BBC Research

BBC News at Six
Basic details

• The letters BBC stand for British Broadcasting Corporation
• Funded by TV license
• Their mission statement is to: inform, educate and entertain
• BBC 1's remit is to be the BBC's most popular mixed-genre television service across the UK -  offering a wide range of high-quality programmes. A very high proportion of its programmes should be original productions.
• BBC news at six fits in with this remit because it offers a mixed genre or topics and stories.

Presenters

• George Alagiah and Fiona Bruce are the main presenters
• The presenters in this programme wear suits and other types of formal clothing which suggest that the programme is going to be both serious and professional
• They may use a variety of presenters to give the audience something new to see each time, to help change the faces displayed and draw away from the same old. To give the news something fresh.
• Other reporters are used to collect information and to experience things outside the studio and to get a closer look at the news topics.
• There is a fair amount of both genders 

Opening sequence

• The opening shot is of the presenter at the desk about to begin the news
• The graphics used show a world/globe which helps the audience feel connected to the other countries and shows that BBC news will give them all the news from all around.
• The music used is quite dramatic which creates tension as the audience wait to hear the first headline.
• The news stories are spoken about briefly and we are told about the upcoming news stories in the headlines

Studio mise-en-scene

• The camera shows the entire studio where the audience can see people at work on the computers and can also see the lights and cables etc.
• The majority of the time the presenters remain seated as to create a serious feel however sometimes they do leave their seats and stand up when addressing the audience personally.
• The technology is visible to help show realism and to make the news more realistic and truthful also because seeing many people working will give the audience the impression that they get the latest news as soon as it happens.
• The studio is mainly red and white which may help to symbolise the British flag and just gives off a sleek professional look and feel.

How news stories are presented

• The news is typically presented with presenter piece to camera and is presented by the presenter giving a brief explanation of the news story. Also another common way that the news is presented is by voice over, video footage of the story plays on the screen with a voice over explaining each aspect of the story or is presented by a reporter who has ventured outside of the studio and reports back to the people in the studio.
• BBC News at Six usually cover news stories such as; politics, international news and sometimes local news.
• Coverage on the conflict in Syria was covered using a strap on camera strapped to a reporter at the scene, this made the audience feel as if they were right there in Syria, another example would be BBC's coverage on the general election where opinions from member of the public were taped and shown on the programme, this is just another example of how news stories are presented to keep the interest of the audience.

Running order

• Top story is Tesco's loss of profits (losses)
• The actual story lasted for about 15 minutes however, the highlight lasted around 2 minutes
• Top story (most important), next story (second important) and so on...stories are broadcasted depending on their importance.
• Each story is shown for 5-10 minutes however the top story may be shown for longer

Audience

• The target audience is for families but is still targeted at the adult generation
• Viewing figures for BBC News at Six are 4 million
• A person may choose to watch this TV news over the others because it is more targeted towards families and provides something a bit different as it is more interested in the thoughts of the public and so on.

Institution

• Other programmes BBC News offers include; BBC News at 10, BBC Breakfast, CBBC, Cbeebies
• OfCom regulates all British TV news by the Broadcasting Code which helps to keep TV news in line. The Broadcasting Code gives basic guidelines and rules for channel's to follow that help to keep TV News impartial. OfCom monitors the TV News with care and failure to comply with any of the rules will result in consequences.
• I agree with the accusation made against BBC news in regards to them "dumbing down" the news because during the Tesco Losses story animations using red arrows pointing downward despite the fact that the word "decrease" could clearly be seen beside it implying that viewers do not know what the word "decrease" means and therefore in turn, "dumbing down" the news. However I do not see anything wrong with having graphics to help explain a story. Also there may be a few people who maybe don't know what certain words mean so at the same time it is wrong to accuse the BBC of dumbing down the news when we do not know every viewers capabilities.

TV News and New/Digital Media

• BBC News does have a dedicated website and a Twitter where you can catchup on missed clips and find out additional information and on the Twitter you can view news related hashtags leading you to new news stories, however there is no obvious way for the audience to get involved.

