Capital: case study blog tasks
Reviews and features
1) What positive points do the reviews pick out about Capital?
In the review the positive points i saw was Capital creates an amazing portrayal of London life, The characters and setting are extremely relateble to the audience and creates a 'all-to-recognizable' atmosphere, The actors were superb and really reflected the lives of the middle/working class and The narrative leaves the audience each episode even more interested.
2) What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?
The criticisms made from the reviews were Plot lines were under-developed and didn't write in all of the characters featured within the novel and There was no overarching story-line and didn't head in one complete direction that connected everyone together.
3) How does the TV drama change the time period and location for the story in comparison to the original novel?
In the T.V drama it shows us the diverse cast and the unique places of London and that's how we can tell it different.
4) In the Telegraph 'behind the scenes' article, what does the writer say about the London housing market?
The article mentions how the housing prices keep increasing throughout the years with no sign to stop or decrease. The author proceeds to mention that "Capital is a snapshot of property boom that no one can comprehend".
5) What references can you find in these reviews and features to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?
The references i found were Capital expresses the modern day problems of increase housing prices as well as the increase in population due to immigrants, Capital is a snapshot of property boom that no one can comprehend". It succeeds extremely well in capturing the audiences attention through the daily lives of the protagonists in the show which are 'relatable' to the audience and help grow a loyal fan base which would continue watching the shows.
Textual analysis
1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
They use a range of different shots but right of the bat at the start a birds eye view of London streets instantly capture the audience as they are thrown into the streets of London which they are familiar with. The close up of road signs also help to create this familiar feeling as local places such as 'Pepys Road' are shown. The quick skip is scenes that show all the protagonist creates and reflects the identity of London as it portrays the diversity in culture and people.
2) What does the camera movement when characters are initially introduced suggest about the drama and its London setting? Pick out one or two shots in particular.
The shots i picked out was mainly A lot of medium and close up shots are used when introducing the characters. When the characters are introduced the scene doesn't stay longer then a few seconds before switching to another protagonist or family. This quick compilation type editing allows for the trailer to quickly show of the diversity in ethnicity in the show and ages. Once again this highlights the different cultures and ethnic groups which London inhabits.
3) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
High key lighting was used to illustrate that the novel is realistic. Costumes are very important in this as it tells us who could be of a higher class than other people and it tells us a lot about the person. EG, the white male is wearing a nice suit which implicates that he is wealthy where as the asian family are wearing hoodies which show that they aren't of a higher class. Props are also important as it tells us that the polish man is some kind of builder due to the fact that he is holding some materials.
4) Bastille's 'These Streets' is used as the soundtrack for the trailer. What does this communicate to the audience and why is it effective?
5) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
The multiple clips of the postcards that say "We want what you have" through all the families and different ethnic groups shows that everyone is in the same problem and is experiencing the same sort of harassment throughout the neighborhood together as a community. The tension climaxes at the women screaming "What are we going to do" captures the audiences attention due to the most wealthy family is being shown struggling and panicking which leaves the audience curious to how the other less wealthy families are coping.
1) What does this preview clip suggest about the potential sub-genres for Capital?
Family, crime and mystery due to the officer questioning them about their neighborhood and the post cards that they have been receiving.
3) Analyse the mise-en-scene in this clip. How does this provide realism and familiarity for audiences?
4) What audience pleasures are provided by this scene?
5) How is the audience positioned to respond to the different characters in this particular sequence?
2) What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?
3) How is the audience positioned to respond to Roger Yount, the main character (banker and father to the two boys)?
2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?
2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain?
7) Read the interview with Peter Bowker (who adapted Capital - page 14). What are his favourite scenes in the drama and why?
8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
2) What does the use of design and images suggest to the audience about the drama?
3) How are review quotes used on the cover and what do they suggest to the audience about sub-genre, narrative and audience pleasures?
4) What representation of London does the DVD packaging offer?
The DVD packaging shows quite a stereotypical view of the protagonists as the white family are apart of a upper/middle class whilst the Asian family are apart of the working class. D packaging offer?+
1) What positive points do the reviews pick out about Capital?
In the review the positive points i saw was Capital creates an amazing portrayal of London life, The characters and setting are extremely relateble to the audience and creates a 'all-to-recognizable' atmosphere, The actors were superb and really reflected the lives of the middle/working class and The narrative leaves the audience each episode even more interested.
