cuffs question 1 and 2

 PREP Watch this extract of Cuffs on Clickview: chapter 5 

Answer the following 2 exam questions on your blog:

1 Analyse how camerawork is used in the extract to create meaning. Refer to at least two examples from the extract in your answer. (5 marks) 

2. Analyse how far the extract creates a humorous view of policing. In your answer you must:

• analyse aspects of the extract using examples to support your analysis

• make judgements and draw conclusions about how far these aspects create a humorous view of policing. (10 marks) 

Example of how to answer on camerawork:

•   sweeping aerial shot of Brighton pier connoting a glamorous seaside location

•   bird’s eye view of the small police car driving through

  the streets of Brighton on a call-out, carrying connotations such as danger, excitement, and urgency

•   the use of an over-the-shoulder shot of the beach sign, as we arrive at the sign at the same time as the police officer, connoting surprise and anticipation of what is to come

•   slow pan / track of the new recruit police officers as they are introduced to the audience connoting authority and power

•   high angle long shot of the beach scene showing the police officer outnumbered by the group of men on the stag do

•   any other relevant analysis 

1. Camera work is used in filming to put emphasis on certain scenes, and to show the audience what important events are taking place in a scene. An example of a camerawork technique used in the tv series 'cuffs' would be a reaction shot. This is demonstrated when jo is having an in-depth conversation with the father of the boy she is seeking information from. The father gives a description on why he does not believe he should help the police officer, explaining the abuse his loved ones have had to endure from past experiences with the police. We get a zoomed in reaction shot of Jo, appearing uncomfortable and looking away. There is also a sadness and understanding in her eyes telling the audience that she is in fact sorry and aware of these incidents. This reaction shot is extremely important because it tells us about Jo's character so we can understand her.

Another example would be an arc pan shot, which is used in the extract when Jake is trying to make an arrest. The woman who is he trying to arrest begins to strip off her clothes, in order to excuse Jake of trying to assault her. The camera sweeps all around her, performing an arc pan shot. This means we are able to see the other characters reaction to this, and also adds a bit of humour and urgency as the camera briskly circles around the mess of the situation.

2. This small extract creates a humorous view of policing to some extent. When Jake is attempting to make his first arrest, the atmosphere  could be considered as very funny and laughable as the appalled Jake watches the woman try take of her clothes to accuse him of such a lie. The audience will laugh at this scene because of how uncomfortable Jake appears to be, and may view the woman as every other crazed criminal in todays society, and will laugh at her stupid ways of trying to redeem herself. The urgency of the situation is ironic considering the not very urgent situation it is. The head police officer is yelling at Jake and treating in extremely professionally, while in actual fact its just two middle aged woman who have attempted to steal something with not much actual value.

However, some people may view this extract as sad, and a representation on issues in the world. The fact that the woman feels that she will get away with accusing Jake of rape, may upset some people, because they find it unfair that the woman would even think of accusing Jake of such a strong crime he never even thought of committing. It could also anger people due to the fact she tries to shove jakes hand down down her pants, which is extremely inappropriate and demonstrates how some people have no respect for police offers, and do not consider their feelings.

To conclude, this extract is intended on being humorous with an ironic element to it. However some people may look at it and see extreme issues that exist in real life in it rather than taking it as a joke. Therefore it is only humorous to some extent. 

the observer fact finder work

 1. Find one example of the representation of a woman and say how she is represented.

on two of the newspapers, an advert is displayed advertising woman's lingerie. The image is medium sized and placed on an area of the page where it is obvious to see. This is done to ensure that if a woman was to glance at the newspaper, this would immediately catch their eye as something appealing to them. due to this lingerie advert being printed in a newspaper which mostly men read, the newspaper may try make the advert appeal to the husband as well, so perhaps he shows his partner. The woman would feel obliged to buy it to please their significant other. The woman in the advert is represented as slim and curvy, with the ideal body image that most woman look up to. The model is shaped like this because the woman may believe that this is what the product will do to their body's as well. This representation of a woman does not picture her in an impowering or strong way. it makes her appear as an object that can almost be accessorised to suit her husbands needs.

