Media Pre-Production - CW.

For the MEST2 coursework Gagan, Anita and I are going to produce a fiction product, which will be targeting E4's demographics 15-35 year old. The five programs I have chosen which broadcast on E4 are:

• 90210
• Misfits
• Made In Chelsea
• Friends
• Hollyoaks

The reason, why our group have chosen to analyse these five specific TV programs is because the narrative for each programme are appropriate in producing our product. Also, in order to produce an effective product, I am going to be analyse the two-minute opening for each programs by including media language.

1) 90210

(I will be analysing the opening two minutes of this clip)

Firstly, at beginning of the clip clearly the 180-degree rule is used to convey the conversation between both of the characters. However, if the 180-degree rule is broken it will confuse the audience in making them think that the characters are looking away from each other. The camera movement of panning is used in showing the character car, however the camera focuses back on to the female character (Naomi). A medium shot is used in this specific part of the female character on the phone, which could connote that she is in a rush to go somewhere due to her facial expressions looking worried and through the way she behaves. Additionally panning is used throughout the shot of the female character driving the car which keeps up to date with her actions. Furthermore, there are different camera framing used throughout this clip which would appeal the audience. A effective camera framing is the close up of the two couples hands who are getting married. This is because, the previous shot we see the female character running to the wedding chapel to stop the wedding; therefore by editing those two shots and putting them together, keep the audience intrigued in making them think that she might be too late. However, a cut is used which changes the camera framing of the close up  into a long shot, which focuses on the female character (Naomi) running into the wedding chapel. The long shot is effective as it could give the audience a sense of relief that she made it in time before the ring is put on the male character finger. Evidently, the medium shot of the three characters who are the guest to the wedding which the camera focuses, could connote that they are embarrassed for their friend crashing the wedding. This is highlighted through their facial expressions in looking shocked and surprised; as the audience, we almost feel sympathetic towards the female character (Naomi) as she has embarrassed herself in front of everybody. Moreover, the last shot at the end of the two minutes opening is of the female character sitting alone on the bench outside. Thecamera framing of a long shot is used which reinforces the idea of her loneliness as she embarrassed herself and lost the guy she loves. I have print screened three of the images below which I think are important, as I am going to be analysing the mise-en scenefor each of them.

First Clip.

(Female character name in this clip is Naomi)

Firstly, a over the shoulder shot highlights that both characters are having an conversation  however the camera focuses on the female character at this point. The camera framing of a medium shot  is used of the female character clearly shows she is upset and shocked about the news she has be given.This is conveyed through her facial expressions as she does not look happy and the audience would be able to recognise this from the female character eyes as it almost looks as if she is about to cry; alongside with her mouth opened which conveys her surprised reaction to the news she has heard. However, if we did not see this specific clip above, where I have print-screened the shot, this shot would be an enigma code for the audience. This is because, the audience could been intrigued in wanting to know, why the female character looks astound and astonished therefore it would raise questions in the audiences mind. The location in this specific shot appears to be in an airport, suggesting that the female character was about to go somewhere across the country, however she has been stopped due to the news she has heart. Furthermore, even though we cannot see completely what she is wearing from this shot, her clothing suggest she is wealthy. This is because  the golden necklace she wears could convey that she is affluent as the colour 'gold' connotes wealth, success and power, which could be representing her character. Additionally, her hair is tied up in a low bun from the shot and she is wearing a black coat, which could connote a sense of maturity. This is because, she looks sophisticated from her appearance as she is not wearing so much make-up and is not revealing her body. 

Secondly, the setting of this shot is clearly in a wedding chapel/church as both character are about to get married. We can clearly recognise this from the female character clothing, as she is wearing a strapless white dress and the colour white is ideal for a bride dress. Additionally, from the female character appearance she is represented in looking beautiful and sophisticated due to her hairstyle which is kind of a 60's look. The jewellery she is wearing of earrings and and an necklace makes her look elegant as keeps her look simple. The camera framing, used above is an over the shoulder shot, which focuses on the female bride, even though we can see a bit of the facial expression from the male character. The facial expressions are effective in this specific shot because it clearly highlights to the audience that something bad has happened on their wedding day. This is indicated through the facial expression of the bride looking confused and surprised at her finance husband, which could connote that she has found something out which has made a stop to their wedding. Followed from this, is the male character (groom) facial expression with his mouth slightly opening connoting he is speechless and his eyes directed to somebody else from that specific clip. This could connote, somebody has entered in the church who the male character knows or somebody has said something about the him, which has shocked the his "future wife to be".

Thirdly, the setting of the shot above is taken from somewhere outside however it conveys a  peaceful scenery. The surrounding in which the shot is taken of trees and the sea in the  background creates an calm atmosphere, however this could link to the female character. This is because, the establishment/long shot of the female character sitting alone outside could suggest she is reflecting back on something or thinking about somebody; therefore the peaceful scenery could reflect her state of mind at this very moment. Also, this is clearly followed by her facial expression and body language of the female character in looking emotionless which could connote that something bad has happened or she has lost somebody close to her. The propp used in this shot is a flower which she is holding could be symbolic in terms of that she has lost somebody close therefore she might be grieving  This is because, the colour white represents purity, goodness, peace and lose. However, others could argue that the prop of the flower does not entirely mean she has lost somebody close to her, it could be representing the character goodness and purity.

