C2 TV

Tuesday 7th January 2025

TV Drama

LO: To explore the content and format of the unit

Do Now:

1. There are 2 written media exams

2. The exams are 1 hour 30 minutes each

3. Genre means the specific theme a type, of a media form, that involves a particular set of characteristics

4. The target audience for The Archers is older middle class white British women

5. The BBC's remit is to educate, inform, entertain

Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products

- Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes [60 marks]

Section A: TV Crime Drama (Luther and The Sweeney)

- Question 1: Media language or representations

- Question 2: Media industries or audiences or media contexts

Section B: Music Videos

Genre - a type, of a media form, that involves a particular set of characteristics

Sub genre - a subdivision of genres (crime drama, medical drama, period drama, etc)

Hybrid genre - media texts that incorporate elements of more than one genre and are therefore more difficult to classify

Within Crime Drama there are also multiple sub genres such as forensic crime

The responder

Narrative - Positive family dynamic

Setting - Driving through streets

Characters - Two characters are immediately introduced in an interview like set up, family at dinner table

Mise-en-scene and iconography - Police uniform

Happy Valley

Narrative - Immediate issue of a man at the park with a lighter and has had a lot to drink

Setting - The park

Characters - Introduction of who seems to be the main police officer

Mise-en-scene and iconography - Lighter, fire. extinguisher

Line of Duty

Narrative - Tense atmosphere, collection of scenes the silence

Setting - A house

Characters - Many police officers but one in particular, a mother and child?

Mise-en-scene and iconography - Broken glass?

Close ups are used to capture the moment

Low Key lighting

All involved the police in some form

Initially attempting to prevent a crime from happening 

Scenes in police offices

Arial view following police cars

Mainly in cities and urban areas 

We are positioned to be on the polices side, shown from the police's point of view

Typical codes and conventions of TV Crime Drama

- The narrative is often centered around a detective/police officer attempting to solve or prevent a crime but not necessarily the main crime the series focuses on 

- Set in urban areas such as cities

- They utilise low key lighting, gritty realistic settings, handheld camerawork, fast paced editing, diegetic sounds

- Have an inciting crime

- Some form of police or detective character

- The protagonist is the main character who is intelligent and determined to solve the crime

- The antagonist is also crafty and intelligent and seems to be one step ahead of the protagonist

- The suspects have motives and a reasonable opportunity to have committed the crime

- There are clues and red herrings that help or hinder the investigation 

- There are typical character types, such as a villain, a hero, a helper, and a dispatcher

- The representation of characters and themes can challenge pre-conceived ideas

All of the conventions create tension, suspense and enigmas which cause you to question certain aspects of the show and make your own judgements and opinions about the characters. This encourages you to come back for the next episode to see whether you were right or whether the story has headed in the same direction as you thought. This hooks you and makes you want to continue watching and the fact it is realistic with settings and handheld cameras making it seem as though you are there. 

Friday 10th January 2025

TV Industry

LO: To explore the television industry and audiences

Do Now:

1. A hybrid genre is when a form of media could be seen as multiple different genres (action adventure)

2. Luther and the Sweeney

3. Police 

4. Mainly in cities and urban areas

5. Realism/authenticity to make the audience feel as though they are part of it, immersive tension, suspense, enigmas

The television industry

Developments in technology have allowed audiences to access many more digital channels and online streaming services. This means audiences can watch what they want, when they want, on whatever device. Some TV programmes today achieve the status of event television and gain massive audiences. Digital technology has changed how we produce and circulate TV programmes, as well as how we consume them. The wide variety of programmes and channels mean that audiences are spread more thinly than in the past. Audience loyalty to a particular channel has decreased.

Watershed - The time when TV programmes which might not be suitable for children can be broadcast 

Peak time - The time of day when a lot of people are using the same channel

Prime time - The block of broadcast programming taking place during the middle of the evening for television shows active and engaged audiences Friday, Saturday night 8-10pm

Public Service Broadcasting

According to OFCOM, it is 'high quality content, made for as wide a range of audiences as possible, and for public benefit rather than purely commercial ends'

BBC ---> Public Service Broadcasting (funded by licence fee)

ITV, C4, C5 ---> commercial public broadcasters (funded mainly through advertising), available to all who pay the licence fee

All catch up meet PSB requirements, but BBC has the strictest

OFCOM regulates TV, including on demand and catch up services, through the Broadcasting Code 

BBC

A public service broadcaster founded in 1922 and is funded by the licence fee. The BBC mission is to act in the public interest, serving all audiences by providing impartial, high quality programs which inform, educate and entertain. BBC has nine national TV channels, regional TV programmes, an internet TV service - BBC 3

BBC World Service broadcasts worldwide on radio, TV and online. BBC America is an American pay television network that is jointly owned by BBC Studios

TV Audiences

Before catch up services, audiences could only watch a TV programme at the time it was broadcast and would have to wait for the next episode to see how the narrative developed. TV therefore played a much more important role in people's lives. Modern audiences today have a much greater choice and more flexibility in their TV consumption. 

Second Screen - Using 2 devices at the same time 

Binge watching - When you watch many episodes of a specific show in one sitting or over a few days

Escapism, more involved with narrative, personal identification, instant gratification

Tuesday 14th January 2025

The Sweeney

LO: To explore the context of the set text.

Do Now:

1. A crime drama narrative is based around 

2. Luther and The Sweeney are the 2 texts we will study

3. One crime drama convention is being based in cities or urban areas

4. Another crime drama convention is having police officers 

5. They have to create enigmas

The Sweeney (1970s)

- Produced by Euston Films (film production division of Thames Television)

- Thames Television held the ITV broadcast licence for the London area in the 70s and 80s

- Euston Films produced a range of TV Dramas in the 70s and 80s

- The Sweeney was filmed on location in parts of West London, which added to the realism and intensity of the programme

- The programme used new technique s that have influenced the way TV Drama's have since been produced (location filming, reduced rehearsal time, quick post production)

- Series was written by Ian Kennedy Martin

- Both main actors, John Thaw and Dennis Waterman, became associated with police crime drama, again showing the importance and influence of The Sweeney in the development of the genre

Scheduling

The show ran between 1975-1978 and it was broadcast at 9pm on weekday evenings on ITV. The narrative was structured into three sections; around the two advert breaks.

