Broadcast: Gok Wan; How To Look Good Naked (Research)

Broadcast: I decided to look at another area of Lifestyle TV- fashion. This programme is shown on Channel 4 and I have chosen a small clip to focus my analysis on.

Gok Wan: How To Look Good Naked

Location
When the audience is first introduced to Gok Wan- the presenter, the location is outside a high street shop which establishes the theme of the programme. The programme is then located in a large, expensive looking shop.

Camera Shots and Angles
A 'Low Angle Shot' is used at the beginning when the audience is introduced to the presenter. This suggests that the presenter is powerful and knowledgeable in the show that he is presenting. The shot transitions into a CU of Gok Wan which shows he is the focus and lead of the programme, which again shows his importance as the presenter. BCU and CU shots of the clothing show detail and emphasize on elements of the clothing which the presenter or guest is commenting on. VLS show the interaction between the presenter and the guest and also allow the audience to view what the guest is wearing before the 'makeover'- which shows the contrast between Gok Wan's ability in fashion and the guest's ensemble. Also these type of shots show the clothes which are on offer in the store and may invite the audience to interact by picking out clothes which they like or would like to see the guest try on.

Lighting
Throughout the programme clip, the lighting is bright. At the beginning the lighting is natural because Gok Wan is filming outside, however the rest of the programme is indoor where the lighting is artificial. The bright lighting adds a cheery and enjoyable atmosphere to the programme, whereas if it was the dark the audience may see the programme as dull and boring. Here, the lighting adds to the cheerful character interaction and setting.

Costume
When the audience is first introduced to Gok Wan, he is wearing a long black coat, black baggy jeans and white sneakers. This casual outfit suggests that the programme is laid-back which may appeal to the audience when they are watching the programme as leisure. Also a chain on the jeans accessorizes the presenters outfit and gives him a sense of originality- which may appeal and feel exciting to the audience. The guest female wears a black t-shirt and light blue baggy jeans. In some shots she also wears a grey jumper. This casual outfit is accessorized with a black bandanna around her head, a black belt and to lobe piercings. This edgy look distinguishes her from the presenter and her 'tomboyish' outfit may intrigue the audience because the aim is for Gok to find a feminine dress to suit her.

Audience
The target audience is likely to be people who are interested in the fashion industry because the programme focuses on clothing and accessories. Although females feature in all of the episodes of the 'How To Look Good Naked' series, the male presenter adds a masculine passion to the fashion industry which may attract males to watch the programme. Also fans of Gok Wan from other programmes which he has presented may be attracted to the programme, especially as Gok Wan is known as an iconic presenter as well as an idol. Furthermore the age range of the target audience could be anywhere between 15 and 50. This is because teenagers often worry about how their figure looks and are pressurized to look a certain way by media and expectations and so 'How To Look Good Naked' may appeal to them. Also the ages up to 50 face the same problem, especially when facing getting old, body changes after pregnancy or changes in self esteem. Therefore 'How To Look Good Naked' may appeal to an older audience because it can inspire them and give them more confidence in themselves. Although knowing how to look good naked may not be a priority in the demographic group of A and B's agenda because the focus may be more professional, the programme is often set in high-end shops. Those in the A and B category may be attracted by this because they can see the latest fashions in the more expensive clothing industry- which they will be able to afford. Also the programme may appeal to those in a lower category such as D and E because these are categories which teenagers are most likely to fit in and the programme also provides inspiration for those who are normal workers, like the guests.

Sound
At the beginning there is non-diegetic music playing over the presenters diegetic dialogue. It is quiet background music and has a funky, medium paced rhythm which contributes to the fun element of the programme. When the dialogue stops the non-diegetic music becomes louder and is faded again when the presenter or guest begin to speak. The music changes when clothes are being tried on to a techno-beat sounding backing tune. It adds pace and excitement to the process of the trying on clothes which could be tedious to watch without. When the problem of what dress the guest will wear has be resolved, the music begins to sound triumphant and changes back to a slow paced beat when Gok Wan is describing his choice to the audience. Non-diegetic dialogue from the presenter is also used to add extra information.

Evaluation
The research into this genre of Lifestyle television provided an intreresting view on how the topic is presented. I like the idea of the triumphant sounding non-diegetic music when the problem is resolved. I think it may be a good idea to use similar music when the craft that the presenter has created is completed because it connotes a sense of achievement. Also, the accessories which are added to the costume of the presenter connote originality. I think that I should use quirky accessories in the costume of my presenter because, being a programme involving crafts, it suggests unique and creativeness. The feature which stuck out was the introductory shot of the presenter being a Low Angle Shot which suggests that the presenter is powerful. Although this fits into the context of this particular programme as Gok Wan is a fashion guru, I don't think applying this shot to be programme would be suitable. This is because I want the presenter to be viewed on the same level as the audience, therefore the shot should be at face angle.