LFTVD Codes and Conventions

Name of Set Product = Stranger Things

How does the opening to the drama start?What can I see/ what can I hear? 

• The scene starts with a scientist running away from something with alarms in the background, flashing lights and panic. The scientist gets taken by presumably a monster.

Are title credits used? How are they integrated into the sequence? Can I see the Drama’s title, who produced and owns the drama?

• The title is introduced between the scenes presenting the makers etc. and the name is shown at the end of the title sequence finishing with ‘created by The Duffer brother.’

What and who are we introduced to? Characters, locations and settings? Are these recognisable? Do they feel ‘real’?

• We are introduced to the four main boys in an American Suburban town. They are playing Dungeons and Dragons therefore are nerdy characters. They are your typical geeks with typical families.

What themes are introduced? Family, friendship, love, money, revenge, community etc…?

• The theme of the supernatural is introduced as we see in the first scene where the scientist gets taken. Also Will is being chased by a monster figure resulting in him vanishing.

Is a story or plot set up in the opening episode? What do I understand is happening and how do I know?

• The opening episode introduces us to the characters, what they are like, their relationships etc. We begin seeing the stories unfold but are still unsure how they connect by the end of the episode. 

What does the drama look like? Frequent camera, editing, sound and mise-en-scène devices used?

• The drama is filled with many twists and turns, chases, supernatural features, plot twists. Such as the shooting of Benny, the search for Will etc. There is a lot of content crammed into just one episode. 

- The opening to my chosen long form TV drama begins with a scientist being chased by something which eventually takes him.
- The title credits used are Stranger Things: Chapter one – The vanishing of Will Byers.
- The characters introduced are Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Nancy, Hopper, Mike’s family, scientist, Joyce, Jonathan
- The locations and in my chosen drama are Hawkins Indiana, Suburban town, The department of energy, Suburban houses, woods
- The main themes introduced are the supernatural, teenagers, family, police, good vs bad, the 80s

- The most common uses of camerawork in the opening are slow pans to emphasize the action but also the mystery.
- Some of the typical editing devices used in my chosen drama include quick cuts which makes it more exciting to watch and scarier when there are jump scares.
- The use of mise-en-scene helps to gives us a sense of the time era (I.e. the 80s)
- The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound helps to show the supernatural (E.g. the sound of the monster).

1.         How are the formal codes and conventions used in the set product to help the audience recognize the episode as a long form TV drama?

• The first episode of stranger Things opens up this new world and introduces many different narrative story line strands which aren't resolved fully by the end of the first episode meaning that as the series continues, we will get to follow it and see how it ends. By the end of the first episode we are left with enigmas meaning we want to find out more. We also are still unsure of how all the different strands connect and if they all link. 

2.         What are the main similarities and/or differences in the conventions used by the set product compared to other long form dramas? What reasons can you give for this?

• Similar to other long form dramas, we are introduced to the main characters that we will be following throughout the whole series. We are introduced to them straight away so that we can find one of them to connect with which will entice us to follow their journey through the series. 

3.         How does the set product contribute to changes or developments within the form? 

• In the very first episode of Stranger Things, we see many twists and turns within the story line which shocks us. For example, we don't expect Benny to get shot therefore we are shocked when he is because it isn't what we expect to happen. Throughout the episode we see the main characters begin to develop as they go through the initial emotions of loosing Will. Therefore we see the development of their relationship as they all get closer to help each other through the process of loosing Will. 

4.         What do you think is the appeal of this drama for audiences? How will it help to popularize (make popular) long form TV dramas with audiences?

• The main appeal of the drama is all of the references and intertextuality to 80s movies. We see the nostalgia and zeitgeist of the time through the characters and story lines. We also connect with characters on a deeper level as there is a variety of personalities so there is at least one character that the audience can connect with. The storylines are interesting and cause enigmas in the audiences making them intrigued in what will happen next. 

Representation in episode 1

Constructed realism - All media we see isn't realistic due to editing, CLAMPS, POV etc.
Dominant ideology - Everything is run by rich, white, christian, men - Western, capitalist, heterosexual, able-bodied.