Obvious comparisons

- Fashion 

- Haircuts

- Cars

- Houses

There are many aesthetic differences between Luther and Sweeney, but we need to look in further detail.

Historical Context

The Sweeney was groundbreaking in the 1970s as it introduced many new elements to the police/crime genre. Earlier crime drama included far less violence and provided a reassurance that society was safe, and law and order was being upheld. The Sweeney includes elements of the Police Procedural sub-genre, but also codes from the action genre to create more dynamic and exciting experience. There is a focus on complex, violent and organised crime. The Sweeney was based on the real 'Flying Squad', a division of the Metropolitan police that dealt with the serious and violent crime. They achieved many successes but were also involved in a corruption case in the 70s where high-ranking officers were jailed for taking bribes. Socially and politically, the 70s was a period of upheaval: economic problems from the decline of manufacturing in Britain led to increased imports; the international oil crisis in 1973 and the miners' strikes resulted in electricity shortages; other strikes occurred from postal workers, refuse collectors and ambulance personnel.

Narrative

The episode starts with the build up to the crime (Brooker takes delivery of the guns), but the main crime doesn't occur until much later in the story. Much of the episode is spent trying to prevent the crime from taking place. The narrative ends with closure; the crime is prevented; the main criminal is dead, and Regan can relax with his girlfriend. 

Season 1, Episode 1

Ethnicity - No diversity, massive under representation of ethnicity

Gender - Not many female characters, the female characters there are, are not protagonists and are either related to the main characters in some way or have jobs such as a cleaner, Regan's girlfriend is shown as weak and vulnerable but isn't represented as stupid since she figured out that they weren't police detectives quite quickly. Female police officer stays with Regan's girlfriend to keep her safe

Differences in society from today - Less diverse place

Main characters - Claims they will charge him for something he hasn't committed, differences in criminals, symbolism and sophistication

Narrative - Preventing the crime from happening, ends with a conclusion rather than a cliffhanger

Media Language from 70s - Non Diegetic music, diegetic sounds, music changes as soon as the action starts

Friday 17th January 2025

Luther

LO: To explore the context of the set text

Do Now:

1. The Sweeney scenes were based in London

2. The Sweeney was broadcast at 9pm on weekday evenings

3. The Watershed is the time of which certain programmes are broadcast that may be not be suitable for children

4. Location filming 

5. Jack Regan, George Carter

Luther (2010)

- Produced by the BBC

- Written by Neil Cross, who had previously written shows like Spooks

- First series was aired on BBC One at 9pm on Tuesday 4th May 2010, then available on iPlayer 

- There have been 5 series and a Netflix film to date

- It is one of many crime dramas that takes its title from the main protagonist, implying that the main detective will be strong, independent and central to the narrative

- The writer drew on different sub genres: mystery/detective and psychological thriller

Season 1 episode 1

Psychiatric ward location

Dramatic, intriguing crime. that has occurred

Family life troubles

Affairs

Audience can work out who the criminal is as the programme goes

Theme music/non diegetic

Preview to next episode

Homework

How does scheduling impact TV  crime drama and TV audiences?

The first series of  Luther was broadcast at the watershed of 9pm on BBC 1 and on a Tuesday which is the peak time for people to watch TV since it is at the start of the week and in the evening after work for many people. In addition The Sweeney was also broadcast at 9pm on weekdays. For audience members who enjoy crime drama due to it being broadcast during prime time TV  they can expect a more gruesome episode including blood and weapons, etc, due to it being after the watershed meaning it may not be suitable for children of a younger age. 

The recent developments in technology and in consequence streaming platforms have allowed audiences to binge watch their favourite TV shows. Certain platforms release all episodes of a series at the same time meaning viewers can watch them back to back, which may appeal to people who perhaps work at the time the show is originally being broadcast or who just prefer to watch all in one go rather than waiting a few days or generally a week until the next episode. Also streaming allows people to feel more connected with the narrative and the characters as watching many episodes helps viewers to create a connection with the programme as a whole rather than a sort of disconnection when having to wait a week or so each time before continuing with the storyline. 

Why might audiences responses to crime drama change overtime?

Audiences responses to crime dramas may have changed overtime because of the technological developments and the use of  streaming services alongside catch up. Streaming has allowed people of many ages to either catch up on episodes they have missed or binge watch the entirety of the series in one go which can make people feel more connected to the programme. The act of watching many hours of a specific show in one sitting can make a viewer feel as though they are part of it or feel more of a connection with the characters and narrative considering the fact they have spent a lot of time surrounding themselves with that story. However others may dislike the use of streaming services and prefer the original way of  watching at a set time on set days. This could be for a number of reasons such as enjoying having a short break from the hardships of everyday life or even wanting to watch with family and friends. Despite not feeling as connected with the show itself, the set times may make people feel more connected with each other.

What are the benefits of commercial broadcasting?

Commercial broadcasting has many advantages including making a profit and keeping the audience members engaged with the programme during the advertisement breaks. (???)

How do production processes influence crime dramas?

During the production of  crime dramas such as Luther or The Sweeney, specific locations are chosen in order to create a certain effect whether that is tension or to amplify action scenes and make them more dramatic. For example in Luther one intense and dramatic scene involving a knife is set near/on a bridge making the overall effect on the audience much more as it leaves us sat on the edge of our seats with anticipation and panic over what will happen next as the bridge makes the scene much more unexpected. 

