Factual Programming - codes and conventions part 2

Special interest documentary- This is a documentary that focuses on a topic, what has a very niche appeal. This type of show often stands alone without any follow up episodes. Also in a special interest documentary they often use many traditional documentary conventions in them. They also are relay never shown on a mainstream TV, such as BBC 1 or ITV1. They are often shown on channels such as BBC 2.  

(Operation Stonehenge- what lies beneath?)

This show is based on the stone hedge, and is all about experts who want to find out all of the questions that relate to the icon. Such as why is it there and how was it created? I believe that this is a special interest documentary because it is a one of show that focuses on a very particular subject, which is Stonehenge. This then will have a very niche target audience, which are people how are interested in the origins of Stonehenge, and would like to find out more about it. This documentary starts off with an editing montage. It finishes at 2:40. Editing montages are lots of different clips from the documentary that have been put together, to make a sort of opening sequence for viewers to watch. By doing this is will allow the audience to get an insight to what is to come, which will them excited, making them stay watching the documentary. Also another convention that is used in this documentary is the use of expects. This is shown very clearly throughout the whole documentary. For example at 7:53 we get introduced to a man named David Jacques, who is an archaeologist. It is important to the viewers that we know he is an archaeologist, because it makes him come across as a expect in the field, so that whatever he says the viewers will believe him, which will then make the viewer’s think that everything that the documentary states is true. The documentary presents facts to the audience in a very generic away. They do it with the help of expects but most importantly the used of actual evidence that archaeologists have found. For example at 16:38 we get to see a shot of an actual artifact, which helps to explain Stonehenge. By showing the viewers this it connotes to them that the documentary is factual, and professional, which will the make the viewer’s carry on watching it. Also another clear documentary convention that we see here is the use of editing to make a meaning or story. The documentary does not just tell you why the Stonehenge was made and the purpose behind it at the beginning, because that will then give the viewers what they wanted and then they will not watch the documentary anymore. What this does it that it gives you little bits of information, in a chronological order, allows the viewers to put together all of the information, to see the bigger picture. So for example at 18:49 we are informed that there had been a building near the Stonehenge, which could play an important part to why the Stonehenge was made. We then along the documentary get more information through the use of expects, that helps us understand why Stonehenge is here even more. As we get more information about the topic, we get drawn into it even more, making us stay watching till the end.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b008d2x7/the-comets-tale#group=p0269r1g

Another specialist Documentary that I have found is, The Comet's Tail. This is a documentary that forces on a Comet's that are in space, and what they are made of, and how they were created. Its target audience is very niche, and will typically interest middle aged men, or anyone with a great passion about space and our universe.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04j1w52/the-sky-at-night-the-hunt-for-et#group=p0269r1g

This is another specialist documentary, which is called "The sky at night" it focuses on one main question "Is there other planets like us living among us. It also looks to see, if they can understand what life really nice, and what the purpose of it is.

Make over Show- This kind of show has come about due to reality shows, but focuses on trying to improve the life or lives of the general public. It can be done though the improvement of a person, building or environment. It has many episodes to it, but one episode normally focuses on one individual and their life. Whatever the show is trying to improve the presenter is normally an expert in that filed, allowing them to give advice on the matter and often the presenter is "the show".

