parallel plot lines such as the laboratory, Eleven and the boys. We also see a non-chronological narrative strand in the flashback to Joyce and Will's conversation in Castle Byers. The fragmented narrative creates enigmas or questions for the audience, who have to work to figure out the connection, therefore ensuring greater audience engagement
Narrative Types
Restricted narrative - we experience the story through the senses and thoughts of just one character- the protagonist, narrative cannot tell the audience things the main character does not know
Omnipresent - a panoramic, all seeing, view of the world of the story, not just one characters point of view, helps audience see a broader background, there is a number of contexts
E.g. The omnipresent narrative provides multiple gratifications for the audience, we can emphasize and identify with some characters, while gaining escapism and mystery from others
Narrative Endings
Closed endings - one character's story which comes to a resolution at the end of the episode. Following ep. has a new story
Open endings - ends on a cliff hangers, story-telling technique, can be unsatisfying, encourages viewer to continue watching the serial
Theory
Todorov- Equilibrium theory
1. Exposition -> 2. Introduction of conflict -> 3. Climax -> Resolution
Strauss- Binary Opposites
We understand the world by the relationship that two opposites have together. Narratives are arranged around the conflict of binary opposites e.g. hot and cold, old and young
Thursday 17 January 2019
Character Representations
More representations:
Absent Fathers:
This is an important theme as it is represented by several characters. Firstly, from the first scene of Joyce and Jonathan when they realise that Will is missing, you can see straight away that there is no father figure in the house. This is important when it comes to searching for Will, as when Hopper queries if Will could be with his dad, Joyce is confident that he won’t be there as he has no part in Wills life, as Jonathan is the father figure for Will. The other main way this is shown is through eleven. Although she knows her father (‘papa’), he is not acting as a proper father figure towards him. He is keeping her locked up like an experiment, even though she persists to call him papa. Finally, Mikes dad shows absenteeism even though he is present in his day to day life. He shows lack of care and consideration to his children.
Family Life and Relationships:
Relationships is a very important aspect in Stranger Things. Not only romantically, but also friend relationships. Without the friendship shown in the series, they would not be able to discover what has happened to Will. Friendship is used to show that sticking together can be used as a strength in order to save Will. Family life is also a very prominent theme within the first episode. Families are created within the series, not only by blood but with strong friendship bonds. Family life is highlighted when eleven is abandoned and has no family to look after her. She is taken in by Mike and he and the boys become a family to her as she has no one else.
Mothers:
Wills mum is one of the most important characters as she is a huge part of the main storyline. The theme of mothers is shown almost entirely the way through between Will and his mother when he goes missing and she goes through anything to get him back. Joyce is presented at the beginning as a careless mother, however as the episode progresses you see that she cares deeply for her children. The theme of mothers is important as they are often represented as being weak and soft. In Stranger Things, especially the first episode, you see a countertype of this immediately from Wills mother. As a single, working class mother she shows that she is strong willed and focused on finding her son, she doesn’t come across as weak, and she shows this through her actions when searching for him.
Government:
In the first episode of Stranger Things, the government is a main theme. This is shown straight away as the first character to be shown is from the Governments lab. The government have control over everybody, and this is shown when the lady from the government shoots Benny when looking for eleven.
Teenagers:
In Stranger Things, teenagers play a big role in the story. Firstly, there are the main group of boys; Will, Mike, Lucas and Dustin. These are the boys who continue the story and are the main basis of it. Also, Jonathan, Barb, Nancy and Steve are a slightly older group of teenagers, who have their own story line within the story. The role of teenagers is important in the show as they show the difference between them and their parents. The teenagers being able to solve problems, show to the viewers that they are able to do the same thing as adults. There are examples of the teenagers acting as adults, for example Jonathan has stepped up and acts as the man of the house as their dad doesn’t live with them, so Jonathan is in charge of looking after Will, and also has to work in order for them to be able to afford their house etc.
Police:
Police is a key theme. One of the main characters, Hopper, is the police sheriff. Hopper begins as a stereotypical police man, however as his concern grows for Will, he turns into a countertype of a policeman going above and beyond for his job. Police are important in this as they usually work for the government, where as they work against the government as they are the bad people. Without the police Will would not have been able to be found.