During the shooting of many scenes, handheld cameras are used to create a more personal effect as we as an audience feel as though we are immersed in the scene. The more personal, up close approach to filming makes us again feel a closer connection with the characters but also help to make the scene feel realistic and authentic. 

Throughout many scenes, especially action packed or dramatic scenes, the audience can hear diegetic sounds creating an authentic feel however during editing the use of non diegetic sounds, usually in the form of music, will exemplify whatever effect is trying to be made. For example in The Sweeney, during the chase scene, we can hear the footsteps of both characters but also the upbeat, fast paced music added in the background makes the scene all the more dramatic but in some ways humorous.

Explain how crime dramas are aimed at a range of audiences. Refer to examples you have studied to support your points.

Crime dramas can be aimed at a wide range of people of many different ages however it is likely it wouldn't be children seeing as programmes such as Luther and The Sweeney were broadcast at the watershed of 9pm meaning there might be content that is deemed unsuitable for a younger age to watch as there may be blood and weapons, etc. During the 1970s, diversity within crime dramas was little to none so they probably would have only been watched by white men and possibly women. However it is likely men would tend to watch it more than women not only because of the gender representations within the programme but also due to the fact that the majority of main characters were men whereas the women were shown as being more of a side character. On the contrary, now TV programmes and crime dramas such as Luther are much more diverse and so invites a much larger audience to watch and due to the representations of both men and women it is easier now to relate to a character than it was in the 70s.

Tuesday 21st January 2025

Luther: characters

LO: To explore the characters of the set text.

Do Now:

1. Luther's first name is John

2. Luther was produced by the BBC

3. Luther series 1 was scheduled at 9pm on a Tuesday

4. The 2 crime sub-genres the writer incorporates are mystery/detective and psychological thriller

5. The episode had theme music and being centred around a crime/criminal

Propps character functions

- Propp was a folklorist researcher

- He looked at old folk tales discovering that fairytales and furthermore tv shows and films have the same types of characters

- The Hero: leads the narrative, usually on a quest or trying to solve something

- The Villain: has a conflict with the hero and tries to stop them succeeding

- The Donor: gives the hero something like a clue, a special power, etc to help them complete their quest, often fulfils a mentor role

- The Princess: is usually a prize or reward for the hero

- The Helper: helps the hero complete their quest, often acts as a sidekick

- The Princess' father: an authority figure who offers a reward to the hero for completing their quest, that reward might be a prize

- The False Hero: takes credit for the hero's actions or ties to marry the princess, may appear heroic at the start of the narrative

- The Dispatcher: early role who sets the story/quest in motion, often combined with other roles

In terms of Luther

DCI John Luther: the hero

Alice Morgan: the villain

Justin Ripley: the helper

DCI Ian Reed: the donor

Rose Teller: the dispatcher, the donor, the princess' father

Zoe Luther: the princess

Mark North: the false hero

Henry Madsen: the villain

Alice Morgan is represented as the villain since she has the conflict with the hero (Luther) that the whole episode revolves around. Obviously in order to protect herself and keep herself out of trouble she attempts to stop Luther from succeeding in winning the case and proving she is guilty. However there are certain aspects of her character that don't always fulfil this role especially, to perhaps some of the other characters, she may come across as the damsel in distress or the victim who is grieving. 

Rose Teller is arguably the dispatcher, the donor and the princess' father. She can be seen as the dispatcher since she is one who brings Luther back to the job and sets the story off and therefore when giving him this specific case she is in a way starting the conflict which is yet to come between Luther and Alice. She could also be the dispatcher since she gives clues on how to complete the case.

Zoe Luther could be the princess since there are multiple occasions where she is in very vulnerable positions where she needs to be 'saved' by other people. However she stands her ground and refuses to go back to John Luther and is happy in her relationship with Mark North. Due to this she is not acting as simply a prize for Luther.

Friday 24th January 2025

Genre and Narrative

Do Now:

1. 8 character functions

2. The donor, the dispatcher, the princess

3. There are certain flaws he has that defy the hero stereotype

4. The donor gives the hero something usually in the form of a clue or an object to help them complete their quest

5. The helper fulfils the role of the sidekick Justin Ripley

Genre - A category of TV programme, identified by a set of typical features

Sub genre - A specialist category within a broader group of TV programmes

Hybrid genre - A genre made of a combination of two or more other genres

Codes and conventions - The typical ingredients that audiences expect to see in a particular genre

Steve Neal Genre theory (repetition and difference)

Genres are dominated by the repetition of codes and conventions - they have a 'system of expectations', the things audiences expect to be included

Genres change, develop and vary overtime

Genres borrow from or overlap with one another - this creates a hybrid

Luther was the first black detective in a British crime drama

 

Technology has allowed the opening scenes to be much more advanced and the way they are filmed

Luther genre

Luther contains many familiar elements of crime drama, but it also shows developments in the genre when compared to the Sweeney. There are many elements hybridised from other genres:

- Conventions from thriller genre in visual and audio codes - low key lighting, intense non diegetic music and dramatic cross cutting

- References to the horror genre - graphic shots, jump scares

- Elements of police procedural, but with an increased focus on psychology

The characters are far more complex and developed, particularly female roles. Real life developments in forensics are reflected in the show. Filming styles are very different (technology) - multiple angles and far more camera movement and viewpoints.

Stock characters - these are typical characters you would find in particular genres; a convention of a crime drama

The Maverick Detective

Brilliant detectives, able to solve crimes and understand clues that no one else can. Not afraid to break the rule if it means catching the criminals. Often 'damaged' individuals who struggle to hold together their personal lives.

