TV & Technology

Over the years technology has begun to improve due to the change in TV demands. As an audience we now consume TV in a variety of ways. This has become the norm to watch TV any hour of the day, whether its on your iPad, computer or catching up on recorded programmes. The increase of independent viewing has damaged the concept of 'family TV', highlighting the social strains on families and their time spent together. The ongoing list of programmes available on sky can create disagreements within the family environment also showing a negative view of more recent technology.
This is reflected in the loss of a mass audience, which is now seen as a fragmented one. The niche targeted programmes provides an avenue for a particular group of people. These can be seen in the 'sister channels' provided. E4, More4 and 4seven are just some of the channels that offer a specific genre of TV listed programmes. However this can be seen as catering for all audiences showing todays technology in a positive light.

Another aspect to consider is the high production value that is now included in many TV programmes. CGI is often incorporated in programmes to create a more enriched experience to TV viewing. This broadens the imagination of others and offers a sense of escapism.

By the ongoing inventions of iPads, iPods laptops and smart phones, broadband and live streaming has become second nature. By internet access being labelled as a 'fundamental right' it is expected for many of the millions to find themselves catching up on the latest talked about programmes. Word of mouth through the concept of social networking also influences consumers. A popular site such as twitter is able to inform by the use of 'hash-tagging' words or phrases that then continue to trend on the website. This is an easy way to highlight awareness of programmes or celebrity appearances.

Homeland is targeted at a fragmented audience. However through the use of technology, viewings would expect to increase through the use of catch up on 4od. Channel 4+ is also a popular concept that allows you to watch programmes an hour later if the scheduled time does not fit your routine. The CGI used to create bombing scenes also attracts attention and supports the genre of a political thriller.

Mass Audience v Fragmented Audience

A mass audience aims to reach a large audience in means of public communication. The institution of BBC aims to 'enrich people's lives with programmes and services that inform, educate and entertain'. Programmes such as Eastenders reaches an audience of 8,675,000. This soap creates an 'easy watch' during the times of 20.00, when many have eaten dinner and sat down with their family to watch TV and relax.

Strictly Come Dancing has been suggested  to have a mass audience, creating views of 11.41 million on a Saturday evening. As a family programme, many can watch the programme without seeing the previous episode. As an opinion based show, including the four judges it allows the audience to create their own thoughts of the celebrities involved. Many will also watch the programme in order to see the celebrities they prefer and some they may even dislike to decipher an opinion on them. The age range of the celebrities allows both parent and child to recognise them. Therefore the programme provides a variety and chance for families to watch together. The date and time scheduled also suggests the targeted audience being mass with the time being 18:31 on a Saturday. The specific time targets audiences whilst eating dinner or before they go out. 

Homeland on the other hand can be seen as a fragmented audience, reaching 3.04 million viewers. Shown on Channel 4 the US show reaches a more niche audience. The genre of the programme initially defines who would watch it. As a political thriller, it may not be classed as a family programme, including sexual and violent scenes. The scheduled time of 21.00 on Sunday is a significant factor, highlighting the narrow audience who would still be awake at this time. Many would be getting ready for work on Monday. However others would choose this time to unwind or relax with a film rather than a programme that needs concentration. 
Channel 4 as an institution aims at different ethnicities as well as advertising American shows. This would particularly gain a wider audience with the variety of ethnic groups within Homeland. However many of the British public prefer  to watch British shows. 
As a TV series it would be hard to jump into episode 5 without initially watching the programme and following the narrative. This would also highlight the fragmented audience. 

Hartley & Fiske

Hartley

• Self - Grouped by aspirations
• Gender - Associated motives by gender
• Age Group - Range of needs, priorities and aims depending on age
• Family - Positioning in the family: parent or child
• Class - Social classes show different expectations individuals have
• Nation - The style and actions a country takes
• Ethnicity - The ethnic group may portray different stereotypical meanings to different ethnic audiences

Concepts considered when aiming a text at a particular audience. Hartley has established 7 areas of an individual that must be evaluated when regarding socialising them. 

Fiske has developed these categories adding:

Fiske

• Religion - Involvement of different beliefs or ideologies 
• Education - How certain people receive a text based on their level of education
• Political Stance - Different groups have different beliefs 
• Region (urban v rural)  - Stereotypical ways of living depending where you come from - Iconography 

All of the above must be contemplated when deciding whether an individual or group would consume a text for a certain reason.

In relation to Homeland's audience, the factors of Hartley and Fiske's audience theory are looked upon in relation to who watches Homeland. The expected audience who would consume the TV series would range from 25-50 white American men from upper lower class to middle class. 

