These 3 images are some of my favourite photographs I have found while doing my research.
The reason I like these photographs is because of the simplicity of them all, they come across simple as they each have a plane background and consist of one picture.However they all have their own individuality that I like.For example the first one really stands out to me as it is the only black and white cover, I personally think this add to the realness of the image and gives it a new vibe or styles.I also like the first image as it portrays the idea of being glamours and classy which really brings attention to the image. This photograph can link to Roland Barthez’s theory of semiotics which is the study of sign processes; he argues that all texts communicate their meanings through a set of signs that need to be decoded by the audience.The image is in black and white which comprises only highlights, shadows, and the shades of grey in between; the editor/photographer may have used black and white film or an effect to exaggerate the photograph giving it more depth and possibly giving the audience a wider connection to the image as some people believe that black and white images show the true identity of a person. The black and white theme of the photograph can also link to Levi-Strauss’s theory of Binary Opposites.He suggested that the way these binary oppositions are resolved have ideological significance and as such communicates meanings to the audience. Black and White are on the opposite sides of the spectrum therefore making them binary opposites; white has connotations to light and cleanliness giving the image a bright view point, however black has connotations of power,elegance and sophistication which could possibly show a sense of empowerment and empowering the viewers of this magazine.
The reason I like the GQ image is because of the layout of the fonts, the celebrity’s name is shown in the bottom left corning which makes the image the main focus, the font is a strong choice of sizing which really bring the image together. The image shows direct address meaning it is for the audience and is trying to grab the attention.The image can link to Barthez’s theory as the photograph and model are seen in pastel colours which adds a soothing nature to the overall view point.The use of the pastel colours also has a strong affiliation with spring and summer which are the opposite seasons that this cover was issued for as it was resealed for ‘Fall/Winter’, the reasoning for this may be due to fact fall/winter colours are dark and possibly dull so therefore by presenting bright and refreshing pastel colours it draws the audience in. I also like this photograph as it has a modernised 60s feel to it.
Finally, I like the last photograph due to the colours that have been used I think the beige brown tone is really fitting with Rhianna’s complexion, I also like they way she in angled in the photograph it give the image a new dimension and a new perspective she has a direct approach which draws the readers in. I also like how the title of the magazine is in contrast to the rest of the cover as it is in black and the rest is natural bright colours, the use of the black lettering shows power and sophistication which makes the image really stand out, the lettering is also placed behind the model telling us that Rhianna is the main focus.The white lettering gives the image/cover a refreshed look and brightens the overall cover.
Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic,philosophy of science, and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African Diaspora culture with technology. Afrofuturism addresses themes and concerns of the African diaspora through technoculture and science fiction, encompassing a range of media and artists with a shared interest in envisioning black futures that stem from Afrodiasporic experiences.It was coined by Mark Dery in 1993 and explored in the late 1990s through conversations led by Alondra Nelson.
Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic that combines science-fiction, history and fantasy to explore the African-American experience and aims to connect those from the black diaspora with their forgotten African ancestry.
Afrofuturism has also been portrayed in music, however it became more popular in the late 1950s even though Afrofuturism was being coined in 1993. Musicians typically regarded as working in or greatly influenced by the Afrofuturist tradition which includes reggae producers Lee Perry and Scientist, hip-hop artists Afrika Bambaataa and Tricky.
WHAT IS DIASPORA?
The term Diaspora is the term used to describe the movement or a scattered population from one country to another which is also has discussions of identity.
AFROFUTURISM IN BLACK PANTHER
Afro-futurism has triumphed in mainstream American theatre including enormous success of the film Black Panther. It was released February 16, 2018; the release of the film brought black people all around the country and world to embrace the cultural context of the film as red carpets and even long lines at theatres wore outfits inspired by African Kingdoms. Many of these people also painted their bodies and faces with African tribal designs. People’s joyful expressions weren’t only for the nearly all black cast but for the collective exhale.
Afrofuturism merge both ancestral history and future possibility with the spiritual in ways that are shown in Black Panther. T’Challa becomes King and spiritual leader of the most technologically advanced country in the world. The country is made possibly by a mountain of Vibranium flying through space colliding with Africa thousands of years ago; this caused alternations to Wakanda’s environment and created a fusion of plant life that was both Earth and alien.
When the film opened people all around the world embraced the culture, for example on red carpets and in long lines at threats, people donned fur coats, dashikis, crowns, lion sashes, and outfits inspired by precolonial African culture.
Ken Loach is English filmmaker, he originally worked as an actor in regional theater companies and then became a director for BBC Television. His 10 contributions to the BBC’s Wednesday play anthology series includes the docudramas Up the Junction , Cathy Come Home and In Two Minds. They portray working-class people in conflict with the authorities above them. Loach is a member of the Labour party, in 2015 he endorsed Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour leadership campaign and in 2016; Loach’s one hour documentary ‘In Conversation with Jeremy Corbyn’ was released during the second leadership election.
Ken Loach is a notable filmmaker because in his films he discusses real and hard hitting subjects that occur in everyday life for example he focuses on portray the problems faced by lower/working class people, also Loach’s film Kes was voted the seventh greatest British film of the 20th century in a poll by the British Film Institute.He is also a social campaigner for most of his career, believes the current criteria for claiming benefits in the UK is a situation designed to frustrate and humiliate the claimant to such an extent that they drop out of the system and stop pursuing their right to ask for support if necessary. His films are mainly to show ordinary people and their dilemmas.
I, DANIEL BLAKE
I, Daniel Blake is a 2016 drama film directed by Ken Loach and by Paul Laverty. The film I, Daniel Blake is about the main character Daniel Blake who is played by Dave Johns, the film follows the story and struggle of Blake after he is denied employment and support allowance despite his doctor finding him unfit for work.