Audience: Lastly the target audience for this program would be aimed at teenagers from the age of 16+, as well as adults from 20+. This is because,  90210 would appeal to adults and teenagers as well because some of the narratives are about relationships, problems at school ect therefore adults/teenagers can relate to it. The uses and gratifications associated with 90210 I think are:

• Personal Identity - The audience can relate to some of the problems and feel as if they in the position of that character; feel connected to them.
• Entertainment - They would be able to feel relaxed,shed a tear or laugh and just be able to enjoy watching the program. 

2) Made In Chelsea

Firstly, the camera movement of tracking is used to which focuses on the female character actions, as she walks through the park to her boyfriend. Along side with the tracking shot is a long shot which is effective in showing how the female character looks in terms of her clothing. Also, the first medium shot the audience get is of the male character who does not look too happy to see his girlfriend due to his facial expressions in being emotion less. This could suggest, that they both had an argument or a conformation is about to occur. Moreover, the 180-degree (also known as an over the shoulder shot) is used in order to show the conversation between both of the characters and from the conversation as the audience, we can acknowledge both characters are sorting out trust issues. Additionally, the 180-degree rule is very important because, if the rule is broken it would confuse the audience as it would look as if the characters are looking away from each other.

Pictures below are print-screened from the clip below, and I will be analysising the mis-en-scene for each one.

Firstly, the camera framing of a long shot, is used to show the female character walking towards her boyfriend and a tracking shot is used for this. The long shot is effective in conveying the female character appearance and body language to the audience. This is because, from her clothing especially her low neck black lace top could connote a sexiness side in her and maturity as she is not revealing too much; appropriate for teenager girls  who watch this program and are aspired to grow up like her. Additionally, as the audience, we can tell that the shot is taken on a windy day as the female character hair is swept back from the wind. However, as she is wearing a revealing top, her hair back makes her look more attractive. Furthermore, the setting for this shot looks more as if it is in a park because of the path she is working on, the trees, boat in the background. Moreover, we can not see the the male character in the grey jumper and blue cap, however as the audience we can tell that he is looking at her therefore he is either her boyfriend or friend. Also, the sound used in shot is both diegetic and non diegetic. This is because, diegetic sound is clearly shown from the conversation between both characters,where as non diegetic sound is the music added at the start of the clip. The music added at the very beginning of the clip, is pretty up-beat with the sounds of of drums, which could appeal to the audience more as it does not make the feel bored.

A medium close up is used of the female character ( Millie) which is effective in showing the audience how she looks. Personally, I think this shot is powerful as from her facial expressions she looks angry as she is not smiling which could connote something bad. However, even though from her facial expressions she might look angry, this could reinforces the idea of her attractiveness, through her clothing. This is because, her black low neck top is abit revealing, connoting a sexiness side in her which could appeal to the male audience who watch this program. Furthermore, from her body language and the way she looks from her facial expressions, she confident and head strong; gives a more powerful shot of her. Moreover, the background of the shot is blurred out, focusing on the female character, which could connote she is an important character for this specific narrative; hence why her name is shown next to her, which is useful for the audience if they do not know who she is.

Audience: The target audience for Made In Chelsea would be 16-25 year old, because the characters in the program are all either in their early 20's or late, therefore it would appeal to adults  as well as teenagers because of their narrative include, such as; love, relationship, friend ships ect. Also, the social economic classification I would associate this program with, would be class B. This is because, even though the program is a structure reality, the characters are represented as being wealthy due to their careers,, therefore class B would be suitable. The uses and gratification associated with Made In Chelsea would be:

• Entertainment - This is because, the audience would be able to feel relaxed and released emotions whilst watching the program.
• Escapism - audience would be able to escape everyday problems and routines therefore they would feel more relaxed whilst watching the program.

3) Friends

(I will be analysing up to 2:00)

Firstly, the 180-degree rule (over the shoulder shot) is used between the two male/female character, which conveys they are having a conversation. Medium shots are used often throughout most of the beginning of the shot, because they are sitting around a table, therefore ideally you cannot film the character whole body. However, the medium shots are effective in highlighting to the audience the different characters therefore, they would be able to recognise them. Also, non diegetic sound is clearly portrayed in some of the shots through the editing the sound effect of laughter whenever a character says something funny. This would be effective on the audience, because it conveys to them something funny has be said or happened, or the audience would laugh with the comments the characters made as well. Additionally, diegetic sound is clearly highlight from the characters dialogue with each other; audience would easily recognise this. Furthermore, the setting for this specific scene, is located in a kitchen/ dinning area, which is easy to recognise because of all the props in the background such as, mugs, cups, plates, fridge, oven, ect; setting is effective as it gives a homely atmosphere to the audience. Furthermore, at 0:49-052 a tracking shot is used on the male character to convey his actions of getting up and walking to the female character. This is useful, as from the beginning we see them all sitting around the table and with a bit of movement helps to keep the audience hooked; as it would be boring if they all sat around the table throughout the whole scene.

