tv page

 do now 

1, 2

2, about 1 hour 30

3, a categorical pallet designed for a choice of something media related 

4, older middle class british women

5, to inform educate and entertain

content stuff 

component two

sector a , tv crime drama( Luther and the Sweeney) 

sectoro b , (music vidos )

crime drama:

police procedural

period drama

forensic drama

true crime

the responder 

narative:

man wanna be normal tryna stop a crime 

setting:

night ,city , angle down view on city

characters:

police officer , daughter

mise en scen & iconography:

alarm, police car

happy valley

narative:

depressed cop tries save drunk man tryna stop a crime++++++++++++++++++§§

setting:

big town day time angle down on city view 

characters:

2 female officers , smack head

mise en scen & iconography:

cop car

line of duty
narative:

people try take out target yet there baby tryna stop crime

setting:

night angle down view on neighbourhood

characters:

loads of police, baby

mise en scen & iconography:

guns police car

 

Codes and Conventions

• The consumption of alcohol and illegal substances.
• The use of weapons such as guns or knives.
• The main protagonist attending a party/rave.
• Police attempting to arrest/intimidate the main protagonist.
• The main protagonist is usually a male character who has had a hard-up bringing.
• protagonist is intelligent and flawed in some way
• clues and red herrings
• narrative arc
• city or urban area
• gritty realistic settings
• hand held camera work

the impact of these conventions push us to watch more as they create suspense and tension due to the enigmas the audience feels a sense of need to engage due to the un answered questions left to be uncovered.

Friday 10th January 2025

TV industry

do now 

1, a mix of two or more genres

2, Luther the Sweeney

3, narrative ark

4, clues and red herrings

5, suspense and enigma

the biggest change in television in our lifetime is streaming services 

developments in technology gives audience access to more digital channels and online streaming

audiences watch what they want when they want on whatever you want some tv programs today achieve status of event television.

digital technology changes how we consume and how we make them

audiences are spread far more thinly then they were in the past

audience loyalty to a channel has decreased 

The watershed means the time when tv programs which might be unsuitable for children can be broadcast

peak time is a time of day when a lot of people are using the same tv service from 6pm to 10pm 

prime time in television and radio broadcasting, the time when the largest number of people are watching or listening friday night Saturday night 8-10 pm

high quality content made for as wide range audience as possible and for benefit it rather then purely commercial ends 

more bbc notes on radio page

itv, c4 & c5 are available to all that pay the licence fee 

OFCOM regulates demand catch up through the broadcasting code

bbc is a public service broadcaster that earns 3.8B from the licence fee 

the mission bbc is to act in public interest they have to provide impartial high quality programs which inform educate and entertain

bbc have 9 national programs

40 local radio stations

bbc world service which broadcasts world wide 

bbc America a commercial channel 

family's watch tv differently today as theres isolated watching

binge watching

-personal idenification escapism 

- more involved

Home work 

1, Public service radio and commercial radio differ primarily in their funding models. Public service radio is typically financed through funding from government sources, listener donations, or a license fee paid by listeners. This model aims to prioritize content that serves the public interest, offering program diversity and educational content without the influence of commercial advertising.

In contrast, commercial radio relies on advertising revenue as its primary source of funding. This means content is often tailored to attract advertisers, leading to a stronger focus on music, talk shows, and entertainment that appeals to broad audiences. As a result, commercial radio tends to have more frequent advertisements and a programming style that aligns closely with market demands. 

Ultimately, the differences in funding lead to varied content priorities and methods of engagement with audiences, showcasing the distinct roles these types of radio play in the media landscape.

2, The BBC utilizes various platforms for distributing its radio programs, effectively reaching a diverse audience. One notable example is "The Archers," a long-running radio drama that exemplifies this multi-platform approach.

Firstly, traditional radio remains a primary channel, with "The Archers" being broadcast on BBC Radio 4. This platform allows the program to tap into its established listener base, providing a familiar auditory experience. Alongside live broadcasts, the BBC also offers on-demand listening via BBC Sounds, enabling audiences to catch up on missed episodes or revisit favorites.

Additionally, the BBC leverages digital media through podcasting. By offering "The Archers" as a podcast, listeners can consume the content at their convenience, further enhancing accessibility. This is particularly appealing to younger audiences, who often prefer on-the-go listening.

Social media platforms also play a crucial role in engaging listeners. The BBC promotes "The Archers" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where they share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and interact with fans. This approach creates a community around the program, fostering loyalty and encouraging viewer feedback.