     As a programme post 9/11 the American audience would particularly be effected. Since the threat of terrorism is apparent, the 'alpha male' facade and the instinct to protect would entice the target audience to watch the thriller in order to gain an insight on America and terrorism. The concept of an American soldier turned would provoke the well respected country America is known for.

      As a political thriller we would expect mainly a male audience. However due to the anti-classical narrative of a female protagonist, this widens the audience. Carrie's sexuality is driven away from her less feminine ways. This narrows the male audience who would stereotypically objectify the women in this particular genre. 

Episode:Grace- Audience Positioning

In episode two of Homeland we start to sympathise with the character of Brody. The ongoing flashbacks helps us to relate to his traumatic experience he has had. Both positioning of Brody and Carrie are shown asleep as they are awoken by Brody's nightmare. The gun noise also startles us and creates a clear distinction between the past and reality.
As an opening shot we see Brody exhausted yet fearless as he chants the patriotic song. This suggests he is still respectful of his country, making the audience almost proud he hasn't given up.
The episode is created post 9/11 enhancing a personal response to the American audience. As Brody is comforted by the corner of his room the increasing ringing sound causes him to become more irritable. This creates tension for the audience as we are unaware of what Brody will do in his fragile state. The flashback to Brody holding himself in the corner of the Iraq prison also highlights the trauma he has been through and how he is effected. He is unable to control his thoughts which results in apart of him being unable to escape what happened to him in his past. This makes the audience question if he has recovered and whether this isn't the end of his torture.
This is also enhance when Jess informs him of his violence during the night. We can see he is sorry for how he has hurt his wife and almost shocked he was capable of hurting her. He remains to have no control over what is happening.

Classical or Anti-classical Narrative

A classical narrative consists of a basic structure involving distinct stages. At first there is the equilibrium. The hero is set in a calm and balanced environment. An outsider then disrupts the equilibrium. The remaining characters recognise that something has changed and they must search for a solution. An attempt to restore balance is made to then finally return to equilibrium. This is Todorov's theory of a Narrative structure.

In regards to Homeland this is not the case necessarily. We are first introduced to the characters in a manic formation rather than a calm balance. Enigma is created by leading on the TV series with cliffhangers at the end of each episode. This challenges the concept of a classical narrative as Todorov's theory relates more to films rather than a TV series.
Homeland explores elements of an anti-classical narrative by having a female protagonist. Her character itself challenges Mulvey's theory of the male gaze and the idea of objectifying women. Carrie is portrayed as a strong, determined character.

The character David also counter argues the conventions of a classical narrative, going against the race of a stereotypical CIA boss. He obtains a powerful position and makes decisions, controlling Saul and Carrie-both respected characters. We wouldn't usually see an african-american in this position.

Carrie 

We're first introduced to the character Carrie being disrespectful to her boss. She is demanding and fearless, indicating a dominant role within the programme. She resists commands from her boss David, and still reaches the extremes as she almost becomes violent within the Iraq prison. This goes against the female representation in a dramatic thriller. We wouldn't expect a female within government to be in the dangerous environment Carrie is. Instead we would presume her to be doing more office work and respectfully taking a male boss's orders. However Carrie challenges this when she goes against David and visits the prison.
We understand she contains the power to help the prisoners family as she bribes him for information. The power she has challenges Laura Mulveys theory of the 'Male Gaze' who explores how women are objectified for men, by men. As a committed woman we begin to trust her and root for her to uncover the truth. However we question her reliability because of her ruthless actions. Although we would expect the desirable 'blond hair, blue eyed' woman to attract the audience, this is not the case with Carrie's character. Therefore this goes against Mulvey's theory of women only being there for the pleasure of the male audience. As one of the main characters she shows little emotion towards her personal life, only showing her passion for her work. This also goes against the stereotype of the overly emotion and needy woman within an action programme.

Coursework

Planning

In our group of two, chloe and I have started to bring together ideas of what are perfume advert would convey. As our narrative we have constructed the following brief ideas:

1. Shot of her getting ready- sexifying her 
2. Drive shot- Man arriving home
3. He looks at his watch
4. She takes out hair rollers
5. He places key in the door
6. She sprays perfume- highlighting product
7. Her coming downstairs/Greets him- has suitcase with him, indicating travel
8. He smells her neck- sense of home and reassurance  
9. Whispers whilst looking over her shoulder at the camera 'Compel'
10. Picture of the product 

We would set this in a modern house, staring the couple:

Kristina Thompson & Ryan Tierney

We will decide what music to include once the advert is constructed, as there isn't a script involved.
For our print adverts we will use some screen shots from the visual advert as well as organising a photo shoot. 

