TV Drama Essay

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs representations of ethnicity using the following:

camera shots/angles/movements
lighting
sound
mise en scene
editing



Hotel Babylon is a TV drama in which showcases a range of different ethic groups. It often shows the ethnicity in a conventional manner showing the audience the stereotypes that the public are all so used to. However the programme just as frequently challenges the common conventions of ethnic groups, portraying three dimensional characters containing qualities that go strongly against their stereo type.

This is shown straight away in the first scene. We see a black man rushing around, serving others around the hotel. He smartly dressed and speaks with polite English accent. This challenges the conventional stereotypes of black men (relaxed and laid back). When he confronts his friend, the audience are shown two representations of black men, the new form as just mentioned, and the classic stereotype (slang language, dreadlocks and informal dress). The new stereotype (the manager) is shot with a slight low-angle. This represents him in a positive light, showing that the new representation of ethnic is the true one and has authority over the old one, represented by the man in the swimming pool, who is interestingly shot at eye level.

We are then shown a scene of eastern European maids, performing a strip to a customer. We know the scene will be seedy and sexualised, by the sinister diegetic music, which opens the scene. This represents the maids and thus polish people as those who will do anything for money. Once in the room, we are shown a wide shot of a Japanese man and there is a cut straight away to  close-up shot of money. This tells us that the man is wealthy and represents the common stereotype of Japanese men which is that they're rich, the close up also mimics how important the cash is to the maids. High key lighting is also used in this scene, perhaps indicating that it is revealing the seedy nature of both nationalities.

We next see a Chinese lady rushing around running errands. A tracking shot is used to help the audience relate to her frantic organising. This represents her nationality as hard working and dedicated to their job. Dark lighting is used in this scene to mirror the ladies disappointment of the running of her business, representing the high standards that her ethic group upholds.

Finally we see a confrontation between an Italian and British man. The Italian is dressed in black, perhaps showing him to be the antagonist in this scene. He has a fiery temper, which is mimicked by the fast cutting within the scene. The mise-en-scene is important here as the manic kitchen, adds to the intensity of the scene. The Italians aggressive nature is stereotypical and thus easily identifiable to the audience. Although he is smaller, he has authority over the Englishman, challenging the idea that in a workplace only the English have the more important jobs and authority.

Overall the clip showcases a variety of ethic groups, which both challenge and conform to their individual conventional representations.

Analysis of The Only Way is Essex title sequence

With the "TOWIE" title sequence viewers are immediately drawn into the program and are made aware of the style and sub genre straight away. For a start is done with lighting. Presumably the majority of the effects, such as the light streaks and sparkles, high key lighting is also clearly present. This lighting gives connotations of happiness and joy, telling the audience what they're about to watch will make them feel good. This is important, as one of the reasons title sequences are included is to hook the audience in the hope that they will continue watching the program.

A cheesy pop song (The Only Way is Up) is as the music for the title sequence. It blends nicely with the overdone lighting and hints to the audience a sense of falseness much like the story/ characters within the show. The main lyrics are the same as the program title (The Only Way Is...) , this establishes the show as a brand in which will be easily recognizable and identifiable to the audiences simply when they hear that song. The music sets the exciting tone of the program in which the cast member appear in sync to the rhythm. This makes the sequence flow better.

MS and CU are the main shots used. One of things they do is that they show a CU they then jump cut to MS. This makes the sequence more exciting and more playful, both features in which show hopes to present. In the mise-en-scene , with each character we are shown clips of luxury items (cars, watches, champagne etc). This tells the audience the people featured are rich.

The whole sequence is cheesy and tacky, yet establishes its sub genre and tone very clearly to the audience. We can easily assume the show is low cultured.

TV Drama- Crime

The Sopranos is an American television drama which is situated in the sub-genre of crime. The Sopranos is very unique, this is because the commotion convention of the crime genre is that it is from the perspective from the police (FBI,CIA etc.) and their constant battle for good over evil. In the Sopranos we see it from the criminals perspective and eventually sympathise and connect with the characters despite their wrong doings. In this scene the  main character "Tony" is chasing "Phil". The first shot is a close up of Tony driving and smoking, this instantly establishes him to the audience as a gangster due to the conventions of cigars. We have a POV shot showing the target from Tony's perspective, this helps the audience understand his objectives. Tony is listening to the radio in the car, so the music is diegetic. It cleverly is used to the effect of non diegetic sound, as it provides pacing and sets the tone for the chase. The scene is quite intimate as it sticks to close ups and mid shots. Although its daylight outside, the lighting is dark and mysterious mirroring the deeds that our committed by Tony, including the one he is about to commit.

CSI: Miami


From this clip of 'CSI Miami' we see a chase scene. The clip is conventional because it starts off with an arial shot (establishing). This automatically draws in the audience and tells them the location of the scene. The audience's interested is instantly captivated as it jumps straight to a point of view shot, another common convention of the crime drama. Having the point of view from the shot of the police officers we can automatically come to a decision of which side we are going to take as the viewers. Bright lighting and day light set scene, perhaps mirroring the intensions of the police. Creating a connotation of the police officers feeling and intensions, showing them in an overall good light. Fast camera movements and cuttings are used regularly in the crime chase scene to build and sustain tension and pace out the scene efficiently. Use of diegetic sounds are used in a natural way to build a strong realistic belief and connotate to the audience the feelings and location surroundings of the scene. The scene builds to the climax in which the audience have worked up a state of panic. Good prevails and the criminal caught bring relief to both the characters and the audience. This shows the clip successfully builds a relationship with the audience.


The Bill (Harrison Payne)


From this chase clip on 'The Bill' we see a range of different camera shots and angles to produce a sufficent 'quick' chase. The scene starts with an ariel shot and carries on medium, long and close shots after. The shot variety is needed to show exactly what is happening within the scene but also ment to speed up the chase and build tension. In classic crime Tv drama's this is a very common thing to do. By having multiple shots at different angles the camera speed is intense and therefore builds tension along with a fast moving scene.
Typically in crime drama's there is also the character split of good and bad. We can see this in this scene through the use of costume, the police are wearing typical uniform where as the thug is wearing a black hoodie. The use of hiding the culprits identity is used alot in crime drama's also.

Analysis of a Clip

Misummer Murders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R09_3rbBTxQ

This clip shows the classic narrative of detective visiting the crime scene, getting hunches immediately leading to the murderer. In this scene Detective John Barnaby is looking for clues. The programme takes place in the country which is shown through the mise en scene which is crucial (the breakfast set,wooden furniture, countryside background. Common shots uch as mid shots, two shots and close up are used making it conventional for TV dramas. Occasionally the camera will zoom into Barnaby when he gets a clue or an idea, this helps the audience identify unique situations during the programme. The show is aired on ITV 1 and lasts approximately 120 mins (including adverts). The long running time makes the show more cinematic, which would be appealing to the audience. The cinematography as briefly discussed earlier, is simple with bright lighting perhaps symbolising the uncovering of crimes.





This is the first shot. It is a close up of blood being swabbed . It's shocking and will immediately capture the audiences attention thus hopefully hooking them for the remainder of the show.