Capital [2015]

Reviews and Features

What positive points do the reviews pick out about Capital?

•  The reviews suggest that Capital creates a realistic and familiar depiction of London streets, the acting that makes the 'production sing' with not a bad performance amongst the ensemble as well as a 'gripping' storyline.

What criticisms are made?

•  The postcard subplot doesn't go anywhere, there's a problematic subtext to the representation of the character Usman and also a lacklustre finale in comparison to the pilot. It also suggests the book left much to be desired with an under developed plot played out by under developed characters.

How does the TV drama change the time and location from the original novel?

•  The TV Drama is set in Balham, 2015 compared to Clapham, 2012.

What does the writer say about the London Housing Market (Telegraph)

•  The writer suggests that the London Housing market hasn't changed substantially from the times of 2012 and that this drama was still, disappointing to the London audience, relevant to our demographic.

What references can you find from these reviews that Capital is a 'state of the nation' drama? How does it capture Modern day London?

•  Capital has a realistic approach to modern day London and accurately captures the lives within a street in the capital. It's focus on social and economical issues that are still prevalent within our society, even in 2019, suggesting that Capital is a state of the nation drama.

Textual Analysis of the Trailer

How does the drama use camera work to capture London life?

•  The aerial shots of famous London landmarks and overhead shots of the road, capture the community and aesthetic value of London. There is also a shot of the characters with a Red postbox in the background - a symbol of London on a global scale.

What does the camera work during character introduction suggest about the drama and it's London setting? Choose 2 specific shots.

•  The shot with the Kamal brothers outside their shop suggests that there will be a confliction, the focus of these two characters rather than the entire family and the solemn facial expressions at an eye level shot suggests that they will play a significant role in the drama. The high angle shot focusing on Petunia also suggests she will be vulnerable in this series and is at risk of a circumstances - a central character within this drama. Her house being taken photos of also suggests that this drama and it's events will prove detrimental to her.

How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?

• The trailer uses the laptop of the mum on skype to show the community of the Kamal family and also acts as a time marker for the series. The Younts also provide a perspective on family from a less communal point, with their relationship coming from money and having a hostile atmosphere shown through the dialogue and actions of them within the scenes shown. 

What does the soundtrack choice communicate to the audience and why is it effective?

• The soundtrack choice communicates the family aspect of the drama, the upbeat track and subtle melody playing in the background avoids the high pressure and tension of the play whilst having an ominous undertone as the only audible lyrics are 'These streets are yours you can keep them' which could be interpreted as either suggesting that the tenants of Pepys road are safe from the threats, or a lack of hope and determinition within the tenants as they're faced with the economic issues and threats from the people sending the postcards.

How does the trailer introduce narrative strands or enigma within the 40 second running time?

•  Through voiceovers and fast editing. The use of a montage introduces the climax's of many of the storylines such as Quentina in the cell, Roger/Arabella's argument and an eerie sense of loneliness surrounding Petunia within her home.

Episode 1 Preview

What does this preview suggest about possible sub-genres for Capital?

•  Crime, Race Issues, Family

What elements suggest this is a 'state of the nation' drama?

•  The mention of Islamophobia suggests this is a 'state of the nation' drama since xenophobia and Islamophobia is extremely prevalent within the current social climate, considering recent politics and the 9/11, 7/7 attacks, that have left discrimination and xenophobia within the societies that were effected. 

How does the mise-en-scene provide realism and familiarity for audiences?

•  The setting of a local shop would provide familiarity for audiences as many communities have a convenience store, in which they will find some recognition within the layout and family tone of the store. The costume also offers some realism, as they're not wearing designer clothing or high quality clothing rather than off-brand minimalist attire, common for the characters and age groups they're representing. 

What audience pleasures are provided by this scene?

•  There's a humorous tone to this scene, the police officer providing the diversity policy after being accused of only caring when the white person complained. Although, a serious comment on equality within communities this could be humorous to minority audiences.

How are audiences influenced to view characters within this scene?

• The audiences are influenced to view the Kamals in a positive light. They're well integrated within British society, and their actions are a clear reflection of family and lighthearted british banter, which has an aspect of personal identity to the narrative. 