Homeland

Homeland is a popular TV series that is scheduled Sundays at 10pm on channel 4. 
Channel 4, as an institution promote alternative views and new perspectives as well as entertainment. Many programmes from America are shown on channel 4. The diversity of the institution is celebrated through the different channels, such as; E4, 4More, 4Music and 4od where you can access programmes at any point.
Their aims consist of appealing to the interests of a culturally diverse society, to include programmes of an educational nature or value and to also demonstrate experiment and creativity in the form and content of programmes. Homeland offers the combination of action and drama with the concept of political barriers that the main character Carrie must solve.
The main concept of the poster is at first the distorted picture of Brody's face. Only being able to see one half of his face, makes the audience question his identity and whether he carries secrets. The poster uses these enigma codes for the audience to question Brody's motives immediately. This could relate to the anchorage 'The Nation sees a hero. She sees a threat'. The positioning of the characters, shows Brody brought forward as Carrie looks over his shoulder, suggesting she doesn't trust him and they have some connection to each other. Her facial expressions shows her seriousness and determination. She seems to be wearing a suit blazer and little makeup. This questions her character and the stereotypical representation of women in action programmes. Usually presented as desirable women, Carrie challenges this. She isn't positioned in a provocative way or seems to have an interest in the male in the picture, apart from what seems to be only business,  rather than personal.
Brody's uniform proposes a hero. This also helps to establish the genre of a thriller. We would assume as an audience he has defended America and in some way received respect for this. This also makes us question even more why Carrie sees him as a threat.
The text looks eroded and the 'e' is positioned backwards. This could suggest a change in character, causing damage. This also indicates what the narrative could involve before we have even begun to watch the programme. The idea of swapping sides links with the typography, as well as the anchorage and distorted image. The yellow text connotes happiness and warmth. However the black seeping upwards could suggest some discomfort or change to what appears to be currently stable.
The concept of 'Homeland' also allows us to relate to the idea of 'Homeland Security' - A Government department post 9/11. Alongside the name of the TV series and the poster, as an audience we can gather what the narrative will involve.

Skins is a teen drama that consists of the stereotypical presentation of teenage life. In the first episode we are presented with one of the main characters Tony. The shot zooms out from Tony lying in bed awaiting for his alarm. The mise-en-scene shows Tony's bed covers which consists of a photograph of a naked man and woman. The connotations of this suggests he is a sexually active boy. Once woken, the second shot of him is in his boxers as he is lifting weights. This suggests he takes care of himself and his appearance.

Exam Practice

Analyse the front covers for both GQ and Saga magazines commenting on: visual codes, layout and design, language and mode of address


The magazines Saga and GQ have both concentrated on issues demonstrating an older actor. This is shown by the use of the main image on both magazines. However, Saga presents Michael Caine dressed in a suit and wearing glasses. From this, it shows the significant change in his life from where he once lived as a boy. As a cockney actor, he is now presented as a smart and proffessional man. The simple backdrop used behind the picture allows the audience's focus to rely mainly on just Michael Caine. It also shows the background as a less elaborate design, showing the roots of Michael Caine's past, rather than the flashy life style of stereotypical hollywood actors. Juxtaposition is used by the actors pose. Although he is seen dressed smartly, he stands with his hands in his pockets, releasing a more laid back vibe. This could suggest a part of his childhood remains with him despite him now being a world class actor.
The magazine uses a limited set of colours; black, white and a cherry red suggesting its simplistic layout. Although there is one main image, other issues are included at the sides of the magazine to entice the reader and involve more information to draw the audience in. The word 'plus' signifies although there is other features to the magazine there is also many other articles that will appeal to the audience. Anchorage is used to link the text to the image used. It reveals how the actor has gone back to visit the meant streets of his childhood. A qoute used allows the audience to grasp an idea of what the article will entitle. It also relates to the elder generation being scared to go out. This allows the audience of 50+ to recognise the feelings of other people the same age of them.
The strapline 'The UK's bestselling monthly magazine' senses an idea of its popularity.
         The American magazine GQ embraces Clint Eastwood as 'Badass of the year'. The actor is wearing denim on denim and sitting on a stool in a relaxed pose. Never the less, the actors expression shows a more defined anger in his face, relating to the mysterious and 'hard fighting' exterior that is usually portrayed in his films. His outfit suggests a western american style and is relaxed by the top buttons being loose and sleeves rolled up. The magazine focuses on a 'Men of the year' issue by listing other actors included in the magazine. This offers a variety of other actors the readers might take interest to, which broadens their audience. By relying on two main colours which are used in the masthead, orange and white are included alternatively to make a particular word or issue stand out. 'And our obsession of the year' is written in bold orange writing to reveal the 'hint' in a white font. The build up of what that obsession could  be is made obvious to the reader until you read the smaller font that only reveals limited information, this forces the reader to find out the magazines obsession.
The magazine also includes a statement 'Look sharp, Live smart' below the masthead. This suggest what type of audience the magazine is aimed at. The alliteration used makes the statement more memorable and inforces the audience to be both smart and sharp in dress wear, as well as intellectually. The title 'The best stuff 09' suggests an informal style to the magazine, as well as the most important features of that year. They focus on cars, food, music, gadgets and much more. This reveals the importance of materalistic objects and the 'finer things' in life, compared to any tragedies that may had appeared in 2009. This gives a light hearted feel to the magazine.

