Representations of Terrorism and Ethnicity in Spooks

Series 3, Episode 10

The scene when Ahmed holds Fiona and Danny hostage and phones Fiona’s husband, Adam, to force him to decide which of the two will be murdered. Danny provokes Ahmed into killing him.

Ahmed is represented in a negative way, Fiona and Danny positively. How are those binary opposites conveyed to audiences?
Binary opposites conveyed are between good and evil characters. Adam, Danny and Fiona are the good characters, where Danny is a hero for provoking Ahmed into killing him – Adam doesn’t have to choose. Ahmed the terrorist is the bad character.

Fiona: She is tied up and is very weak; crying, bleeding, sweating, pleading, face is covered in tears. Posture is slouched with her head looking down – shows her fear and sense of vulnerability. Begging with Danny to stop provoking Ahmed, but trying to stay strong by telling Adam that “you don’t have to say anything, don’t listen to this psychopath.” She tells Adam that she loves him – fear that she will die, she knows what's important in life, and she values other people – her husband and her son especially.

Danny: Danny is really brave and strong. His courage means that he stands up to this terrorist and challenges him but with disastrous consequences. It’s a fight between him and the terrorists – extreme good against extreme bad. He has high morals and this is shown in how he fights the terrorist verbally, fully aware of what the man is capable of. It is such a terrible situation to be in but he remains extremely controlled, seemingly fearless – trying to stay strong for Fiona – and plays the role of a hero. His comments and brave rebellion against the terrorist causes the audience to admire him as a character and this admiration heightens the impact and sympathy that we feel for him when he is killed.

Ahmed: Shown to be a heartless character with no feelings for others and punishing innocent people. Shows no emotion, face is expressionless, he is not moved by Fiona’s despair.
Cocks the gun – ruthless – isn’t scared to shoot – has no feelings.
He believes asking someone to choose between their wife or colleague to be killed is a simple decision - his expression remains cold and compassionless when he simply says “choose”.
Contrast to Fiona and Danny – Ahmed is standing up straight with his head held high and his arm is out straight, pointing the gun at Fiona’s head – he shows no fear because he is in control.
Hand is shaking whilst holding gun, shows a glimmer of hope, audience for a second don’t believe he will shoot Danny, he is being made weaker by Danny’s comments, expression after Danny says “it might be you sitting where I am…”etc. he shows weakness in his expression. Removes the gun from Fiona’s head – seems weakened momentarily, for a moment the audience feel’s like Ahmed will give in and is moved by what Danny says, but in fact he does the complete opposite and shoots Danny, killing him – this is how he releases his anger. This heightens the negative view that we already have on him as despite Danny’s talk on morals and humanity, Danny – “you have lost your humanity and now have no kindness or pity left in you,” he shows he doesn’t care and never intended to let them go. He says “and you know what my answer would be,” so plainly before killing Danny – shows no pity.
He makes Fiona turn and look at her dead colleague – shows no remorse.

What roles do camerawork and editing play in underlining those representations?

The use of many extreme close-ups of Fiona and close-ups of Danny make the audience feel sorry for them and expresses their vulnerability and defencelessness. The use of these distances allows us to feel closer to them and therefore the shots such as the ECU’s of Fiona crying and breaking down has a huge impact on the audience, we can clearly see that she is in despair and this heightens the trauma of the experience. This causes the audience to feel sympathetic for her and therefore we see her as the good character. The CU’s of Danny allows us understand his bravery and we can see this through his expressions of defiance. The audience admire him for standing up to Ahmed despite it being a frightening situation and we are constantly reminded of this through the use of framing which allows us to see the gun against Fiona’s head behind Danny. The use of slightly low angles of Ahmed makes him appear to be in more control as he stands over Danny and Fiona. The shot types make us feel distanced from Ahmed, but he is still shown to be very dominant and threatening. The camera is continuously moving; therefore it adds to the realism and makes the audience feel part of the scene, either as themselves or through the eyes of someone else who is present.

The use of slow paced editing builds the suspense and tension. It enables the audience to concentrate on what is happening and doesn’t deter their attention from the scene. Also, it means we can focus on the expressions of the characters and their reactions, to get a clearer understanding of how they feel.

What techniques are used to engage the audience emotionally?
The use of a lot of close-ups really allows the audience to have sympathy for the two hostages, Fiona and Danny. We are drawn into the action and feel closer to them, making the scene more intense. The camera movement also makes us more emotionally involved as we feel as though we are there, experiencing this with them.

What view of terrorism emerges from these scenes?
Terrorists are shown to be hard-hearted and unsympathetic in these scenes, targeting innocent people. This extremely negative view implies to the audience that terrorists are a threat to anyone and everyone is at risk. Danny’s speech highlights the view that they “will never win” and the fact that it is down to chance of where you are born shows that it is the person’s fault themselves for making that decision to become a terrorist, and therefore have lost their humanity and don’t have compassion, kindness or pity left in them.

What do you understand by Arab, Islamic, Muslim and Middle-Eastern?