WHAT ISSUES DOES THE FILM CHALLENGE?
The film I, Daniel Blake challenges many issues however mainly focuses on the toxic climate of the British welfare and benefit system. It challenges this issue by showing the difficulty and struggle people have while on benefits, while also showing the toxic nature that occurs when people are rejected benefits after seeming unfit for them which may not be the case or reason such as Daniel Blake he is refused support allowance and is told to go find a job however his doctors inform him that he is ill -suited or unable to work . The film also dives in on the effect it can have on people after being refused their benefits this is shown through the character Katie who is a single mother Daniel be-friends. The film challenges more issues through the character Katie as she is a single mother who has recently moved to Newcastle from a homeless shelter in London, she meets Daniel Blake after she is sanctioned after arriving late to her jobcentre appointment, later in the film we she the she goes through after she is caught shoplifting from a supermarket and is offered a job as a prostitute which she accepts.
WHAT GROUP OF PEOPLE DOES THE FILM REPRESENT?
The film I, Daniel Blake represents lower-class people in conflict with the authorities above them. The film deepens in the representation of the most vulnerable and the poorest people and how they are treated by our government with brutality that is considered disgraceful; the film itself reflects the destructive environment that has built up around the welfare system in recent years and reviles the awful realities of the country’s benefit system.
HOW DOES THE FILM SHOW IDEOLOGIES?
I, Daniel Blake has many ideologies for example the film deepens within his struggle with the Department for work and Pensions as they decide and reject his appeal for sickness benefits after having a heart attack. The film reveals the ideologies of the toxic climate that has developed around the welfare system as Daniel Blake’s job seekers allowance is stopped, after the DWP tell him to look for jobs however his doctors have said he is unfit for work.The film also shows the struggle of Daniel Blake’s appeal against DWP.
WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM ‘AUSTERITY’?
The term Austerity stands for difficult economic conditions that are created by the government measures to reduce public expenditure.It also stands for severity of attitude.
HOW IS ‘AUSTERITY’ RELEVANT TO THE FILM?
Austerity is relevant to the film because it stands for difficult economic conditions that are created by government measures to reduce public expenditure, and I, Daniel Blake has the theme of difficult economic conditions that have been placed by the government.The film talks and shows the struggle and difficulty people have with the benefit system which is run by the government, the film dives into a person’s life and their own struggle after their job seeker’s allowance is stopped.Over all the film exposes the truth about the ‘welfare’ system and how difficult the government can make certain situations.
HOW DOES THE FILM CONFORM TO THE BBC’S MANDATE?
BBC VALUES:
Trust the foundation
Put audiences first
Take pride in delivering quality content and value for money
Represent each other and celebrate diversity
Creativity is the life blood of their orginisation
To provide important news and information to help people understand and engage with the world around them
To reflect the United Kingdom
To support learning for people of all ages
EDUCATE, INFORM AND ENTERTAIN
The film conforms to the BBC’s mandate as the film shows the struggle and frustration people go through in the toxic climate of the welfare system; the film puts in perspective of what it is like for people on benefits or for people who are rejected it shows the difficult time people go through this further question right wing ideology as it is towards capitalism and the idea of ‘you get what you work for’, however this isn’t the case for people on benefits as some may not be able to work such as Daniel Blake.
Therefore the film is towards the left wing ideology as it helps people understand what happens it informs them on situations of other people and may help them understand why certain people take the actions they do for example in the film Katie becomes a prostitute to try and provide for her children , the film is further left wing as it is a BBC film and they are liberal meaning their values are to educate, entertain and inform people and that is what this film does it educates people on the struggle that occurs in the corrupt welfare system, the BBC also represent diverse communities which the film also shows.
The film also links to the BBC’s mandate as it provide important information about current situations and how the government are controlling certain situations.The film also represents the different type of diversity in the UK, the film focuses on the poorer side of the United Kingdom and the struggles them people face rather than the wealthier side
WHY ARE THE LACK OF PROFITS NOT AS IMPORTANT FOR THIS TYPE OF FILM?
The lack of profits isn’t as important for this type of film as it is an independent film meaning they focus more on the telling a story and there is a focus on the narrative than profit and the sub-genre is the selling point rather than the stars.
The film also part of the BBC meaning it’s purpose it to solely educate, inform and entertain their audience and to represent diverse communities, also the BBC is a public serive broadcaster meaning to is paid for via TV licence which is a tax paid by the public, therefore the BBC is paid by the public for the public meaning the don’t rely on profits they just provide quality content which applies to their audience and this is what I, Daniel Blake does, it is for the public and solely based on telling the story therefore the lack of profit isn’t important.
I, Daniel Blake is a low budget social realist film , funded by the BFI and BBC. It was filmed largely on location (hospitals,Job centre, ect) features lesser known actors and does not rely on special effects.
WHERE AND HOW ARE IMS AND THEIR MARKETING MOST LIKELY TO BE CONSUMED BY AUDIENCES?
Films marketing is most likely to be consumed with online audiences, meaning that the audience will come across multiple marketing techniques on their social media’s which could be features in an online newsletter about film festivals or having the trailer appear on YouTube or other platforms, or even having the premier where the film was set or in local areas.
HOW HAS THE CONSUMPTION CHANGED/BEEN IMPACTED BY THE UBIQUITY OF ONLINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA?
Personally, I think the consumption has been impacted by social media in a positive way, by this i mean that social media has many different online platforms and has millions of people on these platforms daily. Therefore, if a film is marketed online it will be consumed by more people and peek to a larger audience and make them interested.
