Comp 2

Question 1

The big issue - industry

Answer 1

• the big issue ltd is an independent magazine company and is not part of a larger conglomerate.
• they partner with Dennis publishing to print the magazine
• the magazine operates on a not-for-profit basis, using any excess revenue to support homeless people.
• they partner with big issue is sold on the street by vendors.
• venders purchase copies of the big issue for £1.50 each and then sell them on for £3 each.
• the goal is to give homeless people a legal way of making money.
• when setting up they secured a grant from the body shop.
• gorden Rodrick was married to the founder of body shop.
• the body shop gave them £50,000
• as the popularity of the magazine grew they diversified, in 1995 they started the big issue foundation which supports the homeless directly by providing them with training and workshops, housing, mental health help.
• in 2005 they diversified further by setting up the big issue invest which was a charity to help people who have business plans they want to set up.
• in 2016 they diversified into retail with their own online shop.
• not all about profit and power.
• advertise higher brands to target an abc1 audience.
• the big issue always reserves some advertising space for charities.
• the producers collaborate with celebrities for cover photos, interviews and guest editions to draw pre-sold fans.
• work with celebs to create covers like famous artists
• international versions were created.
• despite remaining independent and niche it is a global brand.
• the big issue also has digital distribution as well
• zinio digitally distributes the big issue.
• digital distribute also helps to target audiences who are online regularly, a modern audience, a younger audience and a global audience.
• they still use revenue from digital sales to support homeless people
• at the height of there success their vendors were selling 300,000 copies a week.
• magazine industry is in decline.
  -in 2011 sales declines and they rebranded and used more politics and celebrities.

Question 2

Zoella - media language & representation.

Answer 2

• conventional camera technique, single camera set up, medium close ups, direct adress, filmed by vlogger themselves.
• lights hav become easily available and cheap so many bloggers use them. Makes shots look more professional.
• many vloggers film their posts on their phones which makes it feel more close and intimate.
  -pov shots makes it feel more personal.
• online media products such as vloggers encourage interaction with audience such as ‘comment below if you agree’.
• gives a lot of intertextual it’s referring to makeup products and films to engage fans of those products and making her seem more relevant to her audiences
• collaborations with other social media influencers cross promote their channels.
• she clearly shows us she is aware of the audience and the camera, often showing us the camera or the ights and breaking the 4th wall by using direct adress.
• videos are broken up into short chunks which makes narrative quite jumpy as we don’t know what day it is etc.
• while postmodern media products embrace surreal ideas and anti-realism zoella i often trying to create the illusion of reality for her audience.
• she uses continuity editing which uses different angles of the same shot to relate smooth scenes where editing is invisible.
• sometimes we see jump cuts which makes it obvious of the editing.
• other obvious editing in vlogs such as a ‘dip to black’ or fades.
• editing tend to be more relatable due to them doing it themselves.
• zoella often leaves in pauses or mistakes or things happening in the video that isnt supposed to happen which makes her feel very real and unscripted.
• zoella uses informal words, slang and direct address to appeal to young audiences.
• the audience have a parasocial relationship with zoella where they feel like they know her when they don’t actually know her.
• zoella often uses emojis or graphics in her videos or on her social media to appeal to younger audiences.
• vloggers often se personal space for the location of their photos and videos such as there homes to add this sense of intimacy.
• the mise en scene is typically very feminine, lots of pinks, gold, glitter etc.
• her website is also very feminine, lots of pinks and golds and fairy lights,lace patters to represent her as fun and quirky and girly.
• zoella also uses a lot of shots of make up and hair products being used and demonstrated.
• she uses reasonably overt;y feminine body laguage such as flicking her hair a lot.
• Zoellas videos and posts feature her doing a lot of relatable activities such as cleaning and doing her makeup .
• seeing imperfections like wearing no makeup, spots, crying,messy house etc adds to representations of reality and feels like we are seeing the REAL zoella.
• zoella even tackles some issues like mental health like doing her video with her therapist to make her seem more relatable and real.
• Can be seen as hyper real and uses simulacra as she does cut a lot and she does use lights and cameras etc.
• van zoonens theory that women are represented in domestic or sexualised way, she isnt often sexualised as she does have a young target audience.
• she has to be very careful that her v;gos don’t get demonetised by YouTube.
• doing her hair, makeup, cleaning which reinforce her femininity to the audiences, butlers theory..
• zoella often presents reasonably traditional ideas of masculinity, often showing Alfie’s go8jg to the gym, playing football, drinking beer.
• sometimes men are represented in a metrosexual way, face masks, skin care which represents me as more feminine.
• zoella owes also post content which empowers women, ‘who run the worls’ blog, posting about international women’s day, women’s careers and successes.
• has an article on female pleasure.

