Television industry contexts: Blog tasks

 Independent: British viewers can't get enough of foreign-language dramas

Read this Independent feature on foreign-language dramas. If the website is blocked or forcing you to register you can access the text of the article here. It features an in-depth interview with Walter Iuzzolino who curates Channel 4's Walter Presents programming. Answer the questions below:

1) What does the article suggest regarding the traditional audience for foreign-language subtitled media?

A traditional audience would not enjoy it and would find it dull.

2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?

Its diversity within the shows it offers.

3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?

It suggests it keeps audiences attention on the screen.

4) What are the other audiences pleasures of foreign TV drama suggested by the article?

The diversion we are provided as we can escape into other nations.

Film School Rejects: The foreign TV dramas you're missing out on

Now read this Film School Rejects feature on the foreign TV dramas you're missing out on. This contains some particularly useful background on Deutschland 83's reception internationally. If the website is blocked, you can access the article text here. Answer the following questions:

1) What does the article tell us about Deutschland 83's release schedule?

It first premiered on Sundance TV in 2015 and then in the UK on Channel 4 during 2016.

2) The article contains important statistics on viewing figures in different countries. What were the German viewing figures for the first and last episode? What were Channel's 4's viewing figures for Deutschland 83?

German:

1st - 3.9 million

Last - 1.63 million

Channel 4 (UK):

Views peaked at 2.13 mil

3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October? 

Sundance TV and FreMantle Media announced a new second season.

4) How does Walter Iuzzolino use social media to engage audiences in new international TV dramas? How does he suggest this has changed the reception of foreign productions in the UK?

He posts a "weekend pick" where his viewers and engage with him showing how subtitles is cinema is not only for the elite. 

The Guardian: How Britain's TV industry is struggling in the streaming era

Read this Guardian feature on how Britain's TV industry - particularly public service broadcasters - are struggling to keep up with the American streaming giants. Answer the following questions: 

1) What is happening to UK public service broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4 when it comes to TV drama? 

They cannot afford to fully fund TV dramas. 

2) Look at the middle of the article where global budgets are discussed. What was the peak of the global premium TV streaming market and what has it dropped to in recent years? 

The TV streaming market went down by a quarter to £598m.

3) What are the typical production costs per hour of high-end TV production? Why does this create a challenge for Britain's public service broadcasters? 

£1m per hour which is hard for PSB to afford meaning they will struggle to create shows.

4) Look at the end of the article. Why is there still an optimism about the British TV industry?

PSBs should work with popular streaming services for a wider audience range but also to make more money being made. 

Media Magazine: Netflix and the Cultural Industries 

Finally, go to our Media Magazine archive and read the article on Netflix and the Cultural Industries (MM63 - page 45). Answer the following questions:

1) What does David Hesmondhalgh argue with regards to how the creative industries have changed since the 1980s?

Media companies started seeing the benefits of synergy.

2) What is technological convergence? 

When different media texts can be accessed on one device.

3) How are technology companies challenging traditional broadcasters in the TV industry?

They are now proving TV shows to watch online at any time. For example, Amazon, which was just a shopping website, now has Amazon Prime which provides TV as well as movies. 

4) The global nature of modern television means producers are having to consider international audiences when creating content. What example from Netflix does the article use to explain this?

Netflix launched in 130 new countries in 2016 showing how companies now need to meet the needs of global audiences and consumers.