60 minute make over

This show is based on improving the image of someone’s home. One convention that they use is the use of suspense, concealing outcome. This is a very big part of the show. We see this happen though out the whole show. When the final outcome is almost finished, the audience will never get to see a long shot of the place. By doing this it builds suspense for the viewers, which will then make then carry on watching the show, until the end so that they get to see the final outcome. Another convention that is used in this show is that the camera operator will use framing of certain things to create a meaning for the viewers. So for example we see this at 2:22 we see the designer who is designing the house talk to a worker about what is happening. At this point the camera man could easily move into a mid-shot of the two talking, but instead stays at a sort of a long shot, allowing the viewers to see all of the people work around them, which will make the viewer’s think that everyone is doing something, which will make the makeover look real. And also will get the viewers excited because they can see the people fixing the house but cannot see the outcome, so again will stay watching to see the final outcome. Another convention that is used in this show is the use of a hand held camera. This you can see though out the whole show. By doing this is will make the audience feel as if the whole show is very real and not scripted. Also a hand held camera will allow the viewers to feel part of the makeover, because it will sort of look and feel like they are filming the show themselves. For example at 12:53 we get to see the first room that has been made over. As we do the camera is shaking a bit, which tells me, it is hand held. This then allows the viewers to see the room as if they are in the house themselves, making them feel part of the show. Also another convention this show uses are the use of expects. The use of expects comes from the voice over. As we get too see all of the made up rooms the voice over will talk to use about the design and what the designers have done to make the room look good. So for example at 14:30 we get to see what the master bed room looks like. The voice over tells the audience about the room and, reasons why the room is designed in the way it is. By doing this it allows the audience to understand the design, and in a way educated them on tip of how to design their rooms. This will them make the viewer’s wants to carry on watching the show. 

1 year to save my life is another makeover show. It focuses on overweight people and we get to follow them on their journey of losing weight. They are helped and guided by a personal trainer who acts as the presenter of the show, who has expert knowledge on the matter, in this case, weight loss. The show has a very positive attitude on what is a very upsetting and life threatening problem.

10 years younger, is another makeover show that I know of. It focuses on getting people that do not, know how to dress, which makes them look older than they are, and trying to get them to dress nicely, which will get them looking "10 years younger. The presenter is the expect in the show, and gets helps from other expects, such as hairdressers, and they all will work together focusing on one person in each show. It brings a light hearted approach to a problem that is destroying a person’s life

Loose Women is an example of a discussion show. It normally has about 4 to 5 members of the panel that talk about the topics, and they often bring in celebrities, who appear on the show as a one off, and the topics that they talk about suit the celebrity. One convention that is used in this show is I said before is the use of expects. The panel are not actual expects on the matter, but have had experiences in the topics that they talk about, which in a way makes them experts. So for example at 3:06 they talk about what life is really like, when you are in a girl band. They direct these questions to Kimberly, who was part of the girl band Girls aloud. So this then makes her an expert on girl bands and what life is like to be in one. By doing this it makes the audience understand the topic more, rather than just having a normal person try and answer questions about a topic they have no experience in. So overall the use of expects will have a positive effect on the viewers because it will connote to the viewers that the answer that they are being told are true, which will make them carry on watching the show. Another convention that we see in this show is the use of music. The music comes in the form of a themes tune. The theme tune is very light hearted and sort of jolly. By having this might of music at the beginning on the show, connotes to the viewers that the panel take a light hearted approach to situations. I know this is true because in all episodes the lose women are always laughing and joking about with each other. So the music represents how the lose women are felling at the start of the show. This will then make the viewer’s feel the same way, allowing them to enjoy the show even better.

Graham Norton Show is another Discuss show. In the show they also bring on celebrities and then discuss issues that Graham wants to talk about, They also relate to the guest that are on the show, because  the guest are seen to be expects in the topics, allowing the show to give an expert opinion on the matter to the viewers. The show is always located in the studio and the guest hardly never move room the main studio bit. Also the show is filmed as live, allowing the topics that are spoken about to be relevant at the current time.