An Arab or a person from a Middle-Eastern background generally tends to be a Muslim. A Muslim and Islamic refer to the religion of Islam, as it is these people who follow it.

What are the same categories for describing British people?

British people are often described as English, Scottish or Welsh, depending on what part of Britain they are from. Since Britain is very ethnically diverse, it isn’t really possible to categorise people by their religion.

What do you know about Al Qaeda?

Al Qaeda is a multinational alliance of Islamist terrorist groups engaged in a universal relentless campaign against Western countries and their influence. They are responsible for many cases of suicide bombings, including the 9/11 in the United States and the London 7/7 bombings.

Look at the representation of Ahmed and Khatera. How far does the drama position audiences to equate ‘Muslim’ with terrorism?
This episode of Spooks does not mention religion. It also makes clear that Ahmed and Khatera are getting revenge for the deaths of their relatives in Iraq. This topic of Muslim terrorists is very controversial and Spooks must not be seen as promoting Islamic extremism, or being racist by labelling all Muslims as terrorists.

Think of the other characters from British ethnic minorities in the drama. What is their significance?

Other characters from British ethnic minorities in Spooks include the Asian MI5 agent; Zafar Younis. This character is significant as it shows that Spooks are not suggesting that people from the Middle East are all terrorists, which would portray a very negative, racist and incorrect idea to the audience. He is represented in a good way, ensuring that he is shown to hold completely different ideologies to the terrorists. Also one of the most prominent characters in this episode of Spooks; Danny is black. This means that they are representing multi cultural Britain and do not show all the ‘good’ characters to be white.

Narrative in TV Drama - Spooks

A couple wake up and go downstairs to breakfast. They do not realise that they are being watched by terrorists. They carelessly discuss sensitive MI5 information that they do not believe is compromised in the comfort of their own home, the terrorists listen in intently from their car parked nearby. The couple get ready to leave for work, triggering the terrorists to make a move. They enter the house, a struggle takes place and the couple are taken hostage, but are unaware that MI5 have also been listening in and have been aware of the terrorist’s movements, as part of a secret investigation. Scene cuts to MI5 HQ who know what is going on and prepare for a swat team to enter the building. The terrorists try to get information out of the couple and then plan to kill them as revenge for the deaths of their relatives, but are taken by surprise when the swat team quickly enter and save the couple, arresting the terrorists.

Narrative Conventions used:
Beginning, middle and ending:
At the beginning there is equilibrium, a couple in the security of their home, relaxed, in a happy mood.
In the middle there is disruption, the couple are interrogated by the terrorists, fear of being killed, very tense moment – unaware of MI5’s knowledge of their situation, don’t know if MI5 will successfully rescue them.
At the end, equilibrium is restored and there is a resolution – the couple are saved unharmed, and the terrorists are apprehended.

Characters – some good, some bad:
Good characters are the couple and the MI5 agents.
Bad characters are the terrorists.

Happy ending:
This episode ends happily as the couple are saved and are unharmed. The terrorists are also caught, which if interrogated could provide MI5 with further information.
However despite the fact that equilibrium is restored, it won’t be the same as before. The couple may have lost trust in the people that they work with – placed in a dangerous position. Also the trauma of the experience – coming so close to death.

Why do most stories end happily?
A happy ending is generally what an audience expects and wants. TV is watched for entertainment, and therefore most stories end happily to please the audience, a sad ending can often be distressing and aren't usually favoured. People watch TV as a form of escapism and a release from everyday life; they don’t want to be reminded of the harsh realities of life. They also provide a relief for the audience who sympathise with the characters and want a resolution that they can be happy with.

Spooks S3 E10:
This feels like the beginning of a narrative. Why?
The narrative starts with an ordinary, everyday morning. Equilibrium is established and we see a happy couple, beginning their day with seemingly no threat of anything going wrong - until we see the terrorists.

What starts as an ordinary, everyday morning, is suddenly threatened – a standard way of beginning a narrative. Why?
Beginning this narrative in a standard way means it establishes the normal way of living, the equilibrium, in preparation for the disruption that will arise. This allows the audience to understand what will be threatened and what effect this will have on them. In Spooks, we empathise with this family and see that their happiness will suddenly be threatened by this event that will take place. The audience knows this, therefore the tension is heightened as the characters are unaware of what is waiting for them.

Audience involvement through the danger that is set up. We are automatically being encouraged to take sides. Binary opposition?
Binary opposition of good and bad is used in this episode of Spooks. The audience is encouraged to take sides through this use of binary opposition of the characters. We know to take MI5’s and the couple’s sides as the terrorists are portrayed as the bad characters, choosing innocent people for revenge. The young couple are in love, are living normal lives, seeming happy and are the innocent party in this. Whereas the terrorists are shown to be the bad characters as they are plotting against them and eventually kidnap them, killing one MI5 agent and planning to kill other people.
Later in the episode however, this opposition is made less clear as the female terrorist shows signs of weakness and regret. Adam realises this and targets her, resulting in the restoration of equilibrium at the end.

