Plan B's intentions when making the film was to challenge the dominant ideology of the youth. He wanted to subvert these ideologies and does this effectively in his film by focusing on troubled groups in society such as those labelled as 'chavs' or 'crackheads.' He does this as a means of demonstrating the grim reality and upbringing these people have endured, this is evident from his utilisation of reversing time e.g going back into particular character's lives from when they were adolescents. By doing this, he enables the audience to see how 'crackheads' emerge and how substance abuse was one of their only means of escapism. Most people perceive the youth as negative; they thrive on crime and violence. However, in Ill Manors we are presented with a film filled with the youth being violent but they are given justification and reasoning behind why they do what they do. This suggests Plan b wanted to provide outsiders with a look into why the youth make the decisions they make. He is attempting to demonstrate that no person is solely evil or virtuous, we are all two dimensional. He simply wanted to represent the harsh and brutal reality of the lifestyle that the youth are forced to adapt to, perfectly captured by his use of realistic locations and graphic scenes within his film.
2) What do we learn about the production process for Ill Manors?
The production was a long process that was obstructed in many ways, yet Plan B and his filming team managed to overcome them. His casting process was one that he discusses a lot. He talks about how he inexperienced actors who lived the lives he was trying to portray which would not only help heighten the realism of the film but also provide these children with a chance. He explicitly says he did not want thespians and instead found a school in Stratford that were welcoming and fully endorsed Ben Drew's idea. He found actors from this school he wanted and also used some more experienced such as Riz Ahmed. This clever choice of using a combination of qualified and unqualified actors enabled realism to transpire throughout the film yet allow it to still come of as polished and well-acted. Moreover, before this, in the clip he talks about the short-film he had filmed before 'iLL Manors.' This film was initially based on a 20 page script that he was told to minimise to 5 pages. This resulted to Plan B deciding he was unable to do this and have the narrative free flowing and instead decided to make it a rap. This helped his skills as a director flourish and ultimately contributed to the dazzling cinematography and excellent writing skills that transpire in 'iLL Manors.' Moreover, to elaborate on the obstructions he faced when filming 'ill Manors,' the cast and crew were searched by the police on many occasions. As Ben Drew decided to film at real locations e.g crack dens, inevitability the police arrived with their suspicions. Also, another story that Plan B discusses is when they were filming and a gang approached them demanding that they had to leave because the gang 'owned' that particular area. Another gang confronted this gang and said it was okay for them to film. These run-ins with the police and potentially dangerous gangs are some example of the difficult process Ben Drew went through to finalise 'iLL Manors.'
3) What can you tell about the possible target audience from this short documentary?
This film appears to have been made for the youth to relate to the content. It was targeted initially at those who felt like outcasts or as if they had been alienated from their society. These people are likely to be working class and their designation in terms of psychographic groups, may be reformers or strugglers. This content sits well with this type of audience because they are able to fully understand the content and feel like they have vicariously been given a voice in the media. It is also arguable that plan B's intentions link to the possibility of there being another target audience. This could either be the older generation who are misinformed and ignorant about the youth and deluded by the moral panic apparent in the media or upper class people who adopt a left wing stance and want to be exposed to an alternative view on life. It could be target at an AB1 demographic as Plan B intends to educate those who are ignorant about the youth. Considering the power that the film holds, it could easily help alter the way in which a person perceives the youth and decisions they make. Therefore, we could argue this film does provide an educational aspect to it. As well as this, perhaps this kind of audience may use this type of content as a form of escapism. This film provides an a very gritty, dark life that may be perceived as 'exciting' to be immersed in and therefore it serves as a form of entertainment.
4) Does the film successfully do what director Ben Drew (Plan B) set out to achieve? Explain your answer with reference to both the film and the 'making of' documentary.
I think that this film does fulfil his intentions; it provides insight into the darker side of London. Personally, I feel that 'iLL Manors' does successfully portray the reality that many young people face. Plan B's careful decisions such as the real life locations, the combination of inexperienced and experienced actors and his choice of intertwining his music into the film were all efficient methods of bouldering the perception of the youth he was trying to create. Ultimately, it permitted one audience to relate to the content and feel that they had been given a voice, it allowed another a form of education and enlightenment whilst providing all viewers audience pleasures (escapism - entertainment.) Therefore, it can be deemed as successfully achieving what Plan B wanted.
1) What is SBTV? Research the channel and explain how it became successful.
Identify the target audience for this interview (demographics/psychographics) and say why.
SBTV is a multi-faceted company founded in 2006 by a teenager called Jamal Edwards. It is run by a team of young people. It focuses on urban music, posting content on their youtube channel/website of unprofessional footage or "street-shot" freestyle rap and music videos. The teen initially worked alone and was able to singlehandedly generate enough attention to the company so it could grow rapidly. The company expanded to lifestyle interviews, event reports and more. Eventually, this company was rightfully recognised by a production team of ten people who helped develop the company into a more successful, prospering corporation. Since then, several popular artists have starred on the show including Ed Sheeran, The Wanted, Pixie Lott etc. The target audience of this company are primarily teenagers with a preference for grime music. The targeted group would most likely fall in th but the age range of 14 - 25 years and predominately be male (80% male, 20% female.) In terms of the demographics, the targeted audience of this company would be in the C/D/E bracket as the company prefer to help amateur artists who have yet to be discovered. The psychographics would be mainstreamers or strugglers. This is because the target audience are either wanting to keep up to date and know about upcoming artists or because the viewers themselves are trying to achieve something similar but struggling.
