Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child blog tasks

1) Write an NCIS analysis for the episode - using notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

An Unearthly Child

Narrative:
Doctor who;the unearthly child is about a timelord(alien) who has a grandaughter(susan) who goes to a school on  earth and the teachers suspect something. They then see her go into a junkyard and believe that the doctor has kidnapped their student Susan. When they all enter the TARDIS ( Time And Relative Dimensions In Space)there is a use of dialogue to create a division between the Doctor and Susan. 

Character:
There are only 4 named characters in this episode: Doctor Who, an alien scientist who looks like a human, Susan the alien scientist's granddaughter who also looks like a human, Ian a human scientist teacher and Barbara a human history teacher. In this episode Doctor Who seems to be the anti-hero as he is shown to deliberately harm the teacher and is thought by the teachers to have kidnapped Susan.Iconography:

Setting:
The beginning of the episode is set in a normal school but then moves into a junkyard as this is possibly a reference to the horror genre. Most of the scenes in the school were set in the science lab which is a feature of sci-fi.

2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to An Unearthly Child? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory: Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New equilibrium.
 Equilibrium- In school normality is evident with normal teachers and a brilliant student
Disruption- When the teachers the Doctor and it seems as though Susan has been kidnapped
Recognition-When the teachers realize that Susan is in the TARDIS in the junkyard
Reparation-When the teachers enter the TARDIS and realize it is not a kidnapping

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in An Unearthly Child fit into? Alternatively, you may wish to discuss how characters do not fit Propp's character types.
 In this episode, the Doctor is an anti-hero character because he is made unlikable by not co-operating with other characters.Futhermore susan is the princess as the teachers believe she is being kidnapped. The teachers are both the heroes.
4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in An Unearthly Child? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
 Susan has a shiny silver vest and trousers, this shows that she is from the future.When the doctor is introduced, there are low angled shots to make him seem more powerful.

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in An Unearthly Child? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience?
Young and old is an example of binary opposition in Doctor Who. Another example of this is gender. Male and female are shown by Barbara and Ian.

Representations

1) What stereotypes of men are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?
The typical stereotype of men being the heroes in a narrative is reinforced in this episode because the ian is shown to be the saviour of susan.

2) What stereotypes of women/girls are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?
The characters of Barbara and Susan are treated as though they were inferior. The Doctor only refers to Ian, using the term 'young man' to show that he didn't even consider Barbara as being a threat
3) What are common media stereotypes of young people and old people? Do any of the characters or scenarios reinforce or subvert these conventional stereotypes (consider this was 1963)? Has this changed in more recent series of Doctor Who?
The stereotype of younger people listening to music and dressing a certain way is shown in this as the typical younger person in the 1950s/60s4) What representations of race/ethnicity can be found in Doctor Who: An Earthly Child? Is this surprising or not? Give reasons for your answer and consider historical / cultural context (the 1960s). Has this changed in more recent series of Doctor Who?

Gender roles are very binary as Ian is the main hero and Barbara just helps him and is sidelined.

5) How is social class represented in An Unearthly Child? Think about how education and knowledge is presented in the episode.
Education is an important middle-class value, the fact that Susan dreams of an education when her grandfather tries to stop her from going.
Audience

1) Who is the target audience for Doctor Who? Has it changed since 1963?
The target audience is mainly families and younger children as it is very family friendly.2) What audience psychographic groups might particularly enjoy Doctor Who?
 Mainstreamers, as it can be watched by the entire family and explorers because in the 60s Science Fiction was a relatively new genre.3) What audience pleasures are offered by An Unearthly Child? Apply Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory to the episode. Make sure you provide specific examples from the episode to support your ideas.