What are the different narrative structures associated with the following TV drama forms?
Single drama/film: Margaret;
Two-nighter: Trial & Retribution;
Soap (continuing drama): EastEnders;
Serial: Bleak House;
Anthology series (self-contained episodes, each based on different characters): Skins;
Long-form series drama: Lost;
Long-form series drama with some narrative experimentation: 24

Representation in 90210 – Annie/the Wilsons

This new series of 90210 focuses on the ups and downs of the Wilson family, who relocate from small-town USA (Kansas) and head to the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills. This further complicates the lives of the kids, the theatrical, innocent Annie and her adopted brother Dixon. They both struggle with their new lives in California. This emphasises the differences between lives of people in California compared to where they moved from, and soon all the Wilson's are struggling to adapt to life in 90210. The Wilson's must cope with the pressures of life in a new town; the beautiful people, the social backstabbing, the relationships and jealousies of 90210.

The main theme is Kansas vs. Hollywood, especially in the first episode.
The series focuses quite a lot on Annie’s journey through this transition and trying to fit in, but at the same time she’s got a strong sense of self that she came with, and she won’t let go of that.

Episode 1 – Summary:
We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
Harry Wilson, new principal of West Beverly Hills High School, returns from Kansas to his childhood home of Beverly Hills with his wife Debbie, their daughter Annie and adopted son Dixon, to care for Harry's mother, former television star Tabitha Wilson. On their first day at West Bev, Annie and Dixon encounter Ethan, the star lacrosse player she met a few summers ago; Naomi, the spoiled rich girl whose sole focus is her Sweet Sixteen party; Silver, the free-spirited girl who later gossips about Annie on her blog, and Navid, editor of Blaze News. When Naomi fails to complete an assignment, English teacher Ryan Matthews and guidance counselor Kelly Taylor, bring the problem to Harry, who quickly realises that keeping secrets about his past is going to be impossible.

In the first episode we are immediately shown the strong differences between the Wilson family and people in Beverley Hills. It’s a huge culture shock for them. From the first scene we are instantly shown that they are different. The first episode starts with short shots of different aspects of Beverley Hills including a main feature which is expensive cars. The music is lively; Coldplay – Viva La Vida, and reflects the exciting atmosphere and the new prospect of joining this city for the family. It then cuts to a shot over the Hollywood sign and hills, an area always associated with money and glamour and we then see a shot of a car driving. This red car is placed in centre of frame so the audience knows to concentrate on it, but we can also see that it is so different compared to the cars that we have just seen. This car, containing the Wilsons, is a faded red, old, dirty family car, immediately contrasting with the cars surrounding it.

In a few minutes into the first episode, it is a shot of Annie and Dixon Wilson by/in their pool. They are discussing their own worries about moving to a new place and having to start over. Dixon talks about his adoption story and Annie reveals her worries about having to make new friends “aren’t you a little freaked out starting over?” This conversation shows just how close this brother and sister are and we gradually begin to see more of this throughout the series. The actors were pleased about this as they said it was good that they weren’t stereotypical brother and sister, fighting all the time, and this showed the good side to close family life. It also emphasised just how different family life was back in Kansas compared to families here in Beverley Hills.

The next scene is where Annie and Dixon first arrive at school:
Costume:
Annie - ordinary girl from small town USA, can see this through her costume.
Plain pink and white stripy tank top – doesn’t look particularly expensive.
Denim skirt – again doesn’t look very expensive but does show that she does have confidence and is trying to make an effort. We find out that she was in fact the “pretty, cool, and popular” one back in Kansas where she was a big fish in a small pond. Here everyone’s like that and she tries her hardest to fit in.
Doesn’t stand out here, blends into the background.
Later Naomi says to Annie - “But you’re gonna need new clothes so we’ll go shopping after school.” Annie looks down at her clothes and seems quite puzzled about what’s wrong with them. This shows how she really doesn’t know how different life is here in Beverley Hills for teenage girls.
“She’s def cute, but – I mean her clothes...”
“She’s probably poor, her dads the principal.” - Annie becomes more fashionable and puts more effort in to what she wears as she becomes more accustomed to life in Beverly Hills.
Dixon – normal, plain red polo t-shirt, cargo trousers – emphasizes their ordinariness, came from a small town to Hollywood.
White, middle/upper class area, Dixon stands out.

Location:
Outside the school – we know this because camera zooms into the school name – West Beverley Hills High.
Busy – everyone gathering before school starts.
Rich area - not run down.
Modern building.
Clean, well looked after.
Greenery – trees and bushes all well groomed.
Bright, sunny – not dark and gloomy – reflects the atmosphere; everyone’s excited to see each other.
Middle/Upper class area

Props:
Expensive cars - show offs, rich, spoilt
Everyone is carrying bags – this shows that they are definitely at school as they are school bags.
The girls are typically carrying handbags – emphasizes they’re girlyness and shows they all have money as they buy expensive bags. The boys are all carrying rucksacks – a typical sign of attending school and more practical than the girls.

