Today's session involved the students discussing a series of texts, collating notes, and discussing possible content for questions linked to a specific text:
- How are media forms used to suggest the content of the show DEXTER?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhGMGjs3DSs
Dexter was an American show available produced by the Showtime channel. Dexter is a blood splatter expert employed by the Miami Police Department and is the son of a very well respected ex-detective. However, he is also a brutal serial killer!!! He specialises in murdering criminals who have committed murder but have escaped any form of legal punishment. Dexter hides his true identity. The opening credits to the show are titled MORNING ROUTINE and it is through this routine that his true nature is revealed. Students need to focus upon extreme close ups, frame composition, the polysemic nature of the imagery, and how connotation is being shaped. How significant is the use of the colour red? Connotation?
2. How is the advertising industry represented in this advertisement?
This advert follows the codes and conventions of a whiskey advertisement before transforming into a public information film that warns about the dangers of alcohol consumption. The advertising of alcohol is clearly criticised within this advertisement. The text begins with images of nature that represent alcohol as a natural ingredient, like spring water, and serves to bring the community together...before the shaky camera introduces a new equilibrium and presents a very different representation. We discussed the significance of the voiceover. Class discussion considered the fact that the advertising industry represents a dangerous and destructive drug in an attractive manner. It misrepresents the potential damage that can be caused by alcohol. AGAIN..refer to how media forms shape the REPRESENTATION...PREFERRED READING? CONNOTATION? NARRATIVE EQUILIBRIUM? FRAME COMPOSITION? SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHAKY HAND-HELD CAMERA?
3. How does the film promote the brand values of JOHN LEWIS?
Remember...a BRAND VALUE is the qualities linked to the institution. What can the consumer expect when buying products from this institution? Class discussion discussed the significance of the high production values of the advertisement, the fact that the film avoids any evidence of 'poverty' or economic struggle. There is a lack of food banks in this text but lots of imagery [remember....mise-en-scene codes refers to the meaning found through clothes, stage design, location etc] that suggests that the world presented by the advert is a comfortable middle-class world. How expensive is that bloody telescope?? Class discussion considered the significance of the use of text at the conclusion of the advertisement.
4. Why does this product appeal to such a wide audience?
Class discussion considered the broadcast remit of the BBC which is to INFORM, EDUCATE, AND ENTERTAIN. Class discussion considered the idea that this may be a programme that appeals to human issues, it offers content that is not too technical or academic. A large number of people are interested in the natural world. Discussion also considered the fact that this programme offers information relating to an isolated and inhospitable part of the planet that most people will never be able to experience. Therefore this unique content may engage a wide audience. Furthermore, students considered the beauty of the footage and the spectacular nature of the visual content. This is an extremely sophisticated visual representation of the world and the footage is unique. Reference was also made to the voice of David 'GOD' Attenborough and the fact this his voice is often associated with accessible and enjoyable media texts that present the natural world in an engaging manner. He is a quality brand!! CONNOTATION linked to his voice? Students also considered the fact that many people like to escape the ugly routine of their own lives by escaping into such a magnificent and visually stunning world.
HOMEWORK: Complete these questions for homework. On Monday we will begin some more creative work. We will turn E5 into a photographic studio and create some material that will eventually be used as promotional material for album covers, book covers, etc.... or any ideas that you may have etc.....Bring some props if you have any specific ideas.