Episode 2 Preview

How does this clip represent upper middle-class families?

• This clip suggests that upper middle-class families have a clear disconnect and reinforces many stereotypes surrounding them, however Roger and Conrad's sing along and interaction subverts this in a way and abstains from creating a 100% negative depiction of 

What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?

•  There's a hint at romance for the Yount's nanny, as well as perhaps romantic conflict between the Yount's.

How is the audience influenced to view Roger Yount?

•  The audience is influenced to feel sympathetic for Roger despite how unlikeable he is on paper, this scene shows an element of humanity to his character and a change in his perspectives and actions which make the audience feel for him. 

Representation

Write an analysis of the scenes from lesson

•  The opening scene uses technical codes to present the busy aspect of London as well as the undercover, crime prevalence amongst London streets through the music, The use of dialogue presents the diversity within London ("First Indians, then West Indies") and the reinforcement of gender roles, with the men being the breadwinners and the women/mothers being caring and taking their kids to school. The representation of Ethinicity subverts the mainstream media conventions and provides a positive perspective on British Pakistanis, as they help an elderly woman or conform to other ideologies and a negative representation of white people, as Petunia mentions the old-fashioned and chauvinistic beliefs of her late husband, there's also a jaded representation of wealth through the dialogue ("We're all millionaires" "Not real millionaires then")
•  London's iconography is represented well in this clip, the use of sound through the train tracks as well as the cinematography, the shot of Roger, framed by an armpit to the soundtrack or Urban city life represents the busyness and the crescendo of the music solidifies London's status as a powerhouse. White middle class people are represented in a negative light, bankers are seen as naive and unaware with an elitist perspective and an element of greed to their everyday lives.
• The upper white middle-class is seen as greedy and out of touch with the social climate of the times, Arabella says 'Which of those isn't absolutely essential' after listing an abundance of privileges, this amplifies the wealth gap as well as the elite and greedy aspect of the upper middle class.
•  The asylum scenes offer a shocking representation of immigrants and asylum seekers compared to political conversations of the time. Quentina's living situation is a stark contrast to the Yount's and this offers a 'hidden' representation of London. There's also a representation of women as being exploited in situations as well as representation of black women in legal roles, such as the traffic warden and lawyer. The representation of Quentina as a police officer subverts stereotypes but also holds some irony since she, herself is breaking the law. The opening shot of the deportation letter represents the anonymous bureaucracy of the government and the lack of empathy between those in the western world and the realities of immigration. 
•  This scene has a strong representation of wealth and it's impacts on upper middle-class families. Roger exclaims 'What use is 30 grand?' which contrasts the £300 a week that Quentina gets despite her role as a Traffic warden. They rely on this money to pay off the debts on the privileges they rely on, the lack of wealth makes Roger vomit. This is an extremity and is a satirical representation of the rich.
• The representation of family in this scene is a conventional family dynamic, and communicates familiarity with the audience. This subverts representations of British Pakistanis and Muslims however since they are still widely seen as an 'Other' in media depictions, this representation shows an integration of the Kamals into our society and there's a humorous aspect to their commentary of their situation also adds to the negative representation of white upper middle class people.

How does Capital use stereotypes? Do they reinforce or subvert dominant media ideologies?

•  Capital uses stereotypes to communicate things quickly to the audience - the vulnerable old lady being a victim allows that narrative strand to be established within the first few minutes of the pilot episode, whereas the subversion of stereotypes surrounding immigrants allows for a social conversation to be had by the audiences as a result.

Industries and production context

Who is the parent company for Kudos?

•  Endemol Shine group -- News Corp. (21st Century Fox)

What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?

•  Pleasureland (?) Or Confidence Lab

What other shows have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?

•  Broadchurch - Best Drama [TV Choice], Best Crime Drama [NTAs]
•  Humans
•  Tin Star
•  Apple Tree Yard
•  Gunpowder
•  Troy

What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?

•  Personal identity, Personal relationships, gripping storylines, realism and innovative narratives, artistic cinematography. 

Marketing & Promotion

How does the programme information make Capital sound interesting to audiences?

