Broadcast: Kirstie's Handmade Britain (Research)

TV Spots
I decided to do some research on how new TV programmes are promoted to begin to shape an idea for my broadcast piece.
'Kirstie's Handmade Britain' TV Spot seemed to be a good idea to focus on as I want to create a piece relating to craft and interior.
I analysed how this video of 'Kirsite's Handmade Britain' may of attracted an audience, which will help me to develop ideas for my broadcast piece.

Analysis: Kirstie’s Handmade Britain TV Spot

Kirstie’s Handmade Britain is a Lifestyle TV programme shown on Channel 4 which relates to my idea involving a new interior Lifestyle TV programme for Synopticity Productions. The TV Spot is less than 2 minutes and advertises the new programme presented by Kirstie Allsop. The TV Spot is shown on Channel 4.

Features of the TV Spot:

A LS of an idyllic house is shown at the beginning of the TV Spot which suggests by watching this advertised programme, the audience can also create an idyllic lifestyle, it also captures the audience’s attention. This is accompanied by non- diegetic music which is light-hearted with a simple rhythm and is played throughout the advert which suggests the advertised programme is enjoyable and easy going. The audience is introduced to the new programme and the presenter with diegetic dialogue from Kirstie which addresses her passions, the topic of the new programme and directly addresses the audience in a single sentence: ‘I have a passion for crafts, and it turns out so do you’. This immediately makes the audience feel involved because they are informed that they share the same passion with Kirstie and it highlights what ‘Kirstie’s Handmade Britain’ is about. The camera shots then transition to CU of features which Kirstie mentions. For example when she talks about embroidery, a CU shot of a beautiful embroided object is shown and when she talks about mosaics a CU of a mosaic is shown. This suggests to the audience that Kirstie’s new programme addresses a variety of different crafts which the audience may see as exciting.

 The TV Spot also compiles clips from the programme of Kirstie hand making crafty objects and what he encounters along her journey which suggests that the audience can learn a variety of new crafts by watching the show and that the programme’s focus varies every episode. Positive diegetic dialogue from Kirstie such as ‘that’s amazing’ accompanies the clip which creates a positive and cheerful atmosphere. This will attract an audience because it suggests by watching the new programme they can also achieve success in craft making like Kirstie. There are CU and MCU shots of Kirstie’s emotions such as concentration, enjoyment and a scene of her crying, which may eject empathy from the audience and intrigue them. LS show the settings and activities which Kirstie is partaking in which makes the audience feel involved. There is non- diegetic dialogue from Kirstie saying what the programme is about whilst scenes are shown from the programme which informs the audience and may make them want to watch the full series rather than the short TV Spot. Also diegetic dialogue from ‘normal people’ is used which may attract an audience to watch the whole programme because they can relate to ‘normal people’ rather than a well-known presenter.

The TV Spot ends by showing the title of the programme which is on a background image of a rural fair with Kirstie holding a gold trophy and winning ribbon. The image connotes success, competition, fun and English roots. This may attract an audience because the connotation of competition may evoke intrigue and ‘fun’ suggests that the programme is also exciting and enjoyable.

Mise-en-Scene:

Objects such as fabrics, sewing machines, scissors and cookery equipment are the main objects featured in the TV Spot. All of this associated with homemade craft which is the theme of the programme being advertised. Raw objects such as flowers and vegetables are also featured which suggest that anyone can take part in joining Kirstie’s journey of craft making because everything involved is easily accessible.

Setting/Lighting:

The setting follows the journey of Kirstie’s craft making. The variety of settings from her house to agricultural shows to fair marquees suggests that the programme offers a wide range of exciting possibilities which may attract an audience to watch the show. Also, the settings are mainly outside. The lighting in the TV Spot is always bright which suggests the programme is cheerful and enjoyable which may attract an audience who is looking for a happy, light hearted programme.

Presenter:

Kirstie Allsop is described as a cheerful, exciting and captivating presenter. This reputation suggests that the advertised programme will follow in these expectations and provide an enjoyable journey through her craft making. Kirstie is well known for presenting Lifestyle TV which suggests that she will emanate her professionalism in this new programme that she is advertising on the TV Spot, and so it may attract an audience because the presenter has experience in the lifestyle area.

Costume and Makeup:

Kirstie Allsop wears smart- casual clothing in the TV Spot which shows she is the presenter but also that she fits in with audience and people she features in her programme. This suggests the programme is centred around her but involves others. Her makeup is subtle which draws less attention to what she looks like and more attention to the advertising of her programme. She wears a few accessories which makes her stand out as the presenter of the programme and her hair is down which suggests the programme is easy going and enjoyable, rather than something which requires a lot of concentration.

Evaluation:

I like the idea of creating a short TV Spot which advertises the new Lifestyle programme for Synopticity Productions. I can use the features which I have noted from Kirstie’s Handmade Crafts, especially as both my idea and the programme fit in the lifestyle genre. However I will also need to mention the channel and time that the programme is on to inform the audience. I could create 4 x 30 Second TV Spots which total the required time of 2 minutes. Also I will use the features which I have noted here to begin to shape my idea on camera angles, lighting etc. I shall do further research into Lifestyle programmes to build on this idea and eventually form the final product.