1. Historcial context - intro
2. How British society has adapted to this form of television (give a brief history of the genre – social historical context)
4. Are they dumbed down? – to match the audience needs & what they expect off TV?
5. Is it really reality? – more of a constructed show/performance
6. Conclusion – why are they so popular?
Reality TV – is a genre in television which is unscripted and unrehearsed where unpredictable situations occur as it is “reality TV” based on real life rather than being constructed for screens. For example – The X Factor is live and unscripted whereas Desperate Housewives is a drama that is scripted.
Ownership and control- Ownership means to have a “legal” title to a recourse whereas control means to have the power and authority to overrule an idea or make changes.
Audience theories - describes the different ways of thinking about the audience. There are many different types of audience theores E.G - Effects theory and Cultural Effect Theory which also relate to my critical investigation.
Representation & Stereotyping - is the way in which someone is constructed on screens whether it being positive or negative. This allows the audiences to stereotype and categorise these people in their chosen groups/labels.
Genre theories – genres are various categories and genre theories are the theories that explore the diverse genres and their coded and conventions.
Reality TV – this issue/debate relates to my critical investigation as it revolves around reality TV talent shows. Therefore Reality TV would enhance my knowledge and understanding of Reality TV generally as well as specifically on Talent Shows such as X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. Within this broad genre I will be able to investigate the various types of reality TV talent shows also known as a hybrid.
Ownership and Control – this clearly links to my critical investigation as the owner of the two talent shows I am investigating (Simon Cowell) owns several other shows worldwide and is also in the panel of judges. This gives him excessive power and authority to overrule anything he may dislike or want to change. This power and authority controls the whole show as he is also very established within the media industry – production side.
Representation & Stereotyping – my chosen investigations strongly revolve around representations and stereotypes of contestants as well as the judges. For example - Simon Cowell – the main judge to impress – Lui Walsh – The one with a pointless say. Therefore stereotypes are constructed by what is shown on screen which in this case is their real persona’s and the way in which they are represented on screen which then leads onto their given stereotypes.
Audience Theories - Effect Theory - is the response of the targetted audience after viewing the product. This clearlyrelates to my case study as audiences are encouraged to act upon the effect both shows have on them. for example; if they enjoyed the performance they are encouraged to vote for their favourite contestand - however thisonlyhappens once thecontestant has made an effect ont their audeince/fans. Cultural Effects Theory - traditionaly 2 types - right wing and left wing (this comes from a more political conservative percpective) this relates to my investigation as it could be argued the two shows are dumbing down its audiences as they are less intellectuall incomparison to news channelsetc..
Genre theories – there are many sub genres within the reality TV industry especially Reality TV talent shows as it is open to a mass and diverse audience. Linking this to Britain’s Got Talent it is evident that genre theories clearly link in to my investigation as this show is about anything and everything therefore can be give many sub genres and can be categorised from all media angles. Also this would also link in with my investigation of Reality TV Talent shows as my chosen topic area itself is a genre/subgenre of different productions.
The two media texts I plan to investigate are; X-Factor and Britain’s got Talent.
The reason for why i have chosen these two texts is because they have a lot in common. For example their target audiences are the same, their concept is of a reality T show - both shows aim to change ones live for the better - Britain’s got talent by performing at the Royal Variety and X-factor by rewarding a great sum of money along with a record deal and the release of a single - both shows have live telecasts as well as pre recorded auditions. They both have a separate series following the show for example. Britain’s got more talent and The Extra Factor.
Another reason is because my critical investigation is regarding reality TV and both shows are major hits within the U.K therefore they are more appealing to audiences and there will be easier access to information etc. Personal Identification can also be a reason for why I chose these two specific texts, as I enjoy watching the shows and follow all the series therefore will have a clear understanding of the shows and typical codes and conventions used by them.
MIGRAIN on X-Factor.
M- Mise-En-Scene – the high key lighting used makes the atmosphere seem more happy and lively. The use of props such as a buzzer adds to both shows as it makes the show more exiting where the audience are unaware of who will buzz when setting a suspense tone to the show. The use of many spot lights as a top key light helps enhance the show and make contestants look either very glamorous or hopeful. For example high key top lighting could connote that someone with a good audition will be successful and could get through to the next round. Their use of non diegetic sound of when someone gets through is very upbeat and joyous. A common song played is “What about now by Westlife”. The show also uses various shots to create a tense atmosphere. E.g when someone is going to be told whether they are through or not, they use a close up (CU) or an Extreme Close Up (ECU) to enhance their state of mind and emotion.
I-Many Institutions are sponserers of The X-factor such as Talk Talk Mobile and Dominos Pizza. These are very well known Institutions, one for communication and one for food. They are mentioned at the very beginning of the programme and during adverts to help market their institutions. However X-Factor is broadcast on Channel Three which is famous for other hit reality TV shows such as Britain’s got Talent. They aim at audiences of all age during the day however after 10pm like all other typical channels, target their programs at a much elder audience as programmes may contain abusive language or explicit scenes unsuitable for younger audiences.
G-Genre, well the genre is of course a reality TV show, as well as a Comedy because of its humours sides for example funny auditions or funny remarks made by the judges, Suspense as you are unaware who will get through and who will not get through. Family can also be seen as a genre as it is something families could watch together and enjoy.
R- There are many representations within the reality TV show. Some of which are; the acceptance of multicultural people as people of all races audition and are strictly judge on their talent regardless their religion or ethnicity, therefore gives out positive representations of unity perhaps. Representations of genuine beings is also portrayed as those who audition are every day individuals and aren’t the most attractive of people therefore the show gives representations of genuine every day people, allowing the audiences to identify with the programme in more depth.
A-The audiences of both shows are the same. The reason for this is because they are both broadcast at 7pm which is primetime TV, especially within families therefore the audiences vary from the young children to adults. It is also aimed at all demographics as the judges are from the top classes A and those that auditions vary from B – C1 – C2 – D and E. Therefore this enables the show to appeal and target a mass audience rather than a niche.
I-The shows conveys the typical ideologies and values of a reality TV programme. This is shown through The X-factor fulfilling their typical values of making the ordinary people extra ordinary. For example Leona Lewis who was a no one but now is one of the biggest music artists around.
N- The narrative is pretty basic at it is all to do with changing one’s life for the better. You can audtion as part of a group or a soloist, you then perform what you have to and are judged. The judges then make a decision to whether you are through the next round, however they can also buzz you mid way your audition depending on how bad it is. This continues throughout the pre recorded shows and the live shows and the show is then left for the audiences to call in and vote for their favourite contestant. Once done so, you are left with a winner.
The theories i would apply to both texts are; Todrovs Equilibriums – as the show as a good point – a positive start to the show where they show the entrances of judges etc then the dis equilibrium where they find no one suitable for a place further along in the competition, then follows the resolution of the equilibrium where they stumble across someone who has potential and finally the new equilibrium is them being put through further in the competition in hope that they could win.
Also the hypodermic needle where the show injects ideas into the mind of its audience for example, when the judge criticises then the audiences agree and also when they praise the auditions then so do we as consumers of these texts.