- He breaks down the door when he discovers his wife is with someone else and allows his emotions to get the better of him

- Figures out that part if the gun will be with the ashes of the dog

- Isn't afraid to break the rules by going into Alice's house to take the gun from the dog's ashes despite the possibility of getting into trouble

The Psychopathic Killer

Deceitful characters who pretend to be 'normal'. Capable of horrific crimes. Enjoy playing mind games with detectives. 

- During the interview she acts as though she is a victim and is grieving for those she's lost

- She kills her family

- When Luther has the dog's ashes she exploits him by stating how he can get into trouble for what he has done 

The Femme Fatale

A mysterious and dangerous female character. Uses her sexuality to exert power over male characters. A character more often seen in film noir

Narrative

Backstory: the pre-title sequence summarises the previous case and explains why Luther has been on leave. Madsen is shown again at the end of the episode, a continuing narrative arc that runs throughout the series.

Inverted Narrative: we know who the murderer is, and that Luther will catch her - but we don't know how. The ensuing psychological duel between he two characters is more engaging and exciting.

Crime: the murderer of Alice's parents. We know that she did it - we literally saw her with blood on her hands - but there is no sense of justice in the usual way. Only personal satisfaction for Luther.

Tuesday 28th January 2025

Luther representation

LO: To explore the representations constructed in the set text.

Do Now: 

1. Genres are dominated by the repetition of codes and conventions

2. USP stands for unique selling point

3. Luther is a maverick detective

4. A stock character are typical characters you would find in particular genres

5. Alice is a psychopathic killer and femme fatale

Representation is how a person, character or thing is portrayed/how they are seen by others

Representation - the way in which people, places, issues and events are portrayed in the media

Is the representation positive or negative?

Are there aspects which conform to traditional stereotypes in that area?

Are there aspects which challenge traditional stereotypes in that area?

What evidence can I use to support my case?

Representation of Luther

He is represented in a conflicted way; neither positive or negative since we see multiple sides to his character. In certain scenes especially the first opening scene it is implied he is the villain, but after it is revealed he isn't it is up for debate on whether he is good or bad since he allows Madsen to fall without trying to help. However other scenes show him as being a brilliant detective and a kind individual. Attempts to do the right thing but not always goes about it in the right way. Character is ambiguous because he can be seen in different ways.

His characters subverts masculine stereotypes since he is shown as emotional in many scenes mainly when talking to Zoe. Shows emotion quite frequently; guilt, regret, anger. However, he is also shown as a very strong individual especially when dealing with cases. 

An interesting representation of a black male in 21st century Britain. He is successful senior police detective with a brilliant mind for solving crime and he uses questionable methods to get results. Highly committed to his job - almost obsessive. Highly regarded by his fellow officers, people respect him in many ways. He is a complicated character who experiences anguish and passion and reacts with anger and violence, but also pain and sadness. Reflects contemporary notions of masculinity as he isn't in complete control of his life and shows vulnerability. Some stereotypical elements of masculinity shown: physical force, lack if emotion with other men, etc. 

Empty spaces could show he is independent and prefers to work alone despite having more people surround him. He could feel lonely, and isolated mentally and physically. 

Hegemonic Masculinity - 

In Western society, the dominant form of masculinity or the cultural ideal of manhood was primarily reflective of white, heterosexual, largely middle class males.

The ideals of manhood adopted by the dominant masculinity suggested a number of characteristics that men are encouraged to be or use.

These characteristics include:

- violence and aggression

- stoicism (emotional restraint)

- courage 

- toughness

- physical strength and athleticism 

- risk taking

- adventure and thrill seeking

- competitiveness 

- achievement and success

Representation within scenes

In the opening scene, Luther is represented as the villain as he follows Madsen with a calm pace and is wearing a large black coat which could be seen as intimidating. After it is revealed that he is indeed not the villain, we see him represented as risk taking, wanting to get to the bottom of what Madsen has done but in a quite violent way often shouting and yelling. He then allows Madsen to fall as he doesn't help him, but shows immediate regret and remorse for what he has done averting the stereotype of men being mentally strong.

In the scene when Alice confronts Luther with a knife, he shows toughness but also violence as he holds her done against a bridge. He doesn't lose it with her he keeps it together, accepts his weaknesses and is seen as empathetic. He walks away from the situation and she proves he was right since he claims he will arrest someone else for the crime and take the credit. 

He shows signs of hegemonic masculinity when he breaks the door inside Zoe's house as he shows violence and aggression towards the idea of Zoe with someone else. Although, he doesn't show stoicism and is shown as very vulnerable.

Eponymous - his name is the title of the show

Representations of women

Rose is represented as respectful

Zoe is represented as independent/conforms to stereotypes as she is shown as emotional but is very mentally strong

Alice is represented as deceitful

Friday 31st January 2025

Luther Representation

LO: To explore the representations constructed in the set text.

Do Now:

1. The dominant form of masculinity is hegemonic masculinity

2. Three character traits from hegemonic masculinity are risk taking, competitive, and courage

3. Representation is how something or someone is portrayed in the media

4. Luther's isolation is shown through empty spaces framed surrounded by empty space

5. Luther's USP was have a black detective as the protagonist 

Explain how Luther is a representation of hegemonic masculinity

In the programme Luther, the eponymous hero is a representation of hegemonic masculinity. Initially in the opening scene Luther is represented as aggressive and taking risks. This can be seen when he follows Madsen and then yells showing an aggressive nature towards him, not only creating fear and tension but showing his desire to find the girl in question. He then allows Madsen to hang on to the bridge without showing much emotion consistently yelling and demanding Madsen tell him where the girl is. The fact that he doesn't help him up back onto the bridge or prevent him from falling shows how he is taking risks as there is a possibility he would have fell before Luther found out where the girl was and therefore they wouldn't have found her. However, Madsen eventually does fall and without hesitation Luther immediately shows remorse and regret for what he has done allowing his emotions to be seen and therefore not matching the stoicism associated with hegemonic masculinity.

