Task One

Analysis of X-Factor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5UQD61Tg3E

This is an episode from the recent x-factor series at the judge’s house. It is a clear example for why shows such as X-factor can be labeled ad being constructed rather than reality. However the most obvious example is the formation of the group One Direction. All the boys had initially auditioned as solo's but as the show progressed Simon Cowell announced the coming together of One Direction. As a result of this, it could be argued that this isn't reality as they hadn't been accepted on the terms and intentions they had in mind when auditioning but the terms and conditions of Simon Cowell. Regardless this being beneficial for One Direction, the truth is they auditioned as solo's and wanted to make it to the top as solo's.

Therefore it is clear that changes like this can lead to audiences thinking the show is in some way constructed rather than reality. Also, changes like this may have been considered as it may be considered beneficial for the institution and cause a higher viewing rate amongst the audiences. This clearly had been proven, as the formation of One Direction caused X-Factors viewing rates to shoot up majorly. This is because the group can be seen as "eye candy" for its primary audience of young teens aged from 13 +, purely on the basis of their looks. However they could also appeal to a much older audience of 18+ through their given vocals, their on screen mannerism and the glamorous mise-en-scene which helps glamorize the group. They are given specific ques and vocals to suit their voice and allow the performance to flow, but this is done by a professional singing coach Sawan Kotecha therefore they are being told what to do and are simply puppets acting upon which string is pulled, therefore this is another reason for why the show could be considered constructed. Also, this could be considered as their new constructed identities therefore allow them to attract audiences of all ages.

The use of high key lighting helps glamorize the contestants for example their flawless make up is enlightened with the use of high top key lighting therefore audiences would aspire to look like them or achieve flawless skin as them. The use of medium close ups and extreme close ups enhances this portrayal of looking like a celebrity. The use of such a variety of shots follows the typical codes and conventions of a reality TV show as they completely change the contestant from scratch with their appearance, vocally and their character mannerism shown on screen. However in this episode the use of a long shot is used constantly perhaps to show the change in their appearance from normal young teens to very stylish/slick and cool representations in order to attract their audiences.

The genre is obviously reality and entertainment, therefore it is clear these changes within contestants are made to follow the correct conventions of entertainment, as seeing the transformations within the contestants gratifies the audiences needs of entertainment. This then creates alternative representations from when they first auditioned. Their “new” identities connote their success within the show as their new and transformed representations enables to get so far. Audiences could also view this as personal identification, for example, for someone who had nothing then found themselves living the dream. Examples of people as such are previous contestants from other shows or even the same show. E.g. Susan Boyle, JLS, Spellbound, Signature and Leona Lewis.

Theories related to this episode and the show in general are the hypodermic needle and Todrovs theory of the equilibriums. This is because throughout the show and this specific episode, the contestants are being judged. As an example the equilibrium could be their first audition and being put through to the live shows, the dis-equilibrium could be them voted out and the new equilibrium could be that they are brought back into the show through the wild card system. Therefore I feel Todrovs theory clearly fits in with the X-Factor and this episode specifically as One Direction are being judged but at the same time have reached far in the competition as they are at the judges houses.

On the other hand, the hypodermic needle also fits in with the show as the construction of the contestants new identities in many ways hypodermically injects the ideology that they are already celebrity or famous as they have been transformed in a major way and have got so far in the show. However I feel Giddens theory of Hegemony is also presented as the contestants for example One Direction are portrayed and represented as superior than other ordinary teens. Therefore this difference in status is shown throughout the show.