Channel 4 News Research

Basic Details

• Channel 4 news is on at 7pm each weekday and lasts for 55minutes
• Channel 4 news was first broadcasted on November 2, 1982.
• Channel 4 News has won awards such as; International Emmy Awards for News, British Academy Award for Best News Coverage and British Academy Television Award for Best News and Current Affairs Journalism

Presenters

• The presenters for channel 4 news are Jon Snow, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Cathy Newman and Matt Frei
• Presenters such as Jon Snow wear colourful clothing which gives off a more relaxed vibe towards audiences and reduces tension.
• A TV news programme might use a series of presenters to create a change from the ordinary and keep audiences captivated as it is more appealing to see different people on the screen delivering your news instead of seeing repeated faces.
• Some reporters are used to report on situations which occur in different countries whilst others report on situations closer to home and give their reports live on webcam. 
• The majority of the presenters on Channel 4 are white with the exception of Krishnan Guru-Murthy who is Asian. This makes Asians feel represented in the reporting of news but does exclude the black minority which may make some Black and European audiences feel uninvolved.

Opening Sequence

• Presenter to camera is the very first shot
• The opening sequence's use of graphics e.g the constant change of the images on the digital screen behind the presenter help to captivate audiences and keeps the audience interested in the headlines displayed as well as listening to the presenter. 
• The music is quite sudden and lasts for quite a while which helps set the mood and makes the audience anxious and eager to see the news stories.

Studio mise-en-scene

• Desk, cameras, floor can be seen on camera at the beginning
• The presenters are standing up to create a casual feel and to help move away from the traditional seriousness related to TV News
•         Some technology is visible (overhead cameras) which may show how modern the studio is as it is fitted – however, it is not overly fake which makes it seem more serious
• This show covers a wide range of stories to attract different audiences – including serious offences and crimes covers  politics, international news (Syria,Iraq etc.) and celebrity gossip, more relaxed themes.
• Some technology is visible (overhead cameras, screens where people can be seen getting the latest news etc) which makes audiences see that this news programme is able to get news as soon as it comes and creates a more realistic feel as it demonstrates how they do not hide their flaws but embrace them.
• Bright colours such as purple and white are used to set a relaxed but serious mood.

How news stories are presented

•  A presenter is used to give an introduction to the news story and then they switch to either a journalist or a report with a voice over.
• The use many techniques to make their show interesting such as; secret camera footage, animations, interviews etc.
• This show covers a wide range of stories to attract different audiences including serious offences and crimes (rape, murder) also covering sport, politics, international news (Syria, Iraq, Haiti etc.) and some more relaxed topics such as celebrity gossip.
• News stories are kept interesting by the use of undercover cameras e.g. when busting a shop keeper selling under aged teenagers illegal substances etc. also by using animations to break down news stories such as tesco scandals etc.

Running order

• The top story is Immigration Control
• This news story lasts for 10-15 minutes
• The running order is: top story, sub stories then additional news (weather,sport, celebrity gossip etc.)
• The duration of each news stories depends on its importance, the more important a story is the more coverage it gets

Audience

• The target audience for channel 4 news ranges from about 16-60
• Somebody may choose to watch this TV news programme instead of watching elsewhere because Channel 4 News presents the news from a more controversial perspective and gives audiences and insight into some of the things that other TV news programmes will leave out. The presenters are more emotionally connected to the news that they deliver and are more relaxed and down to earth which in turn makes them more relatable and makes the news seem more realistic.
• The audience can comment on the topics seen through twitter as Channel 4 News displays the twitter hashtags of the presenters.

Institution

• Channel 4 News is owned and run by the government
• They own E4 and 4od
• Channel 4 is watched by younger audiences as it is a home to many comedy shows, short movies involving teenagers and music. As channel 4 news targets the younger audience, it fits perfectly on this channel as it can be easily seen by many teenagers watching their daily episodes.
• Ofcom have a broadcasting code which ensures that the programme is impartial

TV News and New/Digital Media

• Channel 4 News has its own website on the channel 4 page where you can catchup on past clips and get extra information
• Channel 4 has their own twitter feed which is advertised on their programme where you can comment on the news stories and send in photos etc.

Representation

The representation of gender in Taken reinforces traditional gender stereotypes. Liam Neeson plays the stereotypical white American male hero. In this movie he is portrayed as strong, fearless, courageous, aggressive and heroic in his quest to retrieve his kidnapped daughter. When the mission to find his daughter becomes increasingly difficult, Liam Neeson doesn't back down from the trial but instead faces the challenges head first and steps into the unknown world of trafficking without fear. These are typical qualities associated with men in action movies. Also the lack of female representation in this movie indicates that it's as if females are not seen as fit enough to face hard-hitting crimes which reinforce stereotypes. Also the fact that the plot of this action movie is that the heroic white male has to go out to rescue the helpless white female who has gotten herself in a sticky situation that she cannot escape on her own. This is a stereotypical plot and is used in many action movies. Females are presented as helpless and in need of rescuing. They are presented as needy as they can't ever seem to save themselves or do things on their own but instead they need a man to come and save them from the situations that they have gotten themselves into. This is an old-fashioned representation of women which is still present in Hollywood action movies today. Also the villains in this movie are Albanian, (Eastern-European) which fortifies stereotypes of action movies using foreigners as antagonists.