Moreover, the BBC's website provides a dedicated section for "The Archers," featuring episode guides, character insights, and interactive content. This not only enriches the listening experience but also serves as a resource for engaged fans.

In summary, the BBC effectively uses radio, on-demand services, podcasts, social media, and its website to distribute "The Archers," catering to varied preferences and ensuring that the program remains relevant in the modern media landscape.

3, The Uses and Gratifications Theory offers a framework for understanding how individuals actively seek out media to satisfy their specific needs and desires. In the context of "The Archers," a long-running radio drama, this theory can be observed as listeners engage with the program to fulfill various psychological and social gratifications. For instance, many fans may tune in for emotional engagement, as the complex characters and rich storylines often mirror real-life experiences, providing listeners with a sense of connection and understanding. The diverse themes explored in the show, such as community struggles and personal challenges, resonate deeply with an audience seeking solace or companionship through shared narratives.

Moreover, "The Archers" serves as a platform for information and education, particularly regarding rural and agricultural issues. Within the framework of Uses and Gratifications, listeners may seek out the series for its informative content, gaining insights into farming practices, sustainability, and socio-economic issues affecting rural communities. This informational aspect can enhance listeners' knowledge and contribute to their understanding of contemporary societal challenges, making the show not just a source of entertainment, but also a valuable educational resource. The portrayal of real-life issues in an engaging format encourages active listening and participation among the audience.

Additionally, the social aspect of "The Archers" cannot be overlooked. As a form of communal media, the program facilitates a sense of belonging among its audience. Listeners often discuss episodes with friends, family, or in online forums, creating a shared experience that enhances their enjoyment. The importance of community in the show is mirrored in its audience's interactions, forming bonds through their collective engagement with the content. This exemplifies the Uses and Gratifications Theory, as individuals actively choose to invest time in "The Archers" to fulfill their social needs, connecting with others and sharing insights into their favorite characters and story arcs. Overall, the multifaceted appeal of the show highlights how media consumption is driven by the diverse gratifications sought by its audience.

Tuesday 14th January 2025

The Sweeney

do now 

1, catching a criminal

2, Luther and the Sweeney

3 narrative ark

4 clues and red herrings

5 suspense and enigma

representations of ethnicity- there are more white characters  no characters                                                      of other ethnicities / less diverse 

representations of gender- there are more male characters only one scene with woman all women are girlfriend wife mother stewardess cleaner and a shop worker women presented as weak and vulnerable 

differences in society today- difference in costume and hair cuts

main characters- jack regan , George carter , frank Haskins , frank Kimble 

narrative-chasing man to find where photographs of crime boss , crime bosses people threaten regans girlfriend a crook shoots the crime boss

examples of media language- non diegetic audio connotations of power from formal suits

friday 17th January 2025

Luther

do now 

1 London

2 9pm weekdays

3 the time tv programs can get more graphic (9pm)

4 on location filming

5 jack regan George carter

neil cross known for writing crime dramas 

first series Tuesday 4th may 2010 9pm

available on iplayer afterwards (catch up)

5 series since then

Netflix film 

Luther is the main character the writer drew on a few sub genres yet chose mystery/ detective and psychological killer

reps ethnicity- main character is a black male criminal is a white male very anti stereotypical 

reps gender

main characters - Luther, criminal, luthers boss, luthers partner, love interest, mark

narrative- Luther chases criminal dark gritty very violent he doesn't let the bad guy live luther gets his job as a detective back. assigned to new case with train-e detective interviews girl whos family have been killed luther suspects her as killer but cant prove criminal assaults wife luther has a lead

codes conventions - dark night , chase scenes, criminal one step ahead, 

1. Scheduling plays a significant role in the success and reception of TV crime dramas. The watershed refers to a time where content may include more mature themes, and this is typically scheduled after 9 PM in many regions. For crime dramas, which often explore themes of violence, crime, and moral ambiguity, airing after the watershed allows for more intense storytelling without worrying about strict broadcasting regulations. 

2. Peak Time and Prime Time denote the hours when television viewership is highest, typically during the early evening. Crime dramas scheduled during these times tend to attract larger audiences, enhancing viewer engagement and advertising revenue. For example, a popular crime series airing at 9 PM may leverage the established routine of viewers who tune in for their favorite shows.

3. The rise of  Binge Watching and Video on Demand (VOD) platforms has also transformed audience interaction with crime dramas. Audiences now have the ability to watch entire seasons at their own pace. This change can create heightened emotional investment, as viewers can consume complex narratives in a single sitting, allowing them to follow intricate plotlines without the weekly wait. For example, platforms like Netflix have seen successes with crime dramas like Mindhunter and Ozark, where the format supports binge consumption.