Music:
Upbeat music reflects mood and atmosphere in this area.
MGMT - Time to Pretend – first line of the song - I'm feeling rough, I'm feeling raw, I'm in the prime of my life. This represents the age that they are at now; the teenagers believe they are at the best part of their life, despite the fact that they haven't had much experience - more physically than mentally.
The music then changes when its between Ethan and Annie to a more embarrassed and shocked tone to reflect their feelings.

Dialogue:
Dixon and Annie both have completely different reactions to everyone at Beverley Hills High.
Annie: “Oh my God, will you look at this place? It's like the Oscars and everyone is Scarlet Johansson.”
Dixon [checking out the girls]: “You say that like it's a bad thing.”
Annie is shocked and Dixon likes the idea of getting to know these girls.

Sound:
Background sound of girls greeting each other and talking excitedly.
Engines of cars revving.
Sounds of car doors opening and closing.
People saying hi.

Action:
Girls in the background greeting each other with a kiss on the cheek but in a really exaggerated way.
Annie then recognises her summer fling from two years prior; however she catches him in his car with another girl, cheating on his girlfriend Naomi. – Annie is shocked, this would have never happened back in Kansas.

Camerawork:
Camera pans the surroundings to give a clear idea to the audience of just how different it is. It then reaches a two shot of Annie and Dixon walking to school – both are shocked.
The camera tracks backwards so that it can follow them both.
The camera is at an angle slightly to the left so that the audience can still see everything around them, whilst also concentrating on Annie and Dixon.
There is then a medium close-up of Dixon as he reacts to everything. It then cuts back to the two shot.
When they stop walking (Annie notices Ethan), there is a medium shot of Ethan to establish who he is.
The camera then goes back to the two shot of Annie and Dixon, but Dixon decides to go into school. Annie waits so that she can go and talk to Ethan. The camera pans to follow Dixon and shows how he reacts to the girls around him. The audience concentrates on him, whilst also looking at the people around him.
It then cuts back to Annie and moves into a close-up so that the audience can see her expression clearly, especially when she realises Ethan is with a girl in his car.

Editing:
Frequent cuts at start of different shots around the area of Beverley Hills High School. Creates a montage effect. This emphasizes the exciting atmosphere and exaggerated action of everyone.
Then cuts to the two main characters Annie and Dixon so the audience concentrates on them. This emphasizes how ordinary they are, they look different, act differently and are walking to school, a complete contrast to the people around them. This prepares us for the problems that they will face trying to fit in. it cuts to a few different shots of the two characters so that we can see them clearly, and this is a use of invisible editing so that the scene flows and we concentrate on them. There are uses of shot-reverse-shots between Annie and Ethan when she notices him, and this mainly helps the audience see what Annie is reacting too (no dialogue is exchanged.)

The school is one big culture shock for Annie. She is 16 and desires to be popular and on top of things. This strong desire to be accepted tends to override her own internal desires because she's trying to impress and be accepted by others. Sje tries to gain her own place in the in-crowd, but will have to start from scratch in the social pressure cooker that is West Beverly Hills High. As an audience, we can see through Annie’s eyes into this world and can therefore empathise with her. Annie and the Wilsons represent the majority of us that don’t live this lifestyle and we can therefore relate with them. This representation of people outside of Hollywood emphasises the stark differences between lifestyles, however the show highlights that they do still share many of the same problems.

Characterisation in 90210 - Erin Silver

Erin, commonly called by her last name – Silver, (played by Jessica Stroup), is Kelly Taylor and David Silver’s half-sister. Originally a friend and confidant of Naomi and the rich, beautiful clique at West Beverly Hills High - her quirky nature eventually ostracised her from the popular crowd and she became something of a loner. Before the start of the first season, we learn that she has shared the information of her father's affair with her then-best-friend Naomi, who then made this public knowledge, causing Silver's mother to turn to drink. A true individualist, she has her own You Tube channel and has a distinctive sense of style and personality. She publishes her own blog called The Vicious Circle, which she uses to discuss intimate details (truth or fiction) about her peers at West Beverly High School and where she describes herself as a "wannabe socialite". She is very honest with everybody and speaks her mind and describes this YouTube series as "answers to life's inane questions answered by a 15 year-old in a bikini". She becomes best friends with Annie and develops a romantic interest in Dixon, which quickly blossoms into a relationship. She sees the beauty in things everywhere, is very artsy, yet she’s surrounded by a lot of fake things and people - a very fake environment. She deals with this by living in her own world, being very independent and tends to march to the beat of her own drum.

I have picked to analyse Silver because she’s so different to the other characters on 90210 and that’s why she blends so well with Annie. They have problems at first, but eventually, in Annie, Silver sees someone who has similar aspirations as her.

She is very independent and is her own person, not following the crowd. This is shown in many of her quotes:
Silver: “You'll learn to dig me, trust me”.
Silver: “You can call me Erin, but I won't respond”. - Insistence on calling her Silver, doesn’t want a ‘normal’ name, likes being different. Also doesn’t want to be associated with the name her mother gave her, they don’t have a good relationship – she’s an alcoholic, “my mom, she drinks. And when she's like this, she's a completely different person.”
Silver: “I just like being different. That's how I'm made.”