Elle magazine concentrates on a particular target audience of middle classed women, aged 16-25. The target audience would also be likely to consume other magazines such as Cosmopolitian. As well as young, fresh comedy TV programmes such as Channel 4s 'New Girl' staring Zooey Deschanel

Suggest two ways in which women/men have been represented in The Walking Dead?


Merle is a typical redneck American who is prejudice against black people. He takes actions into his own hands and is presented as a wild character who doesn't think before doing. At the begginning we understand him as a fiery personality who pin points 'T-dog' because of his racial background. He believes he should not take directions from a black man. This causes him to lash out into a violent rage, beating up 'T-dog' as the others try to defend him. Merle is dressed in scruffy clothing and has a ruggid looking persona. He is big built and follows the conventions of a uneducated white southern American. He also begins to slyly flirt with one of the female characters in a provocative way, showing him as a dominant character that sees women as a posession.

Rick Grimes the Sherriff, soon takes control by cuffing him to the pipe work on the roof. He is left raging and grunting like an animal. His uncontrolable behaviour soon changes, as a more vulnerable portryal is shown. Merle understands he deserves the punishment, after being left to fight off the zombies. Never the less, his angry, violent ways are exposed as he expresses how he has never begged for God to save him and he never will. This shows how Merles ignorance and attitude has led him to be left alone.

The magazine 'Men's Health' is a basic but informative magazine aimed at professional workers aged 20+
The main image is of a masculine man with his '8 pack' on show as he stands in a river. This is an idealistic image of the male figure in which men will aspire to look like. The photograph is in the centre of the magazine, drawing attention to it. He is standing in a river which shows his masculinity and almost 'god' like portrayal. He shows an intense facial expression, showing the serious side of fitness and health. It also highlights the mysterious image he illustrates, which some men aspire to be like.
The font is basic and colour scheme is simple, only including black, red and blue. Colours which often connote the male gender. The main features are spread across the magazine in simple black and bold fonts. This attracts the reader to the main events involved. The language used also focuses on stereotypical male interest, such as sex and fitness. All features link with the purpose of the magazine. "From fat to flat" the use of alliteration is a language device used to persuade the audience to buy the magazine in order to reach their aims within fitness, and eventually succeed to look like the model used on the front cover.


The magazine GQ has featured the actor Ryan Reynolds as their main aspect to this issue of the magazine. The layout and style is modern and edgy. They have maintained a simple colour scheme of black and red linking with the masthead (magazine brand) The use of capital letters within the from cover allows the audience to familiarise themselves with the magazine as well as draw them into the main features. Sizing of font differs and is used to highlight the main element of the magazine. In this case, Ryan Reynolds. The magazine uses colloquialisms within the language, such as 'brings the swagger' this text is easily read and adds to the modern aspect of the magazine. The magazine also covers different story lines, instead of aiming for a niche audience. 
Ryan Reynolds is dressed in a shirt and tie. However the juxtaposition of the formal wear is challenged by the actors laid back positioning with his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up. This links with the easy-going layout and modern appearance. The magazine mainly focuses towards the styling of men and how males would aspire to look like Ryan Reynolds. 

Big Bang Theory-
In this sitcom the scientist are portrayed as stereotypical nerds who are amazed by femal attention. One character in particular is the muslim Raj who finds it almost impossible to react to any females, especially his neighbour Penny, who is also a stereotypical 'Hot blonde'