Question 3

Attitude- representation

Answer 3

• men on the website are represented as quite powerful land successful ways to appeal to a male audience.
• lots of images of men looking strong and muscular which offer a typical heroic convention of men.-a lot of articles lack emotional content and is quite factional which may reflect the stereotype that men as emotionally detach.
• some content does challenge this emotional content e.g arson attack
• representation of men as victimised challenges gender stereotypes.
• lots of men wearing makeup, dressed in drag, nails painted which don’t adhere to gender norms such as the joelkim booster article where he is very sexualised and feminine.
• Joel’s Kim booster article shows this feminine photo but also muscular heroic stereotypical photos to maybe add to this feeling that being queer you are sometimes more masculine and sometimes more feminine etc.
• it is reasonably unusual for men to be sexualised in the media.
• representation of sexuality focuses on gay men rather than the whole lgbtq community.
• pride flag, rainbow colours, lots of articles the target gay audiences such as mental health, bullying and homophobia.
• fills a niche targeting gay men.
• range of ethnicity on the website and is fairly diverse and inclusive.
• lots of stories about other countries are represented as negative such as countries in Africa being homophobic and being less modern.
• Russia, Poland, Malaysia are represented as negative and backward.
• staff that work at attitude are almost all part of the lgbtq community which represents themselves in a more positive way.
• staff are also mostly male which may suggest the little representation of women

Question 4

Zoella - industry

Answer 4

• convergent technologies such as social media, smart phones have led to the development of online bloggers and vloggers.
• the global and shareable nature of online media means that bloggers and vloggers can reach massive audiences.
• she used everyday mise-en-scene to create a “girl next door” branding.
• joining an MCN can benefit a vloggers as their contact can be promoted to a much wider audience.
• MCNs can also assist with production as they often have their own team of specialist video production staff.
• some might say her increase in wealth has had an impact on the production values of her videos.
• the despirate need to stay monetised and make profits means that zoella and her team have to carefully consider everything she posts to maximise revenue.
• This relates to hesmondhalghs theory that companies aim to maximise profits through copying an existing successful format.
• Her spin off sister channel morezoella helps her to make even more money.
• due to the decline in traditional media products, brands have turned to advertising online instead.
• brands want to use bloggers like zoella to advertise their products as they can reach huge audiences.
• the asa regulate online adverts including paid promotions by celebrities like zoella.
• bloggers have to make it clear to viewers if they have been paid to promote something.
• many vloggers including zoella have been in trouble in the past for not making it clear when a promotion has been paid for.
• there is no regulatory body for social media content in general.
• most social media pages like YouTube self regulated by having their own community guidelines.
• due to the vast number of global users and posts, it’s impossible to ensure that content doesn’t breach the guidelines sometimes.
• relies on audiences to report content that doesn’t meet the guidelines.
• the issue with this form of regulation is millions of people are likely to of already seen the content before it is reported and removed.
• its also very hard to remove something once its been posted as people could have screenshotted etc and it may circulate.
• Zoellas family friendly brand was harmed in 2014 when she posted a vlog of herself whilst she was driving as it was dangerous.
• online bloggers have top be careful not to post anything that is going to be offensive to avoid bad publicity so bloggers try to stay quite family friendly no swearing, no sexuality suggested content.
• her new website reflects her new status as a “brand” instead of writing in firs person,posts are written from the perspective of “we” reflecting a more corporate approach.
• she focuses on pusher her merchandise in posts because diversifying into other synergetic produducts helps to reduce risk and increase profits.
• Zoella has also diversified by writing several books yet she did had another writer help her.
• Zoe is the cofounder of the app template, an editing app for stories on instagram.
• Zoe is a cofounder of the editing app FILMM which has over 1M downloads.
• collaborations with other celebrities are a popular way of strengthening a vloggers fan base and zoella does act of collab videos.
• fan opinion is hugely important.
• zoella public ally addressed the complaints in a video about her adventure calender and blamed the high price on a decision made by boots rather than her.
• zoella and other vloggers regularly attend fan conventions such as vidcon so that fans can meet her
• zoella organised a convention called hello world which got bad press and a lot of people saying it is not worth the price.
• Adhers to current and seatons theory around profit and power but other content may subverts this such as her mental health videos.

Question 5

Attitude - audience

Answer 5

• a lot of content online is quite factual and avoids deep emotional responses which may appeal to men.
• the stories displayed with clickbair style headlines highlight any risky content which is designed to get audiences to click further into the website.
• the layout is simple, easy to read, with small chunks of text, large images and lots of white space which also appeals to men as they are less likely to want to read.
• men are targeted through the number of stories about men and male issues.
• age groups 25-55 as a lot of celebrities they choose fall into that age category or people in that age band would recognise. A lot a focus on 90s as a lot of that age range lived throigh that 90s period and make them feel nostalgic.
• choose of social media being Facebook and twitter shows they are targeting the 25-55 age bracket.
• a lot of political stories, current affairs which young people are less inclined to be interested in which suggests their audience are more mature.
• there is very little “interactive” content on the website which might reflect a l slightly older target audience.
  -there are multiple mentions of the print version of attitude which hints at an older audience who still consume print products.
• target a reasonably middle - upper class abc1 audience through their adverts and articles featuring products and holidays which cost a lot of money.
  -content about grooming, exercise and bodies appeals to a metrosexual audience of aspirers.
• there are also a lot of social justice stories which target reformers who want to change the world.
• quite a lot of formal complex language and little slang which also targets this highly educated demographic such as a higher class, abc1
• there are a lot of middle class interests on the website too such as the theatre and luxury holidays.
• there are lots of references t the pride flag and rainbow colours and lots of stories about the lgbtq community specifically gay men, issues around homophobia, bullying mental health all targets that gay male audience.
• lots of lgbtq celebrities to target a male gay audience.
• the website lacks content about families or having kids, which implies the audience are single or child free.
• global content to attract a wider audience.
• the website provides audiences with a lot of informative and educational content, politics, social issues.
• the website is also very entertaining, a lot of celebrity based content, interviews, videos.
• as the lgbtq community is often underrepresented in media products, including lifestyles magazines. - -Attitude fills a gap in the market and provides an opportunity for lgbtq audiences to be able to identify with themselves.
• not all audiences will respond in a positive way to attitude, some audiences may feel it is very much targeted to gay men and leaves out the rest of the lgbtq community, virtually nothing about lesbians.