In The Lucky Strike episode we learn a lot about Silver’s character - Episode 3:

Costume:
Short patterned dress, dark pink/purple jumper, purple and grey stripy knee high socks over red/pink tights and flat grey shoes. Layered clothing, no fancy jewellery, simple thin scarf used as an accessory - quite an alternative style. Cross-over body bag, unusual amongst female students at Beverly Hills High – not typically feminine. Most girls carry handbags on their arms and would never choose a bag similar to Silver’s – again emphasises her differences.
Silver’s costume reflects her unique personality, and is considered to be quirky and eccentric.
Doesn’t care about the money of Hollywood and ‘typical’ Beverley Hills lifestyle and image - has her own mind set of the world around her.
Not the typical Beverly Hills high schooler.
She has her own personality and doesn't tend to succumb to the whims and wishes of others.
Her clothing also reflects her rebellious side which we see quite a lot of in the series.
Her clothes are not perfect and do not look expensive. This is a huge contrast to everyone at Beverly Hills, especially Naomi who puts a lot of effort into what she wears.

Body Language:
The closeness of the Wilson family is in direct contrast to her own. Problems with her alcoholic mother often cause her to leave home and seek out other places to live. This is reflected in her body language as she approaches the women’s shelter as a place to stay for the night. She seeks refuge here to get away from her mother and hide the fact that she is an alcoholic.
This all brings down Silver and she seems very depressed in this clip.
She’s walking with her hands in her pocket – connotes that she’s quite sad and miserable.
Looking down at the floor – signifies the fact that she is very down at the moment.
Her expression also shows that she’s unhappy.
Sighs when she looks up to the women’s shelter – feeling of another night alone isn’t very appealing, no family to turn to.
Walking slowly, dreads nights she has to spend alone.
The next morning when she is refused another night, she looks really disappointed and sighs showing just how much she hates home life. This makes the audience sympathise with her.

Dialogue:
The line before the clip of Silver is Harry and he says: “because it’s all about family,” – this just emphasises how alone and isolated Silver is with no family comforts around her.
The next morning at the women’s shelter, Silver asks: “can I stay again tonight? Just one more night, I promise.” The woman says no, and Silver replies with: “look you don’t know what it’s like there,” - showing just how desperate she is, she’d rather stay at a shelter than at home with her alcoholic mother. She has no one else to turn to and is alone.

Music:
The music reflects the mood.
Very solemn tone, sad.
Not very lively – just reflects her situation and how depressed she is.
No lyrics add to the sombre mood.

Camerawork – shots and movement:
Starts with an extreme long shot of Silver walking down the street towards the shelter, which is in frame so we are made aware that she is heading for here.
We get a clear understanding of the setting and the time as its dark so we know that it is at night.
This use of ELS emphasises just how lonely, alone and isolated she is. Cars pass by, but other than that there is no one around her.
The next shot is a close-up of her feet and then the camera tilts up to establish who she is and introduce her properly to make it clear. The camera then tracks and follows her, this adds to the realism as the audience feels like they are in the scene. We also know that she is going somewhere.
As she reaches the shelter, the camera then pans to follow her up the stairs but remains stationary – this emphasises the fact that she is going it alone, with no one to help/guide her.
The next morning, during her conversation with the woman in charge of the shelter, there is use of medium shots, MCU’s and over the shoulder shots. This helps the audience see Silver’s reactions to the woman’s replies and we get a clear sense of what she is feeling through her expressions.

Editing:
There aren’t many cuts as the scene isn’t very lively and exciting – this means the audience just concentrate on her, adding to the serious and sombre mood of the sequence.
During the conversation the next morning, there is use of shot reverse shot between Silver and the woman – this adds to the realism and places the audience in the action.

Costume, Hair & Make-Up in 90210 - Naomi and Adrianna

Naomi and Adrianna are best friends, but the first few episodes show a complete contrast in characteristics, especially in their costume, hair & make-up and the way they present themselves.

Naomi exudes confidence and this is shown especially through what she wears. The first time we see Naomi, she comes across as the spoiled, popular, rich girl.

Ryan Matthews (about Naomi): “C’mon man it’s a birthday party for a spoiled little princess”
Annie (to Naomi): “You sound like a spoiled brat.”

She appears to be selfish and shallow, and is described as "a hot, spoiled, rich girl" who dominates the social scene. While this appears to describe her in a nutshell at first, her character slowly shows a deeper emotional level that reveals why she is the way she is. Throughout the series her character develops and we learn the truth behind her facade.

Despite people’s perceptions, Naomi has an ‘I don’t care attitude’ as shown when we first see her. She’s late to class, strolls in, fails to apologise, is on her phone and has an attitude especially when the teacher introduces her to Annie. One of the main things that we notice about Naomi is her clothes. In this part of the first episode she is wearing a green corset top, a white jacket and tight, skinny black trousers. She’s also wearing white high heels, a white bag and lots of accessories to match. Her outfit looks expensive and all goes well together. Her hair and make-up is also perfectly done. This all shows that she cares a lot about what she looks like and likes to stand out. She is very fashionable and feminine, and as we gradually see more of her, we can see that she tends to show more skin than other characters.