2) What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?
The criticisms made from the reviews were Plot lines were under-developed and didn't write in all of the characters featured within the novel and There was no overarching story-line and didn't head in one complete direction that connected everyone together.
3) How does the TV drama change the time period and location for the story in comparison to the original novel?
In the T.V drama it shows us the diverse cast and the unique places of London and that's how we can tell it different.
4) In the Telegraph 'behind the scenes' article, what does the writer say about the London housing market?
The article mentions how the housing prices keep increasing throughout the years with no sign to stop or decrease. The author proceeds to mention that "Capital is a snapshot of property boom that no one can comprehend".
5) What references can you find in these reviews and features to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?
The references i found were Capital expresses the modern day problems of increase housing prices as well as the increase in population due to immigrants, Capital is a snapshot of property boom that no one can comprehend". It succeeds extremely well in capturing the audiences attention through the daily lives of the protagonists in the show which are 'relatable' to the audience and help grow a loyal fan base which would continue watching the shows.
Textual analysis
1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
They use a range of different shots but right of the bat at the start a birds eye view of London streets instantly capture the audience as they are thrown into the streets of London which they are familiar with. The close up of road signs also help to create this familiar feeling as local places such as 'Pepys Road' are shown. The quick skip is scenes that show all the protagonist creates and reflects the identity of London as it portrays the diversity in culture and people.
2) What does the camera movement when characters are initially introduced suggest about the drama and its London setting? Pick out one or two shots in particular.
The shots i picked out was mainly A lot of medium and close up shots are used when introducing the characters. When the characters are introduced the scene doesn't stay longer then a few seconds before switching to another protagonist or family. This quick compilation type editing allows for the trailer to quickly show of the diversity in ethnicity in the show and ages. Once again this highlights the different cultures and ethnic groups which London inhabits.
3) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
High key lighting was used to illustrate that the novel is realistic. Costumes are very important in this as it tells us who could be of a higher class than other people and it tells us a lot about the person. EG, the white male is wearing a nice suit which implicates that he is wealthy where as the asian family are wearing hoodies which show that they aren't of a higher class. Props are also important as it tells us that the polish man is some kind of builder due to the fact that he is holding some materials.
4) Bastille's 'These Streets' is used as the soundtrack for the trailer. What does this communicate to the audience and why is it effective?
The use of using a British band gives the audience a sense of British heritage as they are bombarded with clips of familiar streets. The use of also using a modern day song helps reinforce the idea that the show portrays the daily lives and problems that people experience in London. The lyrics of the song "These streets are yours you can keep them" are relevant as there is someone who clearly "wants what they have".
5) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
The multiple clips of the postcards that say "We want what you have" through all the families and different ethnic groups shows that everyone is in the same problem and is experiencing the same sort of harassment throughout the neighborhood together as a community. The tension climaxes at the women screaming "What are we going to do" captures the audiences attention due to the most wealthy family is being shown struggling and panicking which leaves the audience curious to how the other less wealthy families are coping.
1) What does this preview clip suggest about the potential sub-genres for Capital?
Family, crime and mystery due to the officer questioning them about their neighborhood and the post cards that they have been receiving.
2) What elements of the clip might suggest this is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama?
The references to racism and Islamophobia and the setting of the clip helps (family corner shop) create a state-of-the-nation drama.
3) Analyse the mise-en-scene in this clip. How does this provide realism and familiarity for audiences?
The use of setting in this clips helps to create a sense of realism and familiarity for the audience as it is in a local corner shop run by a Pakistani family. The actions of one of the sons in the background help create a sense of realism as he helps his parents run the store whilst still having his own house and education.
4) What audience pleasures are provided by this scene?
That's the third degree he's started. He never finished one by he likes starting" creates a sense of comedy and realism for the audience as they can relate or understand the characters. This creates a personal identity which the audience may relate with if they are of the same age group who are currently studying at a degree level.
5) How is the audience positioned to respond to the different characters in this particular sequence?
The audience may feel sympathetic to the police officer in this scene as he is being talked down to by the protagonist. This targeted behaviour may seem contradicted as in fact the family and neighborhood is the one who is being targeted and threatened whilst the police have taken a long time to reply to their calls.
