TV: Deutschland 83 case study
1) What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?
The reviews highlight upon the nostalgia that the show delivers due to being set in the 1980's with the music an branding of products, the reviews also focus on the great actors and actresses that are featured in the show and how they play their characters well, along with the two producers who are a married couple that wrote the screenplay for the show. Another reviewer mentions how the show is an 'East German version of Homeland' and that it should be commended for this as it uses the concept of the show and innovates it by using real historical context to help strive the narrative of the show forward. The review also mentions the true events that the show is based on ith the events not happening long ago. Along with this the references of how different the two side of Germany shown are mentioned to be really good as it showed Rauch learning a new language and seeing a colorful fully stocked supermarket with branded products.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
The criticisms of the reviews are that the German viewers of the show did not enjoy the series due to possibly not liking the dark history of Germany and how the two side were so different and how now in the modern day post cold war is so civilized.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
This is due to the use of real facts that had been collected for the duration of producing and writing the show, this also means that the scenes in the show feel more real as the events actually took place and that with them happening so recently people find it extremely interesting especially the inclusion of nukes and how there could have been a world war 3 is really interesting to viewers.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
"Deutschland 83 was great, and I also hoped it was a sign of things to come on German TV. "See; Germany can do it".
Only then to find out that it was an American writer...." This shows an audience member that is criticizing the German viewers that may not like the show and the ones that do will think it is great due to being German.
"It was ultimately quite poor I thought. An intriguing premise hampered by bad plotting and generally sloppy writing (too many characters just slides together without proper explanation; a run through a city suddenly turns into a Forrest). If it wasn't as well received as Life Of Others then there's a very good reason for that in my opinion. Not rating much of Walters output so far I'm afraid." This viewer suggested that the show was enjoyable with its soundtrack, the reviewer also compared it to other Walter presents shows that may be more enjoyable to a foreign watcher in their opinion.
Interviews and behind-the-scenes video features
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He firstly does not believe in an East and West Germany due to the times changing so fast after the Berlin wall that he did not even have to grow up in a way where he had to learn of the two different sides. He believes the freedom he saw in making the show and the freedom he has now shows how the West was so desirable and how so many Germans attempted to scale the wall yet were shot down. He also feels proud to be a German due to the successful side of the history of Germany but also has to acknowledge the dark history of it.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
This helps with the motive of one of the main broadcasting channels being ITV, BBC and Channel 4 all aiming to entertain and educate their audiences, this is first done by the Walter presents series that introduces the Brtish audiences to a variety of foreign shows but also by how this interview is constructed. It is done so to show that the show is of German origin but also keeps the realism the show achieved by having the real interviews be in German.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
This is due to so many political topics being shown and broadcasted on the channel therefore, would be aiming the question at the viewers that watch channel 4 for it's educational and informative side as it would let them see how a German may think of their nation rather than a British editor scripting their opinion.
Behind the scenes clips
Making Of: Why Should You Watch Deutschland 83
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
The producers/writers suggest the audiences show watch the show due to the interest it has with older and younger viewers. Also, the clip that is shown offers vies of what the German audience members think of the show giving it that real German feel as stated before as it helps feed the realism and continuity of the show being from Germany.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
This is due to the events of the show have happened in recent history and with so little of it being taught in education, and the bit that is taught is minor, having a show that revolves around the premises is ethereally important as viewers are learning new information by watching the show that they have not known before.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
Acting. Story, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume, Music.
Making Of: Set Design
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
This is because the producers wanted to create a realistic atmosphere of how the East and West were with one being much more serious and the other being relaxed but it also helped construct the way shots were filmed, it is also important to create the real effect to keep the aesthetic of a period drama.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
The set was attempted to be made as similar to how the setting was in 1989 and all the practical effects they could not fulfill in making the setting feel real the producers used CGI and digital editing to create a real looking environment to ensure the audiences do not get taken out of the experience of being in Germany in 1983.
Textual analysis: trailer
1) The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.
The use of Ronald Reagan speaking allows the English speaking countries to recognise the media as a show of interest leading to the audience not being turned away from watching the show due to it possibly being foreign as many people do.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Surveillance for the people watching the show to learn of key facts of the time and what may it have been like living in Germany during the time of the cold war. The codes of action also give audiences visceral pleasure intriguing them to watch the show as the explosions and people getting beat up is something a lot of people enjoy watching in the spy thriller genre.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
Action codes are used throughout the trailer with scenes of explosions and people fighting which allow audiences to be attracted to the show if they like spy thriller as this is what they show as it shows some gratuitous action in which fights occur. The enigma codes featured in the trailer can be
Why is the woman in a Hospital bed?
