Friday 21 November 2008

How does the opening three minutes of 'Heroes' compare to typical TV title sequences?

I will be looking at the TV Series 'Heroes' Episode 2 and looking at how the opening three minutes compares to typical TV title sequences.

At the beginning of the series, there is a logo shown which is known as the 'Heroes' logo. This is quite unique as not many TV programmes have there own logo as they are not really common within TV programmes. The logo includes a eclipse with the word 'Heroes' written on it. This shows that the series have there own logo to look unique and attractive. Also, the affect of the eclipse shows a sort of insight to the genre as it is not a image with light colours but it uses dark colours and is sort of dull which connotes that the series is not a comedy or romance but is a different genre.

As the episode begins, there is immediately a re-cap of the previous episode as there is a voice over of a man speaking and saying the main parts of the previous episode. This would be a quick reminder to the audience about what happened previously. This would also help the audience who missed the previous episode and would help them catch up. This is a similar method used with a few TV programmes but not many TV programmes use this method on their opening title sequence. A re-cap would be mainly found in Indian Dramas which is quite common in their opening title sequences. However, not many English TV Programmes use this method in there opening title sequence. For example, Hollyoaks and Eastenders do not use these methods which is why it is not at much common. This shows that the re-cap does not compare to typical TV title sequences but is unique to keep the audience aware of what happened previously.

However, as the series begins the title of the episode "Chapter Two: Don't look back" is shown on the building in capitals. This shows the difference in 'Heroes' opening sequence than other programmes as the episode name is usually written in the middle once the episode starts whereas the title of the episode in 'Heroes' is written on a building. This signifies that the buildings in the programme have an importance as one of the males is always dreaming about jumping of the building. This is always shows the unique way of putting the title on the building as it first is a close up and then after if zooms out to show that it is on the building.

The scene then changes in to birds eye view of the male standing on the building. This shot shows the male from the top and the high building which he is standing on. This connotes that the male may have some sort of importance or may be superior within the series or may even want to commit suicide. This would be the ideas in the audience's mind if they have not seen the series before, this shows that the opening title sequence creates many ideas in the audiences mind especially if they have not seen the programme before. This would cause the audience to think and will create mystery in their mind which would want them to watch more. This is quite different to other TV programmes as the opening title sequence is creating suspense and mystery to get the audience to view the programme.

Also, the use of lighting in the opening title sequence so far is very dull and dark colours used. This suggests that the programme does not involve any fun and enjoyable scenes but is a serious programme based people and their lives. The use of lighting would also give an insight to the audience about the genre as the audience will now be aware that the programme will not involve any comedy.

The scene then goes on to showing the male walk off the building and falling down but then someone catches him and flies. This would now give the audience the impression that the programme involves super powers. This may get the audiences attention and will want to watch more to find out what is happening. As the male realises he was just dreaming, the audience would get confused again as to is it a super powers programme or not. This would also get the audience interested as they will want to know more about the programme. This shows that the programme uses a scene at the beginning which would be attractive to ensure the audience gets involved and it creates an effect on the audience as there is a man falling off a building. This shows the difference in the opening title sequence as most programmes such as 'My Wife & Kids' start the programme with something normal whereas this creates an affect on the audience.

Overall, the opening sequence of the programme 'Heroes' shows the different unique things used to make the programme seem interesting. The opening title sequence also creates an affect on the audience in many ways which shows the opening title sequence is not similar to other TV programmes opening title sequences.

Cover Work (Ms Holiday)

Poster Analysis of 'Mamma Mia': (Click image to view larger)



Poster Analysis of 'Kidulthood': (Click image to view larger)



I will now be looking at the difference of the film 'Mamma Mia' and 'Kidulthood' and comparing their posters.

'Kidulthood' poster consists of dark and dull colours whereas 'Mamma Mia' involves bright colours. This may be because the two films are completly opposites. This is because 'Mamma Mia' is a comedy film whereas 'Kidulthood' is a film which involves violence and crime. This shows that the posters clearly show what the genre of the film would be because of the use of colours used in the posters.

Also, 'Kidulthood' involves images of the actors in the film and they all look laid back and as they have a lot of attitude and are part of a gang. However, this is not the case in 'Mamma Mia', this is because in the poster of 'Mamma Mia' there are images of the actors with smiles and looking overly happy. This also gives an insight to the film to the audience as 'Kidulthood' involves a gang who may commit crimes and be violent whereas in 'Mamma Mia' poster you can see people who do not look as if they are the sort of people who will commit crimes. The characters also do not look like a gang but they look like a group of friends. This shows the complete opposite way the poster has been designed to show the genre of the films and the personality.

The poster of 'Kidulthood' has a dark dull background with the sky showing as it is about to be thunder. As they are seen to be standing on a high building, it shows thunder is about to come and it is about to rain. This connotes that thunder will fall on the actual characters as they will have done something wrong within the film. This shows that thunder and dark grey clouds are used to show the problem which fall on them throughout the film. However, in the poster of 'Mamma Mia' the clouds are light blue which suggests happiness within the film. This also connotes they are sort of in cloud nine and are really happy. This shows that in one film there is a bright sunny sky and in the other there is a thunder dark sky.

Also, in 'Kidulthood' poster the group of people are wearing clothing such as hoodies which stereotypes them as teenagers who will be causing trouble. This shows that just from the poster of the film the audience is able to know the personality of the characters and the genre. This is not the case in the poster of 'Mamma Mia' though, this is because the group of people are wearing smart/casual clothing but it does not consist of hoodies. This shows that the people in 'Mamma Mia' will not be trouble makers and will not be committing any crimes within the film.