•  The programme information emphasises the british cast and their prior roles/star power. It also mentions how it's based off of a novel that's critically acclaimed which connotes to audience an idea that the narrative of this show will also have that level of interest and gripping quality.

Why does the programme mention the other shows the director and producer have worked on?

•  This is to appeal to the audiences of the director and producer, whilst also promoting the show by using their status and acclamation to create a buzz around this new show.

Who commissioned Capital for the BBC?

•  Charlotte Moore [Controller of BBC One] & Ben Stephenson [Controller of BBC Drama]

What does Toby Jones say about the character of Roger?

• 'Roger isn't an evil banker, he's a slightly complacent banker' who's 'not in control of his life' and has a sense of entitlement that's stemmed from being 'accustomed to living a certain way' 

What does Adeel Akhtar suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?

• ''We're living in a strange time now. I think we're at a crossroads... Pepys Road is a manifestation of this'  and shows a lot of the disconnect and issues faced by a lot of people in Britain surrounding the social, economical and political climate of the last decade. 

What does Shabana Azmi say about Asian representations in Britain?

•  'There's awareness that the world is shrinking, and becoming a global village' she suggests that we're more tolerant and the fair representations have been depicted with a sense of understanding or at least an attempt.

What are Peter Bowker's favourite scenes in the drama and why?

• Roger on Christmas Morning - Classic 'Fawlty Towers' humour 
• Kamals chaotic dinners - arcehtypal with a comedic panache
• When Bagdan and Matya talk about the affluent british people they work for

Why did Derek Wax produce Capital? What does this say about the way we live now?

•  The novel had a dickensian ambition to it which turned the entirety of London into a small street under a microscope. 

DVD Packaging

How does the packaging use other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital?

Broadchurch and Humans are critically acclaimed tv shows, with cult followings therefore this could appeal to fans of those shows and influence them to watch Capital, as it will usually have similar conventions or tones.

What does the use of design and images suggest to the audience about the drama?

The composition is interesting since Quentina has a smaller 'window' on the packaging compared to the Younts etc. which could be seen as problematic, however the structured images underneath a skyline of London suggests this series is about the 'underground' workings of Britain.

How are review quotes used on the cover? What do they suggest to the audience about sub-genre, narrative and audience pleasures?

The use of quotes acclaiming the cast and mise-en-scene of the drama, appeals to artistically influenced members of the public who may watch for the cinematography rather than the actual narrative, They also suggest that this will be a family genre, with enigmatic aspects and the audience will enjoy seeing the events unfold and come to their conclusions.

What representation of London does the DVD packaging offer?

It suggests that London is much more than it's landmarks. The global perspective and representation of London fail to recognise what's behind the doors of the buildings, what happens that's hidden in the media. But it also uses the iconography to communicate how it is still London and conforms to those aesthetic perceptions that surround London. It also shows the diversity and inclusivity of London, with the inclusion of an array of different ethnic groups, many subverting the British media's dominant ideologies surrounding them.

Film Industry: Learner's response

Teacher's feedback:

• WWW: Your answer to Q3 is simply stunning- detailed, engaged, pertinent and a joy to read. This has all the hallmarks of an A* response and I think with some minor adjustments we will be working around that level.
• EBI: Q2 needs a little more specific focus on the CSP rather than general film market points.
• EBI: Keep an eye on written English : apostrophes and long sentences.
• EBI: Your Q3 answer probably deserves full marks but I wonder if you could address the other side of the argument in a little more detail. Where should the funding come from if social realism is important culturally but doesn't make a profit?

Marks received for each question

• 2/2
• 3/4
• 8/9

One strategy used to promote Chicken

• Small arthouse release followed by digital distribution - doesn't attract mainstream attention

A paragraph FOR Social Realism film production

Low-Budget films can still have commercial success, films like Bend it like Beckham manage to capture a niche british lifestyle and appeal to a global audience. The arthouse genre is critically acclaimed and niche audiences, globally enjoy indulging in raw and realistic films that lack the rose tinted perspective that many Hollywood films adopt as well as avoiding gentrified settings and especially british low budget movies, use iconography and the appeal of London as a city to reach a global audience. Heritage cinema, and social realist films create an awareness on important issues within our society, therefore their profitability should not be a barrier within their production. They have an important social impact and cultural profit and their profitability, or lack thereof is not a guaranteed outcome, the significance of arthouse cinema in a commercial industry is undeniable in our current cultural climate especially within Britain itself.