ARE AUDIENCES NOW MORE LIKELY TO TO SEEK OUT MARKETING (NEW TRAILERS) ONLINE AS ACTIVE CONSUMERS?
I think audiences are more likely to seek out marketing online as they majority of people find out about new’s stories and films through online activity and social media. Also the audiences of films or trailers may be invested in what the have watched causing them to be part of a fandom which give more awareness of the film; or they even may tweet about the trailer or blog about what their thoughts were and how they disliked or liked it.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THEAUDIENCE FOR THE FILM WOULD BE?
Personally, I think the audience is a mixture between a sophisticated audience and a political minded audience.
Firstly, I believe it I, Daniel Blake is for a sophisticated audience because they have a worldly knowledge and refinement and savoir-faire, and savoir-faire means the ability to act or speak appropriate in social situations, and the film itself speaks out on social situations which is the corrupt benefits system.Therefore by a sophisticated audience watching the film they could bring more awareness of the situation and speak freely about it.
I also think the film is for a political minded audience as the film challenges the governments placement in current situations, the film is more to the left wing due to Loach being part of the labour party; the film also has ideologies of socialism and peoples well-being and Loach has also been invloved with Jeremy Corbyn’s campaigns, however they film make have convey some right wing ideologies as Loach wasn’t always a left wing supporter. In he younger year, at school he represented the Tories in a mock election and his farther was a working class Tory therefore even though he is now a left wing supporter there will still be some right wing perspective.
WOULD THE AUDIENCE BE LIKELY TO SEE TRADITIONAL MARKETING( POSTER ECT) OR ONLINE MEDIUMS#IDanielBlake?
I think the audience would see a mixture as the film does have a poster and it was marketed,however I think the marketing and audience view point is towards online mediums. The film was funded by the BBC and BFI, and the BBC has a huge online platform which goes across radio shows, YouTube channel and their website; therefore they can promote the film on all their platforms. Also has technology has developed when people watch a film they take to social media to talk about their thoughts and reviews of the film and as this happens the film get more recognition and more marketing.
THE AUDIENCE MAY BE DIVERSE SO THINK ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TIME OF AUDIENCES AND HOW THEY WOULD RESPOND TO THE FILM?
I think the film would appeal to an audience who resonates with the film, meaning the have been or are currently going through the same situation as Daniel Blake or Katy. This audience may be really touched by the film and feel relieved that someone is speaking out about the mistreatment and the brutality that occurs in the benefits system; the film can be seen as their voice and can help them with their story.
The film may also appeal to a right wing audience by this I mean the film challenges their perspectives of the government and it may question their choices in who they support and what they believe in. The film might make them open their eyes and question the whole ‘You get what you work for’ strategic, and how that isn’t the case and how people may not be able to work but then are forced by the government.
Finally, the film may also appeal to a socialist audience, people who fight for justice in the welfare system or against misguidance/rejection that people have had due to the government. The film might help them spread the word of what is going on and even by them watching the film they could tweet about it making it well known.The film may also appeal to people who are unaware of the situation therefore learning about it and possibly acting against it.
Personally, I think the audience would most likely see the film at independent film festivals, also on TV as it is founded by the BBC and BFI and also of onlineplatforms.
WHY MIGHT KEN LOACH FIND IT EASIER TO SECURE FUNDING FOR SUCH A FILM?
Ken Loach may find it easier to secure funding for I,Daniel Blake due to him making films with similar backgrounds for example his film ‘Cathy Come Home’ which is about a women who faces a downward social climb thanks to her country’s rigid and problem ridden welfare system. Therefore it may be easier for Loach to get secure funding because he is reliable in this genre of films and he knows how to get these situations across and knows what he is talking about.
The genre of films he does are mostly drama. Ken Loach’s films challenge the governments welfare system and situations to do with homelessness, he also deepens into subjects about abuse that occurs in schools and at home which is shown in his film Kes.
TO WHAT EXTENT IS LOACH A MAINSTREAM FILMMAKER?
Ken Loach is somewhat a mainstream filmmaker as two of his films have featured for cinema release and one of them is his film Kes. However that is only to an extent as mainstream films/filmmakers rely on the profit that they make they also have huge budgets for their films however Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake took in 15.8 million USD unlike mainstream films such as Jaws which made 470.7 million USD at the box office therefore I, Daniel Blake being Loach’s largest grossing Im. Also Ken Loach worked with the BBC which doesn’t rely on profit but rely on making quality content therefore by him working with a company that doesn’t care or isn’t reliant on profit further shows he isn’t really a mainstream filmmaker.
WHAT DO HIS FILMS HAVE IN COMMON?
His films have many things in common for example the genre most but nearly all of his films a drama’s. His films also have similar ideologies such as difficulty with the benefit system, homelessness, economic struggles, problems with family, abuse/aggression. Loach’s films all contain similar situations however they are realistic and the themes in the film do occur in real life situations, therefore his film apply to audiences that have also been through these situations. The genre of his films are British social realist films.
ARE HIS FILMS IDEOLOGICAL?
His films are ideological as they are based on relating situations within a system of ideas that link to economic and political theories. For example is film ‘Sorry We Missed You’ has the ideology of economic problems as the story is about his family fighting against debt since the 2008 financial crash.Also linking back to the film I, Daniel Blake that has ideologies of the toxic climate the benefit system has and how difficult situations can be when you are rejected job alowence.
WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT THE AUDIENCE?
The ideologies that are incorporated in his films tell us that the audience of these films may have been in situations similar to the films and they may help them cope or think of ways they can get out if the situations that they are in. The audience may also be outsiders people who haven’t been through these situation but may what to help with awareness or to help the people who are in these difficult situations.