Room 101 is another discussion show. It is about celebrities coming onto the show and discussing topics that they are not happy with, and then, locking them up into "Room 101" The show has a live studio audience, who can be heard by the viewers at home. The topics that they talk about are often serious, but to make it more entertaining, are given a light hearted approach, to make it seem funnier, which will then make the viewer’s feel relaxed watching the show, which will allowing them to carry on watching, because they are finding it funny

An example of a review shoe is QVC. It is a show that is shown on TV or on YouTube. It test out products to see if they work and how well they work and they also allow you to buy the product directly from them, by calling the number on the screen. It has a presenter who tries out/ tests the product, to show you how easy it is to use. It normally just tests out house hold appliances, so is always set in a studio environment, which has been made to look like a testing house, In this show they have a very strong and interesting premise. This is because they actually test the product out in front of you, without any editing tricks. By doing this it shows the viewers that the product actual works and it shows them how easy it is to operate, which is far greater than just telling viewers how good the product is. The show actually shows us how good it is. Also QVC does have a bias view point. The idea of the show is to test the products and, so that the viewers will buy them. So the presenter will try and make the product sound and look faultless, so that we buy this. We see this at 2:44 we hear the presenter talk about a hover and how hard it is to not make mess while emptying the hover. They have said this to make the hover sound even more impressive. This is clearly a bias view on the hover because, they only tested it out once and someone without experience has also tried the hover out to give their opinion on it, which will be another bias view, because they are trying to sell the product to us. 

The gadget show is another review show. It is a show that goes around testing out product from developed business. It rates the products with a number of stars and often compares them with other competing products. It is set in a studio but depending on the product they test, will go to another location in order to test the product.

Will it blend is another review show. It is a funny light hearted show that tests out products in exactly the same way, to see if it will blend in a blender. It is also set in the same studio and never leaves the studio. The presenter remains the same, and he says phrases that he never forgets to say, such as "will it blend"

The Jeremy Kyle Show is an example of a chat show. It forces on working and underclass people, who come on to talk about their everyday issues, and try and settle them. This chat show like most is set up in multi camera environment, in order to capture all of what happens, the multi camera allows the shows to use framing to create meaning much more effectively. This is because the director can quickly go into a close up of a person who is crying to connote to the viewers what they are feeling. we see this at 7:59 where we see the lady wiping her face with a tissue, the framing of the shot allows the viewers to understand how she is feeling, which will then make them feel sorry for her which then makes them carry on watching the show, because they are emotionally attached to the show now. Also this show uses the use of suspense to conceal an outcome. We see this when Jeremy says that they have got results for a lie detector test but does not tell us the results after a few minutes. We see this in many of the shows he does. By doing this it makes the audience carry on watching the show because they want to find out the results. The montage at the start of the show is used, to allow the viewers to see what is to come, and also to make a pre-judgement on the people, this will then make the audience carry on watching the show because they sort of pick a side and now they want to see if their side wins. Also by having a montage at the start of the show it sorts of builds up the show, and makes the audience expect highly of the show, due to the fact that they have seen all of the best bits in the montage. 

Micheal Mclntyre chat show is another example of a chat show. It uses Micheal Mclntyre as the presenter who talks to guest that comes on about their every say lives. It is set in a studio and never leaves that studio to show anything different. It also has a live audience that we can hear, and can get involved by booing or cheering, depending on the situations that they see. Micheal Mclntyre is also a very over the top person, with a huge personality, which we normally see a presenter of a chat show be like.




The Jonathan Ross show is another example of a chat shot. It uses Jonathan Ross as the presenter who is a larger than life person. He brings on guest, and talks to them about their everyday lives, and what is to come from them. This gives the guest to plug any upcoming things that they need to promote, such as a new fragrance that is about to launch or a new show that is going to be aired.

Magazine Show- This is a show that is made up of lots of short factual clips, with experts talking about the theme. This is normally done live so that the theme is relevant to the current time or as live. The presenter is also continuous and is always most likely filmed in the same studio. It has elements that you will normally see in a chat show or discussion show making it a hybrid show.