Question 6

Zoella - audience

Answer 6

FEMALE:
- zoella appeals to its female audience through narrative that engage with subject matter emotionally. Zoella continuously tells us how how she feels about the problems she faces.
- zoella foregrounds stereotypical female based activities in her representation.g fashion, makeup, relationships.
- costume is stereotypically female, female colour palette
- use of pets.
- constructs a version of ideal beauty
- intimate tone to engage audiences.
- a quiet presentation style that fits with the target audience.
13-24 AGE:
- heavy use of instagram, snapchat and YouTube which are most used by this age group.
- youthful co-presenters
- everyday activities of this demographic are incorporated into narrative to create connections with the target audience e.g shopping, eating at fast food restaurants.
- fan connections showcased in uploads.
- light comedic tone effected.
- youth orientated slang
- use of youne commentary to create intimate connections with the target audience.
MIDDLE CLASS:
- partnerships with companies who target similar demographic groups like asos and H&M.
- language is moderately formal
- her house represents an ideal youthful environment,
PSYCHOGRAPHICS:
- mainstreamer and aspirer as narrative rarely deal with serious social commentary and the choice of car , house and lifestyle represents an aspirer.

Question 7

Attitude - industry

Answer 7

• originally owned by northern and shell.
• stream publishing bought attitude in 2016.
• stream is an independent small magazine company
• they have one small office with less than 30 employees
• Darren styles owns attitude.
• Darren styles is gay and when he took over stream he decided offering niche lgbtq magazines was importing
• in 2013 he bought winq which is another gay magazine.
• attitude was one of winqs competitions which is why stream bought it and became horizontally integrated.
• attitude publish a lot of other print products which makes them vertically integrated as they can use the same resourc3s.
• being an independent company means they can still be creative.
• attitude have a variety of global print editions.
• creating global edition minimises risk and maximises audiences.
• the attitude website and existence of digital editions for phones and tablets targets a modern audience.
• stream uses a variety of digital platforms, apps, kindle.
• website 1.7million users a month.
• they have to advertise on the website to create revenue.
• banner adverts, sidebar adverts, pages etc
• companies can run completions on the website.
• a digital product can be distributed globally so attitude offers stories from around the world.
• attitude has a high focus on celebrities to engage audiences.
• attitude has secured a number of exclusive interviews such as prince william.
• stream do operate a number of social media accounts to target a modern audience.
• social media also targets a global audience.
• they’re are 7 countries where being gay is illegal so the physical copy won’t be allowed to be sold in these countries however they can still access the website due to digital technology.
• all of the social media posts focus on driving people back to the website.
• some homophobic comments and hate comments on their social media posts.
• stream has set up their own ethics on their website in an attempt to self regulate.
• stream publishing run a variety of events around the attitude brand like the attitude awards which gets extra publicity for the magazine.
• the attitude magazine foundation is a charity that funds things like lgbtq groups , support groups, events, pride festivals.
• suggests the company isn’t all about profit and power.
• attitude pride at home was a digital event during Covid.

Question 8

Attitude - media language

Answer 8

• colours; simplistic primary colours, black and white, when audiences hoover on the menu page the pride flag colours appear.
• binary oppositions; mainstream v alternative cultures, majority v minority, heterosexual v homosexual.
• direct mode of adress, emotive language and images are used as visual codes to lure audiences into reading articles.
• use many conventions of online magazines, hyper modality, hyperlinks, click bait etc.
• little opportunity for interaction on social media with most posts directing traffic back to the main website
• Barthes, attitude helps to perpetuate myths about gay masculinity particularly in relation to body image and Beaty.
• Levi Strauss, uses binary oppositions to generate meaning through queer v straight, progressive v conservative, youth v experience.
• baudrillard, the idealised, hyper sexualised photography in attitude creates a hyper real image of male beauty.