THE GENRE SOCIAL REALIST
Social realist is a genre of a film that focuses on topical issues alive in a modern society which is represented by different ideologies. These such as money,drugs, prostitution and sex are quiet usual in modern contemporary social realism films as well as class, religion and political views.
In 1969 ,Ken Loach released the film ‘Kes’ which is a social realist film as it focuses Billy Casper who is a tormented working-class boy who is subjected to abuse both at school and home.The son of a single mother, Billy’s existence is mostly bleak until he takes up an interest in falconry and begins training a kestrel, however Billy encounters his hard scrabble life and the harsh environment which is prove to be a challenge for the boys. This film reveals difficulty this young boy has within his home life with his single mother and the abuse that occurs at school.
Similarly, Ken Loach has still stuck to his social realist approach to his films as 2012 , ‘The Angel’s Share’ is about a troubled young farther who barley avoids jail and, after visiting a whisky distillery he is inspired to find a way out of his hopeless life. This film conveys the themes a struggled life and the difficulty he faces as he can’t stay out of trouble but then shows the hope and faith the character has as he tries to turn his life around.Therefore still marketing to the audience of that film genre by still incorporating the themes that run through that type of genre.
THE TRAILER REFERENCES THE BBC, BFI AND THE PALME D’OR. TO WHATEXTENTDO THESE REFERENCES SUGGEST AN ASSUMED EDUCATION AND LEVEL OF MEDIALITERACY IN THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
The target audience for I, Daniel Blake is 16+ as its a quiet mature topic that young people may not understand or know the importance of it.
The trailer references the BBC suggesting that the audience won’t need a high level of media literacy as the majority of people know what the BBC stands for (British Broadcasting Corporation) and know that it is payed by the TV license. However there may be an assumption for an education level of media understanding when Palme d’Or appears on screen as people may not know what it is or what it stands for, however the film may appeal to and audience who does have a high level of media literacy as they will know that Palme d’Or is the highest prize award at the Cannes Film Festival.Also by showing these in the beginning of the trailer it may draw interest to the film for example by someone seeing it have Palme d’Ore at the beginning the film must be good to win that award therefore making them watch the film.
WOULD SOME AUDIENCES WATCH THE FILM BECAUSE OF KEN LOACH’S ASSOCIATION ALONE?
I personally think some audiences would watch the film because it is produced by Ken Loach, as fans tend to watch films their favorite filmmaker had produce. Therefore if Loach’s fans see that he has relseaed a new film they will watch it because he produced it or may watch it because they like the style of work he does.
Also liberals and socialists may also watch the film for the association of Ken Loach as they may support what he believes in and stand by him. They may watch the film to see what story he is portraying and by doing this they can then get behind the cause and help spread awareness or campaign about the situations that the film is showing.
For my 500 word analysis the photographers I will be talking about are Tyler Mitchell, Steven Meisel and Annie Letibovitz.
Tyler Mitchell is an American photographer and film maker, in September 2018 Mitchell photographed Beyonce for the cover of American Vogue. The reasoning for why I chose and like Tyler Mitchell’s work is because of the sense of colour that he uses, this could link to Rolard Barthez’s theory of semiotics,he argues that all texts communicated their meanings through a set of signs that need to be decoded by the audience. For example the middle photography of his work shows an array of colours that may have different meanings for the photograph, the model is placed in front of a mainly white background which the colour has connotations of light and cleanliness , this gives the impression that the image may suggests that there is a sense of freedom to the image. The model is also shown wearing the colour red which is also shown in the background, this may suggest power and determination , this could link to references to female empowerment by showing the model in colours that represent power. Tyler Mitchell has also photographed Beyonce who is a high class Star, by him doing this it may causes viewers and the audience may be inspired by the photographs of her which could be linked to David Gauntlett’s theory of identity, he asserts that the media provides us with ‘tools’ that we use in the construction of our own identities.He also talks about how we now offer a more diverse range of stars and icons in the media, this links to Tyler Mitchell’s work because he focuses on photographing diverse communities, therefore this is why i like his work.
The second photographer’s work I like is Steven Meisel, who is an American fashion photographer who obtained popularity and critical acclaim with his work in US and Italian Vouge. A lot of Steve Meisel’s work is black and white I personally really like this genre/theme of his work as it shows the realism of the photograph, it also shows the rawness and captures the true identity of a person.I also like how the middle and right photograph have a somewhat 60s genre to them, this may suggest that his work is inspired by that genre of time and how he may reflect that on current decades. Steven Meisel also shot the covers for Modonna’s 1984 ablum ‘Like A Virgin’, therefore by doing this is reinforces Gauntlett’s theory of identity at the time the photographs came out Modonna would of been a hug star and role model for girls or males all around the world meaning they would pick aspects of her identity and take is as their own.
Finally, the third photographer I have chosen is Annie Letibovitz. Anna Letibovitz is a American Fashion photographer, she worked for the Rolling Stone Magazine. I personally like her work because I feel there is a meaningful story behind each photograph, she has a somewhat fantasy feel to her photographs that I like. I think how her work is out of the ordinary and different from other people, Annie Letibovitz’s work could possibly link to Levi -Strauss theory of Binary Opposites as she places models who are in beautiful dresses and have their makeup done in places they wouldn’t usually be for example the third example of her work the model is seen posing on a construction site.
Clearly defined characters, often recognisable in terms of stereotypes and archetypes
A simple narrative with universal themes. This can often be summarised in a single sentence or image that makes it easier to market.
High production values evident in the cinematography, costumes, settings and special effects.
