Post on 21-Jan-2016
transcript
Representation in TV Drama
Learning Objectives:
- To begin to develop an understanding of media representation. - To consider representation more specifically in relation to TV drama.
Define the following• Representation• A visual depiction of somebody or something.
The media are said to re-present reality.
• Demographic• A way of categorising people into groups.
Starter- demographics
• What are the factors that determine demographic?• Age- Gender- Ethnicity- Class- region- Sexuality-
Religion
• Task: What is the target demographic for the media examples below:
• Teletubbies The Passion of the Christ• Sex in the City The Voice newspaper• ZeeTV Top Gear• Eastenders Skins
Define Stereotype
• ‘A narrow preconception or view of a particular demographic’.
• Stereotype task: you will be given a demographic in pairs.
• List the commonly held stereotypes of that group.• Think about a media example where you might
have seen that stereotype confirmed.
Characterisation• TV characterisation is vital in retaining audience interest. Why?
• Because its often the characters that ‘draws us in’ to the story. We can empathise with them.
• All character types are constructed. By whom?
• The writers, directors and the actors performing them.
• We can use the VANS acronym to analyses characters.
• Values and beliefs• Appearance• Narrative significance/ Importance to the plot of the drama.• Settings / Locations
Stock TypesA stock character, which has universal appeal and is frequently copied in literature, television, radio and film.
• Task: Think of a stock type in the following:– An action movie.– A sitcom.– A gangster movie.
In soap operas these are ‘typical’ roles that can be seen across thegenre such as villain, gossip, tart etc.
• Choose 1 of the male characters above.
• Discuss with your partner and then write down how they are represented according to their demographic determinants:
• Consider whether they subvert or conform to stereotypes?
Male characterisation.
Basic Representation in TV Drama
• Watch ten minutes of ‘Eastenders’.• Consider the representation of these
demographic factors using the worksheet
• Age• Gender• Class• Region• Ethnicity
Why is representation important to mainstream TV Dramas?
• They are watched by millions and can assist in forming opinions about demographics - can reinforce stereotypes.
• However they can subvert negative stereotypes of a demographic.
• They can also help to educate the masses about a ‘minority’ demographic the people are ignorant of.
Representation and the message
*All media texts present a view of the world which more or less accords with an agenda set by the organisation that is broadcasting the medium.E.g.: Eastenders is a BBC production. Therefore what does Eastenders have to do on a regular basis?
Task: watch this clip from Eastenders. What is the BBC aiming to achieve in these scenes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYRwjKN62BY
And don’t forget…• TV dramas appeal to a large &
diverse audience and there are different reasons for pleasure:
• Educational• Escapism• Easy viewing• Identification & involvement• Community
Recap
• Representation
• Demographic
• Stereotype
• Archetype
• Stock type
• Character construction
• VANS