A paragraph AGAINST Social Realism film production

It is difficult to secure funding from the BFI and National Lottery, and the British public cannot afford to fund social-realist films due to the economic climate of Britain at this time. Although, social realist films are arguably important to British culture and our societal awareness and perception of taboo subjects, they are not a mainstream genre and their appeal to a niche audience is not always a success story. This means that funding these types of films can be a waste of money and resources especially when co funded films are much more profitable and with the British economy in the situation it currently is, it is an educated and realistic perception on social realist films. They are not profitable, though they are incredibly important, the BFI and National Lottery funds are not easy to secure and the alternative is donations, such as gofundmes and help from rich friends, which although handles the economic side of the films production, creates an elitist boundary within the film industry especially for working class or low opportunity filmmakers.

TV Drama: Introduction

Factsheet: Television Serial Drama

What is serial television drama?

•  A dramatic narrative that provides a narrative resolution for an arc for a specific number of parts over a specified time period. 

List 5 of the dramas discussed on page 1 of the factsheet.  How has the genre evolved over time?

•  Doctor Who, The Avengers, Danger Man, The Sweeney and Starsky and Hutch. TV dramas have shifted their focus from a story-a-week narrative structure that fit the audiences of the 80s to a much more rounded overarching narrative to fit the viewing habits of an audience within the digital age. 

List the sub-genres included in the factsheet and an example of each.

•  Police Procedural (crime) E.g Luther [2010, Written by Neil Cross]
•  Medical E.g Grey's Anatomy [2005, Written by Shonda Rhimes]
•  Period (costume) E.g Mad Men [2007, Created by Matthew Weiner]
•  Science fiction/fantasy E.g Doctor Who [1963, Created by Terry Nation]
•  Family E.g The Fosters [2013, Created by Peter Paige, Brad Bredeweg]
•  Teen E.g Runaways [2017, Created by Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage]

Why is setting so important in TV dramas?

•  Setting is important for tv dramas since a recognisable setting or utilisation of iconography allows the audience to pick up key ques about the characters and narrative and also the sub-genre of the drama. Since TV Dramas have a large ensemble cast, they tend to focus on setting as a plot device rather than a leading character.

How do TV dramas usually use characters? What are the audience pleasures that can be linked to character in TV dramas?

•  TV Dramas usually use a large ensemble cast to appeal to a diverse audience and create realism within long-running dramas. This links to Blumler and Katz theory on Uses and Gratifications as people can form personal relationships due to personal identity - seeing themselves depicted on screen

What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example.

•  A composition of different narratives that link in the end to a final conclusion. e.g Love Actually [2003, Dir. Richard Curtis]

What is a cold opening?

•  A cold opening is when a tv show jumps straight into action or the narrative before the opening credits. 

How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to tv serial dramas?

•  TV serial dramas have both episodic disequilibrium and resolution as well as an overarching narrative that returns to a new equilibrium at the climax of a season. This plot structure allows a chance to capitalise off of both specific subplots as well as the plot as a whole. 

What is the typical form of TV dramas and how are they usually distributed to an audience?

•  TV dramas are usually episodic, with multiple seasons communicating different but interlinked overarching narratives. They usually are distributed seasonally with an annual 'hiatus' between seasons, compared to serial dramas which take place over a set number of weeks and rarely infiltrate the multiple season approach.

How have subscription channels and streaming services changed the form and content of TV dramas?

• Subscription channels and streaming services allow people to 'binge-watch' TV dramas, channels play reruns of popular TV dramas and streaming services distribute entire seasons at one time, eliminating the need for episodic cliffhangers but increasing demand for a continuous and consistently intriguing and relevant narrative throughout episodes. This allows TV dramas to have more relevant and socially relevant content due to the wider audiences but also allows them to adhere to traditional form techniques such as an overarching narrative since audiences will be invested in the conclusion.