Top gear is an example of a magazine show. The show is about cars, and the presenters are set challenged to do with cars, as part of a bit of light entertainment, and also to test the cars out, in a way that is entertaining. Though out the show, there are small segments, which divert from the studio and often located someplace else, such as in the dessert or in the roads of London. This is done so that the cars on the show can be tested out for elements such as speed. In this show we see an interview with a special guest half way though, so in this case we see it from the start of the clip until 8:08. In the interview the guest will talk about their own cars and often what ones they have and how does it feel to drive. And then we also see them perform a lap around the track. By doing this is keeps the viewers watching and keep coming back, because they know what to expect. The camera language that is used is quite professional. As the viewer we get to see a lot of close up or facial expressions and long shot of all of the people in the audience. By doing this it create meaning to the viewer’s showing them that lots of people like to watch the show as well, which will then make us want to watch it so that they do not feel left out.  

Day Break is another example of a magazine show. It has many different segments to it, ranging from sports weather news and the latest celeb gossip. It is set in a studio, and also has guest to appear on the show, to either play some music or to talk about upcoming events. Their target audience are younger people aging from 15-40, because it is not too serious and takes alight approach to things.

The one show is an example of a magazine show. We see two presenters asking questions to the guest normally about their career. This show is shown on BBC 1 at about 8 o’clock, making it a show that has a big target audience. The guests that come on often perform for the viewers making it more entertaining for the viewer's to watch.

Factual Programming- Codes and Conventions

Docu Drama

This is a TV show that uses real life events to produce a show, which reflects what actually happened in a life event. It uses facts from actually eye witnesses to use in the show. But this is not a re-enactment of the event. It is not always full correct, because information is twisted to make it more entertaining for the viewers.

Examples of a docu drama.

Where was god, is a documentary film based on the true story of the tornado that hit Moore. The film followed different families and individuals that recall what happened on the day of the event. The film contains achieve footage, and has interviews with expects, on tornadoes, to give the viewer more information about this particular tornado.

The Queen

This docu drama is based on the Queen and the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana. It takes use on a journey on how the queen deals with the death and all of the duties that she faces. The show is dramatised to make it more entertaining for the audience to watch, which will get the show more views. 

Murder by my boyfriend

This is based on the true story of a women who fell in love with a guy, and from that day started to experience domestic violence. The story is based on the girlfriend and we see the relationship fall part, until he murders her. In this it used many codes and conventions you will typically find in docu drama. It uses a voice over though out the whole documentary, to narrative what is going on on screen. For example at 12:55 the voice over says "he holds he closely" as he does. By doing this is makes the audience become more engaged into the story, because they fully understand what is going on in the story. Also it sorts of over empathizes everything that is going on, so that is has a greater meaning to the audience, making them stay watching. Another conventions that is used is that is focuses on the facts of the events. For example the documentary uses time phases to tell the audience when certain factual things happen in the relationship shop. This allows the audience to understand how long things go on for and what stage of the relationship they are at. Another convention that is used in this docu drama is that it constructs a version of reality often using narrative techniques. It does this by making the show flow like a story and flow in chronological order. So at the start we see the relationship develop, then we start to see signs of domestic violence, and then at the end we see what they whole documentary was building up to. By doing this, it keeps the audience excited, which will make them stay watching the show.     

Docu Soap

Is a TV show is shows the lives of real life people often in a work place, go about their day to day lives, in order to bring entertainment to the viewers. It often has many cliff hangers, making it more entertaining for the viewers to watch and it also has many story lines to it, which include the main characters that we are following around. 

Educating Essex is an example of a docu soap. It follows the lives of teachers and students at school. One convention of a docu soap is that they sort of create a character from real people. This is shown in this show because we only follow a few people around, and we get to understand their personalities which, makes a character for us. By doing this it makes the show more entertaining for the viewers to watch and we gets to understand the character situation more. Also another convention of a docu soap is drama. They often have a lot of drama involved, and hard situations for the characters to face. By doing this we the viewers will find it very exciting to watch, which will make us want to watch the show again and again, which will benefit the show, by boosting their ratings. For example we get to meet the head teacher of the school and, we always see him having to deal with a troublesome student, and we get entertainment by watching him deal with the situation. Also another convention is lots of cliff hangers. Throughout the show we see people and situation that they face. The editing is done in a way to make us think what is going to happen to the people later on, which will make us carry on watching the show. For example we met a student, who was misbehaving in the class very often, and then was called to the head teacher’s office. There is a cliff hanger, when we see the student walking to the office very angry or very upset. We think to ourselves, "what is going to happen to them" which will make the audience stay watching, and even watch the show the following week.