4. Audience responses to crime dramas can shift due to various factors, including changing societal norms, advancements in technology, and the evolution of storytelling techniques. Initially, crime dramas often relied on formulaic plots, but as viewers became more sophisticated and discerning, there has been a growing demand for nuanced characters and more complex narrative structures. Additionally, the saturation of crime drama content has led to a diversification of audience preferences, leading to the emergence of sub-genres, such as true crime, psychological thrillers, and procedural dramas.

5. Commercial broadcasting benefits crime dramas by providing financial incentives through advertising revenue. Successful crime dramas attract significant viewer numbers, which in turn draws advertisers looking to reach target demographics. This revenue allows for higher budgets, leading to better production values, skilled talent, and marketing strategies that create buzz around a series. Additionally, the competitive landscape of commercial broadcast networks drives innovation and creativity, as studios strive to differentiate their offerings from others.

6. The production processes of crime dramas include scripting, casting, filming, editing, and marketing, all of which influence the final product. High production values and skilled artisans bring authenticity and believability to narratives. Popular shows such as Breaking Bad showcase how meticulous scripting and character development can resonate with audiences, while the visual and auditory aesthetics of the show enhance the overall experience. In contrast, lower-budget productions might struggle to evoke the same level of engagement and realism, potentially alienating viewers.

7. Crime dramas are crafted to appeal to various audience segments, including different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. For instance, shows like Law & Order: SVU resonate with female audiences due to its emphasis on issues of gender and consent, while series like Narcos draw in viewers interested in historical context and cultural narratives surrounding drug trafficking. Additionally, animated crime series like Bojack Horseman infuse humor and social commentary, attracting a younger, more diverse audience. 

8. In conclusion, crime dramas utilize intelligent scheduling, adapt to changing viewer preferences, and navigate the complexities of production processes to engage a vast range of audiences. This dynamic environment continues to evolve, allowing crime dramas to maintain their relevance in a rapidly shifting television landscape.

characters

do now 

1 John

2 bbc

3 first series Tuesday 4th may 2010 9pm

4 mystery detective phycological killer

5 chase scenes hand held camera work on location filming

props characters functions:

-Vladimir propp looked at folk tale like cinderella

- 8 character types

- 

hero- luther

villain- alice morgan- henry Madsen

donor- rose teller

princess- zoe luther

helper- Justin Ripley

false hero- mark

dispatcher- henry madsen

henry madsen

fits vilain & dispatcher 

hes evil and sets the story of luther getting kicked off the force 

alice morgan

villain

she kills people and goes up against luther 

luther

hero

he stands up for people and is the main character we follow he fights the villains 

luther genre and narrative

🕵🏿‍♂️

do now 

1 8

2 princess, princess farther, false hero

3 he let that one guy fall (dubious morality)

4  give the hero something

5 Justin Ripley

c, a, d, b

theory

genre is dominated by repetition of codes and conventions

genres change develop and vary over time

they borrow or overlap other genres (hybrid genre)

usp ( unique selling point )

luther borrows more genre than the Sweeney in terms of camera work and music

references to the horror genre

police procedural 

more complicated now

forensic science development is presented

the maverick detective

damaged individuals

personal struggle

break door 

smart man

damaged man

luther representations

do now

1 codes and conventions

2 unique selling point 

3 maverick

4 characters that is in particular genre

5 pshycho killer femme fatal 

so like what way things are portrayed  in the media

john

negative representation hes shown as lawful and sympathetic this is shown by a lack of understanding for his wife it conforms to the stereotypes of aggressive masculinity 

violence pain sadness

showing vulnerability

lack of emotion with other men

hegemonic masculinity

in our society dominant form is white heterosexual largely middle class males

these ideals suggest a number of characteristics men are encouraged to be or use

( violence aggression stoicism adventure success power strength)

opening

intimidating violent powerful immoral aggression success

climax episode 1 

fearless strength success stoicism competitiveness

with zoe episode 1 

agression strength competitiveness violence

not stoicism not fearless not success

women:

smart mean powerful 

alice morgan converts stereotypes

do now 

1 hegemonic 

2 strong competitive stoic

3 what its seen as in the media

4 putting space around him 

5 hes black 

explain how luther is a representation of hegemonic masculinity 

luther is represented as hegemonic masculinity in the start of the episode where he chases henry madsen a reason for this is that his aggression luther screams at henry and eventually allows him to fall this portrays his aggression and also risk taking because if he had fallen before he gave away where the girl was the small girl wold have died another character trait from luther to fit this scene is success luther in the end does win and save the girls life but he also lets the guy fall when his emotions get the better of him