Personal Identity:
A normal school setting is used because everyone is either experiencing or has experienced school life.Personal Relationships:
Relationship with susan as she is like a typical schoolgirl.Diversion (Escapism):
The TARDIS and travelling to another dimension.Surveillance (Information / Facts):
The decimal system is mentioned.4) What additional Uses and Gratifications would this episode provide to a modern 2018 audience?
Nostalgia as older people could remember the music and how school was like.5) Thinking of the 3 Vs audience pleasures (Visceral, Vicarious and Voyeuristic pleasures), which of these can be applied to An Unearthly Child?
 Vicarious pleasures can be applied to Doctor Who because the audience can imagine that they are travelling through space in time through the characters of the Doctor and Susan.
Industries

1) What was the television industry like in 1963? How many channels were there?
There were only 2 channels. BBC and ITV.2) Why is Doctor Who such an important franchise for the BBC? 
Because it is one of the biggest attractions for the BBC and is known worldwide.3) How does Doctor Who meet the BBC's mission statement to 'inform, educate and entertain'?
It mainly entertains however sometimes, for example the current season, has links to things that coccured in history.4) How is the BBC funded?
By the government.5) Who regulates the BBC and what is the watershed?
The BBC was self-regulated until 2017 when OffCom started regulating it.

Shot list: Control

Shot List – Control

Science lab

Shot No.	Shot	Filmed?
1	Wide shot of Dr J in lab with chemicals.
2	Close up of chemicals being put in test tube.
3	Extreme close up of hands shaking while pouring chemical
4	Medium shot of chemicals being poured
5	Wide shot of chemicals being poured
6	Extreme close up of chemicals in one flask as a different colour.
7	Close up of bunsen burner being lit
8	Long shot of bunsen burner and scientist placing chemical over bunsen burner
9	Extreme close up of bunsen burner and chemicals
10	OTS shot of scientist looking at clock
11	Close up of clock
12 13	Medium close up of scientist holding chemical smiling Close up of chemical being poured into bottle
14	Over the shoulder/wide shot of scientist leaving lab.

House 

Shot No.	Shot	Filmed?
1	Wide shot of 3 people on floor tied up.
2	Worm eye view of scientist walking into house
3	Over the shoulder shot from scientist looking at 3 victims
4	Over the shoulder shot of one victim looking at scientist
5	Close up of chemical in scientist hand.
6	Over the shoulder shot of scientist pouring chemicals in  mouths of each victim.
7	Extreme close up on Anthony’s reaction.
8	POV shot of the victims looking at scientist then blinking effect to fade to black

Control:script

A SCENE OF A SCIENTIST MIXING CHEMICALS IN A LABORATORY WHILST WEARING A LAB COAT AND GOGGLES. USE A RANGE OF SHOTS.

Dr J:
*LOOKING AT NEW CHEMICAL MADE*

Finally! I have finally discovered it!

*LEAVES LAB IN A RUSH WITH THE CHEMICAL, CONTINUES TO LOOK AT CHEMICAL WHILE LEAVING THE LAB*

*CUT TO SCENE IN HOUSE WITH A PERSON TIED ON FLOOR WITH DUCTAPE COVERING MOUTH*
*TAKES OFF DUCTAPE*
Lion: Why are you doing this to me?
Dr j:Because I want you to make me money for myself. Don’t worry, I won’t kill you, yet. *laughs*
Lion: please don’t
*POURS CHEMICAL DOWN THROAT*
*SHOW POV OF CHARACTER WITH BLINKING EFFECT UNTIL IT FINALLY FADES TO BLACK*

* VICTIM AWAKE*
Dr j:
Stand
*HE STANDS*

Dr j:
You will obey my commands.

Lion:
I will obey your commands
Dr j:
Perfect
*VICTIMS LOOKS LIFELESS AS THE DR J PUTS MASKS ON HIM*

Film Control: Statement of Intent

INTRODUCTION:

Control will be a family sci-fi/horror series based on a scientist who created a chemical that makes him able to control other people’s minds. The first minute will just be a series of shots of the scientist creating his chemical in a lab. He then comes home and there is a person tied up on the floor, the scientist then proceeds to pour the chemical down his throat. The person awakes and is shown to be brainwashed. My 2 minute clip will take place towards the end of episode one.

