TV: Industry contexts
Read this Independent feature on foreign-language dramas. If the website is blocked or forcing you to register you can access the text of the article here. It features an in-depth interview with Walter Iuzzolino who curates Channel 4's Walter Presents programming. Answer the questions below:
1) What does the article suggest regarding the traditional audience for foreign-language subtitled media?
you'd have been quietly declared pretentious, dull and, possible, a little odd.
2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?
Walter Presents is a unique proposition. Its flagship show Deutschland 83 will premiere on Channel 4 on 3 January, while other shows will appear on More4. The rest will be drip fed to us throughout 2016 via the All4 platform.
3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?
2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?
Walter Presents is a unique proposition. Its flagship show Deutschland 83 will premiere on Channel 4 on 3 January, while other shows will appear on More4. The rest will be drip fed to us throughout 2016 via the All4 platform.
3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?
since the rise in interest in foreign language TV, it has made people more use to subtitles so we like to watch stuff with the subtitles on now.
4) What are the other audiences pleasures of foreign TV drama suggested by the article?
diversion - you get to experience a different world
surveillance - you get to learn about different places and cultures in an entertaining way
personal relationships - developed with the character
personal identity - the audience might see themselves reflected in a certain character
Film School Rejects: The foreign TV dramas you're missing out on
Now read this Film School Rejects feature on the foreign TV dramas you're missing out on. This contains some particularly useful background on Deutschland 83's reception internationally. If the website is blocked, you can access the article text here. Answer the following questions:
1) What does the article tell us about Deutschland 83's release schedule?
Premiering on AMC Network’s Sundance TV in June 2015, the show was the first German-language TV series to premiere on a US network
2) The article contains important statistics on viewing figures in different countries. What were the German viewing figures for the first and last episode? What were Channel's 4's viewing figures for Deutschland 83?
3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October?
Now read this Film School Rejects feature on the foreign TV dramas you're missing out on. This contains some particularly useful background on Deutschland 83's reception internationally. If the website is blocked, you can access the article text here. Answer the following questions:
1) What does the article tell us about Deutschland 83's release schedule?
Premiering on AMC Network’s Sundance TV in June 2015, the show was the first German-language TV series to premiere on a US network
2) The article contains important statistics on viewing figures in different countries. What were the German viewing figures for the first and last episode? What were Channel's 4's viewing figures for Deutschland 83?
- its US premiere garnering 0.066 million viewers compared to Germany’s 3.19 million
- the German premiere had 3.19 million viewers
- by the series’ conclusion the figures had fallen down to 1.63 million — it’s lowest figure
3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October?
SundanceTV and FremantleMedia finally announced in October that there will be a second series of Deutschland 83 (called Deutschland 86, more likely than not followed by the pivotal year of 89)
4) How does Walter Iuzzolino use social media to engage audiences in new international TV dramas? How does he suggest this has changed the reception of foreign productions in the UK?
He engaged with viewers on social media
The Guardian: How Britain's TV industry is struggling in the streaming era
Read this Guardian feature on how Britain's TV industry - particularly public service broadcasters - are struggling to keep up with the American streaming giants. Answer the following questions:
1) What is happening to UK public service broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4 when it comes to TV drama?
people prefer using streaming platforms like Netflix so their views are falling
2) Look at the middle of the article where global budgets are discussed. What was the peak of the global premium TV streaming market and what has it dropped to in recent years?
post-Covid, the premium TV market was worth £5.1bn
Read this Guardian feature on how Britain's TV industry - particularly public service broadcasters - are struggling to keep up with the American streaming giants. Answer the following questions:
1) What is happening to UK public service broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4 when it comes to TV drama?
people prefer using streaming platforms like Netflix so their views are falling
2) Look at the middle of the article where global budgets are discussed. What was the peak of the global premium TV streaming market and what has it dropped to in recent years?
post-Covid, the premium TV market was worth £5.1bn
Since then, almost £2bn in annual spend has disappeared
although the latest BFI figures show a slight uptick to £3.4bn last year
3) What are the typical production costs per hour of high-end TV production? Why does this create a challenge for Britain's public service broadcasters?
TV shows costing at least £1m an hour to make had fallen by a quarter last year to the lowest level since 2019
4) Look at the end of the article. Why is there still an optimism about the British TV industry?
3) What are the typical production costs per hour of high-end TV production? Why does this create a challenge for Britain's public service broadcasters?
TV shows costing at least £1m an hour to make had fallen by a quarter last year to the lowest level since 2019
4) Look at the end of the article. Why is there still an optimism about the British TV industry?
The government is supporting independent films
Media Magazine: Netflix and the Cultural Industries
Due date: on Google Classroom
Finally, go to our Media Magazine archive and read the article on Netflix and the Cultural Industries (MM63 - page 45). Answer the following questions:
1) What does David Hesmondhalgh argue with regards to how the creative industries have changed since the 1980s?
Creative industries are focusing on market-driven content
2) What is technological convergence?
the merging of traditional media with digital technologies, allowing content to be distributed across multiple platforms and devices
3) How are technology companies challenging traditional broadcasters in the TV industry?
they are using their big budgets and global audiences to create products of their own
4) The global nature of modern television means producers are having to consider international audiences when creating content. What example from Netflix does the article use to explain this?
1) What does David Hesmondhalgh argue with regards to how the creative industries have changed since the 1980s?
Creative industries are focusing on market-driven content
2) What is technological convergence?
the merging of traditional media with digital technologies, allowing content to be distributed across multiple platforms and devices
3) How are technology companies challenging traditional broadcasters in the TV industry?
they are using their big budgets and global audiences to create products of their own
4) The global nature of modern television means producers are having to consider international audiences when creating content. What example from Netflix does the article use to explain this?
producing more foreign language shows
There is a fair amount of work here - the questions are not too challenging but there is plenty to read. Feel free to answer the questions in bullet points if you find it quicker. Remember, this reading and notetaking will prepare you brilliantly for the extended essay question in Media Paper 2 - particularly if the question focuses on industry or audience.
Due date: on Google Classroom
Extension tasks
If you're particularly interested in this industry, you may want to read the following articles or take on the following tasks that go into more detail on the TV industry:
Look at this IndieWire feature on the rise of international television. If the website is blocked, you can access the text from the article here. What cultural differences are highlighted in the article - for example in turning 'Prisoners of War' into 'Homeland' when remade in the US?
How do changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83? Try and make specific references to the two TV CSPs in your answer.
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