All media products are 'Constructed' -

• They are made by a producer with a specific intention to create a certain meaning 
• Producer hopes intended target audience will interpret and accept the meaning unquestioningly. 

Producers use different elements/conventions of media language to construct these representations.
Producers of different LFTVD's may use different elements of media language to:

• Offer different representations
• communicate different ideas and viewpoints

Stranger Things main Representations:

• Don't trust who you are supposed to (I.e. the government)
• The two main narratives; Will disappears and Eleven 
• the supernatural - The fan, portal, monsters, scientists etc. 
• Binary oppositions - Old fashioned town with new sci-fi. 

Narrative timeline

The Narrative

What is Narrative?

- The Structure or chain of events in which a story is told.

- Narrative structure is carefully considered when writing the screenplay for a drama. 

- It is usually achieved through the editing of different shots together

Why is Narrative important?

- The narrative structure chosen directly affects how the audience experiences the story. 

- The way a 'story' is told can provide certain messages and values about who we see and what is being said about the character, groups of people or events represented in the drama.

- The narrative structure can affect the audience's involvement with and enjoyment of a drama. 

- The narrative structure used in LFTVD is considered to be complex, often multiple narrative strands and story lines being told at the same time. 

Narrative structure:

- Linear Narrative 

• Clear beginning, middle and end. 
• Follows a chronological time frame 
• Action A leads to Action B which leads to Action C etc. 

- Fragmented Narrative

• Also called Non-linear, disrupted or disjointed narrative. 
• No clear beginning, middle and end. 
• Out of chronological order
• helps show parallel stories, a story within a story, dreams etc. 
• Closely replicates the way human minds work
• Makes audience participate by piecing the story together. 

- Stranger Things is a fragmented narrative because right from the start, we witness multiple parallel plot lines such as the laboratory, Eleven and the boys. We also see a non-chronological narrative strand in the flashback to Joyce and Will's conversation at castle Byers. The fragmented narrative creates enigmas or questions for the audience, who have to work to figure out the connections, therefore ensuring greater audience engagement. 

Narrative types:

- Restricted Narrative 

• We experience the story through the senses and thoughts of just one character.
• Almost always the main character (The protagonist).
• The narrative cannot tell the audience things that the main character does not know, we find things out in the story at the same time as the character. 

- Omnipresent Narrative

• A panoramic, all seeing, view of the world of the story.
• Many Points of view, experiences and feelings. 
• This makes the audience see a broader background of the story. 

- Stranger Things has an omnipresent narrative which provides multiple gratifications for the audience - we can empathize and identify with the same characters, while gaining escapism and mystery from others. 

Narrative Endings:

- Closed endings

• TV dramas traditionally feature one character's story or point of view in an episode, which comes to a resolution at the end of the episode.
• The story can exist as one unique story in one episode.
• A story is unraveled before an audience and then ultimately is brought to a conclusion. 
• The following episode will feature a different story.

 - Open endings

• When an episode, or season, ends on a cliff-hanger. 
• A story-telling technique
• Open endings can be unsatisfying for audiences
• In LFTVD, open endings indicate there will be a continuation. 
• This encourages the viewer to continue watching the series. 

Theory:

- Todorov: The Equilibrium theory

• The idea that every story has the same pattern; (Narrative usually chronological & linear)

1. Equilibrium - Everything is good and happy
2. Disruption - A problem occurs
3. Recognition - The main character realizes the problem
4. Repair - The character begins to fix the situation 
5. New Equilibrium - The character has a new, better life. 

- Strauss: Binary Oppositions

• A narrative is told through showing the relationship that two opposites have together. 
• The narrative is about the conflict between the two (E.g. good VS bad) 

Stranger Things character Analysis

Representations:

- It goes 'Beyond the binary'
- Characters move beyond simply good or bad. E.g. Hopper and Steve are more complex although they aren't as main. Screen time is quite equal.
- Novelistic - multiple story lines and characters that stretch over a number of episodes & seasons
- May see flashbacks that explain their backgrounds
- Systemic change - isn't just focused on one individual
- 'Communities facing challenges and dealing with them by embracing or rejecting their own diversity' - Jeff Gomez.