MEDIA LANGUAGE

I intend to have around 2 different settings: an archetypal home and lab setting. The lab will emphasize the sci-fi genre and the home setting will provide the audience pleasure of personal identity to make the audience relate to the main character despite him being an anti-hero character. There are 2 different characters; the anti-hero, Dr J and the princess character Lion. I will use at least 10 different camera shots such as a POV shot to make the watcher more immersed in the show and deliver the audience pleasure of diversion and entertainment as they can escape the routine nature of everyday life and so they can relate with the main character more. Also I will use a variety of angles like a low angled shot of Dr J to make him appear more powerful and high angled shots of Lion to make him appear weak and powerless. There will be diegetic and non-diegetic sounds such as intense background music (non-diegetic) and dialogue (diegetic).

REPSENTATION

 The main character will reinforce stereotypes of "mad scientists" being crazy and evil. The person who is kidnapped will be a male so this will subvert stereotypes of females always being the person who needs rescuing and is in danger. I intend to reinforce stereotypes of Indian men in England with Dr J’s character because he is a doctor and the typical stereotype in England for Indians is that they are intelligent. Furthermore I subvert the stereotype that villains are mainly English and white as my clip the villain and protagonist is Indian which alters the typical stereotype that films/TV shows in the UK have a mainly all white cast.

AUDIENCE

The target audience will be families and teens who are interested in sci-fi horror and sci-fi crime TV shows/films. My film will mainly be in the streets of London so will create a sense of familiarity with British audiences. If people enjoyed watching the Saw franchise, or the TV show Goosebumps then I believe they will enjoy watching my TV show as it is intriguing and keeps audiences on the edge of their seat until the end where it has an interesting twist which will make audiences want to see the next episode.

Research: Science Fiction TV dram

Doctor who Amelia
Narrative:
The narrative presents a third person view of a female who is exploring a closed museum, she is presented as quite childlike as she is seen apologising to an object in the museum. As the scene goes on an eerie backing tracks starts to suddenly appear, this could give the audience a feeling of danger. The equilibrium is when she discovers a box with a letter addressed to her, the disequilibrium is when the box starts to slowly glow and an older version of herself appears. The new equilibrium is when an artifact comes to life and they are both chased out.

Character:
The girl appeals to the audience as she seems quite naive and childlike, this could create a personal relationship with the audience as they may be children or they may have children of there own.

Iconography:
The dark setting gives an eerie vibe and could make the audience feel like there is danger ahead, also as the scene goes on the bright lights conotes to the future and science-fiction films.

Setting:
The setting of a museum has connotations of history which could foreshadow that history will be made in the coming hours, also the stuffed animals (eg a polar bear) could presage danger.

Humans trailer
Narrative:
It is set in the near future where robots are created to help humans in their day to day life, from the beginning the trailer makes it clear that something is going to go wrong and this is shown when the robots become creepily realistic, they are shown to be watching people while they should be staying in one spot. The music suddenly becomes louder and builds up tension until finally it is the end of the trailer.

Character:
There are different characters in this trailer for example the first female robot (Mia) she gives off a friendly and helpful vibe until her owners start suspecting something, she suddenly becomes more eerie and the humans feel uncomfortable around her"

Iconography:
The bright white lights give off a very futuristic vibe, for example one of the robots eye colour is an unnatural bright green, this shows the audience that this is set in the future and everything is very advanced.

Setting:
The show is based in London which could make it more relatable to British audiences, there is a scene in a Forrest which conotes the being lost and not knowing what is going on.





Black mirror season 4 trailer
Narrative:
It is set in the future where technology has advanced sufficiently, robots and AI help in the lives of humans for example there is a self driving burger van. The trailer shows many people looking distressed from the very beggining, this could show that AI is ruining the world and the dangers of technology.