Question 9

The big issue - media language

Answer 9

• promote a liberal/ left wing ideology e.g the homeless, race, gender, sexuality.
• connotations of the word “revolution” on the front cover represents social change and challenging authority.
• foreground of the venders as at the bottom of the front cover in gold it’s states thousands and thousands of vendors.
• font cover, binary oppositions of wealth and poverty.
• Grayson Perry , dress and tie signifies an associated meaning with femininity through the dress and associated meaning with masculinity through the tie, another binary oppositions.
• Grayson Perry, the watch and the bracelet associating both feminists and masculinity.
• Grayson Perry, wearing the colours of pride.
• moving on article, the suit and its connotations of wealth, binary oppositions of wealth and poverty.
• moving on article, background of the city, signify wealth and power.
• moving on article, positioned as if he’s starting a race with a clear destination.
• moving on article, the plinth suggests he is in power.
• moving on article, progressive representation of a black homeless man.
• moving on article, marvina newton, Hugh key lighting and low angle shot positions her in a position of power.
• moving on article, marvina newton, red colours connote rebellion against expectations and norms.
• moving on article, marvina newton, wearing tribal jewellery.
• my pitch, personalisation and humanising of the vender through donatos story, challenges views of migrant workers, constructs relationships between vendors and the reader.

Question 10

The big issue - representation

Answer 10

• the set pages of the big issue clearly represent the values and ideologies of the magazine. Their pages represent people who are homeless in a positive and sympathetic way.
• letter refers to homeless vendors of the magazine as inspirational and friendly.
• in the contents page donatos story makes the audiences feel bad and sympathise with the homeless vendors.
• the danatos story represents a typically underrepresented social group.
• references to the weather makes them seem brave and strong as they are battling high weather conditions.
• does talk about some people being involved in drugs so it is reasonably honest.
• people talks about violence, being kicked, spat at etc.
• as this is anti conservative and pro liberal the representations of homelessness are not idealised.
• left wing ideologies are clearly represented on the pages.
• criticisms of market thatcher and the conservatives represent these left wing ideologies.
• call Donald trump garish
• negative representations of trump
• the Westworld sky advert represents men as powerful, csuccessful, important etc which is reasonably stereotypical. Through suit and tie.
• “ so why don’t the homeless just go home” article which interviews different heads of different organisations and every head they talk to are men which suggests that men get them higher jobs in companies.
• the a team advert features only men .
• all artwork they feature are make artists.
• the heavy representations of men may be becomes men are more likely to become homeless.
• the double page spread “ we’ve made history” they look at the two founders of the big issue who are men, positioned to look dominatptn and using masculine adjectives to describe them like entrepreneurs.
• multiple images of men in positions of powers
• lots of men referred to as legends or godly.
• women only referred to as just actress without adjectives.
• David bowie challenges rich successful and powerful traditional gender representations and is featured big in an article.
• Grayson Perry article, Grayson Perry is a bold and creative figure wearing a dress, makeup and a wig which is counter typical as it shows a man comfortable with expressing his more feminine side.
• Grayson Perry article adds more modern and diverse representation.
• Grayson Perry article also talks about him like army stuff which portrays him as masculine too which offers a complex representations rather than one dimensional.
• pictures and interviews with leaders of political groups like Theresa may which represent women as powerful and successful as these women are in powerful jobs.
• some article represent women as strong, empowered, educated and respected.
• the turn 2 us article suggests women can’t cope financially once they’re male patner has passed Walsh which suggests women rely on men which reflect more traditional stereotypes.
• a lot of the representations are quite alternative
• audience will primarily be left wing so these representations represent their ideologies and values.

Question 11

The big issue - audience

Answer 11

• by creating positive representations of its vendors, the big issue cultivates the idea that homeless people are not lazy or stupid, they are willing to work for a better life and future for themselves.
• dominant hegemonic, left wing, relatively educated
• negotiated, those who are empathetic yet don’t have much interest.
• oppositional , far right wing.

Question 12

Vogue -industry

Answer 12

• vogue is created and published by conde Nast
  -conde Nast are a large global company that make a wide range of printed magazines such as gq
• vogues started in 1892 and the American version was bought by Cindy Nast in 1909
• the uk vogue was started in 1916.
• vogue thrived throughout the early 20th century providing audiences with an aspirational lifestyle that they have dreamed of.
• in the post war period vogue continued to do well as many women were enjoying the consumerism and emphasis on treating t themselves.
• in general a lot of magazines have suffered heavy losses in the last 20 years. Vogue however has not and still sells around 200,000 copies a momth.
• vogue has a huge range of international editions to tiarget global audiences. Reflects hesmodnhalghs ideas that companies often replicate successful formats to maximise profits.
• conde Nast do take risks that make vogue stand out. First to start using colour photography.
• 1960s advance publications purchased Conde Nast and encouraged more risk taking and modernity. Use first African American model on front cover.
• another way vogue try to minimise risk and maximise audiences is a lot of covers working with celebrities for example artists creating their own collaborations for vogue which adds quality and exclusivity.
• vogue is famous for featuring people before they became famous.
• princess diana was on vogue. Makes the magazine feel luxurious.
• Conde Nast are diversified as they have they’re in fashion and design college. Restaurant and bars like vogue cafe.
• strong women female editors of vogue are very successful and become legendary in their own rights.
• teens vogue, men’s vogue maximises profits.
• vogue fashion fund helps new fashion designers fund clothes, shows, promotional materials.
• vogue magazine has huge amount of adverts in vogue.
• vogue charges £36,000 for one advert
• there is a digital version of vogue available.
• vogue have a strong social media presence.
• Conde Nast have admitted that they think they will be using a lot more modern technology in the future.