Different representations...

• Teenagers
• Family life & relationships
• Mothers
• Absent fathers
• Police
• Government

Stranger Things Episode walk through

Stranger things intertextuality

The Duffer Brothers created Stranger Things as a homage to the 1980s, using many repeated scenes/ideas from 80s films.

E.t. The Extra-Terrestrial:

There are many links between Stranger Things and E.T. such as comparing eleven to the alien through the use of similar shots and comparison of storylines. For example, in stranger Things, they try and hide eleven from the government, similar to E.T, by trying to dress her up in a costume, the same as E.T. Both films are also from a child's point of view.

The Shining:

Stranger Things takes much influence from Stephen king and his stories. The shining has links such as the scene where Joyce uses an axe.

Stand By Me:

Stand by me is also from the kids perspective similar to stranger things. There are links between the two as they both go on adventures. 

The Goonies:

The goonies is also from the child's point of view and Dustin is also compared to one of the main characters from the goonies. 

Other Films include:

- Carrie
- Fire Starter
- Alien
- Close encounters of the third kind
- A nightmare on elm street
- Poltergeist

Stranger things intro

Overview

The series is set in 1983 surrounding the story of a group who kids searching for their missing friend. Along the way, they meet an unusual girl with supernatural powers. Throughout the series, they u unravel extraordinary mysteries surrounding their small town including government secrets, supernatural forces and Eleven, a girl with powers.

- The 1st season had 8 episodes, costing $6 million per episode.
- The show was created by the Duffer brothers (Twins). Ross and Matt (Born in the 90s)
- The show pays homage to E.T
- It debuted in July 2016
- represents 1980s nostalgia
- The shows resembles many other 80s films such as Gremlins, the Goonies, Ghostbuster etc.
- Winona Ryder, a famous 80s actress, plays Will's mother. This further links the show to the 80s
- The show increased in marketing through online buzz and fan artwork.
- It was also the little things in the background of scenes that referenced the 80s. E.g. Trapper Keeper
- When looking for a broadcaster/platform, the show was rejected by most mainstream.
- Netflix accepted as they were known as 'rebels' showing TV that was risky and different.
- The 1st series finished with unresolved issued meaning that they could be resolved in the 2nd series.
- Series 2 was set in 1984 and focused on the theme of video games whereas the first was boardgames
- The show references the work of Stephen Spielberg and Stephen King (Who liked the show)
- The show contained weaponized intertextuality due to fan service
- Stranger Things is a Pastiche (Opposite of parody)
- The character Eleven is compared to the characters E.T., Carrie and the girl from fire starter
- Creative misprison is used.

Poster: 

- With the amount of characters shown on the poster, it shows that there will be multiple storylines. This also suggests that they are the main characters so the audience will be seeing a lot of them and get to know them if they watch the series. 

- The characters at the top of the poster look scared and are positioned so that it looks like they are hiding behind another person. This suggests that maybe throughout the series, there may be something that may threaten them. 

- The use of the stars in the sky connote space and the sci fi genre. This shows that the series may contain some typical sci-fi conventions such as the supernatural, monsters etc. The night also connotes eeriness. 

- The character in the middle of the poster is shown to be slightly bigger showing that she may be significant throughout the series. This could also be connoted as she is positioned in the centre. The other characters are seen to surround her suggesting that they may be protecting her. This is reinforced by one of the characters holding a weapon - the baseball bat. 

- In the background of the poster is a ominous figure emerging from a gated area with a restricted sign on. This could show that he may be the antagonist/villain. 

- The title shown on the poster connotes a retro vine as it is written almost like a neon sign which could reference the 80s. This could suggest that the series may be set within this time period. This is reinforced by the clothing. The writing of the title also resembles that of a Stephen king film showing that there may be some intertextuality taken from some of his work. 