Character:
There are many different characters in this video for example a character who is mimiking star trek, they all look angry and distressed.


Iconography:
Some scenes are shown in a house which is pure white which could show the futuristic vibe of this show. Also there is a scene in space where there is barely any lighting so this may show the emptiness of space.


Setting:
There are many different locations that this is set in for example a futuristic bright white house which shows how people in the future are living in luxury. Also there is a scene in space with regular people which could show how much technology has advanced.

statement of intent for practise film

Statement of intent-  I plan to make a short sci-fi television film which is set inside school, i will use a range of shots in which i will list later, my television film will include someone walking through a corridor, looking nervous/scared, then he will walk through a door and a cyborg will attack him, he will run away and make a phone call to another person.

I intend to make my film reinforce stereotypes of sci-fi films, it will be a generic si-fi film/television program. 




Script:- 
John nick- *walking through a corridor and then through a door*
Cyborg alien - *punches john nick and throws him on a walls*
John nick - *pushes cyborg on the ground and runs, makes a phone call*
911 operator - '911 whats your emergency'
John nick - 'Hello 911 help somethings happened everyone has turned come as soon as possible'
911 operator - 'whats your location'
John nick - 'Im in d block'
911 operator - 'thank you sir, now we can finally turn the last person in the world....'
*Dial Tone*


Casting - Karan
             Viraj



Shot list - Medium shot of character walking
               Close up of characters face 
               Extreme close up of phone 
               Long shot when the character is first seen and when the fight occurs
               Worm eyes view of character at begining 

Videogames case study 2 - Kim Kardashian: Hollywood blog tasks

Language

1) What is the objective when playing the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood game?
To become an A list celebrity.
.2) What is an A-list celebrity? Why is it important in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?
A worldwide known celebrity and it is the main aim in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood.
3) How do you download the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood game?
Through the app store or google play.
4) What is the narrative or storyline of Kim Kardashian: Hollywood? Where is it set?
The storyline is that u become friends with Kim Kardashian and you have to become an A list celebrity and it is set in Hollywood and the richer parts of America.
5) What characters can you play as? What characters appear in the game?

You play as a customised character and many people such as kylie jenner, kim kardashian and kylie jenner appear in  this game. 

Audience

1) Who is the intended audience for the Kim Kardashian Hollywood game? Why do you think this?

People who watch reality shows such as keeping up with the kardashians.

2) What audience pleasures are provided by the game? Use Blumler & Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory.
Personal identity
Relationships 
Diversion3) Why is the game so addictive for audiences?

Because you have a goal and a personal character.4) Why does James Liu think Kim Kardashian: Hollywood is so successful?
Because she has alot of fans and is very well known.                                                                     
5) What does James Liu suggest is the reason players keep coming back to the game?
Because it never breaks emergence.
Representations

1) What representations of women can be found in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?
In this game females are presented as obessive with being famous and looking good.2) What representations of race, ethnicity or sexuality can be found in the game?
Race, ethnicity and sexuality is very diverse in this game.3) How does the game both reinforce and subvert stereotypes in the media?
It reinforces many female stereotypes such as women being obsessed with their looks and popularity however it does represent women in a positive way as it shows them being
4) What does the game suggest regarding modern perceptions of celebrity and how to get famous?

It suggests that to climb the ladder of fame you must have celebrity friends and girlfriends/boyfriends

5) How might someone criticise the representation of celebrity in Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?

They may say that it shows that you don’t need talent to become a celebrity and to work off of other people’s successes.
Industries

1) How much does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood cost?
It is a free to play game however has in app purchases.2) How does the game make money?
Through in app purchases and adverts.3) What subscriptions are available to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood?
There are many subscriptions for example the gold subscription which costs around 49.99 USD and this gives you access to different clothes and areas in the game.4) How was Kim Kardashian: Hollywood marketed and promoted?
Kim Kardashian is already a big name and she promoted this game massively on television and on the internet eg YouTube.
5) How does Kim Kardashian: Hollywood use media convergence to cross-promote the game and the Kardashian brand?
This game uses convergence when it was advertised in the show 'Keeping up with the Kardashians' and as Kim herself advertised it on her social media as well as the game promoting her beauty line too.