How might the tv drama genre evolve in the future?

•  The increased density of morally ambiguous, complex characters will begin to appeal to a much more diverse audience as films begin to adhere and conform to archetypal but profitable cliches. The diversity of narrative and character in TV dramas will fill the market gap left by 'mid-budget' movies and gain a dominance on streaming services due to their attractiveness to binge-watchers and varying demographics due to their sub-genres.

Killing Eve ( 2018, Written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge)

FORM

•  Distributed by: IMG
•  Running Time: 42 minutes

NARRATIVE

•  Multi-strand structure; interlinked between characters and varying perspectives. 
•  Links to an over-arching climax in season finale

SETTING

•  Killing Eve is set primarily within London
•  Follows other culturally famous European places
•  Uses iconography to communicate recognisable settings
•  MI5 offices

CHARACTERS

•  Follows the professional and private lives of spies'private investigators as they attempt to ind and persecute an infamous serial killer, who's committed a string of murders throughout Europe and the changing dynamics and relationships between Criminal/Persecutor

Index: British Film Industry

• British film factsheets #132 and #100
• Chicken: Case Study
• BBFC Regulation 

Chicken

This case study refers to the 2015 movie Chicken (Dir. Joe Stephenson), a heartfelt and shocking movie surrounding Richard, a 15 year old boy. His family life, his newfound friends and changes throughout the movie bring the artistic capital center stage. Despite this, Chicken encountered many struggles along its journey to distribution and it's overall reception within the film industry.

Funding

What was the funding for Chicken?

• £110,000

How did Joe Stephenson raise the money to make the film?

•  Contacts. Friends of friends, who would invest money into making the film. 

How does the Chicken budget compare to a Hollywood-funded British blockbuster such as Spectre [2015] or Paddington 2 [2017]?

• Chicken is a micro-budget film and lacks the funding secured by Hollywood-funded films, these movies are promising and are much more cinematic in their techniques and spending habits however Chicken did not have this privilege, and due to it's small budget had to film hastily, and was victim to natural barriers, lighting issues and limiting time frames. 

What is the BFI film fund and How does it contribute to the British film industry?

• The BFI film fund is a financial support system for UK film makers and films using funding from the National Lottery. It allows a diverse and inclusive amount of films to be made which are socially relevant and contribute to British society in a fair and rewarding manner.

Why do you think Chicken failed to secure the funding from the BFI film fund?

• I believe that the heavy themes and strong violence featured throughout Chicken makes it an unattractive film for both funding and distribution. Although, it's needed and brings awareness to topics that many regard as taboo in today's society. It's raw feeling and vulgar approach could be argued as 'too much' for a mainstream audience. 

Production

What difficulties did Chicken face during filming?

• Lighting issues, bad weather, a limited filming period.

How many days did Chicken take to film?

• 19. Only 18 days worth of footage was used in the movie.

What scenes were particularly difficult to film?

• The final scene with the caravan was particularly difficult due to the weather conditions at the time however a lot of scenes were interrupted by lighting issues during the duration of filming.

Distribution

Why did the film fail to secure a distribution deal when it was first made in 2014?

•  It's expensive to market and secure and many places saw Chicken as a risky film to invest in, since in relation to Hesomdhalgh, had more culture capital than profitable potential. 

What film festivals did Chicken feature at between 2014-2016

•  Edinburgh, Busan, New Hampshire, Giffoni & Dublin

Why are film festivals and effective way for a low budget film to secure a distribution deal?

•  It allows films to reach an audience and gain critical response and reviews that can be used in promotion and if it becomes critically acclaimed secure a distribution deal of some sort. 

When was Chicken released in cinemas in the UK?

• May 2016.  

Why do you think film subscription service MUBI chose the film to feature on the service?

•  Chicken is an artistic independent film which fits into the arthouse, and niche aesthetic of the MUBI streaming service. 

Why was film 4 a good choice to give the film its UK television premiere?

•  Film 4 previews mainly arthouse films or films that appeal to a niche audience, which Chicken definitely does. It's rural aesthetic and controversial narrative contents makes it quite attractive to the film 4 demographic of highly educated and culturally intrigued young people.