- The clothing, bikes and setting suggest that the series is set in America. This is reinforced by the man who is in a sheriff uniform. The fact that there is a sheriff may suggest there is crime within the series. 

- The 3 boys are positioned above the title meaning that they may feature as mains throughout. 

- Themes that are shown in the poster include facing adversity as they are all facing the same way, ready to fight. Also, the supernatural which could be suggested by the centre character holding her hand out in a way that she may control something. Friendship is shown the close proximity of all the characters.

- The narrative of the series could include binary opposition reinforced by the use of the two colours contrasting, red and blue. Also, the fact that there are many children included shows that the story may be from their point of view. 

- There is much intertextuality shown between the poster and ET with the use of the bikes and the moon. 

LFTVD - Long form TV drama

- 2 questions: 30 and 15 marks-

- Stranger Things and Deutschland 83 (Same time periods) - 

- Series with a long narrative - 

- A TV drama that has a number of episodes that helps create a narrative and tell a story to an audience.

Network Television: (E.g. NBC, CBS)

• US network broadcasters must satisfy their advertisers and hold market share. They are also controlled by federal regulation.
• The impact of this on content is a reliance on highly formalised genre conventions and normative values which meet mainstream audience expectations but generate conservative drama. 

Cable Television: 

• Launched in the 1970s, HBO was the first US national subscription cable TV channel. 
• Other major US players include FX, Showtime, & AMC. Many are subsidiaries of media conglomerates (HBO/Warner, FX/Fox)
• These subscription based cable channels can take more risks with content and form. 
• By early 2000s The Sopranos and The Wire won awards, audiences and created 'water cooler' TV.  

UK TV Drama:

• UK broadcasters have failed to meet the challenge of the US cable channels move to long form with their risk - taking content and style. 
• BBC and ITV 90s > relied on genre-based, formula drama.
• Sky co-opted success of US long form with Sky Atlantic
• Commissioning remains tightly controlled with a conservative outlook

Subscription VOD (Viewing on demand)

• Content viewing via a TV still dominates in the UK.
• 3/4 UK households have PVR (Personal video recording) uptake but it has plateaued 
• Use of timeshift is increasing (You can watch whenever)
• Growth of SVOD (Streaming video on demand). Web based channels such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Now TV is considerable. 
• Netflix dominates with 24% of UK market & 5 million subscribers. 10% growth 2015-16

Audiences:

• Rise in binge watching started with DVD in late 90s/early C21. Partially due to syndication problems in the UK.
• A move from 'Water cooler' to 'Shared universe' fandom (as with cinema)
• US long form drama often uses Easter eggs, and mid-season breaks to generate fan intensity and maintain a media profile. 

Why audiences love LFTVD:

• High quality drama
• Multiple episodes, hours, years
• Content can be dark and difficult but innovative 
• It now attracts some of the best and innovative writers and actors
• Time shifting, easily accessible 
• Keeps people invested
• Lots of creativity 
• Characters and themes change and develop
• Lots of different networks compete
• The show can cater to specific taste

'State of Nation' TV

• LFTVD challenged the simplistic story lines and stereotypical characters that dominate network TV in US.
• CULTURAL ZEITGEIST

- Genres: LFTVD can fit into any (E.g. Comedy, horror, thriller, mystery, drama, crime, etc.)

- Themes: Also can fit into any (E.g, Relationships, murder, power, war, coming of age, family, etc)

- Narratives: Can have vast variety of all different worlds which are completely different to normality

- Characters: Relatable and interesting to watch. Engaging so they are watched over long period

- Production Values: Good ones usually range from 4 million to 5 million per episode. 

- Methods/Platforms: Either on Terrestrial TV, Cable TV, Subscriptions, Streaming 

- State of Nation: Escapist for the viewers, not usual to their everyday life.

- Memes/Accessories: These can determine how popular the series is with the youth.

TV Dramas need:

• Various locations
• Stock characters - complex, able to follow for a long period of time. 
• Multiple narratives
• 1 hour episodes
• Dramatic cliff hangers - usually at end of season/mid season breaks
• High production values