Dangerous Driving School 

This docu soap is based on real people who have trouble driving, so let cameras follow them around, as they get help to drive. It focuses on only a few drivers, so that the viewers can get to know each one on a personal level, which will make it more entertaining to watch, because you feel as if you know them yourself. 

Tough Young Teachers is a docu soap, based on the lives of ex-students that have graduated, and are now seeing what it is like to be a teacher. The show follows around the same young teachers, in each episode, allowing the viewers to understand and get to know the teachers on a personal level, making the show more enjoyable to watch, because you feel as if you know them. As the show goes on you get to see the progression of the students and of the young teachers. 

Reality TV

This type of show follows real life people around on their day to day lives. The show is not scripted, but the people are put purposely into situation, in which will produce an entertaining outcome for the viewers. One example of this type of show is Keeping up with the Kardashians. In this we follow the lives of the Kardashians, and we get drawn into story lines that happen in their lives. For example one season was based on  Kim’s wedding, and events happen that are meant to be real but have sometimes be put in to make the show more entertaining. For example, Kim does not know if to change her name to her husband’s name or keep Kardashian. This is then made into a big deal by having music playing on top and having close ups of their faces to get their reactions. But this is a big convention for reality TV, which is highly structured and edited. By doing this is makes the show more entertaining for us to watch, and we will carry on watching it to see what happens next. Another convention that is used are interview in the show, we see them at random time in the show, normally after sometime exciting has happened. So for example in one episode Kourtney tell Scott that she is pregnant. We then see a close up on if face and then it cuts to an interview of Scott, of him talking about, how he feels on the situations. This is done, so that the audience can get more information about the topic, and fully understand how the people are feeling in that certain situation, making it more enjoyable to watch.     

The only way is Essex is another reality TV show. It is based on peoples who live in Essex and their lives and situations. There are a set number of main characters, who appear in most episodes. There are many storylines that come from their lives, such as relationship problems. The stories continue on from the previous episodes, which make the viewer’s stay watching the show, because they want to find out what happens next in a certain situation. The show is highly structured and edited, to making it more exciting to watch. 

Made in Chelsea is another reality TV show that is based on the lives on certain people that live in Chelsea. It focuses on certain people that appear in every episode. The audience gets to know all of the people, on a personal level, because we get to see their personal life on TV. Even though the people are all real, what we see has been tweaked for our entertainment, making us stay watching the show.  

Infotainment based program are programs that inform the viewers on a topic, as well as entertain them, making more popular to watch for the audience. It is known for sort of dumbing down topics, so that people that watch it can understand it even more. Also the presenter that hosts the show is often very loud which a big personality.  

One example of this type of show is Soccer am. This show is all about giving the viewer’s information about football, in a light hearted and fun way. It has two presenters in it, who like football and who get involved in certain tasks such as the cross bar challenge. The show also brings on guest, to talk about the latest new in football and to also take part in challenges.  

Mock the week is another Infotainment show. This is because it gets across information that has happened in the world, like the news does, but it does it in a very funny and light hearted way. The guest that come on the show are always changing, and are often very funny people to appeal to the target audience of the show, which are adults in their 30s.  