In episode 3 (The Bubble), Naomi is wearing short black shorts, black boots, a black top and black leather jacket. She accessorises this with a red belt, red bangles and red earrings. She’s wearing black nail varnish and her hair and make-up is immaculate. Everything is colour coordinated and shows that she is a perfectionist. The colour red makes bold statements about her personality and represents her fiery side. This is especially important as she wears this outfit when she visits Gail – her father’s ‘other woman’ – and argues with her.

At dinner with her father, she is immaculately dressed, and gives an impression of maturity as she is there to meet her father’s girlfriend. However this is just an image, as she tries to cause trouble between them. She does however show that she is more image driven, cares about what people think and aims to impress, no matter who it is. We then see Naomi at a party, wearing a red dress, red belt and red lipstick. This shows her desire to always stand out and be the centre of attention. She is constantly aiming for perfection, definitely portrays someone who is very wealthy and likes to impress people. Her choice in fashion shows that she comes from a higher class background, and she seems to take this for granted. Also she never chooses something really simple; a lot of thought goes into what she wears.

When she discovered that her father was having an affair and her mother knew about it, she doesn’t look as glamorous but still makes an effort. She has to convince her mum to get out of bed, who’s been depressed for a week since her husband left to be with the other woman. Naomi wears a short, strapless purple/pink dress, with matching heels. This choice of softer colours shows that she too is vulnerable and emotionally effected by what her father has done, but is left to pick up the pieces. She is wearing a white jacket and is showing quite a lot of skin. Her hair is tied up – shows less effort after she caught her dad cheating.

At her extravagant Sweet 16 birthday party, Naomi is dressed in a silver, strapless dress with heels - to make her stand out. She is literally placed in the spotlight. All eyes are on her and she is the centre of attention.

Overall Naomi chooses quite distinctive colours showing her confidence and desire to stand out. The combination of black, white and red becomes a trend in the choice of costume for Naomi. They are all bold colours and ensure that she doesn’t blend into the background. Her image represents a wealthy, fashionable, spoilt stereotype but she defies these expectations and perceptions later in the series, showing that she is in fact very smart, someone who is worldly and mature, and there's sophistication to her. For example when she takes the blame for her best friend’s drugs and gets arrested. This shows that she does care for others, but puts on a front due to her broken family life.

Adrianna is Naomi Clark's best friend. One of West Beverly Hill's High's more troubled students, Adrianna is pressured by her mother to pursue and succeed in her acting career, but that has pushed her to edge. Also the social pressures already obvious at the school, plus the expectations of her best friend and 'it girl' Naomi, Adrianna soon feels as if she can't cope. As a result, she turns to drugs and bad behaviour, such as ruining Annie's theatrical ambitions, stirring up some romantic problems for the new arrivals at the school and stealing from her best friend.

In Episode 4 (Wide Awake and Dreaming), Adrianna is late to rehearsal for the school play. She’s wearing black jeans, a brown top, black cardigan and black boots. This choice of prominent dark colours reflect Adrianna’s mood. At the moment she is depressed, stressed and under pressure. To resolve her problems, she turned to drugs and now has a serious problem. Her teacher’s suspect that something is wrong, Adrianna – “look, I get it, I’ve been distracted lately, maybe I’ve missed a couple of rehearsals.” She is completely unaware and oblivious to the effect that it’s having, and doesn’t see it as a big deal.

She’s wearing no make-up (something uncommon for those in Beverley Hills), has dark circles around her red eyes and her hair is not done properly (especially compared to everyone else.) She’s wearing a simple necklace, simple silver hoops and a bangle to match her outfit. This shows that she is trying to make an effort and keep her image up, but is so run down that she is now showing strong signs of taking drugs, causing suspicion amongst everyone.

Later we see her collapsed, 5 minutes before the school play. She laughs/giggles uncontrollably, stumbles, and shouts “woo” etc. – all signs that she has taken drugs. She is oblivious to what has happened and denies it when people question her. Her costume simply reflects her mood and position at the moment, she is miserable and drained.

In class, she doesn’t listen to the teacher and concentrates on singing. She sits slouched in her chair, with her hood up and earphones in. Again she’s wearing all black and acts like she doesn’t care about anything or anyone, but we do begin to sympathise with her as it is here that we find out that she is the one who is paying for everything in her family with her acting money.

Immediately in costume, hair & make-up, we can see strong differences in her character and Naomi’s. Adrianna lives with her mother who relies on her to get an income from her acting to pay for their family and house. Her position, lack of money, mood, drug taking and longing for a sense of family is all reflected strongly in what she wears.

Representation in Hovis Advert

This Hovis Bread advert demonstrates good representations of different time periods and important events that have taken place in the past. These are displayed through key signifiers and clues in the advertisement.