Furthermore, at the climax of the episode Luther is represented as violent but also stoic being able to manage his emotions professionally especially when Alice mentions his wife, Zoe. 

Representation of Alice Morgan

A complex character who is both an antagonist and femme fatale and she has considerable power and agency as her actions drive the plot. She displays many traits stereotypically associated with masculinity: unemotional, highly intelligent, ruthless and violent. She subverts many female stereotypes but she is attractive and uses her femininity to taunt and flirt with Luther. 

Representation of Zoe Luther

Zoe is a les conventional character for crime drama and she is quite indicative of the social context of the programme Luther. She is powerful and independent, as shown through her representation as a lawyer She is also the one who ends her relationship with Luther. She's a mixed race woman, she is from a social group less likely to be represented positively on prime time television. She is till needing Luther's protection from Alice and despite being a lawyer, her storylines are all concerned with love.

Representation of Rose Teller

Rose is a woman in authority in a male dominated sector and she shows strength by believing in Luther when others doubt him. She works hard and follows the rules and they mention her family - a working mother. She is also never seen outside of her workplace.

How far are the characters in Luther typical of the genre? [12 marks]

Homework 

Explain how Luther supports Neale's genre theory.

Luther conforms to the 'system of expectations' of TV crime drama by using codes and conventions such as revolving around a crime that needs to either be prevented or stopped. In the first episode for example we see the episode is based on the storyline and the back and forth relationship between the protagonist Luther and Alice who is implied to be the villain. Another example of how Luther conforms to the 'system of expectations of TV crime drama is through the idea of having hegemonic masculinity portrayed by Luther and how he seems to possess many of these traits, such as aggression in the scene when he breaks down Zoe's door inside her house and risk taking when following after Madsen knowing the possible consequences. 

Luther also shows change, however, considering the fact that Luther's unique selling point was having a black detective not only be the protagonist in the programme but also the eponymous hero meaning the whole series is named after his character. This was new for crime dramas since many previously had a mainly white cast let alone a man of colour being the main detective. Luther's representation is an interesting one of a black male in 21st century Britain, he has a brilliant mind for solving crime despite using questionable methods to get the end result he wants. This again links to the idea of hegemonic masculinity being shown and Luther being a risk taker and valuing achievements since despite knowing the impacts he still makes questionable decisions in order to receive what he wants, whether that is valuable evidence to help a police investigation or something else.

Luther borrows from other genres, including thriller genre in visual and audio codes such as low key lighting, intense non diegetic music and dramatic cross cutting. In addition Luther has also borrowed from the horror genre when graphic shots and jump scares are used throughout episode one. 

Tuesday 4th February 2025

Industry and Audience

LO: To explore industry and audience response in the two set texts

Do Now:

1. Alice Morgan is not a conventional female

2. Hegemonic masculinity - risk taking, aggressive, stoic

3. Luther often doesn't show stoicism 

4. Rose Teller has many more traits often associated with men Alice Morgan

5. Eponymous means that the characters name is the name of the show

Luther production

- Produced by BBC

Shown on BBC 1: corporations primary channel. It offers a range of programme types and genres and aims to appeal to a very wide audience. BBC 1 remit is to create a high proportion of original programmes and to reflect the diversity of the UK. BBC 1 aimed to 'exhibit some or all of the following: high quality, original, challenging, innovative and engaging, and it should nurture UK talent'. 

Important features of BBC Drama include:

- Talkability

- Topicality and relevance to audiences 

- Britishness and reflecting the diversity of life in Britain (very diverse with Luther being the protagonist)

(challenging stereotypes with the character of Alice)

(nurtures UK talent since the cast are from the UK and is set in London)

Luther distribution and scheduling

- Series 1 was broadcast in May 2010

It was recommissioned following the first series. In 2012, following the success of the first two series, BBC America (co-owned by BBC Studios and AMC) started co-producing. Luther broadcast on BBC America: broadcasts a mixture of US and UK programmes. BBC America is part of BBC Studios (commercial arm of the BBC, not funded by the UK license fee). Crime drama brings in a large part of BBC Studio's revenue and Luther has been distributed to many parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is also available on Prime Video and as a DVD box set. 

Popularity of programme could be down to the fact that Idris Elba is a very popular actor, and also the Britishness. 

Luther audience appeal

The marketing of series 1 was important in reaching a range of audiences. A trailer was released on 16th April 2010 on BBC's Youtube channel. A longer preview was shown at the end of April showing the scene where Luther and Ripley meet. Additional footage and behind the scenes footage for each episode were released on the website (like with DVD extras) giving exclusive insights. An inside look video was produced for BBC America when launched in the US. 

Engaging with Luther

The webpage offers:

- Clips from interviews and behind the scenes

- It tells you what is on iPlayer and also whether there are any upcoming broadcasts

- Gives you a list of the episodes

- A meet the characters page where you can see a list of all of the characters and whether they are no longer in the series

- Graphic novels

- Access to the social media

These features engage fans and offer them opportunities to become active producers of content, some of which has been included in the programme. The further sharing of this user generated content on fans' own social media helps to extend the programme's market and audience further. 

