Deutschland '83 - Case Study

REVIEWS AND FEATURES

What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?

• Its wry humour, the production of the supermarket scene as well as it's ability to present the 80s and the events of the war as well as the ambiguity of reality/fiction in a post modern perspective

What criticisms are made of the show?

• the commodified aspect of nostalgia that caters more towards the contemporary western viewers, it's stereotypical and biased commentary regarding the western side of the wall.

Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?

• By highlighting the minuscule vocabulary differences between both sides of the wall to amplify the authenticity as well as blurring the genre lines and including documentary aspects such as excerpts from Reagan's speech and capturing the reality - albeit an obscured perception of it- of the 80s 

Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?

• ''Deutschland 83 was great, and I also hoped it was a sign of things to come on German TV.'' - This positive aspect is something I agree with, it's complex narrative and underlying political commentary is somewhat of a scarcity in contemporary dramas and those that do exist are arguably a mixed bag of what's done well and what's not. However, his disappointment at discovering this was an American writer is also completely valid and the perspectives portrayed even just in the pilot episode become much more problematic when u see the fetishisation of the eastern working class and demonisation of west germany through the eyes of a third party.
• ''They used "Two Tribes" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood in the publicity, that was 1984'' - This also was apparent to me and was something that annoyed me alas not an important and deal breaker for the entire series. I do believe that with a little more research. there is definitely a song from 1983 would have the same effect and be more historically apt!
• ''A good soundtrack supporting a poor script.''- I disagree wholeheartedly with this comment, I believe that the script - particularly the accuracy of the german and the use of vocabulary when highlighting differences. I find that the script and the other audio codes work in a great synergy in order to carry the narrative and that this criticism is rather unjust.

INTERVIEWERS & BTS VIDEO FEATURES

What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany? 

• He had freedom and mobility and the divide that was prevalent not even 20 years beforehand wasn't as visible. 

The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? 

• Channel 4 appeals to an international audience and provides educational but revolutionary content for a younger - usually highly educated- audience, who would enjoy niche content and find foreign representation as a sign of high culture.

Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?

•  This may interest the channel 4 news audience since they usually have a political commentary during their broadcasts and due to the european political climate, opinions regarding the governance etc would be interesting for the older or even just more socially conscious audiences. 

BEHIND THE SCENES CLIPS

MAKING OF: WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH DEUTSCHLAND '83

Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?

• Audiences should watch Deutshland 83 for the nostalgic aspect as well as the performances of the actors - this clip offers an insight into what it took to make the show and the intrinsics of it all. It offers an abundance of enigma codes and hints at the contents of the show itself. 

Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?

• The Cold War and in particular the East/West conflicts have seldom been talked about or represented in the mainstream media and this series offers not only that reputation but a reputation that is rare and a perspective that is not easily came by in modern media. 

What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?

• The cinematography, the performances, the costume and production design and the historical content 

MAKING OF: SET DESIGN

Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?

• Since it is a costume drama, it is important that all the props, costumes and set are historically accurate as well as appropriate for the setting and context of the show. Making sure motifs and plot progressing props are in place or visible as well as meticulous details to highlight historical differences etc. are important in Deutschland 83 as it not only had to be historically accurate but also appeal to the sense of 80s nostalgia globally.

How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?

• Deutschland 83 was rather historically accurate however some details make the time period more ambiguous from the changing settings from east and west and small props such as pens etc. being less meticulously valued.

Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?

•  They offered a sense of nostalgia and personal pleasures for an older audience as well as diversion for a contemporary audience, with the 80s aesthetic being highly profitable in recent years. The gadgets etc. offered diversion and an act of escapism for viewers who found the 'future' in the past concept enlightening.

Textual Analysis: Trailer

The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.

• The use of a split screen at the beginning highlights the cultural capital available from watching this series and amplifies the complexity of this tv show and its genre. The enigmatic soundtrack and explicit depiction of the differences quickly displays the tv show and allows audiences to come to conclusions about the audience pleasures and the conventions of this show rather quickly. 

What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory

• Diversion, visceral pleasures and intertextual recognition. 

How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?

• The Split screen in the beginning which highlights the differences between Martin and Moritz but leaves the actual narrative in the dark and allows the audience to question the specifics. The scene where Martin runs is an action code and hints towards the conflict and overall his acceptance of the west.

Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? 

•  Split Screen [0.11] - the over the wall/under cover copy hints at a change and appeals to an audience as it already places Martin in a place of vulnerability before we even know who Martin is.
•  The Briefcase [0.22] - This is a classic enigma case and the conventional scene where the spy blurs the line of ethics and law for personal gain, since we are not shown the inside of the briefcase or the build up this will intrigue audiences and appeal to traditional spy-thriller fans with the promise of a classic scene.
• The Explosion [0:53] - This is a clear action scene and promotes a conventional climax and high tension scene of clear visceral pleasure for audiences which appeals to people who enjoy the high tension/high violence aspects of traditional spy thrillers. 

Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting the confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?

• Supermarket Shot [0.17] - The Popart aspect, branded clothing and bright colours captures the essence of the 80s and it's vintage but not quite aesthetic that would appeal to a contemporary audience since modern audiences find the 80s aesthetic rather desirable (see Stranger Things) 
• Blue lighting [0.20] - This blue lighting and the overall neon aspect appeals to the retro feeling of the 80s and the rise in sci-fi movies, this aspect suggests that the cinematography will cater more towards the conventions of the 80s [think Back to the future etc.] and that arcade-feel rather than the minimalism of contemporary set movies.
•  Reagan on the TV [0.30] - The sound of this archive footage not only captures the 1983 setting but also cements Deutschland 83's place as a period drama and it's place in history, it offers an alternative audience pleasure to nostalgia and diversion which is surveillance for younger audiences.

The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?

• Frankie Goes To Hollywood is an iconic band of the 80s [however this song is from 1984] and it appeals to the older audience who would recognise this song however its iconic 80s sound and bassline as well as the lyrics over the shot of Martin listening to a song on his walkman perfectly captures the stereotypical caricature of the 80s that many people picture.

The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?

• It would have inhibited the ease of enjoyment as the trailer would have had to been slowed down slightly so people could read as well as losing potential audience members due to a heavy foreign focus rather than appealing to the western aesthetics an audience desires which sadly are more enticed by action over dialogue. 

Production and Industry Context

What kind of company is UFA Fiction and what shows have they produced?

• German production company ; Deutschland 83, Generation War, and Ku'damn 56 to name but a few. 

What kind of company is Freemantle media and what do they produce?

• Distribution company - usually prime time uk tv shows such as the x factor or dramas such as Neighbours and Deutschland 83

How does Deutschland '83 reflect the international nature of television production?

•  Deutschland 83 captures the profitability of foreign media globally, by using americanisation and postmodern ideologies as well as its different production and distribution companies capturing the complexities of global tv production.

WALTER PRESENTS

How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?

• It is an enigmatic introduction, they introduce him as a 'man who's dedicated his life to seeking out the most compelling dramas' as well as suggesting he is a trusted critic with 'impeccable taste'

What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?

• 'cinephiles' or an educated audience with niche or particular tastes rather than a mainstream consumer

How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?

• It suggests that most consumers are watching tv dramas and series' through streaming and binging them on websites rather than tuning in to appointment viewings meaning that availability in bulk is vital when appealing to the busier, more impatient viewers that have become accustomed to the on demand viewings of the digital age.  

MARKETING & PROMOTION

List the Key Statistics, why is it considered the most successful foreign language drama?

• 2.5 million viewers for the first episode
• Launched with 1.49 million viewers.
• It surpassed key british dramas as well as receiving almost entirely rave reviews from news outlets.

How does the news release describe the drama?

• 'subtitled sensation', 'subtitled obsession' , 'powered by an irresistable 1983 vintage soundtrack'

How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?

• She used the extraordinary idea of a split Germany and the events of the 1980s to fuel a narrative that had both the period detail required as well as the coming of age genre that sparked in the 80s to create a drama that appealed to the masses.

Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?

•  The soundtrack is full of 80s hits and captures the iconic pop culture of the 80s in a way thats incredibly apt for the drama. The 80s music scene is still a widely appreciated aspect in western society and would attract an audience as it suggests that this show will present a perspective of that iconic western 80s culture despite its foreign setting.

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING

 
How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?

The UK DVD cover communicates the spy sub genre through the background, the wall especially with the copy 'over the wall/under cover' and Martin/Mortiz as the centric image with a walkman which also alludes to the coming of age aspect of this drama also.

Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?

The mise-en-scene in the dvd cover particularly the props used - the technology used communicates the time period as well as the nostalgic aspect and potential cultural capital hinted throughout the costume and setting of the central image.

How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?

The bright colours and popart-esque aesthetic to this poster is eyecatching and appeals to the commodification of 80s culture in a western us audience seen through popular series and cult films in America. The font, that shares a likeness to Pop Art as well as the art in the back that has the comic book essence likeness that reminds me of Roy Lichtensteins work. These are all cult aspects to American Culture and would appeal to an audience, undoubtedly.

Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?

Not all countries share the same past or the same present values. The UK has a more surveillance based aspect and a stereotypical high cultured reputation when it comes to international media whereas America has the Hollywood appeal and entertainment reputation, it's campaigns need to be eyecatching and enticing due to the high density of advertisements on tv also. Distributors can adapt their campaigns to communicate various aspects of the narrative to the areas that will be more persuaded by them such as the spy aspect in the UK and the historical value within Germany.