'Mamma Mia' also has a background of flowers and as if they are at a wedding ceremony. This connotes that the film will involve happiness unlike 'Kidulthood'. Also, 'Kidulthood' poster does not include any bright colours which would attract the audiences attention. The only bright colours shown in the poster are the females clothing which is not as bright whereas the poster of 'Mamma Mia' is very bright and eye catching.

Overall, this shows the large difference in both films as they both have different genres. The posters also show the ways in which the designers have clearly shown the personalities of the characters and the genre of the film.




Tuesday 11 November 2008

The Cross Media Case Study . .

The Media texts I have chosen to look at is 'Mr Bean' (TV programme) and 'Mr Bean's Holiday' (Film). The reason I have chosen to look at these Media texts is because Mr Bean firstly started off as an cartoon which was aimed at young people. As the cartoon became very successful, there were films released too which aimed at a more wider audience including young children and families.

Trailer of 'Mr Beans Holiday':



Audience && Social Class:
The trailer 'Mr Beans Holiday' shows that the film appeals to a wide range of audience. It appeals to families as it involves humour which a family would enjoy watching together. Also, Mr Beans Holiday may appeal to young children as Mr Bean already has a cartoon which young children are familiar with. This means that young children will also be interested in the Movie as they know about his cartoon. As Mr Bean's film is not a cartoon, it will attract families as it involves family humour. The trailer shows, it would attract an audience of B to C1 and C2 social class which would be the primary audience as the trailer shows that it is a film including humour which would attract many people. The secondary audience of this film would be class D/E as people would enjoy watching this film with families which shows it would attract a large audience.

Institution:
Also, the films institution is Universal Pictures, which is a well known institution. This is because Universal Pictures have distributed many films. The influence this would have on the audience is that they will then trust the institution and will know what sort of films they distribute. This will allow the audience to want to watch the film as they will be familiar with the institution Universal Pictures.

Setting && Link to Genre:
At the start of the trailer, the audience is told where the film would be mainly set. This is shown by the trailer starting off with showing the country France. This gives an idea to the audience about where the film is mainly set. By showing the setting of the film at the start of the trailer, it would give the audience an idea about what the genre of the film is. For example, if the start of the trailer involved a setting of council flats in an deprived area, the audience would know the film will involve violence and will not be suitable to watch as a family. As the main setting is in France, it shows that the films genre will not be violence but may be a posh film as it is set in France.

Actor Introduced && Genre Confirmed:
As the scene which shows France, the words are being said in the background "France, a country of culture, beauty and peace. its always been the perfect place to take a holiday .. Not anymore". As the words "Not anymore" are said, the audience is then introduced to the main character within the film which is Mr Bean. Mr Bean is first shown in the trailer by popping his head out of the train which is shown in a medium shot. The use of the medium shot in this scene shows the main character and a bit of the train in the background to show audiences Mr Bean has arrived in France. As the audience has been introduced to the main actor, the audience would now definitely know the genre of the film. This is because Mr Bean is a well known actor who has his own cartoon programme targeted at young children which involves humour. This would confirm to the audience that the film involves comedy and is a family film.

Use of Lighting:
The beginning of the trailer, starts off with dull colours and a sort of black and white blend. This firstly would give the impression to the audience that the film is based on olden times. However, as the scene of France ends the next scene comes on to more bright and colourful colours. The change of lighting takes place when Mr Bean is introduced. This signifies that Mr Bean is a funny and cheerful character within the film as the lighting changes when he is introduced and in turns from dull to bright.

Also, the scene where Mr Bean gets his tie stuck in the money exchange machine is a scene which shows that people may be able to relate with the scene and get a sense of relief that it is not just them (catharsis). This would help people interact with the film and enjoy watching the film.

Opening Credits of 'Mr Beans' Programme:



Profile of Institution:
The institution that produces Mr Bean's animated series is Nickelodeon which is a very popular channel for young children from 7-14.

  • Nickelodeon is an American Cable Television Network.
  • The network is owned by Viacom International
  • The channel is found in many different countries e.g. UK and Australia
  • It has many similar channels e.g. Nicktoons, Nick HD, The N, Nick Too, Nick Replay.

Other Nickelodeon Projects which they have:

  • Nick.com . . . The original and official website of Nickelodeon which has over 500 games and allows visitors to register and become a official member.
  • Nickelodeon Magazine . . . It was launched in 1993 and contains non-fiction pieces, humour, interviews, pranks, recipes and a comic book section.
  • Nickelodeon Movies . . . Produces films based on Nickelodeon programmes and the films are released by Paramount Pictures.
  • Nickelodeon Toys

Web Content && Marketing for BOTH texts:

Mr Bean (Animated Series):

  • www.mrbean.co.uk >> Mr Bean Series have there own website where viewers can play games and get involved in polls.
  • www.youtube.com >> The series are shown on YouTube with clips and the actual programmes.
  • Wikipedia >> Information on Mr Bean's Animated Series and involves the history of the programme.
  • www.bean.netfirms.com/ >> A website for fans so that they can see episode guides, sound clips and news.
  • www.imdb.com/title/tt0280277/ >> Involves a short review on the film.

Mr Bean's Holiday (Film):

How does Mr Bean's animated series and Mr Beans Holiday link?

  • They link as both films involve Mr Bean in it
  • They both have the same genre which is comedy
  • They both are aimed for young children and families