Tuesday 15 January 2019
Monday 14 January 2019
80s Film Research
The Duffer Brothers created Stranger Things as a homage to 1980s films.
1. Ghostbusters 1984
Stranger Things salutes Ghostbusters with their use of the supernatural. The GB's wear big 'boiler suit' style outfits to fight the ghosts, similar to the men in hazmat suits in the first episode and official poster of Stranger Things. The outfits create a sense of purpose and intent to fight the forces that have put up a fight against the world in Stranger Things and Ghost Busters. Ghost busters also include 4 men working together to fight the ghosts similarly to Stranger Things, which starts off with 4 boys, before Will gets taken. GB uses intense music to create atmosphere and a sense of adventure. Music is also used heavily in ST to build tension and position the audience to expect something scary to happen, thus putting them on edge. The film includes 4 ghostbusters who appear to be the only ones capable of fighting the ghosts, as they are seen walking towards the camera in a line. ST also appears to have 4 boys who are working together to fight the demogorgon in their games of D&D.
2. The Goonies 1985
Old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way. This is very similar to that of ST. The Goonies follows children who are in the fight to help, just like ST, which includes children of a similar age, trying to get involved in a situation that would deem only acceptable to be tackled by adults. The Goonies is also adventure/romance genre which are themes both portrayed in ST, and we get to see the journey of how the children help out and take charge.
3. Sixteen Candles 1984
Sixteen candles' romantic story line is similar to that for characters Nancy and Steve. The outfits worn by both Nancy Wheeler and Samantha Baker are very similar, along with their hairstyle and innocent nature compared to their love interest. Both the young teen girls are pining for older boys that appear to have laddish tendencies as they explore through chastity and romance. SC includes Jake Ryan who is a 23 year old athlete which is a larger difference than Nancy and Steve, who only differ in one year, yet the relationship that they share still appears to have a contrast, since the male in both SC and ST are 'experienced' compared to the 16-year-old girls who are not.
1. Ghostbusters 1984
Stranger Things salutes Ghostbusters with their use of the supernatural. The GB's wear big 'boiler suit' style outfits to fight the ghosts, similar to the men in hazmat suits in the first episode and official poster of Stranger Things. The outfits create a sense of purpose and intent to fight the forces that have put up a fight against the world in Stranger Things and Ghost Busters. Ghost busters also include 4 men working together to fight the ghosts similarly to Stranger Things, which starts off with 4 boys, before Will gets taken. GB uses intense music to create atmosphere and a sense of adventure. Music is also used heavily in ST to build tension and position the audience to expect something scary to happen, thus putting them on edge. The film includes 4 ghostbusters who appear to be the only ones capable of fighting the ghosts, as they are seen walking towards the camera in a line. ST also appears to have 4 boys who are working together to fight the demogorgon in their games of D&D.
2. The Goonies 1985
Old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way. This is very similar to that of ST. The Goonies follows children who are in the fight to help, just like ST, which includes children of a similar age, trying to get involved in a situation that would deem only acceptable to be tackled by adults. The Goonies is also adventure/romance genre which are themes both portrayed in ST, and we get to see the journey of how the children help out and take charge.
3. Sixteen Candles 1984
Sixteen candles' romantic story line is similar to that for characters Nancy and Steve. The outfits worn by both Nancy Wheeler and Samantha Baker are very similar, along with their hairstyle and innocent nature compared to their love interest. Both the young teen girls are pining for older boys that appear to have laddish tendencies as they explore through chastity and romance. SC includes Jake Ryan who is a 23 year old athlete which is a larger difference than Nancy and Steve, who only differ in one year, yet the relationship that they share still appears to have a contrast, since the male in both SC and ST are 'experienced' compared to the 16-year-old girls who are not.