luther is represented again as hegemonic masculinity in the scene at the end when alice morgan has a knife in his side and is about to kill him in this scene we can see the character trait of competitiveness which can be seen through mental warfare where alice and John luther try to get the better of each other also success is presented where in the end luther threatens to frame someone else that way alice isn't mentioned in the crime when in reality alice likes the fame of being in that mystery sort of attention seeking we can also see a sence of stoicism where luther could drop alice off the bridge but doesn't let his emotions get the better of him showing a nice comparison from not letting her fall to letting henry fall theres also the character trait risk taking where luther doesn't back down even when a knife is against his hip

finally we can see luther not representing hegemonic masculinity where in the middle of the episode luther looses control of his emotions going against stoicism and breaks down a door furthermore other did portray aggression but it wasn't towards zoe and luther did not show success however we can see Luther's competitively where he is competing with mark.

industry and audience 

do now

1 rose teller and alice morgan 

2 stoicism strength success 

3 emotional stability

4 rose teller

5 when there is a show sereis or book and its named and based after them

luther produced  by bbc  

shown bbc 1 

aims to appeal to a wide audience 

bbc 1 has own remit - create a high proportion of original programmes and to reflect the diversity of the. uk luther is a good example as he is the first back detective on british television 

taxability

recommissioned 

in 2012 bbc america started broadcasting it

bbc america is co owned by amc and bbc studios 

bbc america broadcasts a mixture of programmes 

not funded by licences fee 

distributed to Europe Africa and Asia

 reason for popularity, diverse show , fans of main actor, britishness 

marketing helps t reach a range of audiences 

trailer released 16th April 2010 on bbc youtube channel 

then show preview of luther and Ripley 

engaging with luther - dramas can reach a large audience by the internet

on the luther website you can:

access other social media to get new secret info about luther

graphic novels which wont be on bbc 1 streaming not everyone will read 

the actors opinions on characters

watch episodes 

programme appeal examples:

- luther is a hybrid of different genres

- the actor Idris Elba is the star appeal where both men and women find him attractive 

- the range of complex male and female characters appeal to different audiences such as alice morgan who appeals to women as a popular antagonist of luther 

.audience response:

mixed reviews

majority were positive 

hypothetically some could admire luthers skills yet disapprove of his violent actions

some may appeal to alice with her intelligence but dont like the femme fatal 

ending reflects reality 

lack of closure

19 million watching per episode

modern audiences positive reaction 

some may negatively respond to the violence 

2 spin offs

rated 15 box set 

re runs

context

do now 

1 originality innovative 

2 bbc america

3 website and trailers youtube channel

4 genre star appel

5 bad quality. compared to now a days 

narrative ark - starts and finishes per episode (Sweeney) but luther can have over a series while. others over single or double episodes at once 

character arc- how a character develops as an episode series or even the show continues 

the Sweeney used to have one crime per episode meant that you could jump in and out of the show as there was no catch up 

the closed narrative is how the show is summed up each episode 

the changes they made then explains how they made television 

we can binge watch people in the 1970s could not 

digital convergence - dont have to be at home 

open narratives - parts of the story will unfold over several episodes

we now have more complex narrative and character development 

in the 70s britain was more multicultural then it was but racial discrimination was still quite large and the media did not represent diversity as much or such as in the Sweeney they just did not represent diversity Sweeney was based on the real flying squad we can see this du to there corruption

in the Sweeney there was less gender equality we can see this where there was only one woman cop and she was baby sitting we can see upheaval strikes in the Sweeney based off the high crime rates 