An idiot abroad is another example of an Infotainment show. This is because it is based on a guy who travels the world, educating the viewers on the county in term of what it offers and what life is like there, but he does it in a very funny and entertaining way. One convention that is used in this show is the use of hand held camera. We see this very clearly at 0:15. The camera is following Carl as he walks, and as the camera is walking with Carl we can see it going up and down. By doing this it makes it more realistic to the viewers that the show is factual and not scripted, which will make the viewer’s stay watching the show. Another convention that is used is the use of music. At 0:20 we can hear light hearted music in the background, as Carl is looking for things to do. They doing this it gives the show a very relaxed feel to it, which then in return will make the viewer’s feel relaxed and stay watching the show. Also by having music playing in the background of certain situations makes the situations more interesting and real. For example at 3:24 we see Carl go for a massage, and we can see that he does not like it because it is hurting it. So to make the situation even funnier to watch there is silly music being played in the background, to make the situation less serious, allowing the viewers to laugh and be entertained more. 

Educational TV

This type of show is a show that has a sole purpose to educate the viewers on a topic. These types of show are often aimed toward children, and they encourage the viewers to learn more about the topic, when not watching the show. 

Art attack is an example of this kind of show because it, educates the viewers about how to make things and draw things. It is aimed towards children, and it shows them step by step how to make art. For example at 0:57 the presenter says to a toy "stay there you may learn something" it is actually directed to the viewers, and it connotes that we should stay watching because we can learn something. One convention that is used in this show is editing pieces together to create meaning. This is done though the different camera languages. For example at 1:13 we see the presenter starting to create and talk though how to make the product. This is shown to use with a mid-shot. Then at 1:19 we see the presenter carry on making the product, but this time the camera goes into a close up on the presenter’s hands, to show the viewer’s exactly what he is doing. By doing this it allows the viewers to learn more about what is going on, and also makes it more exciting to watch, due to a lot of different camera angles and shots. Another convention that is used is used is the use of an expect. In this case the expect is the presenter. He has the knowledge and the skill to educate the viewers. We need an expert in the show, because the whole point of the show is to educate us, so without an expect this would not happen.

Jamie’s 15 minutes meals are another example of an educational TV show. It is based on Jamie Oliver, teaching the viewer’s how to make meals in just 15 minutes. It is always set in the same locations, and he does different dishes in different episodes, so that the viewers do not get bored. As he makes the food he talks though what he is doing so that people at home who are watching can do the same. The show is very factual and wants people to learn vital skills at the end of the show. 

Wildlife documentary

These types of shows are based on animals, plans or the environment. It is often narrated by a male presenter but we hardly even see him, because the show is not about him. The shows are often shown of public broadcasting channels. 

Natural world is a wildlife documentary that is based on animals, and showing the viewers the life of animals. The animals are often always wild animals that are found in Africa. In this show, it focuses on lions. At 2:40 it tells use the difference between a female and male lion, while showing use footage of the lions. It presents fact with a voice over while showing what the voice over is talking about on screen 

Garden Wildlife is another example of a wildlife documentary. It is based on the wildlife that you would typically find in your garden. So they focus on animals such as foxes, butterflies, and ladybirds. It has a light approach to the matter, and often uses expects to get across facts to the viewers. In each episode it focuses on different wildlife, so that the viewers will not get bored, when watching the show.        

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01l9z10/a-year-in-the-wild-1-snowdonia

A year in the wild is another example of a wildlife documentary. It is based on a man who takes us on a journey in Snowdonia, giving us an in site to what it is like to live there, and allows us to see all of the wonders it has to offer. One convention that is used in this show is the use of a voice over. She is used to talk us though what is happening and to give us facts about the topic. For example at 3:40 she talks about how looking after sheep here is the same as if you was going to do it in a normal climate country. By him telling us this, we get to hear the facts as well as see them on screen, which will make the audience understand better. Another convention that is used is the use of expects. The expect is the man we are following around. He is a farmer, so will have knowledge of farming in all conditions. By having an expect it makes the audience believe that the show is real and not faked. Also the facts that are presented will come across more truth worthy, to if it was just said by a normal man, with no experience in the topic.