Why is the man threatening the woman by punching the wall?
Why are there explosions?
What are the characters running away from?
All these questions are placed in the show to have the audience want them answered which can only be done by watching the show.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
The use of the shots of Mortiz/Martin being a soldier and a spy to show the double agent lifestyle some spy thriller have within them such as double lives which Mortiz/Martin clearly has.
The walking away from an explosion scene is often shown in spy shows to show how badass a character is but here it detracts from that slightly by adding a comedic element which is used in spy comedies of the explosion actually scaring the spy.
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting that confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
Firstly the song was produced and released in 1984 therefore, audiences that may have nostalgia of that time period may be instantly influenced in seeing the show, but the effect it also creates is that it allows the audiences to establish for themselves when the show is set with the song having a 70's/80's feel to it.
Production and industry context
1) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
The drama is described as spy thriller that is the 'must have European drama series of the year' this is not suggesting it is a must watch but must have for the businesses that may want to showcase the show for the public to view. It is considered an international success as the people who see the viewership numbers and therefore know that it is a good source of income for other companies to broadcast the show.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
The reviews of the multiple companies suggest the show is a break out success with these quotes:
The press release talks on the fact that by the end of it's run Walter presents will have more than 600 hours of drama that are from foreign language all for viewing online and can download on the go this popularises Channel 4 and having the online streaming service means for channel 4 they can gather more revenue for profits.Walter Presents
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
Channel 4 presents Walter as a smart white man who 'knows it all' to foreign drama, Walter is used to introduce the show synopsis and gives a brief overview of what to expect, with reviews of the show as he gives his personal opinion of the show.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
The Walter presents is trying to please the audience of a nABC1 class as to get a audience that enjoys foreign language show would be an audience that is highly educated and understands more about culture than a C2DE class of viewers.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
The 'Walter presents' does this by allowing people who may want to watch the show to download all the episodes as a box set for free therefore can watch it anywhere also having the 4OD allows 4to promote their material online and have instant access to their content.Marketing and promotion
1) Read the programme information from the press pack. How does the programme information seek to interest a reader from the first paragraph?
The first paragraph uses the interest of the possible bombings and the actions of what could have been if the cold war continued and uses references to the US to intrigue a foreign audience. The first paragraph also pulls in readers as it mentions how the show is a coming of age story, this genre has become extremely popular in today's culture with movies such as The fault in our stars, Edge of seventeen and Love, Simon.
2) What does the programme information suggest the main strengths of the programme are?
As seen in the second paragraph the main selling point of the drama is the young main actor who is in a show featuring a 'Stylish, faced paced and utterly gripping" narrative. The programme information also uses review quotes from sources that an audience channel 4 is targeting will be able to recognize with Time Magazine, The New York Times and Hollywood Reporter.
3) Read the press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
4) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
The soundtrack is referred as it may hold some sentimental value for some who lived at th time and recognise the music but it is mainly there for the members watching the show to feel a sense of nostalgia with the soundtrack as the 80's is full of pop culture references that are used throughout all media in today's day and age.International marketing
Look at these two different marketing campaigns - the UK DVD release (left) and the American Sundance TV advert (right).
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The UK DVD cover shows an almost coming of age drama with the young man listening to the walkman looking up to the sky as he may be finding himself of who he is, but then the couple kissing in the background on the wall in graffiti may also suggest a romance in the show while the much more serious bearded men frowning on the left suggest a more serious political story. But overall the tag-line 'A gripping cold war thriller' allows us to know that the show is a cold war thriller. Lastly, the print that say's Over the Wall- Under Cover may suggest the spy aspect of the show of hiding while being in espionage.
2) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The font in the US poster is much more modern than the UK one with little connotation to war with the slightly distorted text while the UK one featured text straight from the 80's war/commercial font. This may be to attract the younger audience it seems to be trying to get with the first episode being available on iTunes. The colouring of the poster pops out to a modern and young audience with bright appealing colours. Lastly, the graphics of the missiles and the Berlin war suggest the Cold War directly, but they also offer action audience pleasure as some audiences are attracted to signs of violence. The text of the airing on Sundance may show that the audience it is still trying to mainly attract is a highly educated one as Sundance content is typically made to be deconstructed an analysed, the young appeal may be to try to grab a few extra viewers.
3) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
The US and UK while both similar have residents with different views towards subjects, therefore the producers of the poster may have taken this into account and deliver a much more serious type of poster as the UK might have a more realistic approach to the subject.