TV News Research

Research

The two TV news programmes I am researching are: BBC News and Channel 4 News

BBC NEWS

17.12.14 ---  7.00

• Chris Heaken
• Phillipines Typhoon, Salmond MP Decision, Clegg Criticises Cuts, FA Cup

18.12.14-- 7.00

• Dewani case dismissed, Food Bank, Coalition Tension, Royals in America

19.12.14--7.00

• CIA Interrogation Report, Terror Arrest, Tesco Profits Warning,  A&E Staff Shortages, Royals in America, Weather Bomb

      Key Conventions Used:

    

• Cut-Aways                                       Cameraphone footage
• Graphics                                           Website links
• Serious tone of voice
• Journalist PTC
• Studio Set
• Serious facial expression
• TV Package
• Rolling News
• Split Screen
• Pre-Recorded video clips
• Live video chats

Institution:

• Tony Hall is the CEO
• BBC News is funded by an annual television fee
• BBC News has received complaints in the past saying that "There has been too much coverage of the Oscar Pistorius Trial"
• 18-50+, ABC1

Channel 4:

• Cut-Aways                                       Cameraphone footage
• Graphics                                           Serious tone of voice
• Speech coverages
• Twitter
• Public views and opinions
• Live video chat
• Journalist PTC
• Studio Set
• Serious facial expression
• TV Package
• Split Screen
• Pre-Recorded video clips

Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Cathy Newman, Jon Snow

04.12.14--

               American Protests, Afghanistan Conference, Protesters Assault, Police Service Cuts, Sofa-Surfing Teenagers

05.12.14--
               
              Stop and Search, American Protests, Greek Model, NASA Rocket lift-off, Hypnotist Thief

06.12.14--

               Hostages Killed, Phillipines Typhoon, Chelsea vs Newcastle

Institution:
Channel 4 is publicly owned and commercially funded.

• Channel 4's Going to the Dogs showed a real-life dog fight between pit bulls
• The channel received 3,000 complaints after 'glamourising' the sport 
• 1,000 of those were sent through a template on protestors' websites
• An additional 600 were lodged to the broadcaster before the film was aired
• Ofcom also received 1,000 complaints and is deciding whether to investigate
• The RSPCA is now calling for the broadcaster to hand over the footage.

Planning

Title: YouNews
Channel: BBC Three
                 Monday, Wednesday, Friday
                 7pm-7.30
                 
Structure: 

1. Main Story snippet
2. Intro
3. Headlines
4. Main Story
5. Journalist PTC
6. Video Clips
7. Next Story
8. Interviews
9. Public/Teenage Views
10. Next Story
11. Teenage Views
12. Live video chat
13. Next Story
14. Voiceover
15. Achievement Section
16. Sign off

Presenters:
Reece Douglas & Zaraah Abrahams

News That Will Be Covered:

• Police stop and search
• American Protests
• Homeless Teenager
• London Stabbings
• Guiness World Records
• The Youth Games (Achievements mentioned)

Brand Identity:

Colour Scheme- Blue and Purple

Slogan-  The news for you

Packaging the news

Cameraphone footage, images can be provided through social media from people who may have witnessed the event or will be taken by our professional reporters. There will be animations and some scene reconstructions ,performed by teenagers, of news scenarios if needed. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook names and website links will be displayed at the end of programmes and underneath Presenter/Correspondent/Journalist etc. names.

Viewers can comment on news stories by sending in their comments via social media sites but only a selected few will be displayed on the programme. Shoutouts from the achievement section will feature ictures and videos from the people involved. E.g. football squad wins football competition and sends in picture of football team dressed in kit on the day of the victory.

Film trailer and Poster analysis

This film poster contains the following key conventions:

• Central Image
• Secondary Images
• Secondary text
• Title
• Tagline
• Production Blurb
• Stars
• Institutional Information

How do these attract a potential audience?