Programme appeals

Genre - crime drama is popular and it includes familiar conventions, along with interesting hybridisation and unconventional elements (the unconventional elements including the main character is flawed, female antagonist)

Star appeal - Idris Elba is well known and popular. He is an attractive and potentially aspirational persona, appealing to both male and female

Narrative - the Morgan murders and the ongoing Madsen case are engaging for the episode and the series. A female killer is unusual and appealing to those who prefer thought provoking drama

Representation - the range of complex male and female characters appeals to different audiences - either to identify with or to be intrigues by (Luther is a very complex and interesting character, conflicted)

Audience response (Luther)

- First episode received mixed reviews, but many positive responses

The complex features could generate both positive and negative responses:

- might admire Luther's crime solving skills but disapprove of the methods and violent responses

- might respond positively to Alice and find her intelligence and resourcefulness appealing, but respond negatively to the femme fatale conventions

- might agree that the ending reflects reality (not all criminals convicted) but be disappointed by the lack of closure

Audience response (The Sweeney)

Characters from series 1 were appealing - audiences could relate to many of them. Police officers were shown as flawed and human, although they still caught the criminals. (Could be seen as a negative representation of the police). Modern audiences respond positively to the retro feel. 

The Sweeney was extremely successful (up to 19 million per episode). Led to Eusten developing many more TV dramas and 2 spin off films. DVD box set (rated 15) of all episodes released in 2004. Reruns have been broadcast several times over the years. November 2017, ITV 4 broadcast all episodes dramas on the ITV Hub for catch up. Available on Prime as well. Can be seen to have influences many other police dramas: leads to genres changing overtime. 

Friday 7th February 2025

Context

LO: To explore the context and its impact un the two set texts

Do Now:

1. BBC 1 needed to show us in their programming originality and high quality  

2. BBC America was where Luther was broadcast in the US

3. They marketed Luther by using the website on the BBC's page to show interviews, behind the scenes and the character lists

4. Two programme appeals were having a black male detective genre, star appeal, narrative, representations

5. Modern audiences might respond negatively to The Sweeney because the police officers were often seen as flawed and often doing their job not always professionally could be seen as a negative representation of the police

Changing viewing conditions

One of the biggest changes in how we watch TV has been the introduction of streaming. When The Sweeney was on television, there was no way to pause or re-watch television - you had to be there when it was on. Programmes were shown once a week, at the same time. Because of the long gap in between episodes, they contained closed narratives, where all elements of the story were wrapped up by the end of the episode. This meant audiences did not have to remember week to week what happened, and if they missed an episode they could still watch the next week and the programme would make sense.

Contemporary viewing conditions

Modern services, such as BBC iPlayer, where Luther is shown, allow audiences to watch on demand. This has changed how we watch television, with viewers now able to binge-watch whole series at a time. Smart phones, laptops and tablets have further enabled this, as we no longer need to be at home, in the living room, to watch television. This has led to far more open narratives in crime dramas, where parts of the story will unfold over several episodes. This allows for far more complex storytelling and character development. Contemporary audiences can also be relied upon to have a greater knowledge of a programme and are more adept at understanding multi-stranded narratives.

Historical Context 1970s

Less gender equality - reflected in the structure of the police force. Britain was becoming more racially diverse and multi-cultural, but racial discrimination was high and minority ethnic groups were under-represented. The Sweeney was based on the real 'Flying Squad' which had been involved in a highly publicised corruption scandal. 1970s was a period of upheaval: strikes, shortages and economic problems. 

- In the entire show there is only one female police officer who is sent out to look after another woman

- No diversity in the entirety of the first episode, they are all white men and women

- They don't always stick to the rules and they threatened to frame someone else if they didn't tell them the truth

- Set in London and there were a lot of high crime rates

Contemporary Context

1980: 90 female detective constables to 1400 male

2017: 30% of all police officers in England and Wales are female

Women have roles of authority and power in the show and also the entire cast is quite diverse. There are many arial shots of landmarks in London, and so therefore London is represented as a cosmopolitan and financial city.

Women in the police force in the 1970s in the UK police force had a different rank structure to men. Whereas Luther reflects some degree of gender equality in contemporary society in the representations of strong powerful females. However, these females are not all represented positively or as being totally independent - Alice is a narcissistic murderer. 

Representations of ethnicity

The Sweeney represents British society as a completely white culture - there is no ethnic diversity at all.

 Component 2 Section A Question 2: (Industry, Audiences and Contexts)

Explain how crime dramas are aimed at a range of audiences.

- Elements of crime dramas and how they appeal to different types of audiences

Explain how Luther achieves the BBC public service remit to educate, inform and entertain.

- Which of these things it does do with examples

Why might audience responses to crime dramas or sitcoms change overtime?

- How society changes and how the way we watch TV has changed

What are the benefits of commercial broadcasting?

- They can choose popular genres, don't have a stricter remit

How do production processes influence crime dramas or sitcoms?

- Changes in technology, on location filming, CGI

Explain the effect of social and cultural contexts on crime dramas

- What was going on at the time that affects the programme

Explain how crime dramas reflect the time in which they are made.

Some key differences in Britain between the 1970s and now is the development in technology. In the 1970s the characters in the show used 'traditional' weapons whereas now the characters, especially the police officers, have methods and technology to catch the criminals. Another key difference between Luther and The Sweeney is in the representation of gender. In the 1970s almost all of the main cast are male actors with very few females. The females who were part of the show were represented stereotypically as emotional, and even the female police officer was sent out to look after the other woman. 

Homework

How far are the characters in Luther typical of the genre?

In television, genres are not static but rather dynamic as they consistently change and evolve with society and technology. In more recent times, genres have began to overlap and borrow from other genres which creates a hybrid. For example, Luther contains many conventions of a crime drama but also many elements of other genres such as horror with the level of gore and blood, and thriller with the intense non diegetic music. The evolving genres have lead to many changes to certain characters whilst still conforming to stereotypes.