patriarchal

gender roles , women had a different rank structure to men in Sweeney 

strong powerful females in luther 

representation of women in luther is not fully positive 

homework 

Genres are not static; they evolve over time due to various cultural, social, and technological influences. Steve Neale's theory of genre indicates that conventions can change as audiences’ expectations shift. This transformation can be seen in crime dramas, where character archetypes and narrative structures adapt in response to contemporary societal issues and viewer preferences. In the crime drama "Luther," John Luther embodies many typical characteristics associated with the genre. He is a complex detective, driven by personal demons, which is a hallmark of modern crime narratives. For instance, in the episode "Luther," his relentless pursuit of justice often leads him into morally ambiguous situations. His intense dedication, coupled with his emotional volatility, illustrates the common trope of the flawed hero. Luther's tendency to break the rules to achieve his goals aligns with genre expectations, presenting a protagonist who is both relatable and compelling. Alice Morgan, on the other hand, is a less conventional character for a crime drama. While she exhibits traits of the archetypal femme fatale, her intellect and unpredictability redefine her role. In the same episode, her interactions with Luther demonstrate a complex relationship that transcends simple good versus evil dynamics. Rather than being merely an antagonist, Alice acts as Luther's intellectual equal and moral foil, challenging societal perceptions of female characters in the genre. This complexity adds depth to the narrative, making viewers question traditional character roles. Zoe, Luther’s ex-wife, provides a contrast to both John and Alice, marking her as a less conventional character. While she appears to fit into the supportive partner trope, her resilience and autonomy set her apart. In this episode, Zoe's ability to stand her ground against Luther's tumultuous behavior showcases a departure from the typical victim role often found in crime dramas. She is not merely a bystander in Luther's life; she has her own agency and story arc, reflecting an evolving picture of female representation in the genre. In conclusion, the characters in "Luther" reflect a mix of typical and less conventional traits within the crime drama genre. Luther and Alice represent the complex interplay of heroism and villainy, while Zoe challenges the conventional role of women, ultimately enriching the narrative. Collectively, these characters illustrate Neale's assertion that genres evolve, adapting to societal changes and viewer expectations, making "Luther" a noteworthy example of contemporary crime drama.

extract analysis

do now :

1 editing camera work sound mise en scen 

2  shot type angle movement 

3 sound people inside the tv thingy can hear like we can 

4 editing cuts between two scenes happening simultaneously 

5 how a shot is composed

1 big close up

2 mid shot low angle 

3 extreme close up

4 canted angle 

 

1 shot reversal shot shows conflict and tension makes us nervous

2 birds eye view on madsen presents his vulnerability and the control luther has high angle

3 parallel editing create more tension on whether the girl will survive we dont know just like the characters                    

Friday14th February 2025

extract analysis: media language 

do now 

1 editing, camera work , sound , mise en scen 

2 movement 

3 sound the characters cant hear only we can 

4 someone has an expression and next shot is what its looking at 

5 when the shot is taken from a side angle 

Friday 28th February 2025

extract analysis

EXAM STYLE QUESTION

do now 

1,  positive or negative , stereotypes 

2, props, costume, setting 

3, twice

4, 1, a b 

5, 3 - 4 

Q1a - simple analysis

Q1b - analyse and make judgement 

Q2 - tv audiences industry or contexts

costumes meaning: suits- professional alice wears dark clothes 

rose teller in suit un stereotypical 

alice had a hat pin which is used dangerously but intended for good resemblin her intelligence

typical of genre - crime drama - edgy dangerous police station

judgement  secluded areas with no cctv city

locations are stereotypical

1a) in the extract we can identify that costumes create meaning one example of this is in the costume alice morgan wears she is in dark clothing showing how she is trying to hide and avoid something foreshadowing further events in the extract furthermore alice morgan is in formal clothes formal clothes represent and connote inteligence which highlights the paradigm of her character also alice morgan can be found holding a hat pin which is intended for fashion and good where as alice morgan uses it as a weapon this could represent her mind as she did good with it and is now using her brain as a weapon 

another extracts of costumes creating meaning is in the costume of john luther , luther wears a miss match suit representing formality but the miss match presents  feeling of he does not mind he just wants something to do the job luthers suit also appears kind of scruffy and unkempt representing a lack of care towards authority further this could be overlooking previously in the episode when he drops madsen you can see hes not fully authorative an does not have a perfect concience 

finally we can see another example of meaning being created in costumes with rose teller her costume a suit representing formality and power shows her character as the boss and presents an un stereotypical aspect as stereotypically. it would not be a female who is in charge 

1b) in the extract we can see various locations one of these is outside of zoe's office in a secluded are this are is typical and has a lack of cctv which is why alice was not caught most crime in and out of crime dramas is in places without cctv therefore this is highly typical

another location typical for crime dramas is a police station or some kind of law building this could be seen as luthers work he works in a police station as a detective showing how typical the locations are of this crime drama the police station nicely juxtaposes and contrasts with the previous scene of edgy eerie vibes with no cctv to a place probably most protected with cameras and officers of the law

 with these two locations i conclude the locations in the crime drama are very typical to the genre 

2)digital technology has changed the way audiences consume television as the introduction of streaming allows people to catch up on missed episodes and go back where as previously you could not do this you cant go back and watch a different episode this also allowed tv production companies like bbc to out long there problems/arks instead of an ark being finished in an episode incase you missed an episode character or series arks could become more developed.

had to leave 10 mins early