Elements that are easy to market and promote, for example iconic repeatable images, a recognisable soundtrack and potential for merchandising.
High profile stars often related to the film’s genre
‘Larger’ than life protagonists
Visual appeal, including lavish sets and expensive action scenes
Highly dramatic and hyperbolic plot situations
HIGH CONCEPT FILM
A High Concept Film can convey it’s hook and mass appeal with a one or two sentence description. High Concept Films are also produced by the major film studios that are media conglomerates and therefore have the ability to back these films and rely on financial returns, they are also films that are classed with a ‘big budget’.
SUICIDE SQUAD
Suicide Squad is an American SuperHero film which is based on the DC Comics supervillain team, it consists of an intelligence officer assembles a team of imprisoned super-villains to execute dangerous black ops missions. Meanwhile, the homicidal Joker launches a diabolical agenda of his own.
CHARACTERS
Suicide Squad conveys features of a high concept film as it has defined characters that are recognisable through an array of stereotypes the characters consist of The Joke, Harley Quinn, DeadShot, Colonel Rick Flag, Amanda Waller, Captain Boomerang,El Dabilo , Entantress and some others.
The Characters I’m going to focus on are Harley Quinn, DeadShot.
HARLEY QUINN
Harley Quinn is one of DC most favouritised and recognisable characters as she is usually portrayed in her black and red jester costume however in recent years she has been portrayed in the well known matching blue and red bomber jacket and shorts, this outfit is tied together with her matching half ombre pink/blue hair which is shown in Suicide Squad, she is also know as The Jokers lover.
The story of how Harley Quinn became who she is , is shown as each character is introduced in the film we learn that Harley Quinn is the persona of Dr. Harleen Quinzel, and that she worked at Arkham Asylum as a psychologist where The Joker was held, later in the introduction of her character we see that she becomes fascinated with the Joker and falls hopelessly in love with him through the manipulation of the Joker. She later becomes the Jokers accomplice.
In the film Suicide Squad Harley Quinn is played by Margot Robbie , this links to the idea of high concept films as she is a high profile celebrity and a well known actress. Margot Robbie’s version of Harley Quinn really lives up to the expectations of the character as she absorbs and personates the character perfectly and she lives up to the stereotypes that Harley Quinn is;for example characters in high concept films have icon and recognisbale lines such as “We’re bad guys it’s what we do”.
Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is shown in the film wearing matching blue and red bomber jacket and shorts, with her matching half ombre pink/blue hair, this shows high production value as her costume was made by Kate Hawley who has also been a costume designer for other high concept films such as the Hobbit.
DEADSHOT
DeadShot is a fictional character who appears in the American comic books which are published by DC Comics.He is an excellent sniper who regularly boasts of never missing a shot, and is often considered one of the deadliest assassins in the DC Universe.
In the film Suicide Squad Deadshot is played by Will Smith, this further adds to the idea of a high concept film as Will Smith is one of the biggest celebrities therefore by him being in a big film that is under a huge Comic brand/company it adds the the genre of the film as he has been in other action films Handcock, Bright, I,Robert and many others.
The trailer itself conveys the ideas of high concept films, for example the beginning of the trailer is highly dramatic as there is eerie piano music plays throughout the first part which is then followed by the scene in the restaurant/meeting, however the music still plays over this scene making it more dramatic.
The whole narrative of the trailer is slow and dragged out , the speech is powerful as it is clear and well spoken , giving you a senses of acknowledgement and awareness of what they are talking about, there are multiple cross-cuts in the trailer which switch from the restaurant to other scenes in the film, as this happens the other film shots are in slow motion adding to the highly dramatic theme.
Further into the trailer they show the use of visual appeal as they have several action sequences that are clearly were expensive. They also include hyperbolic plot situations as they also include multiple clips of relationships that also occur throughout the movie; this shows and implies that the film will show that many of the characters will experience difficult situations as they are trying to save the world from ‘World War 3’. Going back to the actions scenes , they are large and hyperbolic it make the audience question what exactly are they fighting.
The trailer also consist of high profile stars who are often related to the films genre for example Cara Delevigne has been in other action/adventure films such as Valerian; and Joel Kinnaman who plays Rick Flag in Suicide Squad has been in action films such as RoboCop, therefore by having actors who are known for a certain genre of film such as action to appear in the suicide squad trailer adds to the overall thrill of the film/trailer.
There are multiple elements of high production values that are shown throughout the trailer.For example there are several shots of different and the same characters in multiple costumes the use of having characters in different costumes shows the quality and the value of the film it shows people that the film had a big budget (175 million USD)and were able to buy other costumes. The trailer also has elements of special effects such as some of the action scenes where they have army helicopters, there is also the use of special effects linked to makeup as the character Killer Croc is shown with scales which were done with SFX makeup.
SOUNDTRACK
Soundtrack list
The film Suicide Squad adds to the idea of a high concept film as the soundtrack is very recognisable as it has several well known music artist such as Panic! At The Disco and Eminem. On this album Panic! At The Disco sang a cover of Bohemian Rhapsodywhich is originally a song from one of the biggest bands in the world Queen, this song takes place in the end credit scene where all the members of the suicide squad are shown back in there cells this further leads to a group of people who are armed breaking into Harley Quinn’s cell and shows the re connection of her and The Joker; this song overall makes the scene more dramatic.
Heathens by Twenty One Pilots
Heathens By Twenty One Pilots is the films theme song, by this I mean it is the song that was made for the film and it’s the most recognisable song of the sound track. Twenty One Pilots is an American musical duo from Ohio, the band is made up of the lead singer Tyler Joseph and the drummer Josh Dun. Their musical style is considered alternative hip-hop/indie pop.