Firstly, the eponymous Luther is very stereotypical as a maverick detective, a stock character for crime drama. This representation is best shown through his ability to rapidly figure out clues and finds unique ways to find out the truth. The maverick detective is described as brilliant detectives who are able to solve crimes and clues that no one else can. This is certainly evident when he is able to figure out the fact that the gun is in the dogs ashes which nobody else thought of until he mentioned it. Maverick detectives are also not afraid to break the rules if it means catching the criminal which we can see in the episode when he goes into Alice's house to get the urn despite knowing he could get into trouble for this because he is determined to catch Alice out and prove she is guilty. Luther also shows the trait of being a 'damaged' individual since throughout the entirety of the episode we see his conflicting emotions including when Zoe admits she's with another man and he breaks the door inside her house, or at the beginning when he allows Madsen to fall he shows immediate regret and remorse for what he has done. These are all common traits of the maverick detective character however he doesn't always conform to stereotypes. 

Extract Analysis

LO: To revise audio visual codes and how they create meaning.

Extract Analysis

Component 2 Section A:

- Answer questions based on an extract from Luther

- Question 1 will ask you to analyse either media language or representations in an extract (3 mins)

- Part a will be a simple analysis question

- Part b will ask you to analyse and make a judgement

- Question 2 will be on tv audiences, industry or context

Example:

Explore the connotations of the costume of the two characters in the extract.

How far are the characters in the extract typical of the genre? Explore two characters.

MEDIA LANGUAGE

Explore how ethnicity is represented in this extract.

To what extent are gender stereotypes used in this extract? Explore one character in detail in your response.

MEDIA REPRESENTATION

Technical codes - Camera shots, angles & movements, editing

Audio codes - diegetic vs non diegetic sound, dialogue, music, sound effects

Visual codes - mise-en-scene, framing & composition, lighting

Camerawork and editing

Questions to ask:

What is being communicated with this shot?

What has been included?

Has anything deliberately been left out?

What are we being asked to focus on?

Tuesday 25th February 2025

Extract Analysis: Representation

LO: To practise analysing extracts for media language and representation.

Do Now:

1. Close up, medium close up, mid shot, medium long shot, long shot

2. Tracking is an example of camera movement

3. Lighting comes under visual mise-en-scene

4. Shot reverse shots are usually used in a conversation 

5. A canted angle is when the camera is tilted

Props

Set in Zoe's office and the computer is evidently on with a page open showing she is mid working and implies that she is a hard worker and dedicated to her job

Zoe's office is quite messy looking with papers scattered over the desk suggesting that she is very busy

Her own office connotes her importance

Divide between Zoe and Luther with the desk

They are both standing showing the conversation is quite heated

Modern equipment showing high status of company

Visual Codes

What does the setting connote?

What props have been included? Why?

What do the costumes and body language connote about the characters?

How are the characters positioned? What does this suggest about their relationship?

Explain how mise-en-scene creates meaning in this clip. [10]

Setting - a psychiatric ward connoting that Luther is in a vulnerable state compared to his power at the beginning

Props - Chess game is set up, two chairs on opposite sides of the table showing a distance between them, minimal props creating a miserable atmosphere

Body Language - Reed is sat in an upright position compared to Luther who is slouching suggesting that he doesn't care much for the game

Costumes - Reed is in a suit whereas Luther is in casual clothing

Blocking - They are opposite each other on the table showing they don't have a close relationship but Reed clearly cares since once he stands he places his hand on Luther's shoulder showing their friendship and the support he wants to give him

Explore the representations of gender in this extract. [10]

Male:

- both men are quite violent towards each other

- Mark is protecting Zoe, they are fighting over her almost like she is an object

- All the police officers are male which are quite traditional representations of gender

Female:

- Zoe is seen as vulnerable as she is being protected by her boyfriend and he must answer the door while she calls for more protection but also defies stereotypes by calling the police and eventually coming out to speak to Luther, but only with the protection of the police

- Zoe cries and is seen as emotional 

How stereotypical are the representations of ethnicity in this extract. [10]

Stereotypical:

- Luther is seen as below Zoe's new boyfriend as he has the power over the situation

- They call the police on Luther which is stereotypical ethnically

Anti-stereotypical: 

- Zoe is powerful as she calls the police and goes to speak to Luther

Friday 28th February 2025

Extract Analysis: Exam Style Question

LO: To analyse extracts for media language and representations

Do Now:

1. When analysing representation we can look at gender and ethnicity stereotypes, positive or negative

2. Props, costumes and setting are all included in mise-en-scene

3. You will shown the extract twice in the exam

4. 2 questions will be based on the extract given

5. 3-4 paragraphs for a 10/12 mark question

Question 1

1a) Explore how costumes create meaning in this extract.

Male costumes: Suits connoting formality showing they are both ready and prepared to work

Female costumes: Formal attire for Zoe since she has just left the office showing her organisation and determination to work and her hair is done up and styled 

However Alice Morgan has a less formal approach and is wearing dark clothing and has scruffy hair portraying a stereotypical criminal since black is often worn by those who have committed crimes

Uses a hat pin to place control over Zoe, Alice uses a small hat pin showing her intelligence and her power

Rose also wears formal clothing however is dressed in a more stereotypically masculine way with short hair 

1b) How typical of the genre are the locations used in the extract.

Stereotypical: Office setting shows Luther at work with the pictures showing his office and desk as messy since he is attempting to find out the truth, police station

Anti-stereotypical: 

1a) In this extract the costumes worn by a variety of characters are key to showing their importance in the episode. At the beginning of the extract we see Luther and Justin getting into a car about to drive away just seconds before Zoe is assaulted and we can see them both wearing suits, which is common attire for their profession. The suits connote responsibility and a sense of reliability since they a formally dressed making them appear more easily approachable meaning we as an audience would tend to trust them and what they have to say. In the scene after when they are back at the office we also see the other men and Rose wearing formal attire illuminating their dedication to their job role. Rose has a more stereotypically masculine look regarding costume since she wears trousers compared to Zoe who is in a skirt. Rose also has short cut hair perhaps implying she is trying to fit in with the other police officers or perhaps believes that her job is more important than what she is wearing and therefore prefers to wear something a little more practical showing a clear dedication to her role within the police force.