LFTVD Vocab
VOD = Viewing on demand
SVOD = Streaming
Easter eggs = cross references so super-fans notice
DVR = Digital video recording
Binge-watch = to watch multiple episodes of (a television programme) in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming
State of the nation = whats going on at the moment of release that could have an effect on how the programme is received
Cultural Zeitgeist = Zeitgeist is defined as the spirit of a generation or a period of time. An example of zeitgeist is the free love and progressive thinking of the 1960s, this time period can resonate with the current day for a programme to sell e.g. Stranger Things is set in the 80s which people of today enjoy viewing
Constructed realism = the way in which it's media product uses the technical elements and what we see/media language to make the audience feel a certain way
Dominant ideology = a system or structure of beliefs/values/ideas about the way in which we should live, behave and think in any given society
SVOD = Streaming
Easter eggs = cross references so super-fans notice
DVR = Digital video recording
Binge-watch = to watch multiple episodes of (a television programme) in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming
State of the nation = whats going on at the moment of release that could have an effect on how the programme is received
Cultural Zeitgeist = Zeitgeist is defined as the spirit of a generation or a period of time. An example of zeitgeist is the free love and progressive thinking of the 1960s, this time period can resonate with the current day for a programme to sell e.g. Stranger Things is set in the 80s which people of today enjoy viewing
Constructed realism = the way in which it's media product uses the technical elements and what we see/media language to make the audience feel a certain way
Dominant ideology = a system or structure of beliefs/values/ideas about the way in which we should live, behave and think in any given society
Long Form TV Drama
Each episode lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.
American Network broadcasters must satisfy their advertisers and hold a market share- this is the equivalent of Freeview
American Cable TV, HBO was the first US national subscription cable TV channel in 1970s - can take more risks. This is the equivalent of Sky or Virgin.
Trouble with UK TV drama - failed to meet the challenge of US cable channels to move to long-form, with their risk-taking content and style.
ABC1 audience means higher paid advertising
Subscription VOD (Viewing on demand)
-Content viewing via a TV still dominates in UK
-Growth of SVOD (streaming) web based channels such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Now TV is considerable.
Audiences
-Rise of binge watching started with DVD in late 90s/early c21
-US long form drama often uses EASTER EGGS and mid season breaks to generate fan intensity and maintain media profile
Easter eggs - cross refernces so super fans notice
Why do audiences love LFTVD?
Subscription - Sky, Virgin
Streaming - Netflix, Amazon Prime
LFTVD can be any genre from crime to romance to comedy and mystery, narratives can be on any subject and themes can be hard-hitting like racism and grief but can also be inclusive of love and family.
Production values: $3-4million per episode
Top 3 ways of watching TV
Terrestrial: First 5 channels (more regulation, follow a PSB)
Cable: Sky, Virgin
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime
Exam: Paper 2
30 marks - 45 minutes
10 marks - 15 minutes
TV drama needs:
American Network broadcasters must satisfy their advertisers and hold a market share- this is the equivalent of Freeview
American Cable TV, HBO was the first US national subscription cable TV channel in 1970s - can take more risks. This is the equivalent of Sky or Virgin.
Trouble with UK TV drama - failed to meet the challenge of US cable channels to move to long-form, with their risk-taking content and style.
ABC1 audience means higher paid advertising
Subscription VOD (Viewing on demand)
-Content viewing via a TV still dominates in UK
-Growth of SVOD (streaming) web based channels such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Now TV is considerable.
Audiences
-Rise of binge watching started with DVD in late 90s/early c21
-US long form drama often uses EASTER EGGS and mid season breaks to generate fan intensity and maintain media profile
Easter eggs - cross refernces so super fans notice
Why do audiences love LFTVD?
- High quality drama
- Multiple episodes/hours/years
- Content can be dark/difficult but innovative
- Now attracts some of the best/innovative writers/actors
- Time shifting (record and watch another time-control when you watch DVR)
- Easily accessible
- Keeps people invested
- Creativity
- Characters change in ways that are surprising
- It allows to shows to play with theme and character development in unique ways
Subscription - Sky, Virgin
Streaming - Netflix, Amazon Prime
LFTVD can be any genre from crime to romance to comedy and mystery, narratives can be on any subject and themes can be hard-hitting like racism and grief but can also be inclusive of love and family.
Production values: $3-4million per episode
Top 3 ways of watching TV
Terrestrial: First 5 channels (more regulation, follow a PSB)
Cable: Sky, Virgin
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime
Exam: Paper 2
30 marks - 45 minutes
10 marks - 15 minutes
TV drama needs:
- Location (various)
- Stock characters
- Multiple narratives
- 1 hour episodes
- Cliff hangers
- High production value
- Has a number of episodes to help create narrative
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)