Twenty One Pilots have been around since 2009, however hit their peak in 2015/2016 when they announced a new album ‘Blurryface’. After releasing their third single “Stressed Out”, it become the groups highest selling single peaking at NO.2 on the U.S Billboard Hot 100.
In June 2016, the band released the song ‘Heathans‘ as it was the first single from the Suicide Squad Soundtrack; a music video for the song was released June 21st.Twenty One Pilots became the third rock act to have two singles simultaneously chart in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, joining the Beatles and Elvis Presley,in addition to becoming the third duo to accomplish this feat. Heathens peaked the NO.2 spot of Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the charts for 52 weeks.
The song Heathens is about a group of people who don’t fit in or are considered people with odd minds which refers to the characters in Suicide Squad as they are people with abilities and are unusual. The song connotes that outsiders such as the Suicide Squad are careful with what type of cliques they hang out with or associate with, and how people shouldn’t be so quick to judge eachother.
The song Heathens is written by an alternative band which reflects the characters is Suicide Squad, as they are outsiders; people who aren’t part of main stream crowds and who challenge natural stereotypes.Which further links to the genre of the film.
The opening of the music video is the same shot of Belle Reve Federal Penitentiary that is also the opening shot of the film. The band members themselves are shown within the prison, as one Tyler Joseph is playing the role as criminal,further adding to the overall theme of the film.The music video also has several cross-cuts of scenes from the film reinforcing that the song is representing the characters, through the cross-cuts is shows the journey of the characters, therefore this makes the music video/song recognisable and memorable through the intertexuality references, also by having clips of the film in the video it makes the audience want to watch the film.
Overall, the soundtrack is very diverse as it has alternative bands, rappers and singers showing that there are genres of music for everyone on this album.
Public Service Broadcasting refers to broadcasting intended for public benefit rather than to serve purely commercial interests, public service broadcasters such as the BBC are funded by the public/ local people; the BBC is paid via the TV license.
The BBC which is a public service broadcaster has a set of values and they aim to educate, entertain and inform their audience.
Commercial Broadcasting is the broadcasting of television programmes and radio programming by privately owned corporate media, and example of a commercial broadcaster is ITV.
Curran and Seaton’s theory can be applied to commercially driven broadcasters such as ITV. ITV’s aims are to be a leading creative force in global content production, however another of ITV’s aims or main intention is to generate/gain as much profit as possible they do this through their large audience of 36.8 million viewers per week. However the BBC which is a public service broadcaster subverts this theory as their main intention is create quality content which appeals and represents a diverse range of demographics that is part of their mandate and values which are to educate, entertain and inform its audience. Curren and Seaton’s theory argues that content for commercial broadcasters can be problematic due to reasons considering variety, creativity and quality, they suggest that even if the content is quiet popular at times , it can be considered boring and of poor quality for example ITV have shows such as I’m A Celebrity, X-Factor and Love island which have similar platforms they each have a voting station where you can vote for your favourite people , they also have a competition challenge throughout their shows, content such as this can get repetitive and boring however by ITV having a large audience;these type of programmes get more viewings and as they audience level rises the bigger the prizes on these programmes get.Also commercial broadcasters do not have as much duty as the BBC which is publically funded, therefore the BBC doesn’t comply with this theory because it makes content that appeals to their views and to justify its TV license it must ensure quality for its diverse community.
RADIO 4- CASE STUDY
BBC radio 4 is owned and operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation. Radio 4 has a wide variety of spoken- word programmes such as the news,drama, comedy and science.It also occasionally broadcasts concerts, and documentaries related to various forms of both classical and popular music.
It is the second most popular domestic radio station in the UK.
On average the age range for BBC radio 4 listener is 56 years old and leans towards an older audience. Their target audience is between 35-54 ABC1 which makes up for 24% of the audience.The radio station has had a upmarket bias 75% of those fall into the ABC1 demographic. Radio 4 reaches 11.55 million listeners each week, 221.2% of population; the average listener tunes in for 11 hours each week. However online radio 4 attracts 1.8 million unique browsers to its site each week, its the biggest of any BBC Radio stations.
Radio 4 is different from other BBC Radio stations because it’s for viewers who are interested in intelligent speech, also its schedule is packed with journalism, comedy, feature and drama also reading anywhere in the UK radio. You can also access radio 4 on line anywhere in the world. Radio 4 also has one of the oldest age rangers out of the BBC radios following behind BBC 3.
BBC RADIO 1, RADIO 4 AND RADIO 5 LIVE.
BBC RADIO 1 is a radio station that specialises in modern popular music and current chart hits throughout the day, however at night Radio 1 has a different approach they play alternative genres including electronica, dance , hip hop and indie.
Newsbeat is a fifteen minuet programme that is broadcasted at 12:45 and 17:45pm during the week, they also have short bulletins that are also heard throughout the day. Newsbeat is produced by the BBC News but differs from the BBC’s other news programmes in its remit to provide news tailored for a specifically younger audience. By newsbeat being 15 minuets a day it allows a younger audince to engage with current evens and be aware of what is going on in the news.
BBC RADIO 1 presents their news as fast paced this intrigues a younger audience or an audience between the age 15-29, however it has recently showed that people between the age of 35 listen to radio 1. The fast pace of they way the radio station runs helps the audience at this age range encode the media forms it also allows the audience to listen without being in full focus.