1. It starts in the Bread Shop which is in the Victorian times; 1800s.
Costume: The baker is in an old fashioned white puffy hat and coat.
The young boy is wearing a Victorian flat cap, neck tie and breeches.
The old man in the background in the bakery is wearing a waistcoat, long tail coat and has a top hat in his hand which are all strong connotations of Victorian times.
Location: The bread shop is very old fashioned. The bread is placed on wooden shelves behind the baker which are less likely to be used nowadays. It appears old and is clearly not modern from the day.
Props: loaves of bread shelved which are generally not stored like that anymore.
Music: It’s a really upbeat piano piece that sounds cheerful, with quite a fast pace. This creates a light hearted and relaxed mood.
Dialogue and other sound: The baker has a northern accent when he says “here ya go lad” and therefore shows he’s from the north of England.

2. As he leaves the bakery the time period doesn’t change much and this is reinforced by:
Costume: Boy is still in the same clothes but his hat comes off as time moves slightly more forward. People in the street dressed in old fashioned and old-looking clothes.
Location: In a crowded and busy street. Pathway is very narrow. Tall buildings either side.
Props: There is a horse and cart which is old fashioned – no cars.
The boy also runs passed a Titanic poster, therefore we know it’s in the early 1900s (1910)
Music: It has not changed; still light-hearted piano music. Mood stays the same.
Dialogue and other sound: Hear the sound of horse neighing which uses a sound bridge and is diegetic which makes it realistic. There are also the crowds of people murmuring in the background with general street noise.

3. Women’s movement – suffragettes late 1910s:
Costume: All clothes look old fashioned. Women in long dresses and hats. Men in suits and bowler hats.
Location: Wide cobbled streets – shows its in old times. A lot of space for the women protesting for their rights.
Props: Banners, posters and placard being held by the women, mostly saying ‘Votes Women.’ This informs us that it’s the suffragette’s movement.
Music: The same.
Dialogue and other sound: Sound of a lot of people protesting and shouting. This is emphasised when we see a man trying to restrain a woman.

4. Soldiers – World War 1 1914-1918:
Costume: Young male soldiers from WW1 wearing old fashioned army clothes and hats. Holding guns and carrying bags that also look old. This evokes sympathy in the viewer and realisation of the horrors of WW1.Girl running down the street with a straw hat and bow and white dress – old fashioned.
Location: Soldiers marching down a British looking street, people watching, are offering support.
Props: Rifles of the soldiers and their bags and hats.
Music: The music is still repetitive but violins do come in when the boy sits on the wall and salutes to the soldier, gives sad undertones.
Dialogue and other sound: Slight sound of marching feet. Little girls laughing – unaware of situation, complete contrast to the mood of what is happening.

5. 1920s - street with car:
Costume: Boy wearing grey shorts and long grey socks.
Costume of three people is a bit more modern, men in suits, woman in a dress and hat – late 20s, early 30s.
Location: Runs past a street.
Props: Car - moving into modern times, cars just recently introduced.
Music: Music is still the same and quite light-hearted even after we saw the soldiers.
Dialogue and other sound: Hear the general voices of people talking and the dog barking.

6. War – 1940s WW2:
Costume: People dressed in dark, depressing clothes.
Location: Bombed area, destruction, houses destroyed, debris, smoke. Area looks deserted but a few people clearly broken and mournful carrying their belongings and recovering what’s left.
Props: The radio, WW2 fighting plane, portraits being carried by the people, destroyed furniture in the streets.
Music: The music changes and softens. It becomes much quieter and solemn. Creates a reflective mood and a time to display respect for those who lost their lives, reflective.
Dialogue and other sound: Hear Churchill’s speech on the radio “we shall fight on the beaches…we shall never surrender” – very patriotic, makes us proud of Britain, sense of Britishness. We also hear a plane flying above.

7. 1950s – Coronation/street party:
Costume: Kids dressed up (boy dressed as pirate), party hats. Show that this was a happy time and fun - huge contrast to the image created before of the war and how this affected people.
Location: Brightly lit street – happy atmosphere. Many people celebrating in a wide street.
Props: British flags, extras for celebration eg. hats, drink, food, flowers.
Also the crown signifies the coronation - Very happy image of people with a positive and lively atmosphere.
Music: Music much more upbeat again with a faster pace – improves atmosphere.
Dialogue and other sound: A lot of laughter and the general talking of the people around the boy.

8. 1960s - girls and celebrating football:
Costume: Mini skirts, shift dress, coloured tights, red boots. Also the hair styles of the girls are bobs – very fashionable at that time. The boys outfit changes, 60's sweater and coat – all represents the 60s.
Location: Typical streets and terraced British houses in background, some with flags on the windows.
Props: We see 3 cars in this clip – all typical of the 60s. The British flags in the car that passes – appeal to best of Britain, not best of England.
Music: Guitars enter – progression and change in music over time.
Dialogue and other sound: Boys shout “Champions” out of the car - England winning the World Cup in 1966. Car horn – excitement.