On the other hand, Zoe does appear to be more stereotypically feminine since she is wearing a pink/red blazer with a matching skirt and has her hair styled. This shows she also values her job as she makes an effort to be smart but also a little more casual, an not only this but she too appears easily approachable which shows her consideration of her job since her role includes having to speak to people. Alice however, is wearing much more casual clothing with scruffy hair possibly as a disguise. She is wearing full black which connotes danger and implies immediately that she is up to no good and perhaps is going to do something that will impact another person or thing in the show such as holding Zoe and therefore messing with Luther's emotions. She also carries around a hat pin which she uses to control Zoe into doing what she says, emphasising her power and also her intelligence as instead of using the stereotypical weapons such as a gun or a knife she uses a small everyday object to gain control.

1b) The location in the first scene is outside Zoe's workplace, which is where we see Justin and Luther get into the car. Having the scene where Alice assaults Zoe be outside her workplace shows Alice's intelligence as she has obviously taken the time to meticulously plan where to be, when to be there and where to hide. Throughout this scene she is hidden behind a wall and is able to not only listen to Luther's conversation with Justin but also be in a discreet place which allows her to sneak up on Zoe from behind. I would say that this location is stereotypical for crime dramas since many are set in offices or around offices, usually in some form or workplace. This location also emphasises Alice's intelligence which is also stereotypical within a crime drama. 

The location then changes in the next scene back to Luther's workplace where he and Rose discuss the situation before her returns back to his own office of which has a desk with scattered pictures on it to analyse. His office is a key place to include since this is where he will get his work done showing us his own space and also his office could reflect himself a bit sowing us in episode 1 perhaps how Luther works and what to expect for the rest of the series.

Overall I believe that the locations in this extract are stereotypical of the genre as both are set in professional work environments. However there are some aspects that are less stereotypical since usually crime dramas include scenes in more local settings such as a park, which is not evident in this extract.

2) Explain how digital technologies change the ways in which audiences consume television. 

With the recent developments in technology, audiences are now able to stream series and shows on many different streaming platforms whether that is Netflix or BBC iPlayer. This means that contrary to the old schedule of which you would have to watch the show as it was broadcast at the time and there wasn't much chance to catch up whereas now people can binge-watch shows since some are fully released on streaming sites.

Homework

1a) Explore the connotations of the costumes of two characters in the BBC crime drama Luther. [8]

 In series 1 episode 1 of Luther we see Luther dressed in a suit throughout the majority of the episode. For example in the scene where he is wandering the streets with Ripley discussing the situation with Alice Morgan, we see him wearing a shirt and trousers alongside a tie and a blazer. The shirt and trousers seem traditional for a formal profession such as his and shows that he holds respect for his role in the police force. However we can see how his top button is undone compared to Ripley who has his top button done up and his tie neatly made. Luther's tie is slightly loose and alongside the undone top button connotes a more relaxed approach implying that he isn't afraid to break the rules if and when it is necessary. He also has his blazer undone in comparison to Ripley who has his done up smartly which we can again infer means that he isn't concerned about breaking the rules which could foreshadow that this might have an impact later in the series. His tie is patterned with multiple different colours such as yellow and green which could represent his desire for peace and for the situation to be resolved however the chaotic colour scheme and pattern could represent his conflicting emotions.

Throughout episode 1 of Luther we see Zoe in a few different costumes the most notable being her formal work outfit and her dress that she wears when Luther comes round to speak to her. It is a black off the shoulder dress with gold stripes, connoting luxury and superiority showing us that she has the power in this situation. It is implied that she has come from dinner, supposedly with Mark suggesting that she has made the effort to look nice for the event showing her passionate feelings towards Mark making us feel even more empathy towards Luther during the scene while she explains that she has ''met someone else''. However she also is seen in her formal work clothes which during this episode consist of a blue shirt and a skirt, with a blazer over the top. This shows us she has consideration for her job as she would have to speak to people quite a bit and so the outfit isn't too formal but just enough for her to still be respectful but also easily approachable and friendly looking. Compared to Luther, she is well presented the majority of the time and she also has her hair styled up connoting that she is well put together and organised as hairstyles can sometimes be a way that people represent themselves. Following this during the second to last scene when Luther comes to her house and a fight breaks out between him and Mark, we see her in the same outfit but without her blazer, perhaps implying she is in a vulnerable position especially since she pulls her sleeves up over her hands making it seem as though she is nervous.

1b) Explain how the character John Luther is typical of the TV crime drama genre. [12]

The eponymous character Luther is portrayed to be the hero, since he leads the narrative and is trying to solve the main crime of the episode. In many ways he is a stereotypical hero since he is the seen as being a leader figure when piecing together different aspects of the case. However, despite being in the right and attempting to be successful in solving the crime, he could be seen as an anti-stereotypical hero since he breaks many rules to get to an end result which is far from ideal especially considering his job requires trust and respect for the rules put in place. The character of Luther follows the idea of a maverick detective which is stereotypical for the crime genre. Maverick detectives are able to solve crimes, and understand clues that others may be oblivious to, which is evident regarding Luther since he figures out the clue about the gun being in the dog which no one else gets, and despite knowing he can't use the evidence it suggests he is incredibly intelligent. The are described as 'broken individuals' and we know Luther has conflicting emotions, for example when he lets Madsen fall, get's upset by Zoe's new boyfriend. He is also a representation of hegemonic masculinity. It is clear he possesses many traits including competitiveness, violence and occasionally stoicism. We can see he is competitive since he and Alice are always almost one upping each other trying to make sure they are one step ahead of the other, and we also see his violent nature when Zoe tells him she has met someone else since he breaks the door down inside her house. These are some common traits among characters in crime dramas, and another key trait is stoicism, emotional restraint, which Luther is sometimes able to do