Analysed the mis-en-scene in the shot below.

Establishment shot is used, which clearly highlights the setting for this clip which is in a kitchen/dinning area. We can tell the setting is in a kitchen/dinning area from the props in the background such as, fridge, table, oven, mugs, cups, plates ect. These props, are typically associated with this setting also the fact all the characters are sitting around the table conveys they are having dinner together; gives a homely atmosphere to the audience. Also, the two female characters are standing up where as the male characters are sitting down suggesting that something might of happened. This is because, the body language of the female character with her arms on each side of her waist could connote she is angry with the male characters, suggesting they have  something wrong Additionally, both female character facial expressions connote to the audience that they are not impressed with the three men.

Audience: I think the target audience for Friends, would be 16-30 year old  because the narratives would appeal to both adults and teenagers. The social economic classification would be class C1-B, as the characters in the program have middle class jobs such as being part of business  therefore the audience could relate to this. The uses and gratification associated with Friends would be:

• Entertainment - Most of the narrative in Friends contains humour, therefore the audience would be very much entertained whilst watching the program as they would be laughing. 
• Escapism - Audience be able to escape from their daily routines and problems, therefore their minds would be focused on the program which makes them feel more relaxed.

4) Hollyoaks

(Analysis of the first 2:00)

Firstly, the setting for the clip above is in three locations; first one is shown in a hospital room where a girl is lying in a bed, where as the second and third location  is in a family kitchen and living room. At 0:11-014 a tilt up is used on the female character which is effective in showing her hiding a piece of toast under her sleeves, then turning around to see if her mum saw, could connote she might have an eating disorder. The medium shot of her giving a little smirk as her mum comes to her with food, connoting she is happy that her mum did not see her hiding the toast under her sleeves. Also the make up used on the female characters are cuts on her forehead which could connote she might of been in an accident and the fact that she looks pale with bags under her eyes emphasises the idea that she might be ill. The non diegetic sound is used at the beginning of the clip by editing in a song which could be effective on the audience in order for them to just focus on the events at this moment. However, the digetic sound is conveyed through the dialogue of the characters within the scene. At the beginning of 1:24 the 180-degree rule is used in showing the on going conversation between the mother and daughter.

The reason why I chose this specific shot to analyse out of the whole clip is because, I thought the shot was effective in conveying the female character emotions. Firstly, the female character looks emotional less from her facial expressions by not smiling and keeping a straight face, as if she is not pleased about something; hence why she does not look happy when her mother gives her a hug. The make up used on the female character makes her look ill from her bags under her eyes, the cuts on her cheek; however this could connote that she might of been in an accident previously. Also, the camera  framing of an over the shoulder shot gives a sense of tension to the audience between the mother and daughter. This is because, the female character does not look satisfied hugging her more and we can see this through the character eyes, which could connote something is worrying her.
Audience: I think the target audience for Hollyoaks would be 15-30year olds because, some of the narrative does appeal to an adults as well as teenagers too. For instance, some of the narrative include aspects of love, relationships, family problems, friendship, real life problems ect therefore adults and teenagers could relate to this. The uses and gratifications which I think are associated with Hollyoaks are:

• Personal Identity -  the audience would be able to the relate to one of the characters and his/her personal problems. This would make the audience feel connected to them and feel as if they are in that character position.
• Entertainment - audience would be able to feel relaxed, shed a tear, laugh whilst watching the program.
• Escapism - this would allow the audience to escape from their daily routines or problems, which would make feel relaxed whilst watching the program.  

5) Misfits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R82UXQ-1oE

(I wasn't able to upload the video on to my blog, because I couldn't find it when I searched for it by clicking the insert video button; therefore I copied and pasted the link for it.)

Firstly, the 180-degree rule is used at the beginning to the middle of the clip (stops at 0:30) which highlights the on going conversation between both of the characters. From this conversation, as the audience we can acknowledge that both characters are talking about the bar maid in the background. This is shown when the male character turns around to face both of the character in the background, which then the camera focuses on them. Moreover, the setting for this clip is in a bar/pub, which the audience would be able to recognise this from props such as the drink bottles, glasses ect on the bar in the background. Also, as the location looks deserted as they are only four people, could suggest that it is shot during the morning as normally bars/pubs are often busy during the evening or night. The most effective camera angle conveyed is a low angle, which is conveyed between 0:57-1:07, as the male character is looking down at the other character. The low camera angle represents the male character in being superior/powerful in comparison to the other male character; effects the audience in making them think that he is going to hurt him. 

Audience: target audience would be 16-25 year olds, this is because it does include some adult content such as sexual scenes, swearing ect therefore it would be suitable for this age group. Also, Misfits connects to the target audience as the characters are in the program are at the similar age, therefore they could relate to some of the problems a specific character is going through. The uses and gratifications associated with Misfits are:

• Entertainment
• Escapism
• Identity