Broadcast: The Review Show (Research)

The Review Show- Youtube Link

As I have to design a series of broadcast pieces to promote the new Lifestyle TV programme, I decided to look at another way of promoting a programme on TV. I decided to analyse how the 'The Review Show' promoted a new TV programme, which I may be able to use as one of my ideas for a broadcast piece.

The Review Show

The Review Show is a programme on BBC 4 (used to be shown on BBC2) where a new programme is described and reviewed by a small group of people. There is a main presenter and the show is set in a studio. Clips from the new programme being reviewed are used as well as dialogue from the main presenter and the other people- all of which are female- which gives an insight to the new show. Each programme being reviewed can take up to 20 minutes.

Setting/ Mise-en-scene:

Studio. The background is screens which show ‘The Review Show’ and clips from the programme. Presenter and reviewers are sat on sofas, with a table in the centre which has folders, papers and drink glasses on.

Features of the Show:

The main presenter introduces the new programme. She tells the audience the name of the new programme, the channel that the programme is on and provides background information on the setting and context. Furthermore she uses descriptive language to inform the audience. A CU shot of the main presenter is used whilst she introduces the programme so that the audience is focused on what she has to say. However ‘The Review Show’ is on the background screen which reminds the audience what the show is about and provides a simple background which promotes the show whilst the presenter is speaking.

After the introduction from the presenter, the screen transitions to show a clip of the new programme. Throughout the clip there is text at the bottom left of the screen which informs the audience of the programme name and production company. At the beginning of the clip there is presenter dialogue over the clip which sets the scene and informs us of characters and the actors. Whilst the presenter speaks, music from the programme clip can be heard but no dialogue. Then, the clip changes and focuses on dialogue from a scene which shows a theme that the new programme addresses (the presenter doesn’t provide dialogue). Dialogue from the presenter then introduces further characters (sound from the clip is muted) by showing a different scene. Another scene addressing a new theme is shown with the characters dialogue.

After the audience is shown the clip of the new programme a LS of the people and presenter reviewing the show is shown. The presenter influences the discussion and the three other reviewers give opposing opinions which provides a range of viewpoints and insights into the new programme. There are CU shots of the speaker and MCU shots of the other reviewers’ facial expressions- do they agree or disagree? One last scene of the programme is used to back up a significant point; text is again at the bottom left of the screen however the presenter doesn’t provide dialogue over the clip. The discussion is wrapped up by the presenter providing a final positive point. Also mentions the context, producers, information about the production, genre and theme which the presenter has on a cue card.

Costume/Makeup:

The presenter and the three other reviewers all wear smart-casual clothing. This suggests that they hold importance but also review the programme in the same which a ‘normal person’ may do. Their makeup is simple as are their accessories; however there is emphasis on the eyes with eye shadow.

Evaluation & Relating ‘The Review Show’ to an idea:

I could do a 1 minute TV spot similar to The Review Show which promotes my Lifestyle TV idea. The presenter would introduce the Lifestyle programme, addressing the name, channel, genre and what it is about. A short clip (around 30 seconds) of the Lifestyle TV programme could then be shown with text informing the audience of the production company (Synopticity Productions) and title of the programme in the bottom left of the screen. Instead of reviewing the programme, the presenter relates the programme to the present climate and comments on what the programme offers- incorporating the target audience into what he/she says. This is because reviewing the programme would take longer than the set 2 minutes. The setting would be similar to the studio which The Review Show is set in and have a screen in the background with the title of the show on. The screen will then show the clip of the new programme.

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.

Initial Research Into Lifestyle TV

Lifestyle TV Case Study

Importance of a Presenter
Gok Wan's TVshows rely on his role as presenter to attract a TV audience. This is because he is exremely well known among generations which will attract people to watch his programmes- whether as critics or fans. His primary audience is mainly females which are young adults and older. This is because his programmes focus on transforming a female and restoring their confidence- which all females desire. Not only is Gok Wan adored by many fashionistas, he is also looked up to as an influence and a role model- which will attract a large TV audience. He is a representative of a male whom has suffered personal experiences involving obesity, racism and homophobia, which means people may relate to him and look up to him for support. Therefore they will faithfully watch his TV shows. This shows how a presenter who has a large influence over many different people attracts a TV audience. People may view the presenter of a show as their idol and stay faithful to watching each programme. If a presenter was someone that an audience couldn't relate to its likely that the viewing numbers would decrease.

Lifestyle TV Categories:

• Food
• Gardening
• Health
• Parenting
• Interior
• Travel
• Hobbies
• Nature

An audience for four of these categories may be:

• Food- Housewives and chefs because housewives may want inspiration for different meals and chefs will enjoy trying new creations which they have come across on a TV programme. Depending on the type of food programme a different audience will view it. For example 'Jamie's Money Saving Meals' may be watched bu univeristy students or families with less income (C and below demographic categories) because both want to save money and have a restricted budget.
• Gardening- A niche audience of gardners and those interested in the outside world. This is because the category is specifically tailored for the hobby of gardening and so those interested in gardening will watch programmes associated with it.
• Health- People in a medical profession or people suffering from health issues because a health related programme will offer knowledge and advice for them to practice.
• Parenting- Parents, mostly mothers. This is because mothers are more known to bring up the child and be more maternal than nales. Males traditionally, and stereotypically, work whilst the female looks after the child and so parenting programmes would be more commonly watched by females. In terms of the 'Uses and Gratifications' theory females would use parenting programmes as surveillance because they are learning useful information from the programme. Also females may use the programmes to help their personal identity by learning common values and beliefs that mothers share.

Channels
A lot of Lifestyle programmes are shown on Channel 4 and E4. This is because  they are less serious than institutions such as the BBC and ITV and so allow for more personal and relatable programmes- which Lifestyle is.

Magazine Shows
Lifestyle programmes are often called 'Magazine Shows'. This is because the address similar issues  the magazine address such as parenting and fashion. Also magazines are produced for niche audiences that enjoy a particular subject- as is Lifestlye TV.