The document discusses the reality TV genre and provides an example analysis of the show The X Factor. It defines reality TV as shows based on real lives, situations, and events. It explains that reality TV is a hybrid genre that takes conventions from game shows, documentaries, soap operas, and talent shows. The document then analyzes The X Factor as a case study, providing background details on its format and success in launching careers. It describes elements like characters, locations, and styles seen in one contestant's audition.
2. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
‘Reality TV’ is a TV GENRE
• What do we mean by the word
Genre?
• How do we recognise the ‘reality
TV’ genre?
3. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
What do we mean by the word Genre?
Genre is a word which describes how we
can group types of media product
together because they are similar
4. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
Example: Film Genres
Horror: Prometheus + Insidious
Comedy: The Hangover + Hot Fuzz
Superhero: Spiderman + Iron Man
5. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
Can you list some TV Genres?
• Soap Opera=HolyOaks, Eastenders
• Sitcom= How I met your mother. Big Bang
Theory.
• Reality TV= X factor , Big Brother .
• Documentaries- BBC Documentaries.WW2
Heroes.
•
6. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How Do We Recognise Genres?
All genres have conventions. Conventions are not
set rules, but a set of practices that have proved
successful and become established
Genres are recognised by their conventions, which
the audience recognise through regular contact
and repetition
.
7. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How Do We Recognise Genres?
Audiences become familiar with codes and
conventions of particular genres
Audiences develop certain expectations of
particular genres, which they expect to see and
enjoy seeing
8. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How To Recognise A Genre
We can look for certain elements which are
repeated:
C
L
I
N
T
S
9. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How To Recognise A Genre
We can look for certain elements which are
repeated:
CHARACTERS
(e.g. ‘the bitch’ in a teen movie)
10. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How To Recognise A Genre
We can look for certain elements which are
repeated:
C
LOCATION
(e.g. sitcoms often set in a house or workplace)
11. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How To Recognise A Genre
We can look for certain elements which are
repeated:
C
L
ICONOGRAPHY
(props and costumes, etc.)
12. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How To Recognise A Genre
We can look for certain elements which are
repeated:
C
L
I
NARRATIVE
(Romcoms have a split up and then a happy ending?)
13. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How To Recognise A Genre
We can look for certain elements which are
repeated:
C
L
I
N
THEMES
(e.g. Soap operas often look at how families work)
14. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How To Recognise A Genre
We can look for certain elements which are
repeated:
C
L
I
N
T
STYLE
(Pop videos have fast cutting and hand held camera
15. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
How To Recognise A Genre
We can look for certain elements which are
repeated:
CHARACTER
LOCATIONS
ICONOGRAPHY
NARRATIVE
THEMES
STYLE
16. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
What Is Reality TV?
“Reality TV is used to describe a
wide range of programmes that
are based on real lives and real
life situations and events”
(From TV Studies
Casey et al 2002)
17. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
Can You list some examples of ‘Reality TV’
shows?
• X FACTOR
• BIG BROTHER
• IM A CELEBRITY
• THE VOICE UK
• BIG BROTHER CELEBRITY
18. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
The REALITY TV GENRE
This genre is called a HYBRID because it takes
some of the conventions from a range of
different genres:
• Game Shows
• Fly on the Wall Documentary
• Soap Opera
• Talent Show
• Etc.
19. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
Reality TV: A Case Study
X Factor
20. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
X Factor: Background
• The X Factor is a reality TV talent show for aspiring pop
singers who compete for a record contract
• Finals have attracted 20 million viewers
• The format was created by Simon Cowell and the UK
series is produced by his company, Syco TV for ITV
• The format is now successful in many different
countries and Cowell has launched a US version
21. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
X Factor: Background
• In the sixth series the programme was expanded
from just a Saturday night programme by adding a
Sunday night results show, increasing the viewing
hours
• The programmes include auditions and live shows
with pop star guest appearances
• There are ‘spin off’ shows on ITV’s digital channels
such as ITV2’s Xtra Factor
22. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
X Factor: Background
• The UK version is responsible for the launch of Leona
Lewis, Alexandra Burke and JLS
• It has also turned new judge Cheryl Cole into a major
star
• Her appointment coincided with the highest rated
series in the shows history, averaging more than 10
million viewers and improving its audience among
advertiser friendly young viewers.
23. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
http://www.youtube.com/user/thexf
actoruk?feature=results_main
24. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
SITCOMS CHARICTERS
Big bang.
SHELDON-Clever , scientist
, doesn’t understand sarcasm.
Follows rules and makes rules
for flat. Speaks scientific
language
LEONARD-clever , controls the
situation. Gets bullied for
height.
Location – flat rooms , job
work
25. Task 2: Looking at ‘reality TV’
X factor … Lucy Spraggan- judges with formal cloths. Lucy wearing casual cloths
jeans and jumper, loving character , funny character , interacting with audience.
Poor job, nervous , good contestant. young talented. Judges loved it. She had
the whole show in control with her jokes song and humour. Camera focused on
Lucy and audience, close ups on Lucy to show her emotions. Semi close ups to
show reactions. judges were surprised. After performance she's emotional and
crying. Dermot (presenter) comforts the contestants.