Radio 1 also produces a an array of music genres meaning BBC radio 1 has something for everyone, as bbc radio one had 10.56 million listeners above the age of 10 this may be because of what type of products they broadcast. BBC radio 1 also a large online network , they have a YouTube channel with 6.62 million subscribers; It is known that the younger generations use social media more or are considered that their life evolves around social media and by BBC radio 1 having an online platform it allows the younger audience to have an easier access. BBC radio 1 also post video of live performances of famous musicians which draws younger audiences in , they also post interviews of celebrities therefore by posting videos like this it attracts their intended target audience.
However unlike bbc radio 1 , BBC RADIO 4 is a more sophisticated broadcaster as it broadcast a wide variety of spoken-word programmes including the news, drama, comedy, science and history.
RADIO 4 present their news at a slow paced as their target audience is aimed at 35-54 years old. By having an older target audience it may be crucial to have a slower paced broadcasting technique as older audiences have time and patience to listen to the radio.
Radio 4’s The today show flagships news and current affairs programme including though of the day. The today show is broadcasted on Monday-Friday from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 7:00 am – 9:00 am on Saturday and Sunday. The timing the show is on is relevant to the target audience because these may be time the audience wake up or are getting reading for work, the today show has 7 million listeners weekly . The today show also has a range of different news stories and podcasts therefore having a range for everyone.
BBC radio 4 has a large variety of programmes meaning that there’s something for everyone, radio 4 also has a schedule meaning they have programmes on at set times for example in 6:00 am they have the news and current events/ affairs .This applies to the target audience because older people tend to get up earlier so by having the news on at 6:00 am it allows the audience to be aware of what is going on.BBC radio 4 also have stripped programmes these are programmes that are set meaning that they are on at the same time everyday for example the daily prayer this appropriate to radio 4’s target audience because the daily prayer is on at 5:45 am meaning it a lines with the time older audiences/ people wake up. It also give the platform a diverse persona because by having a daily prayer it allows religious audiences to feel included.
RADIO 5 LIVE, is very different from radio 1 and radio 4 as it mainly broadcasts news, sport, discussions , interviews and phone-ins.
BBC radio 5 live has a target audience between the age groups of 25-34
Radio 5 live news has the best interviews and sporting action, therefore radio 5 live news is very different to the other broadcaster as they focus on sporting events. I think the target audience for 5 live news is possibly males between the age of 25-34, due to them having a range of sports, they also have phone ins which allows people who are interested in the subject and news they offer to ring up and talk about it.
LATE NIGHT WOMAN’S HOUR
Late Night Woman’s Hour is a highbrow speech programme on BBC Radio 4, that is a spin-off series of Women’s Hour however it is aimed at a younger demographic. LNWH links to the BBC’s mandate due to the dedication of showing/representing diversity as it has taken one of it’s popular stripped programmes and have altered it so it appeals to a younger audience, it appeals to a younger audience with the help of one of the presenters Lauren Laverne as she is a similar age range to the target audience
Programmes like these draw attention to a younger audience because they are relatable stories that young females go through for example if a women has broken up with someone they go to their friends for advice and Late Night Woman’s hour can be a digital way of doing that they can listen to relatable content and hear what advice they are giving, also by having a story about highlist youtubers it appeals to the target audience because they might be of the audience that watch them or they may just like the drama.
We could link Stuart Hall’s theory to LNWH and Lauren Laverne, Hall talks about preferred reading this is how the producer or in this case presenter want the audience to view the media text therefore by Lauren Laverne being the presenter for LNWH and being the remotely the same age to the target audience it means the content that is produced is easily decoded by the audience and the messages they give out are clear, furthermore LNWH also talks about relavent themes that apply and are relevant to the audience, for example The Guardian states “Listeners have praised it’s in-depth discussion on Women’s affairs and said that it provides a refreshing antidote to some of the BBC’s other content”., this further supports the preferred reading in Hall’s theory; the Guardian also talks about how guest who have worked with Laverne have praised her for being genuinely interested in what people have to say and not her own opinions therefore this shows that Lauren Laverne puts the audience first and cares for what they have to say.
However it may be argued that Laverne isn’t representative to the other traditional type of listener, therefore they would be considered Oppositional reading where the audience reject the preferred reading and creates their own meaning to the text; this may be considered as controversial and would possibly mean the lose of audiences.Further adding to this point Chartables reviews on LNWH have mixed reviews some people state that LNWH has ‘bad editing’ also stating some podcasts and episodes were ‘awful and full of factually incorrect comments’, therefore some of their content has cause problems and controversy. On the other hand Chartable also has good reviews on the show and Lauren Laverne in particular for example a person has stated that LNWH has ‘Diverse and engaging topics by and about “real” women’ this reinforces the BBC’s mandate as there main intention is to represent a divers community. Chartable also shows what people think of Lauren Laverne as a presenter stating ” Lauren Laverne is an amazing host” “I am a keen listener of Woman’s hour and a fan of Lauren Laverne”, therefore by having Laverne as the presenter as LNWH because it draws in listeners.
WHO IS LAUREN LAVERNE?
Lauren Fisher, who is professionally known as Lauren is a 41 year old, English radio DJ, model,television presenter, author, singer and comedian. Lauren Laverne is from Sunderland in the North of England.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
Lauren Laverne is a TV presenter, she presents programmes such as 10 O’Clock Live for Channel 4, and the Culture Show, she also has coverage of the Glastonbury Festival for the BBC. However, Laverne also presents radio stations for example she guest edited Woman’s Hour and then later in 2015 she hosted Late Night Woman’s Hour which is a spin-off series. Laverne also took over Desert Island Discs in September 2018.
WHY DO YOU THINK SHE IS A GOOD CHOICE TO A PRESENT RADIO 4 SHOW?