9. 1970s - street with Asians and TV shop:
Costume: Jumper of the boy changes with a shirt underneath – 70s collar.
We see 2 Asians to represent the 1973 Racial Discrimination Act.
Location: Outside a TV shop – progression of technology.
Props: The TVs in the shop window.
Music: No change in music.
Dialogue and other sound: Sound of cars passing – increase in the amount of people with cars.

10. 1980s – Miners Strike, Coal not Dole protest
Costume: Boy wearing a bright blue jumper and his brown jacket now has yellow stripes on it. Protestors wearing jeans and clothes that are more modern.
Location: Coal not dole strike/protest near an industrial site.
Props: Holding signs and posters.
Music: Music fades down and allows us to hear the rioting – “Coal not dole”
Dialogue and other sound: A man shouts - “Ay lad, isn’t it past your bed time” – shows its up north.

2000 - Millennium, Fireworks
Costume: Boy wearing the same clothes.
Location: London.
Props: Fireworks.
Music: More instruments – celebratory tone, fast paced, exciting.
Dialogue and other sound: Sound of fireworks exploding.

Modern Home – Now
The boy enters his house and puts the loaf of Hovis on the table and sits down at the table. It's clearly in modern times now as the boy is wearing clothes worn nowadays and enters a brightly lit kitchen. There is a lot of wood in the kitchen maybe to portray naturalistic elements and Hovis are trying to say that they only use natural ingredients. Music dies down to a slower pace just before the dialogue of his mum; “Is that you home, love?” and the boy replies ‘Yeah’ The music then stops to show it’s the end of his journey.

Sound throughout the sequence.

The sound and music fits well with the sequence. The music matches the mood and what is happening at the particular time. For example, during the war clip, the music slows and quietens, creating a sombre mood. It then becomes more upbeat and lively when associated with the football fans. This shows that when the music changes it signifies the time shift, gradually getting more modern as we move throughout the sequence. The diegetic sound creates a sense of realism and shows us the location (the use of northern accents to show it is set in Northern England.) The music often stops or quietens to help us hear the diegetic sound or dialogue, such as the speech of Churchill on the radio.

Narrative/Story development through whole advert.

Throughout the sequence, the use of costume, location, props and sound help us identify the time period and event. The sequence starts in the 1800s and follows the boy as he moves through time and key events. This anchors the line at the end, 'as good today as it's always been' - it's the same quality that it's always been. The advert gives a strong sense of britishness and patriotism - 'the bread is the best of british.'

My Chosen TV Drama

I have chosen to concentrate on the American TV drama 90210 which has just recently started as a new series as part of a contemporary spin-off from the series originally aired in 1990 to 2000 in the United States.

90210 is a teen drama developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs. It is the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. This series features a similar premise: a family with two teenagers who recently moved from the Midwest to Beverly Hills. However it was made clear the series would be a spin-off with new characters, and not a re-make. They have also reintroduced some of the original cast members from the previous Beverly Hills, 90210.

The development of the plots found the writers trying to ground their script in reality, with real character stories and emotional stories. The writers wanted the audience to relate to the characters' problems, which they wanted to be truthful and emotional, but also comedic. They were interested in telling several stories simultaneously, featuring many characters. The parents of two of the main characters were found to be an important part of the series, and designed to be contemporary parents. They designed the script to include more prominent adult story lines and a strong point of view on parenting. They were also interested in focusing on how the family kept their moral center when moving to Beverly Hills and the way the parents dealt with their teenagers.

Plot:
The series revolves around the Wilson Family's (parents Debbie and Harry Wilson, their daughter Annie and adoptive son Dixon) transition from Kansas to California, similar to how the original series revolved around the Walsh family's recent move to California from Minnesota. In addition, many old plotlines have been resumed or recycled from the original series.
This time however, Harry is actually from Beverly Hills and comes back both to look after his mother Tabitha and to work as the principal at West Beverly Hills High School. All of them struggle to adjust to their new lives: Annie has a hard time balancing romances (starting with rich kid Ty) and friendships as well as popularity and identity; Dixon has issues with his adoption and African-American heritage; Harry and Debbie struggle with the revelation that Harry has a son with Tracy Clark, his former high school sweetheart.

Short explanation of Characters:

TV Drama WORKING Definition

TV Drama is television content that is scripted and normally fictional, however it can also be based on real life events. TV dramas can focus on any type of plot however they generally concentrate around a group of characters and follow a part of their lives.

Examples include:

• Skins
• Prison Break
• Gossip Girl
• Desperate Housewives

It is often shown as weekly episodes of about an hour each and lengths of series/seasons vary depending on the programme. UK TV dramas generally last around 10 episodes per series for example Skins which is 10 episodes. US TV dramas are often 20-30 episodes per season, for example Prison Break Season 1 & 2 which each lasted 22 episodes. TV dramas can be a one off programme or can be followed by more series.

TV Dramas do not usually return to equilibrium at the end of each episode and are generally left unresolved with cliff hangers to link previous episodes to the next. This is because things change, similarly to reality, and characters do not usually stay in the same situation or location. TV Dramas commonly feature on-going plots throughout the series, with less significant sub plots in each episode.