1) How does this clip represent upper-middle-class family life?
This clip presents the upper-middle class family to be extremely privileged compared to the other neighbours in the same road. The house is clearly large and modern, the nanny which looks after this children also contributes to creating this image of 'wealth' as even though both the parents are home they still pay a nanny to look after their children.
2) What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?
Some narrative strands that are hinted in this clip is the relationship between the nanny and Roger. The use of conversation and by hinting at her personal love life tells the audience that their maybe be an affair between them in the future. The use of the mother of the children walking in extremely rude helps to reinforce this idea of an affair happening as the relationship between the upper-middle class couple seems to slowly crumble with rude comments.
3) How is the audience positioned to respond to Roger Yount, the main character (banker and father to the two boys)?
The audience is positioned between liking him and disliking him. People may dislike Roger through the shuttle hints of him being interested in the nanny and her personal life, however they may in fact like Roger as he helps out the nanny and sings along with his children whereas his wife rudely interrupts and is seen to neglect and refuse to join in the happy-go environment created by their children.
Production and Industry Context
1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?
21st Century Fox and Apollo Global Management
2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
Spooks, A BAFTA award-winning show
3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
Other shows such as Humans and Broadchurch have been hugely successful for Kudos. They have also won a total of 4 BAFTA awards.
4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?
he showreel suggests that Kudos produce a lot of TV dramas which include: comedy, action, mystery, romance.
Marketing and Promotion
1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?
The programme information page makes Capital sound interesting as it mentions all the lead actors which may have been on previous other dramas which the audience may have seen. The information page proceeds to give a description of the drama as describes it as a 'mystery' and describes how the stories of each individual family starts to unravel as you watch it and what you might expect from some of the families.
2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
This is to convince the audience that the show is going to be enjoyable and worthwhile. It also allows for the audience to see if any of their previous shows have been directed by them and if they are likely to enjoy it because of this.
3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
Charlotte Moore
4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
He explains that Roger isn't an evil banker who is focused on earning money and spending it but instead how
Roger has become accustomed to his way of life and sees spending a lot of money of things such as fixtures and fittings normal. He says that Roger is not in control of his life or his work as much as he thinks he is.
5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
He says that it gives the idea of a community and what it means to be apart of a community despite your ethnicity or background. However he states that some people may feel left out or isolated from the community and instead observe the community from the outside and avoid taking action that may bring themselves into the community or apart of it.
6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain?
She states that the representation of an Asian family in Capital is correct and that the number of communities shown in the show suggest that the world is becoming a 'global village' and that people are absorbing cultures and understanding them, creating one whole community.
7) Read the interview with Peter Bowker (who adapted Capital - page 14). What are his favourite scenes in the drama and why?
Peter Bowker states that one of his favourite scenes from scenes from Capital was when Roger was abandoned on Christmas morning with his two kids. He says that Roger realises that his life is slowly changing but with a comedic effect which changes the view completely despite his lose in money in his bonus cheque.
8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
He states that he enjoyed how London was presented through one single street and how complex, real and believable the characters seem.
DVD Packaging
1) How does the packaging use other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital?
By mentioning other shows such as Humans and Broadchurch which are critically acclaimed helps build the hype around the show and creates an image that it is going to be a worthwhile show as it is produced by the same people who have also created other successful TV Dramas.
2) What does the use of design and images suggest to the audience about the drama?
The images with all the family members and different ethnic groups suggests to the audience that the show will touch and mention each part of society in London and how they have changed and helped build a community. The silhouette of London tells the audience that this show ill be set in London and will tell the story of the daily lives of all the protagonists on the front cover and how their lives are different to each others despite living on the same road.
3) How are review quotes used on the cover and what do they suggest to the audience about sub-genre, narrative and audience pleasures?
The review quotes around the cover of the show also help build the hype for the show and help create a positive image. "Before you know it, the story has you gripped", this quote will help attract a much larger audience as it tells the audience that the film will be worth investing time into and due to the increase in 'binge watching' the show will have the audience hooked instantly.
4) What representation of London does the DVD packaging offer?
The DVD packaging shows quite a stereotypical view of the protagonists as the white family are apart of a upper/middle class whilst the Asian family are apart of the working class. D packaging offer?+
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