Personally , I think Lauren Laverne is a good choice to present a Radio 4 show because radio 4 is a speech based radio station which includes intellectual answers and uses discussion to create variety. Lauren Laverne has presented many other shows, showing that she is good at what she does, it also gives the audience as sense of awareness of who she is . BBC are know for there sense of diversity, they try and include many programmes or people who may resonate with them, therefore I believe Lauren Laverne is a god choice to have present a BBC radio 4 show because she is shown as the diverse range of the BBC because she is a Northerner meaning she will represent the North of England and by having her present she will attract a larger audience than just the South.
WHAT IS LATE NIGHT WOMAN’S HOUR ABOUT?
Late Night Woman’s Hour is a spinoff series of Women’s Hour that was first broadcasted in 2015. Each episode of Late Night Women’s Hour revolves around a theme and invloves informal and in depth discussions. Some themes that have been included on the radio programme are female friendships, women in sport and anxiety.
HOW DOES LATE NIGHT WOMEN’S HOUR APPEAL TO AUDIENCES?
Lauren Laverne is of similar age to the target audience of Late Night Woman’s Hour which will allow audiences to connect with the presenter easily. Laverne also subverts the typical BBC radio present as with her northern accent which makes her more relatable to the audience.Although the language is still intelligent, it is aimed at a younger demographic and the mode of address is aimed at younger people rather that the older demographic, whom can listen to the radio programme. Late Night Woman’s Hour apples to a specific audience because of the time it is on with the stripped schedule because older people would usually not be awake at 10pm at night. The themes tackled in the programme are aimed for younger people to interact and have their opinions to be able to have discussions on the programme or with listeners. Late Night Woman’s Hour is able to be reached on multiple platforms so it has a global target audience.
The BBC itself is regulated by Ofcom, it tells the BBC was is and what isn’t appropriate to be broadcasted they does this in return for a fee.
OFCOMS PROMISE FOR THEIR FEE
Ensure a wide range of TV services of high quality and high appeal is available.
Ensure Plurality, not having a majority and ensuring a choice and a diverse range of things to view and listen to.
What is the Broadcasting code?
The Broadcasting Code is a set of rules that television, film and radio have to follow to have the programme on air without any complaints. The Broadcasting Code is split up into many different sections: Protecting the under-eighteens; harm and offence; crime,disorder, hatred and abuse;religion; due impartiality and due accuracy; elections and referendums; fairness;privacy; commercial references on TV and commercial communities on radio.
OFCOM BROADCASTING CODE– Ofcom is required under the Communications Act of 2003 and the Broadcasting Act o 1996 to draw up a code for television and radio, covering standers in programmes , sponsorship,fairness and privacy.
Hall asserted that communication is a process involving encoding by producers and decoding by audiences. He said there are three ways in which meaning and messages will be decoded by an audience.
Dominant Position: the audience accepts the intended meaning of the encoded product.
Negotiated Reading: the audience acknowledge some of the messages encoded by the producers of the product but may question or adapt to be more relatable in their own experience.
Oppositional Reading: the encoders message is understood, but the decoder disagrees with it.
CURRAN AND SEATON: POWER AND MEDIA INDUSTRY
The main points of the theory are:
Media Producers are controlled by a small number of companies primarily driven by the logic of a profit and power.
The idea that media concentration generally limits or inhabits variety, creativity and quality.
The idea that more socially diverse patterns of ownership help to create the conditions for a more varied and adventurous patterns of ownership.
AUDIENCES
In the world dominated by visuals images many people wonder how radio has been able to survive and develop. Some reasons are:
Blind Medium:only involves a sense of hearing with no visual images and allows for a sense of imagination.
Companion Medium: radio provides a strong sense of personal communication for the audience. It is also interactive, audiences can phone or text the show and request music.
Intimate Medium: direct mode of address encourages intimacy with the listener.
Undemanding Medium: allows the audience to do other things with their time while listening to the radio.
THE BBC REVIEW-ON RADIO 4
Radio 4 delivers the BBC public purpose to nearly eleven million listeners, who tune in on average for 11 hours each week. Our review founded that Radio 4 sets the standers for high quality, intelligent speech radio programming.It is highly thought of by it’s audience and is regarded as a ‘National Institution’.
George Gerbner’s CULTIVATION THEORY suggests that repeated exposure to television over time can subtly ‘cultivates viewers’ perceptions of reality. George Gerbner theorised that TV is a medium of socialisation of most people into standardised roles and behaviours. Cultivation theory suggests television influences its audience to the extent that their world view and perceptions start reflecting what they repeatedly see.
George Gerbner’s cultivation theory can be applied to the TIDE advertisement, in 1950s America advertiser had to think of ways to persuade women to buy these products. They portrayed women as ‘happy housewives’ meaning that pressure was placed on women at the time. Women in advertisements at the time were also portrayed as beautiful, by having their makeup and hair done and wearing nice clothes. By having repeated exposure to these adverts made the female audience have additional pressure not only should their home and clothes be clean they must be beautiful and fashionable too.
Steve Neal’s theory of repetition and differences. Steve Neale states that genre’s all contain instances of repetition and differences is essential tot he economy of that genre.
Steve Neale states that film and it’s genre is defined by two things:
How much the film conforms to its genres convections and stereotypes. A film must match the genres convections to be identified as part of the genre.
How much a film subverts that genres convections and stereotypes. The film must subvert convections enough to be considered as unique and not just a clone of an existing film.
Steve Neale’s theory of genre can be applied The Kiss Of The Vampire.
The Kiss Of The Vampire subverts the convections of the horror genre, women are present as weak and are shown as powerless, however the film poster of Kiss of the vampire shows dominance of one of the women who is in control of both men in the image.
Molly Goldthorpe Media 