Question 13

Vogue - media language

Answer 13

• main image, direct gaze/ mode of adress, chin slightly raises and not smiling which connotes star status and a sense of mystery. Embodies the ‘mythic’ notion of femininity that is aspirational and potential desired self that a reader wishes to become.
• main image, turquoise colour pallets connotes, glamour, luxury, wealth emphasised by shimmering calf, feathers, pearls and gold jewellery.
• front page, medium close up shot of Sophia Loren I’m centre of frame bathed in high key lighting draws attention to her beauty.
• front page, soft blue/ awpquatic greens which symbolise the ocean/ exotic travel.
• front page, costume connotes successs and wealth through Jewellery and pearls.
  CUTEX ADVERT:
• constructs feminine identity of youth, beauty and sexuality through central image.
• medium c,one up shot used to frame model dominantly to the left.
• lack of costume and the sell line ‘bare essentials’ indicates that it is liberating for women and Desirable for men.
• attention drawn to women’s nails and lips through their colour through their colour palette and the high key light.
  MONEY ARTICLE:
• this reflects social, economic and historical context of time as many women were successful and affluent members of society, article explores mal dominated investments which demonstrates progressive attempts for gender equality and free women from oppression.
• formal text used to explore serious issues, written in serif font conveying a ‘factual’ mode of adress , editor expects the readers to appreciate the language .
• constructed to target the ‘successor’.

Question 14

Vogue - representation

Answer 14

• the front cover features Sophia loren who was famous in the 60s for being a very beautiful role model for omen.
• the close up of Sophia loren makes her seem important, powerful and role model.
• the headress and the exotic nature of her image m,ay reflect Stuart’s halls ideas about the use of middle eastern stereotypes.
• featuring a working female expert on finance would have been quite unusual in the 1960s.
• Sheila black works for the Financial Times and is represented in vogue as a women in power as she talks about women being financially independent and having financial power.
• the choice to represent women a having financial power might reflect the class and wealth of the typical vogue reader being abc1.
  -the inclusion of an article that gives basic definition of financial terms might suggest that women don’t understand economics and investments. May represent the new changes in the 60s of women gaining independence, also doesn’t reflect them being to independent as it does mention women still being reliant on men.
• the other pages offer fairly conventional representations of women in the 1960s.
• the cutex advert denotes a women with bare shoulders which suggest nudity.
• the cutex advert uses language which also suggests nudity like “bare” essentials and “birthday suit”.
• the shade names of the lipsticks in the cutex advert connote nudity suggesting that showing flesh and being sexualised is important t women.
• the rhetorical question “are you women enough” in the cutex advert makes it seem women need to be naked and wear makeup to be feminine.
• revlon adverts calls women “alluring2” which suggest women are support to attract others visually.
• the image of the mother and son on the imperial leather advert clearly reflects the stereotype that women are maternal and domestic.
• the way the women in the imperial leather advert is carrying the boy and her facial expression show women as emotionally, caring and loving.
• as the imperial leather advert is for soap it is signifying women need to be soft and gentle.
• women are also represented as domestic in the picnic advert, holding children, feeding children.
• very passive representations of women in the picnic advert as they don’t seem to be doing much just looking after children and modelling clothes.
• only the money article really portrays women as unconventional which may reflect the facts that richer women were under less financial pressure to go out and work so many of them did have lives more centres around lesuite and family.
• the use of images of y king women as mothers reflect the historical context t that women in the 60s were typically expected to marry young and start families.
• modern women’s magazines aimed at those age 20-35 often chose to not feature content about children as women are now able to have careers first and have children later.
• many pages include references to royalty e.g lords, ladies , art, formal events which give representations of upper class.
• wealth is connoted as being idealised.
• white models are often pictured in jewels and expensive clothes, representing them as high status.
• white ethnic appearance is normalised, with darker ethnicities being under represented in the range of “nude toned” cutex products.
• the lack of minority models and makeup aimed at darker skinned readers reflects the mess inclusive nature of britian in the 60s
• the black men are marginalised through place,ent in the background and being out of focus in slave clothing.
• white man is in a suit which signifies power and wealth.
• the ethnic minority men seem to be serving the white women.

Question 15

Vogue - audience

Answer 15

• 1960s vogue women, abc1, white upper class, married, 25-45, baby boomers, well educated.
• direct address in the money article applied to possible aspirers, successful or well educated women who have an interest in finance.
• use of star Sophia loren may appeal to to ethnic women
• advertisements of cutex and revlon appeal to consumer audience
• main image, direct gaze/ mode of adress, chin slightly raised and not smiling which connotes star status, sense of mystery. Embodies the mythic notion of femininity that is inspirational and potentially a desired self that a reader wishes to be.
• main image, turquoise colour palette connote glamour, luxury, wealth which is emphasised by the shimmering scarf, feathers, pearls and jewels. Stereotypical notions of beauty.

