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: TeletubbiesThe Passion of the Christ Sex in the CityThe Voice newspaper ZeeTVTop Gear EastendersSkins

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 Types A 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 the genre 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?

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