The reviews highlight upon the nostalgia that the show delivers due to being set in the 1980's with the music an branding of products, the reviews also focus on the great actors and actresses that are featured in the show and how they play their characters well, along with the two producers who are a married couple that wrote the screenplay for the show. Another reviewer mentions how the show is an 'East German version of Homeland' and that it should be commended for this as it uses the concept of the show and innovates it by using real historical context to help strive the narrative of the show forward. The review also mentions the true events that the show is based on ith the events not happening long ago. Along with this the references of how different the two side of Germany shown are mentioned to be really good as it showed Rauch learning a new language and seeing a colorful fully stocked supermarket with branded products.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
The criticisms of the reviews are that the German viewers of the show did not enjoy the series due to possibly not liking the dark history of Germany and how the two side were so different and how now in the modern day post cold war is so civilized.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
This is due to the use of real facts that had been collected for the duration of producing and writing the show, this also means that the scenes in the show feel more real as the events actually took place and that with them happening so recently people find it extremely interesting especially the inclusion of nukes and how there could have been a world war 3 is really interesting to viewers.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
"Deutschland 83 was great, and I also hoped it was a sign of things to come on German TV. "See; Germany can do it".
Only then to find out that it was an American writer...." This shows an audience member that is criticizing the German viewers that may not like the show and the ones that do will think it is great due to being German.
"It was ultimately quite poor I thought. An intriguing premise hampered by bad plotting and generally sloppy writing (too many characters just slides together without proper explanation; a run through a city suddenly turns into a Forrest). If it wasn't as well received as Life Of Others then there's a very good reason for that in my opinion. Not rating much of Walters output so far I'm afraid." This viewer suggested that the show was enjoyable with its soundtrack, the reviewer also compared it to other Walter presents shows that may be more enjoyable to a foreign watcher in their opinion.
Interviews and behind-the-scenes video features
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He firstly does not believe in an East and West Germany due to the times changing so fast after the Berlin wall that he did not even have to grow up in a way where he had to learn of the two different sides. He believes the freedom he saw in making the show and the freedom he has now shows how the West was so desirable and how so many Germans attempted to scale the wall yet were shot down. He also feels proud to be a German due to the successful side of the history of Germany but also has to acknowledge the dark history of it.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
This helps with the motive of one of the main broadcasting channels being ITV, BBC and Channel 4 all aiming to entertain and educate their audiences, this is first done by the Walter presents series that introduces the Brtish audiences to a variety of foreign shows but also by how this interview is constructed. It is done so to show that the show is of German origin but also keeps the realism the show achieved by having the real interviews be in German.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
This is due to so many political topics being shown and broadcasted on the channel therefore, would be aiming the question at the viewers that watch channel 4 for it's educational and informative side as it would let them see how a German may think of their nation rather than a British editor scripting their opinion.
Behind the scenes clips
Making Of: Why Should You Watch Deutschland 83
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
The producers/writers suggest the audiences show watch the show due to the interest it has with older and younger viewers. Also, the clip that is shown offers vies of what the German audience members think of the show giving it that real German feel as stated before as it helps feed the realism and continuity of the show being from Germany.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
This is due to the events of the show have happened in recent history and with so little of it being taught in education, and the bit that is taught is minor, having a show that revolves around the premises is ethereally important as viewers are learning new information by watching the show that they have not known before.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
Acting. Story, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume, Music.
Making Of: Set Design
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
This is because the producers wanted to create a realistic atmosphere of how the East and West were with one being much more serious and the other being relaxed but it also helped construct the way shots were filmed, it is also important to create the real effect to keep the aesthetic of a period drama.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
The set was attempted to be made as similar to how the setting was in 1989 and all the practical effects they could not fulfill in making the setting feel real the producers used CGI and digital editing to create a real looking environment to ensure the audiences do not get taken out of the experience of being in Germany in 1983.
Textual analysis: trailer
1) The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.
The use of Ronald Reagan speaking allows the English speaking countries to recognise the media as a show of interest leading to the audience not being turned away from watching the show due to it possibly being foreign as many people do.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Surveillance for the people watching the show to learn of key facts of the time and what may it have been like living in Germany during the time of the cold war. The codes of action also give audiences visceral pleasure intriguing them to watch the show as the explosions and people getting beat up is something a lot of people enjoy watching in the spy thriller genre.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
Action codes are used throughout the trailer with scenes of explosions and people fighting which allow audiences to be attracted to the show if they like spy thriller as this is what they show as it shows some gratuitous action in which fights occur. The enigma codes featured in the trailer can be
Why is the woman in a Hospital bed?
Why is the man threatening the woman by punching the wall?
Why are there explosions?
What are the characters running away from?