Question 16

Black mirror - audience

Answer 16

• the theme of how technology has an impact on individuals and society particularly targeted those who already have an intimate relationship with their devices.
• the dystopian nature of these relationships and the way they can potentially warp human bodies and consciousness would also appeal to buewers who are cynical and suspicious about technology.
• with the focus episode, there is a clear market for LGBTQ+ audiences; the hopeful finale would be especially appealing.
• the global reach of the show and distribution by a trusted streaming service like Netflix may also attract new audiences for whom a show like this is a new experience.
• Charlie broker is a well-known comedy writer, journalist and broadcaster and the fact he is the show runner would target a pre-sold audience.
• San junipero has created a passionate fan group, especially amongst LGBTQ+ audience. They’re are regular posts from fans on twitter snf other social media, many have created fan art.
• the spin off ‘webisodes’ in Poland and South America were written and directed by YouTubers who could be comsidered prosumers who have created their own professional standard erosions of the shows themes.

Question 17

Black mirror- representation

Answer 17

YORKIE:
- the use of wide angles and loose framing represented yorkie as isolated and lonely.
- her silence and lack of interaction suggest she is lonely and not socially confident.
- her glasses help to signify her as a geek.
- she is drinking coke instead of alcohol which makes her seem more immature.
- her trying on different identities but isnt comfortable with them and eventually decides to be herself which signifies that is her real self.
- Wes regularly harassing Kelly reflects issues of toxic masculinity and the way women are often subject to unwanted attention.
WOMEN:
- men are generally shows as far less important than women and this may reflect the modern production date but also may target a female audience .
- women are shown as emotional, caring, romantic and nurturing which are fairly conventional gender stereotypes however they are also seen as emotionally and mentally strong, angry and independent which is far less conventional.
- the representation of women could be seen as diverse and complex rather than one dimensional.
- a female led/ centric episode may have been created to be unusual to many previous episodes which were more heavily focused around male characters.
- however it could be argued that the episode still suggests women’s lives centre around finding love.
KELLY:
- Kelly is seen via group shots, representing her as social and popular.
- Her outfits, hair and make up suggests she s glamorous and confident.
- shot reverse shot editing helps to emphasise their differences creating opposition and drama.
- mise en scene frames them separately like the scene where there both in separate mirrors.
- Kelly is propositioned by several people suggesting she is seen as attractive.
- she tells Wes she isnt interested in commitment and that’s she doesn’t “do feelings” creating a suggestion of independence.
- her charector evolves as she clearly develops feelings for yorkie by the end.
- LGBTQ characters, particularly bisexual once’s are often underrepresented in the media especially in romantic dramas. May help to engage lgbtq audiences.
COLOURS:
- representations of bisexuality is presented through the colours of the bisexual flag, use of pink blue and purple.
SEXUALITY:
- conventionally and stereotypically, bisexuals are often represented as promiscuous and non monogamous whereas as this episode creates more of a romantic representation of a bisexual relationship.
- Bisexuality is represented as taboo in the eyes of some with yorkie feeling uncomfortable to begin with.
- yorkie being uncomfortable and Kelly being confident suggests that some people feel comfortable being “out” about their sexuality for fear of ridicule or discrimination.
DIVERSITY:
- the interracial relationship reflects the “timeless” nature of the virtual world as well as the ultra modern reality seen in the shows as well as the fact it was produced in 2016.
- the producers may have included this ethnic mix to appeal to modern diverse audiences.
- the young versions of the characters are shown as full of energy, enthusiasm and life. The older charecters are seen as a binary oppositions to this as they are dependent on others and tired of life.
- the representations of age are therefore fairly stereotypical and conventional.
- add to the themes about life and love and how fleeting these thing can be.
- black mirror episodes are often set in the future and contain elements of realism’s to help ground the audience and help them recognise the world created by the show.
- the producers include references to real video games and films to help create an easily identifiable virtual world from particular time periods.
- mise en scene and CGI helps to make the futuristic scenes feel real and recognisable, creates that idea of a scientific future.