The use of more than one cover image helps provide the audience with extra information. Instead of reading what is going to happen in the movie the audience can simply just look at the pictures and grasp the concept of the film. A famous quote from the film has been used to help promote the movie. Use of this powerful quote creates suspense and has now become a famous phrase that many people can instantly link to the film. The fact this poster has more writing than what you would normally see on posters will intrigue audiences. Original fans of Liam Neeson films will immediately be drawn to this movie as they are familiar with the character and know what genre films he stars in. Also the institutional information will bring fans of "The Transporter" to watch this film is clearly shown to have been made by the same maker. The snappy tagline helps the reader get a clear understanding of the story.

This film trailer contains the following key conventions:

• Institutional Details
• Short clips of key moments in film to introduce characters and narrative
• Fast paced editing 
• On screen text
• Stars
• Title
• Music that communicates genre and "feel" of film

How do these attract a potential audience?

The fast paced editing adds to the thrill of the movie while the short clips gives the audience an insight as to what the film is about. Also, short clips help the audience to understand the characters and place the audience in their shoes.  Institutional details show the audience who is behind the film and use of famous stars attract existing fans. Use of particular music adds suspense to the trailer and helps the audience to feel the emotions present in the film.

I think the poster and trailer successfully promote the film because they have not only used a well known actor and famous line from the movie but have also shown the narrative clearly. The poster and trailer will attract potential audiences because they grab people's attention and help them to experience the life of the characters involved.

My Institution Case Study

Your Chosen Film

1) The film I have chosen is Taken.

2) I have chosen this film because there are different elements to the narrative. Taken isn't just your traditional 'father goes to save daughter' narrative but it is also a crime fighting, undercover type narrative which makes the film more interesting.

Institutional Background

1) The production companies behind Taken:
EuropaCorp (presents) (as EuropaCorp.), M6 Films, Grive Productions, Canal+ (with the participation of), TPS Star (with the participation of)M6, All Pictures Media, Wintergreen Productions
2) 20th Century Fox was the UK distributor for theatrical release of Taken.

No brand loyalty

1) The genre of this film is Action, Crime, Thriller

2)  I can tell this film is an is Action/Crime/Thriller because of the anonymous criminal, crime fighter(air marshal) and continuous use of guns and explosions.

3) Taken is a sequel as there is Taken, Taken 2 and Taken 3 which is coming out next year. Taken uses popular actor Liam Neeson as its marketing as they know that existing fans will be eager to see him star in the sequel.

Its All A Matter Of Timing

1) The UK release date for 'Taken' was 26th September 2008

2) TEASER TRAILER:

                                        

Risky Business:

1) The original budget for this movie was $25,000,000  

2) In the opening weekend 'Taken' made £1,165,986 (UK) (28 September 2008) (396 Screens)

3) In total, the film has made $226,830,568 (Worldwide) 

Stars In Their Eyes 

1) Pierre Morel, the director of 'Taken', has previously directed other action movies such as; The Transporter, From Paris With Love, The Gunman, District 13 and more...

2) The main star of 'Taken' is Liam Neeson

3) Liam Neeson has appeared in movies such as; The Grey, Star Wars, The Unknown, Non-Stop and more. Most of these films are action thrillers.

4) Liam Neeson and Pierre Morel are both mentioned in the trailer of the film.

Genre and NCIS

Insidious

Genre:

The genre of this movie is horror

Narrative:

A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

Character:

The characters in insidious are a typical family consisting of a young american couple with a young child. The dad acts as the 'protective father figure' while the mum is the 'concerned woman' meanwhile the boy plays the classic role of the 'helpless child with no hope'. 

Iconography:

This movie contains paradigmatic iconography of the horror genre: a villain, a victim, a family, screaming, sound effects, the element of surprise.

Setting:

This movie is set inside a typical american home that appears to be normal. However, later we discover the underworld hidden in the child's mind, created in the basement.

Non-Stop

Genre;

The genre of this movie is Action/Mystery/Thriller

Narrative:

An air marshal springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account.

Character:
The main character is your typical crime fighting air marshal, followed by your 'suspected bad guys who turn out to be innocent' and your 'suspected innocent guy who turns out to be bad'.

Iconography:
The presence of  a gun, bomb, crime fighter, criminal, explosions and death clearly indicates that this is a action thriller.

Setting:
This movie is set on a plane.

Divergent

Genre:

The genre of this movie is Action/Adventure/Romance

Narrative:

In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late.

Character;

In this movie you have your two brave heroes who eventually fall in love and your enemy who plots to destroy them.

Iconography:

It is easy to tell that this is a adventure/action movie from the use of weapons, fight scenes and explosions. It is evident that this is a romance movie because there are love scenes and boy, girl lead roles.

Setting:

This movie is set on a train, in a dentist-type room, underground, in a village and more areas.