This clip opens with a narrative that vastly contrasts with the conventional openings of most interviews. Perhaps this is what makes it so appealing. By drawing in people with the unusual, unconventional opening, it sparks curiosity within viewers. The opening consists of the interviewer pretending to break into the building, this sits well with the target audience as it alludes to breaking rules and being adventurous. Considering a large part of the audience are the youth, who tend to admire deviance, this is instantly intriguing to them. Moreover, this interview is quite causal and does not feel like an interview at all. The interviewer and interviewee have a rapport that is so strong, it feels lie we are watching two friends talking. In addition, it includes vast amount of humour, colloquialism and swearing which appeals well to the youth. As Plan b once said, it 'hooks' them in, Also, the interview is quite simple and lacks dialogue all together, making it easy to focus on and avoiding viewers getting bored.
3) How is Plan B (the brand) represented in this text?
Plan B is represented in two different yet conflicting ways. The first, as the people he is targeting. This is made apparent through his language, clothes and behaviour. He is seen swearing, banging his fist and overall as an impolite person. This is a negative image yet entirely contradicts the other representation we see of him; perhaps this reflects on how we often let an unfavourable exterior overshadow the affirmative elements of an individual. The other image he is presented as is someone who is extremely hard-working. This is made clear through his willingness to work continuously which he explicitly says in his video ('working like a dog'.)
According to the Youtube channel it 'is an alternative online film school. With an online resource of in-depth interviews, we bring you insights, inspirations and creative processes from the auteurs of our time.' Another source, the website (http://www.sohk.tv) is an online channel for film fanatics. They publish content such as exclusive interviews, creative insights and they are crammed with inspiration for others to be influenced and hopefully help contribute to finalise their own for or even inspire the initial creation of it.
2) Why is Ill Manors a good fit to promote on SOHK.TV?
I feel that 'iLL Manors' is a good fit for SOHK.TV because the film itself is conventional is a variety of ways. This makes it fit well because SOHK.TV seems to be a channel that handles more low-budget, unconventional content such as Ben Drew's film. SOHK.TV could interview Ben Drew or other members of the cast/crew whilst including some clips for the film. This would help promote the film as viewers would be intrigued and loyal fans of SOHK.TV could be encouraged to watch the film.
3) What kind of audience would subscribe to SOHK.TV? Is it a different audience to the main target audience for Ill Manors? Why might this benefit Ben Drew and the institutions behind Ill Manors?
From their Youtube channel, the people most likely to subscribe are middle class white people who want to be educated and want to be exposed to content that will do that. These people are more likely to be more open-minded and accepting, with a left wing stance.
1) What is the history of the Jonathan Ross show? What channels has it appeared on? Why has Jonathan Ross been a controversial media figure in the past?
The Jonathan Ross Show is a British talk show that first aired on ITV on 3 September 2011. It is presented by Johnathon Ross, now a controversial figure, because of his content.
2) Identify the target audience for this interview (demographics/psychographics) and say why.
The target audience for this show is likely the middle class, white males in the age range of 25- 35. It could be aimed at mainstreamers who watch the show to keep updated with current affairs.
3) What is the audience appeal for a programme like the Jonathan Ross show?
The audience appeal is likely to be a source of entertainment as well as escapism. this is because the sows provides regular people areas of escape from their own lives.
4) How is Plan B (the brand) represented in this text?
Plan B's clothing and language has changed significantly. He is not swearing or wearing his regular outfit. Here, he appears far more middle-class and intelligent.
RADIO 1
RADIO 1
1) How popular is BBC Radio 1? Find average listening figures for the station. How has the BBC Radio 1 audience declined over recent years? Why might this have happened?
The BBC's radio listening figures have been declining because of an increase other streaming services.
2) Who is the target audience for BBC Radio 1?
The target audience is primarily is 15-29 year olds and it should also provide some programming for younger teenagers, but the mean age of a viewer of this show in 2008 was 33. In terms of their demographics, they are far more likely to be ABC1 or upper/middle class as people tend to only listen to the radio in the car.
3) How does Plan B promote Ill Manors in this interview?
He promotes 'iLL Manors' throughout this radio interview. He mentions it from the onset and throughout even when not directly or explicitly asked about it, he still alludes to the film. He also discusses his excellent cast and crew, addressing just how much he values them. Also, he repeats the release date of the actual film several times in the interview. This not only generates hype for the film, but is also essential for attracting a large audience to the opening night of a film release. By Ben Drew repeating it, he grabs the audience's attention and ensures they remember the date. Moreover, he mentions his music video and the complications behind trying to get the sample for his song from a German artist. By making reference to the music video, he is also promoting the actual film because of the synergy apparent in the music video to the film.
4) What representation of Plan B can we find in this interview?
Plan B is represented in a far more formal way in this interview. He sounds quite passionate, strong willed and very dedicated to his work. This is apparent through what he says about the editing and filming process of Ill Manors. He talks about how he has been editing continuously and was the mind behind all the potent music, originality and dazzling cinematography. He is also presented as a skilful director because of this. His abilities in the role of a director has flourished since filming ill manors too, he talks about how much he has learnt from the process. This also makes him appear as an individual who learns from his mistakes, bettering himself through them.
No comments:
Post a Comment