Question 18

Black mirror - media language

Answer 18

• the use of Americanised coastal iconography e.g the ocean, convertible car, sunsets help to signify the USA location which feels escapist.
• music sets the time period e,g heaven is a place on earth, the lost boys film poster as well as costume and hair all act as signposts that this is set in late 1980s
  -other time period intertextual references include arcade games which suggests particular decades.
• don’t you forget about me song when she’s trying on dresses which is a references to the breakfast club which was set in the late 80s
• totally addicted to love song to indicate the 80s
• scream poster to indicate the 90s and change in time period.
• the bourne identity poster which is 2000
• particular music tracks are chosen to foreshadow elements of the narrative acting as clues for the audience about what is really going in. E.g ‘can’t get you out of my head’ ‘ girlfriend in a coma’’living in a box’ ‘fake’.
• intense makeup, jewellery, revealing costume of Kelly makes her seem more popular and outgoing.
• glasses and plain outfit yorkie is wearing helps us to identify her as geeky.
• lots of close up shots to signify there feelings of intimacy. Also connotes heaven.
• The high key lighting and white spaces helps to add to this futuristic hospital setting. Also connotes heaven.
• the use of blights and this wide shot at the end emphasises he amount of people in this virtual world and makes it feel more impactful.
• lots of reverse shot editing is used to emphasises differences between the two binary opposite characters adding conflict and drams.
• the cut from them taking their clothes off and becoming intimate to the beach crashing waves which is symbolic to the passion and sexual gratification.
• fast paced editing during the scenes in the quagmire club helps to signify it as being thrilling, dark and chaotic.
• the sound contantly disappears as yorkie focuses on Kelly.
• Genre is mixed, lots of romance and drama such as kissing, fighting.
• also sci-fi through the time changes and futuristic vibe
  Hybrid-genre
  -one key theme of the episode is love and sexuality and attitudes towards that as well as self acceptance of our own identities.
• another key theme is about age and health and the development of technology.
• the episode is filled with enigma codes to keep the audience engaged, why does yorkie feel so out of pace? Why does the characters and camera keep focusing on the time? Keeps us engaged.
• the sudden time jumps are not explained initially which adds further enigma as the charectors haven’t aged despite decades seemingly to pass.
• postmodern products often focus on themes of ‘what if’ relating to possible future technologies.
• the intertextual references to films, music, games and fashions are also a convention of postmodernism.
  Hybrid-genre is postmodern
• the whole episode is simulacra and hypereality through thee lines of what’s real and what’s surreal.

Question 19

Black mirror - industry

Answer 19

• the writer/producer of black mirror is Charlie broker and he is known for creating postmodern media.
• broker has a history of success writing/producing shows like Nathan barley, dead set, newswipe.
• brokers involvement attractspre-sold audiences who may be cult fans of his previous work.
• the first two seres were broadcast on channel 4 and created a large fan base for the show.
• brokers own production company zeppotron worked with endemol to create series 1 and 2 for channel 4.
• endemol helped to distribute it to 80 countries.
• black mirror is an anthology series where every episode is self contained and tells a different story.
• this increased production costs as they needed new locations/set , cast and costumes for each episode.
• Chanel 4 decided it was too expensive to continue to produce on their own so they reached out to other companies.
• a number of companies were interested in co-producing such as Netflix, amc and hbo.
• channel 4 is a not for profit company therefore they don’t have a lot of funding therefore found it harder to compete with other companies.
  -endemol sold the whole series to Netflix .
• Netflix bought the production and distribution rights in 2015 for 40million
• Netflix offered broker a much higher budget per episode allowing for much more exciting and costly storylines.
• series 3 was 6 episodes that dropped simultaneously onto Netflix, reflecting the growing trend for streaming and binge watching.
• as well as series 3 Netflix commissioned series 4,5 and 6 and a stand alone interactive movie called bandersnatch.
• the set episode had a high budget which allowed it to be filmed in several global locations including South Africa.
• they were able to cast American actors and also create a number of visual effects using CGI.
• they could afford the rights to a number of songs from periods like the 80s.
• The series gained a reputation for dark and controversial plots.
• San junipero has a very different tone to previous episodes with a focus on Americanised aesthetic and less gritty.
• broker didn’t want to alienate existing fans so tried not to over americanise all the subsequent episodes.
• Netflix released a range of teasers for the series including this postmodern mash up trailer using a clip from friends.
• a range of posters were created to tease the episode/series.
• Netflix promoted it on their streaming site
• series 3 was also promoted via a board games.
• Spotify playlists were created for audiences.
• a book of inside black mirror as part of their franchise.
• black mirror maze at Thorpe park
• Netflix cross- promoted orange is the new black and black mirror with this viral mash up parody.
• Netflix’s European headquarters are in Amsterdam and so the streaming site is not regulated by ofcom.

Question 20

The returned - audience

Answer 20

• some audiences may be able 5o relate to charectors or elements of the narrative in the show.
• variety of ages, genders etc
• audience may be able to relate to themes of loss ans greif.
• audience may enjoy the show for escapism due to the rural location and impressive french scenery.
• the narratives of romance and love offer escapism and some entertainment for audiences.
• the writers use dramatic techniques like cliffhangers and unresolved narrative enigmas to keep the viewers hooked.
• the enigma in the set episodes would encourage audiences to continue watching.
• the online marketing e.g on facebook would offer audiences opportunities to interact with fellow fans making them feel involved and part of the show.
• audiences may be impressed by the testimonials on the dvd covers.
• the mention of the awards they’ve won on the marketing materials may make audiences see the show as high quality and attract those looking for a respected show.
• received a 100% rating on rotten tomato
• many audiences may be able have decided to watch the show due to its impressive reviews online by major critic sites and other viewers.
• fans of the supernatural sub genre may have been drawn in by the marketing and set episodes would which hinted at a ghostly zombie element.
• some audiences were disappointed that is wasn’t as scary as they had hoped. They were expecting a zombie programme and ended up with a much quieter drama.
• some audiences may have enjoyed it unconventional nature.
• the show was targeted at age 15+ and the scheduling slot helped to indicate this as it was on quite late.
• the use of a lot of online media in marketing suggests an audience age 15-45.
• featuring of younger cast members in the poster and trailer helps to draw in younger audiences.
• the abc1 audience is likely yo be reasonably educated and interested in culture.
• the Complex narrative may put off less educated audiences.
• the foreign language nature of the show, with subtitles, attracts some more world audiences but may put off some viewers who find it tricky to engage with shows like this.
• the show may attract pre-sold audiences of the original film that the show was based on.
• the show may attract pre-sold audiences of the production companies involved like canal+.
• some audiences may have been put off by the lack of ethnic diversity in the show as well as the focus on middle class characters.