2. Find another contrasting example of a woman and say how she is represented

another example is included in the second magazine including the picture of the queen. The queen has a stony expression on her face. She appears to be extremely sad and discontent. Although the picture isn't very clear it is easy for us to be able to tell she is grieving, this represents the country's mourning. This is a extremely rare thing to see the queen do, as she is often expected to remain composed and collected at all times. This has a completely different representation of woman in contrast the the previous headline. The queen is an extremely powerful person, and being pictured in a magazine would emphasise her power and strength. The fact that she is showing emotion portrays that she has feelings, and is a regular human being. This is polar opposite to the lingerie advert, where the model is showing no emotions almost like she is a manikin only being used for show.

2. Find one example of a news story about the Cold War

' America accused of spy frame up' a story following after the tensions between the capitalists and the soviet union as they became increasingly suspicious of each other.

3. Find one example of a story about a domestic disaster

'queen visits mourning valley' a story of the queen visiting the remains of a disastrous incident that occurred and expressing her grief.

4. Find one example of a story about a European disaster

' plane hits alp snowstorm' a tragic event.

the blumer and katz model

 The Blumer and Katz theory suggests that people use media for gratifications. This can be seen in the Lego movie video game, which has been adapted by the Lego movie itself. The Lego movie video game includes many challenges and obstacles for the player to overcome, and therefore is very entertaining and appealing to young people. Elements of escapism, entertainment and diversion have been placed into this video game to make it more thrilling and to give the player a sense of adventure when fulfilling their tasks. An example of this is demonstrated when the player has to run away from lord business and fight off his businessmen, creating a sense of urgency and thrill. All video games include these elements, as it is entertaining for people because it is unlike their day to day experiences in real life, and gives them the boost and crave for adventure that their minds have been longing for and after watched their favourite characters fulfil. 

Another gratification from media is shared values and beliefs. We can identify with certain characters within video games, because they may share our personality traits and views. Players may want a certain set of values to be restored, and look up to these characters for their actions. An example of this in the Lego movie would be the character of Emmet. He is every young persons voice, and he teaches them that although they may be referred to as a 'loser' they can always be a hero. This enables small children to relate with Emmet and form a relationship with him as a character. This was adapted into the video game, and was a huge reason for its success. In the video game the player mainly plays the role of emmet because this is the character they look up to.

Media language and how it differs in ‘skater boi’ and ‘teenage dirtbag’

 

Media language and how it differs in ‘skater boy’ and ‘teenage dirt bag’

These two music videos are both shot and filmed to represent two very different locations. In Avril Lavigne’s ‘skater boy’, it is shot almost entirely in the streets. We also see a few different locations in this music video, such as what appears to be a skate parks graffitied walls. The locations chosen are a representation of living free, as the characters run free amongst the streets, and this tells the audience that the characters featured run free and are perhaps rebellious people. The colours in these locations are extremely moody, and the colours of the locations chosen happen to be very cold and harsh. This is demonstrated in the charcoal grey pavement and concrete walls of the skate park. This could also inform us of the characters dark personality as they match their surroundings.

However, in teenage dirt bag, the music is filmed to entirely represent school life. The locations included in this video are representations of a school locker room, a school prom, and a school playground. By choosing these locations, the directors aim to tell the audience that this is a controlled environment, and make the audience make associations to school, and the restricted rules that schools upheld. The colours of the school are quite bright, and chirpy. This is a huge difference to skater boy. The colours included in the prom scene are especially bright and sparkly, such as deep blues and reds. This informs us of the characters happiness, and could resemble the school pupils almost breaking free and celebrating as the end of their restricting school days are at a near end.

To conclude, the locations these two music videos are set in are very different. Whilst one represents running free and rebelliousness, the other represents being in a restricted environment, as school makes you feel like you have to be placed in a category, in comparison to the teenagers running free in skater boy.