Representation in TV Drama

Learning Objectives:

- To begin to develop an understanding of media representation. - To consider representation more specifically in relation to TV drama.

Define the following• Representation• A visual depiction of somebody or something.

The media are said to re-present reality.

• Demographic• A way of categorising people into groups.

Starter- demographics

• What are the factors that determine demographic?• Age- Gender- Ethnicity- Class- region- Sexuality-

Religion

• Task: What is the target demographic for the media examples below:

• Teletubbies The Passion of the Christ• Sex in the City The Voice newspaper• ZeeTV Top Gear• Eastenders Skins

Define Stereotype

• ‘A narrow preconception or view of a particular demographic’.

• Stereotype task: you will be given a demographic in pairs.

• List the commonly held stereotypes of that group.• Think about a media example where you might

have seen that stereotype confirmed.

Characterisation• TV characterisation is vital in retaining audience interest. Why?

• Because its often the characters that ‘draws us in’ to the story. We can empathise with them.

• All character types are constructed. By whom?

• The writers, directors and the actors performing them.

• We can use the VANS acronym to analyses characters.

• Values and beliefs• Appearance• Narrative significance/ Importance to the plot of the drama.• Settings / Locations

Stock TypesA stock character, which has universal appeal and is frequently copied in literature, television, radio and film.

• Task: Think of a stock type in the following:– An action movie.– A sitcom.– A gangster movie.

In soap operas these are ‘typical’ roles that can be seen across thegenre such as villain, gossip, tart etc.

• Choose 1 of the male characters above.

• Discuss with your partner and then write down how they are represented according to their demographic determinants:

• Consider whether they subvert or conform to stereotypes?

Male characterisation.

Basic Representation in TV Drama

• Watch ten minutes of ‘Eastenders’.• Consider the representation of these

demographic factors using the worksheet

• Age• Gender• Class• Region• Ethnicity

Why is representation important to mainstream TV Dramas?

• They are watched by millions and can assist in forming opinions about demographics - can reinforce stereotypes.

• However they can subvert negative stereotypes of a demographic.

• They can also help to educate the masses about a ‘minority’ demographic the people are ignorant of.

Representation and the message

*All media texts present a view of the world which more or less accords with an agenda set by the organisation that is broadcasting the medium.E.g.: Eastenders is a BBC production. Therefore what does Eastenders have to do on a regular basis?

Task: watch this clip from Eastenders. What is the BBC aiming to achieve in these scenes?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYRwjKN62BY

And don’t forget…• TV dramas appeal to a large &

diverse audience and there are different reasons for pleasure:

• Educational• Escapism• Easy viewing• Identification & involvement• Community

Recap

• Representation

• Demographic

• Stereotype

• Archetype

• Stock type

• Character construction

• VANS