Question 21

The returned - media language

Answer 21

• plot situations are included that are typical of the supernatural thriller genre, unexplained events etc.
• complex narrative.
• binary oppositions, dead v alive, old v young, victim v villian etc.
• the rhode alps setting offers a claustrophobic feeling and the dark setting and lighting adds to the horror genre.
• genre is replicated through each dead charector not seeming dead.
• connotations of clothing represent the living and the dead.
• music adds to the narrative, creepy e.g when Claire panics and hides the shire in camilles room.
• diegetic sound, the panicked breathing as camille is walking home is unsettling, the thunder, camilles scream, disturbing noise from the film Julie is watching when victor appears.
• dialogue, the group meeting at the beginning of the episode adds to the backstory. The questioning by the undead throughout adds to this.
  Gesture and expression, creates this tension and adds to the fear.
• hybridity genre.
• Claire’s shocked and confused expression when seeing camille.
• the setting and propse establish this thriller genre.
  -intertextual references like Julie watching a horror film.
  -lots of close ups to establish tension and dynamic.
• framing establishes relationships.
• establishing shots communicating information.

Question 22

The returned - representation

Answer 22

• Claire is represented as domestic, caring, maternal and emotional.
• Julie cares for mr costa and for victor, playing a maternal role.
• women typically represented in this was in the media ( van zoonens)
• women are also represented in a very emotional way.
• men are represented as less emotional and more rational.
• men are shown as patronising women, not believing them until, they see it for themselves.
• some female charectors are sexualised in the episode, e.g Lena is shown in a sex scene with Frederick, sexualisation of women may be due to Frances more open and liberal approach to sex on the screen.
• Lucy is seen to be having sex with one of the parents, this represents women as sex objects and men using women for their own pleasure.
• men are often represented as leaders in position of power, men coming up with ideas to fix things, men in powerful jobs.
• men are often shown as emotionally detached and reserved.
• consider victors absence of any emotional response and mr costa just burns his wife and walks away.
• some men show aggressive side instead.
• violence against women in the scene where Lucy gets stabbed.
• some adults are shown as responsible, mature and dependable.
• adults also seem to be the ones who lose their tempers, act violently and are less table.
• adults also seem to be ones who loose there tempers and act violently.
• we typically expect adults to be able to help and know what to do. Adults in this episode seem helpless and adds to fear for the audience.
• teenagers in the media are often represented in negative ways in the Media.
• teens are shows as reluctant to do school work and instead drinking or having sex suggesting they are rebellious.
• children are often stereotypes to be innocent and vulnerable whereas victor is presented more ominous. May reflect the supernatural sub genre making children seem scary.
• the show lacks any obvious ethnic diversity. Could reflect the rural French setting where there is little diversity in real life. Could also reflect the way the media often fails to represent ethnic minorities by casting mainly white people.
• the dead charectors are represented as strange.
• later in the series the dead characters are segregated, contained and hunted.
• the dead are feared and shunned.
• the binary oppositions between the living and the dead is less obvious in the first episode.
• they look and act the same as living characters in the first episode.
• there were rumours that the writers chose to represent the dead as being so distrusted and the living as being discriminatory as an allegory about refugees.
• lots of refugee problems in France at the time which media stirred up a lot of fear and panic around.

Question 23

The returned - industry

Answer 23

• the returned was produced by canal+ which is owned by vivendi
• vivendi is horizontally and vertically integrated and diversified conglomerate.
• vivendi has over 40,000 employees in 78 countries around the world.
• the returned had a budget of 8 million which is quite small.
• canal + applied for funding from two charities in order to fund the returned.
• when returned was distributed to the us it was shown on sundance t which shows more independent to and things for niche audiences.
• the returned might be considered risky for a number of reasons including the fact that its French which makes it harder to distribute globally.
• based on a film les revevants.
• the show was remade with an American cast it make it easier to distribute to a wider audience.
• used Facebook and twitter to advertise globally.
• the returned used a lot of online methods to advertise such as their website where they could take a 360° virtual tour of the location.
• they used social media to market the returned and poster that mentioned their Peabody award.
• they used social media range of posters featuring different charectors to target different audiences.
• soundtrack was realised by mogwai.
• th,e uk trailer for the returned didn’t feature any dialogue which concealed its foreign nature to audiences who may be put off by subtitled programming.
• was eventually turned into a book.
• range of merchandise available.
• regulated by ofcom.
• there’s so,e swearing and some scenes that might be deemed scary in the returned so was shown after 9pm. There are also some sex scenes.
• reflects livingstone and Lunt regulation theory.