When will the film be released on ITunes and other video-on-demand services in the USA and Canada?

•  January 2018/ Amazon Prime secured in June 2018. 

Promotion

What does the trailer suggest regarding genre and the potential audience pleasures of Chicken?

•  The trailer suggests that this film will be part of the common British genre of social realism and will provide an alternative perspective on the stereotypes and myths surrounding the working class demographic, and minorities within the suburbs of Britain. 

What synergy can you find between traditional marketing media and the film trailer?

•  The use of Fiona in marketing is prevalent as well as the use of quotes and excerpts from critic reviews used on the film posters and throughout the film trailer. 

Why are reviews from industry figures such as Mark Kermode so important to a film's success?

•  He is a trusted opinion leader within the industry therefore his opinion and recommendation may lead to heightened exposure for the film and more audience opportunities, especially for low budget films such as Chicken.

How does the twitter account create and maintain interest in the film?

• By promoting distribution opportunities, talking about the films critical acclaim and retweeting tweets related to the film.  

Who does the twitter account retweet? How does this help promote the film?

•  Film magazines and people talking about and reviewing the film. In this digital age, people rely on other peoples opinions heavily before consuming new or unknown media therefore the perpetuation of positive reviews and critic intrigue creates a buzz that will in turn, lead to more people wanting to watch the film. 

How does the film's facebook page use images and video content to promote the film?

•  The film's facebook page uses film posters and excerpts from the film to promote the film and keep interest on the stories narrative without spoilers.

What pages are liked by the facebook page? What does this tell us about the film and the potential target audience?

•  Pages relating to arthouse film and films relating similar topics. This hints that the film deals with social realism topics 

What celebrities are mentioned on the B Good Picture company's website? Why might they be highlighted?

•  Ian Mckellen, Stephen Frears, Noel Clarke, Karen Gillan and Mark Kermode. They are reputable figures in the film industry and their names being mentioned allows the film to us3e star power for promotion.

What is the key purpose of the film's official website? What does this tell you about how people are consuming films and the influence of new technology?

•  The films official website exists to inform and keep people updated on the distribution process. It displays the technological advancement and adaption in society to rely on streaming services rather than cinema excursions to consume films and tv shows.

What videos feature on the B Good pictures youtube channel? How do they help promote Chicken?

•  Clips from the movie. This allows the audience to get a feel for the themes and characters of the film and contextualises the movie in a more in-depth manner than the trailer, hopefully motivating audiences to see the movie to fit the puzzle pieces together. 

Beyond Hollywood: Reading Arthouse Cinema

Summarise the article in 50 words.

•  Arthouse cinema is a purposefully intellectually challenging and difficult to read genre, it prioritises artisitic value over commercial ability and has a particularly melancholic theme throughout narratives. Arthouse films rarely follow the conventional narrative structures and codes and can be unattractive for western audiences due to their status in the foreign film market, making subtitles needed which are quite off-putting to modern audiences, although not so much in recent years.

What are some of the suggested audience pleasures for arthouse film?

•  High cultural capital, Intertextual references, competence in reading films, and artistic reputations.

Why do some audiences struggle with arthouse film?

•  The melancholic narratives, majority of arthouse films are not in a western language, abstract references and cultural significance.

To what extent is arthouse film only for the middle class and older audiences? Why might this be the case?

• I believe that arthouse films have a slightly older, middle class target demographic due to the complexity within the narrative, references and significant character choices that require a level of higher education and knowledge within film to truly understand and appreciate since these films are centered around their artistic capital rather than commercial ability, they can risk using abstract and elitist language and structural choices which then leave those with basic film knowledge or casual watchers at a significant disadvantage when it comes to watching arthouse films without any contextualisation from the movie itself.

What type of audience would be interested in Chicken?

•  An arthouse audience would be interested in Chicken due to it's elusive promotion and niche subtext which allows for higher educated people to appreciate the artistic efforts of this movie however it could also appeal to a socially disadvantaged audience; those who have lived a more realistic version of life but a similar one to Richard, a narrative that is hardly ever depicted on screen and would be an arguably important representation for a mainstream british audience.