ST Poster Evaluation

Stranger Things Poster Evaluation

ster: 

- With the amount of characters shown on the poster, it shows that there will be multiple storylines. This also suggests that they are the main characters so the audience will be seeing a lot of them and get to know them if they watch the series. 

- The characters at the top of the poster look scared and are positioned so that it looks like they are hiding behind another person. This suggests that maybe throughout the series, there may be something that may threaten them. 

- The use of the stars in the sky connote space and the sci fi genre. This shows that the series may contain some typical sci-fi conventions such as the supernatural, monsters etc. The night also connotes eeriness. 

- The character in the middle of the poster is shown to be slightly bigger showing that she may be significant throughout the series. This could also be connoted as she is positioned in the centre. The other characters are seen to surround her suggesting that they may be protecting her. This is reinforced by one of the characters holding a weapon - the baseball bat. 

- In the background of the poster is a ominous figure emerging from a gated area with a restricted sign on. This could show that he may be the antagonist/villain. 

- The title shown on the poster connotes a retro vine as it is written almost like a neon sign which could reference the 80s. This could suggest that the series may be set within this time period. This is reinforced by the clothing. The writing of the title also resembles that of a Stephen king film showing that there may be some intertextuality taken from some of his work. 

- The clothing, bikes and setting suggest that the series is set in America. This is reinforced by the man who is in a sheriff uniform. The fact that there is a sheriff may suggest there is crime within the series. 

- The 3 boys are positioned above the title meaning that they may feature as mains throughout. 

- Themes that are shown in the poster include facing adversity as they are all facing the same way, ready to fight. Also, the supernatural which could be suggested by the centre character holding her hand out in a way that she may control something. Friendship is shown the close proximity of all the characters.

- The narrative of the series could include binary opposition reinforced by the use of the two colours contrasting, red and blue. Also, the fact that there are many children included shows that the story may be from their point of view. 

- There is much intertextuality shown between the poster and ET with the use of the bikes and the moon. 

Stranger Things Introduction

Stranger things intro

Overview

The series is set in 1983 surrounding the story of a group who kids searching for their missing friend. Along the way, they meet an unusual girl with supernatural powers. Throughout the series, they u unravel extraordinary mysteries surrounding their small town including government secrets, supernatural forces and Eleven, a girl with powers.

- The 1st season had 8 episodes, costing $6 million per episode.
- The show was created by the Duffer brothers (Twins). Ross and Matt (Born in the 90s)
- The show pays homage to E.T
- It debuted in July 2016
- represents 1980s nostalgia
- The shows resembles many other 80s films such as Gremlins, the Goonies, Ghostbuster etc.
- Winona Ryder, a famous 80s actress, plays Will's mother. This further links the show to the 80s
- The show increased in marketing through online buzz and fan artwork.
- It was also the little things in the background of scenes that referenced the 80s. E.g. Trapper Keeper
- When looking for a broadcaster/platform, the show was rejected by most mainstream.
- Netflix accepted as they were known as 'rebels' showing TV that was risky and different.
- The 1st series finished with unresolved issued meaning that they could be resolved in the 2nd series.
- Series 2 was set in 1984 and focused on the theme of video games whereas the first was boardgames
- The show references the work of Stephen Spielberg and Stephen King (Who liked the show)
- The show contained weaponized intertextuality due to fan service
- Stranger Things is a Pastiche (Opposite of parody)
- The character Eleven is compared to the characters E.T., Carrie and the girl from fire starter
- Creative misprison is used.

LFTVD introduction

- 2 questions: 30 and 15 marks-

- Stranger Things and Deutschland 83 (Same time periods) - 

- Series with a long narrative - 

- A TV drama that has a number of episodes that helps create a narrative and tell a story to an audience.

Network Television: (E.g. NBC, CBS)

• US network broadcasters must satisfy their advertisers and hold market share. They are also controlled by federal regulation.
• The impact of this on content is a reliance on highly formalised genre conventions and normative values which meet mainstream audience expectations but generate conservative drama. 

Cable Television: 

• Launched in the 1970s, HBO was the first US national subscription cable TV channel. 
• Other major US players include FX, Showtime, & AMC. Many are subsidiaries of media conglomerates (HBO/Warner, FX/Fox)
• These subscription based cable channels can take more risks with content and form. 
• By early 2000s The Sopranos and The Wire won awards, audiences and created 'water cooler' TV.  

UK TV Drama:

• UK broadcasters have failed to meet the challenge of the US cable channels move to long form with their risk - taking content and style. 
• BBC and ITV 90s > relied on genre-based, formula drama.
• Sky co-opted success of US long form with Sky Atlantic
• Commissioning remains tightly controlled with a conservative outlook

Subscription VOD (Viewing on demand)

• Content viewing via a TV still dominates in the UK.
• 3/4 UK households have PVR (Personal video recording) uptake but it has plateaued 
• Use of timeshift is increasing (You can watch whenever)
• Growth of SVOD (Streaming video on demand). Web based channels such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Now TV is considerable. 
• Netflix dominates with 24% of UK market & 5 million subscribers. 10% growth 2015-16

Audiences:

• Rise in binge watching started with DVD in late 90s/early C21. Partially due to syndication problems in the UK.
• A move from 'Water cooler' to 'Shared universe' fandom (as with cinema)
• US long form drama often uses Easter eggs, and mid-season breaks to generate fan intensity and maintain a media profile. 