All these questions are placed in the show to have the audience want them answered which can only be done by watching the show.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
The use of the shots of Mortiz/Martin being a soldier and a spy to show the double agent lifestyle some spy thriller have within them such as double lives which Mortiz/Martin clearly has.
The walking away from an explosion scene is often shown in spy shows to show how badass a character is but here it detracts from that slightly by adding a comedic element which is used in spy comedies of the explosion actually scaring the spy.
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting that confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
Firstly the song was produced and released in 1984 therefore, audiences that may have nostalgia of that time period may be instantly influenced in seeing the show, but the effect it also creates is that it allows the audiences to establish for themselves when the show is set with the song having a 70's/80's feel to it.
Production and industry context
1) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
The drama is described as spy thriller that is the 'must have European drama series of the year' this is not suggesting it is a must watch but must have for the businesses that may want to showcase the show for the public to view. It is considered an international success as the people who see the viewership numbers and therefore know that it is a good source of income for other companies to broadcast the show.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
The reviews of the multiple companies suggest the show is a break out success with these quotes:
“It’s only January but let’s call it already: coolest show of the year."Grazia
“This is the next subtitled sensation……..unmissable TV." TV Times
“This pacy saga could be your new subtitled obsession.”The Guardian
“A stylish curtain-raiser for Walter Presents.”The Times
3) How does the press release promote the Channel 4 'Walter Presents' collection of international TV drama?The press release talks on the fact that by the end of it's run Walter presents will have more than 600 hours of drama that are from foreign language all for viewing online and can download on the go this popularises Channel 4 and having the online streaming service means for channel 4 they can gather more revenue for profits.Walter Presents
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
Channel 4 presents Walter as a smart white man who 'knows it all' to foreign drama, Walter is used to introduce the show synopsis and gives a brief overview of what to expect, with reviews of the show as he gives his personal opinion of the show.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
The Walter presents is trying to please the audience of a nABC1 class as to get a audience that enjoys foreign language show would be an audience that is highly educated and understands more about culture than a C2DE class of viewers.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
The 'Walter presents' does this by allowing people who may want to watch the show to download all the episodes as a box set for free therefore can watch it anywhere also having the 4OD allows 4to promote their material online and have instant access to their content.Marketing and promotion
1) Read the programme information from the press pack. How does the programme information seek to interest a reader from the first paragraph?
The first paragraph uses the interest of the possible bombings and the actions of what could have been if the cold war continued and uses references to the US to intrigue a foreign audience. The first paragraph also pulls in readers as it mentions how the show is a coming of age story, this genre has become extremely popular in today's culture with movies such as The fault in our stars, Edge of seventeen and Love, Simon.
2) What does the programme information suggest the main strengths of the programme are?
As seen in the second paragraph the main selling point of the drama is the young main actor who is in a show featuring a 'Stylish, faced paced and utterly gripping" narrative. The programme information also uses review quotes from sources that an audience channel 4 is targeting will be able to recognize with Time Magazine, The New York Times and Hollywood Reporter.
3) Read the press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
4) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
The soundtrack is referred as it may hold some sentimental value for some who lived at th time and recognise the music but it is mainly there for the members watching the show to feel a sense of nostalgia with the soundtrack as the 80's is full of pop culture references that are used throughout all media in today's day and age.International marketing
Look at these two different marketing campaigns - the UK DVD release (left) and the American Sundance TV advert (right).
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The UK DVD cover shows an almost coming of age drama with the young man listening to the walkman looking up to the sky as he may be finding himself of who he is, but then the couple kissing in the background on the wall in graffiti may also suggest a romance in the show while the much more serious bearded men frowning on the left suggest a more serious political story. But overall the tag-line 'A gripping cold war thriller' allows us to know that the show is a cold war thriller. Lastly, the print that say's Over the Wall- Under Cover may suggest the spy aspect of the show of hiding while being in espionage.
2) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The font in the US poster is much more modern than the UK one with little connotation to war with the slightly distorted text while the UK one featured text straight from the 80's war/commercial font. This may be to attract the younger audience it seems to be trying to get with the first episode being available on iTunes. The colouring of the poster pops out to a modern and young audience with bright appealing colours. Lastly, the graphics of the missiles and the Berlin war suggest the Cold War directly, but they also offer action audience pleasure as some audiences are attracted to signs of violence. The text of the airing on Sundance may show that the audience it is still trying to mainly attract is a highly educated one as Sundance content is typically made to be deconstructed an analysed, the young appeal may be to try to grab a few extra viewers.
3) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
The US and UK while both similar have residents with different views towards subjects, therefore the producers of the poster may have taken this into account and deliver a much more serious type of poster as the UK might have a more realistic approach to the subject.
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