Lara Croft GO case study

1) Who is Lara Croft and when did she first appear in a videogame?
 Lara Croft is a female video game character and she first appeared in 1996 Eidos Playstation game Tomb Raider and was the first computer game to feature a female character as the protagonist
2) What classic films influenced the creation of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider games?
The narrative of Tomb Raider was influenced by Indiana Jones.
3) How has Lara Croft and Tomb Raider moved beyond just being a videogame?
Lara Croft has featured in films (the first starring Angelina Jolie; new 2018 version is rebooting the character). Also there have been advertising tie-ins, merchandise, comic books and  spin-offs featuring the character. The franchise has had numerous incarnations before Lara Croft Go in 2015. 
4) What devices can you play Lara Croft Go on?
Andriod,IOS and most of handheld devices.
5) What type of game is Lara Croft Go?
Action adventure-puzzle game.
6) How does Lara Croft Go use narrative (storyline)?
Lara Croft Go explores the ruins of an ancient civilization in the Amazon Jungle while fighting enemies, overcoming dangerous obstacles and traps, and later to uncover the myth of the Queen of Venom. 
7) What iconography can be found in Lara Croft Go? How does this help communicate the sub-genre of videogame?

It is set in a jungle which shows that is an adventure game, also there are old tombs and ruins.
8) What other characters or enemies feature in the game?
Lizards, Snakes, Spiders and finally the queen of venom.
9) What is the setting for Lara Croft Go? How does this compare to previous Lara Croft or Tomb Raider games?
The setting is in temple ruins in a jungle and it is a typical location for tomb raider games and adventure games
10) Read this BBC article on the history of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider. How has the character of Lara Croft evolved over the last 20 years?  
At first she was sexualised for the pleasure of male gamers, later on she became less sexualised and became an icon for feminism as she was the first female protaganist in  a game.

Representation

1) How are women usually represented in videogames?
Usually females are one of the characters that you have to save in videogames however now they are increasingly becoming the protaganist.
2) How does the character of Lara Croft reinforce female stereotypes in the media?
Because she wears jean shorts and barely any clothing in the game, also she is very slim.
3) How does the character of Lara Croft subvert female stereotypes in the media?
Shes a strong independant female character and she holds guns which is unusual for female characters.
4) Why do some people believe the videogames industry is sexist and needs to change?
Because in the videogames industry there are barely any female heroes/protaganists and even if there are some then they are usually oversexualised.
5) Do you think Lara Croft is an empowering feminist icon or just another objectified woman designed to appeal to male gamers?
I believe that lara croft is a role model for females as she is very strong and shown that she can take on anything.
Industries

1) What does PEGI stand for?
Pan European Game Information
2) What is PEGI's job?
They choose what age ratings games should be.3) Which company created Lara Croft Go?
Square enix.
4) What two popular videogame franchises were combined to create Lara Croft Go?
Hitman Go and Tomb raider
5) What else is part of the Lara Croft/Tomb Raider franchise?
Hitman.

Audience

1) Why might an audience enjoy playing Lara Croft Go?
Because they may have played lara croft games before so they want a sense of nostalgia.2) Where and when might an audience play a game like Lara Croft Go? Think about the device it is played on and the times of the day someone might want to play the game.
While they are on transport or on the way to school/work.3) How did Square Enix design Lara Croft to make it appealing to an audience?
It is a puzzle game and just like hitman go.
4) Which of Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory might apply to Lara Croft Go?
Because they made the game very similar to the old tomb raider games.5) Who is the target audience for Lara Croft Go? How does brand loyalty contribute to this target audience?
Mainly for people who used to play old Lara Croft games.