Why audiences love LFTVD:

• High quality drama
• Multiple episodes, hours, years
• Content can be dark and difficult but innovative 
• It now attracts some of the best and innovative writers and actors
• Time shifting, easily accessible 
• Keeps people invested
• Lots of creativity 
• Characters and themes change and develop
• Lots of different networks compete
• The show can cater to specific taste

'State of Nation' TV

• LFTVD challenged the simplistic story lines and stereotypical characters that dominate network TV in US.
• CULTURAL ZEITGEIST

- Genres: LFTVD can fit into any (E.g. Comedy, horror, thriller, mystery, drama, crime, etc.)

- Themes: Also can fit into any (E.g, Relationships, murder, power, war, coming of age, family, etc)

- Narratives: Can have vast variety of all different worlds which are completely different to normality

- Characters: Relatable and interesting to watch. Engaging so they are watched over long period

- Production Values: Good ones usually range from 4 million to 5 million per episode. 

- Methods/Platforms: Either on Terrestrial TV, Cable TV, Subscriptions, Streaming 

- State of Nation: Escapist for the viewers, not usual to their everyday life.

- Memes/Accessories: These can determine how popular the series is with the youth.

TV Dramas need:

• Various locations
• Stock characters - complex, able to follow for a long period of time. 
• Multiple narratives
• 1 hour episodes
• Dramatic cliff hangers - usually at end of season/mid season breaks
• High production values 

Stranger Things Characters and Representations

Titanium Music Video Analysis

Young Minds Charity Advert

Lucozade PowerPoint

Lucozade final from olleymediastudies

ASA and Charity Adverts document

1. asa and charity adverts from olleymediastudies

Jungle Book Presentation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dwm_fHsvsCFBtNPF0M4sMLEwChuKN3U9/view?usp=sharing

2B DIRT

Minecraft Development Timeline

Timeline of the development of Minecraft

2009

April 29- Infinnier is released, a game by Zachtronics Industries, whose concept mainly inspired Notch of Minecraft. It was regularly updates and became open-source less than a month later

May 14- Java: "Cave Game" renamed to "Minecraft: Order of the Stone" after a suggestion by RinkuHero from The Independent Games Wiki on an IRC with Notch, "Minecraft" being an analogy to the famous real-time strategy game StarCraft
May 16 – Java: Early private testing, among TIGSource members
May 17 – First release of the game. Game name shortened to simply "Minecraft".
May 21 – Accounts can now be registered.
May 24 – An official Minecraft Forum is opened.
June 1 – Java: First Multiplayer test. Notch starts his new job at Jalbum
June 8 – Java: Multiplayer released
August 4 – Java: First elements of Survival
August 18 – Java: Introduction of Health
August 9 – Passwords can now be changed.
August 20 – Beginning of SURVIVAL TEST
December 22 – Hayden Scott-Baron becomes the Minecraft Artist.

2010

January 13- Minecraft passes 100,000 registered users
Jan 21- Minecraft can now gifted to non-premium players
Feb 5- Hayden Scott- Baron leaves Minecraft development
Jun 1 – Notch gets back to work 100% on Minecraft after a pause after having left his job at Jalbum a few weeks before.
Jun 17 – Minecraft passes 20,000 sales
Aug 4- First release of survival Multiplayer
Oct 16- Mojang is founded

2011

Jan 12- Minecraft surpasses 1 million sales
Jun 1- Minecraft pocket edition is first shown on Youtube
Jun 6- Microsoft reveal Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition at the E3 conference
Jul 30- Minecraft passes 10 million registered users
Aug 5 – Notch receives a 15-page letter from Bethesda Soft works, threatening him with a lawsuit if he doesn't change the name "Scrolls" (which is too close to "The Elder Scrolls", according to Bethesda) for his next game

2012

Feb 24 – LEGO announces that the LEGO Minecraft project has passed the 10,000 required votes
May 9 – Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition TU1 officially released
Apr 5- Minecraft for Java surpasses 10 million sales
Jul 31- Minecon 2013 tickets went on sale
Sep 2- Minecraft for Java surpasses 12 million sales
May 6 – Minecraft Realms is launched in more countries in Asia and Europe.
May 9 – Minecraft Realms is launched in the Oceania region.
May 19 – Minecraft Realms is launched globally in all remaining countries
Dec 7- Minecraft announced for the Wii U

2016

Jan 19- Minecraft: Education Edition announced
June 2- Minecraft is sold for all platform 100 million times and makes the second best-selling games
Oct 27- 27 – Apple CEO Tim Cook announced an edition of Minecraft for the Apple TV, featuring cross-play between that platform and iOS devices, to be released by the end of year 2016

2017

Jan 13- Minecraft announced for Nintendo Switch

Jan 27- Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition officially released

Nov 7-9 - Minecraft: Story Mode - Season Two: Episode 4 - Below the Bedrock released.
Nov 18 - MineCon Earth event.
Dec ?- Minecraft hits 74 million active players and 144 million total sales