Sunday 10 February 2013


1) How are characters/stars in the film represented in:
  • Print Media?
  • Broadcast Media?
  •  E-Media?
Print
 A example of a print media is the Ill Manors film poster which only shows the male character suggesting, that he is the protagonist. A long shot is used of the character which allows the audience  to see his clothing, facial expression and the prop he holds however; as the film title is covering the male character clothing this could suggest, that film name is more important. One could argue, that the prop of a gun has negative connotations such death, blood and danger, which could be representing him in a negative way as being deviant. However, in some extent a gun has positive connotations such as protection and freedom. Additionally, the the male character clothing also represents him as being dangerous as tracksuit bottoms/hoody/cap stereo-typically represent the young troubled youth and the gun makes him seem even more harmful. Similarly, the colour black symbolizes  death, violence and authority which could reinforce the idea of the male character being harmful. Furthermore, the audience would be able to recognise that the male character looks serious and emotional less which is shown through his facial expressions. The way the film poster is presented is different to other teen urban films as majority of the characters look straight in the camera; known as direct mode address. Where as, in this film poster  shot of the male character head titled to one side while holding a gun is effective, in representing him as a threat to society. Moreover, the setting for this film poster is in the area of council estates which is clearly shown in the background of the flats. This could relate to the protagonist and maybe the other characters in the film as being brought up deprived areas where they experiences a harsh childhood. Furthermore, the setting links well with how the male character is being represented in the poster. This is because, in society people assume that young adults who live in council estates are troubled and are dangerous therefore, they do not take any interest in them therefore; the male character is not only represented negatively but he could also represented as be a working class individual.

Broad Cast Media
(BBC Radio 1 Interview) http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00pvgb9

The link above is a BBC Radio 1 interview with Ben Drew as he discusses the film Ill Manors with Fearne Cotton. In this interview, Ben Drew is represented positively as being a successful artist who has put in a huge amount of work and time in the producing a successful film. For instance, he reveals that it is time consuming in producing Ill Manors and finishing of the album however, he does admit that he feels like having his life back as he wants a break. Moreover, the fact that he asked random young teenagers from the streets to be apart of Ill Manors clearly represents Ben Drew as being a person who is dedicated to his work. Towards the end of the interview he reveals, that the Olympics which is taking place in East London Stratford is a good think as that area has always been "neglected" therefore, individuals have something to look forward to. Additionally, during the Olympics Ben Drew took part in the Hackney weekend where he believes that this event is all about "giving something back to the local kids" which he wants to be involved in. Also, he believes that any way the Olympics involve kids are is a positive approach as it keeps them of the streets therefore, he decided to be apart of the Hackney weekend. This suggest that in this radio interview, Ben Drew is represented in being a positive and good role model to young adults as he is passionate about changing their lives. Furthermore, as Ben Drew was born into a working class family where he experienced a deprived childhood in this interview, he is not represented as being a working class individual as he has worked up the social ladder in society and achieved his success.  

Ill Manors Premire
The video above is an interview at the Ill Manors premier with the actress Anouska Mond who plays the female character of Michelle. In this interview, she reveals how she feels about playing the character Michelle who is represented negatively in the film as being objectified, drug addict and a prostitute. In the film, the character Michelle is clearly represented as being apart of a  working class background as she struggles to cope with life on her own and they only way for her to escape her problems is by taking drugs and prostitution. This negative representation of working class females, who have no money and have been brought up in a deprived area are stereotyped in society as being troubled. This is because, individuals who are from privileged background would assume that females who are from council estates, wears revealing clothing and have no jobs would be associated with these things. Furthermore, in terms of gender representation in Ill Manors the males are the ones who have the power and control where as, the two female characters are represented as being powerless. This could reflect society as being patriarchal therefore, women are seen as having no say and are dominated by men. In the interview, Anouska Mond does state that the film is not a portrayal of how society is however; there are some issues in where the female audience can relate to her character. Furthermore, in terms of Anouska Mond on screen female character Michelle, her ethnicity is portrayed negatively. This could highlight a stereotype in society which reflects white and black ethnic groups as as being harmful and dangerous in society.

E-Media
(MSN Video Plan B – Interview)

In this interview, Ben Drew discusses his new album called The Defamation of Stickland and the songs on the track. The interview takes place in a pub where Ben Drew and the James Hurley have a pint of beer, which is different from other interviews. The clothing Ben Drew is wearing is very casual for a interview which could suggest, that he is represented as being a relaxed artist. Also, he is represented as a working class individual through the way he speak. For instance, in the beginning of the interview when James Hurley asks him how he is Ben Drew says "I'm good man" which is informal and not sophisticated for a interview as he refers him as a "man". Also, this could link to his childhood as he was kicked out of school as he did not value education because of his deprived up bringing therefore; a lack of education has resulted in making him speak non fluently.

2) Now look at what values and ideologies are communicated within these representations

  • Think about the people/places/ideas that are used/communicated
  • How and why they are presented to the audience in this way?
  • How is the audience represented? Do they get a chance to represent themselves? E.g. Twitter.

Ben Drew ideologies are clearly presented to the audience in the interview clips with him above. The audience would acknowledge his key beliefs, as he is passionate about making a difference in society especially for teenagers who have been brought up in a deprived area. This highlights, a positive representation of Ben Drew as being a good role model to younger children because, he believes in teenagers from deprived areas in becoming successful like just like him. Also, in the interview with Anouska Mond  at the Ill Manors premier are beliefs are shown as well, as she states that there are some aspects of the film which show a portrayal of society. Moreover, she states that women do face some of the problems are female character goes through in the film but unfortunately, some women do not report it in the media therefore; she "wants the audience to go in, watch it and for their own opinion"
3) Now think of how the film communicates with audiences across the 3 platforms:
  • Are there any differences or similarities in the representations of:
  • The actors/stars (their star persona)
  • People (race, gender, age etc)
  • Places (countries, regions, etc)
  • Values and ideologies (class, politics, religion, lifestyle, beliefs etc)

There are similar representation of ideologies across the print and broadcast media shown above. This is because, in the Ill Manors film poster the male character is represented as being a deviant working class, suggesting that Ben Drew is challenging the stereotype as he believes that working class individuals are targeted in society, therefore; this male character could be a good person in the film. Similarly, in the BBC Radio 1 interview Ben Den is also represented as being a working class individual who has worked very hard to succeed in life. In this specific interview, his ideologies are clearly presented to the audience as they would be aware that Ben Drew is passionate about changing teenagers lives who have been brought up in deprived areas.

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