AS MEDIA STUDIESGENDER AND PRIMEVAL

Using the 4 technical codes to look at issues of representation

• Objective:

To be able to to analyse representation of gender in a 5 minute extract of Primeval in terms of:

Mise en sceneCamera framings, angles, movement and compositionSoundEditing

Gender representation and drama

What does the scene tell you about the roles of men and women in society?

How do the 4 codes - camera, sound, editing and mise en scene - illustrate the issue of representation?

In what way? What meaning does the viewer take from the codes?

Can you identify positive, negative and balance stereotypes?

Or are the portrayals realistic, not conforming to stereotypes?

How does camera, sound editing and mise en scene REINFORCE the representation?

Primeval

•Primeval is a British science fiction television programme produced for ITV by Impossible Pictures. Primeval follows a team of five scientists tasked with investigating the appearance of prehistoric and futuristic creatures across Great Britain who enter the present.

•Think “Dr Who with animals.”

•The first series followed the efforts of Professor Nick Cutter and his associates as they investigate the appearance of life-forms that invariably threaten the lives of citizens.

1200 word essay TO BE HANDED IN .....

TITLE:

Discuss the ways in which the following contribute to representations of gender in Primeval.

Camera shots, angle, movement and compositionSoundEditingMise-en-scene

WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR:

Be aware of how to write a good essay –

strong opening and conclusion,

fluid thoughts, well written

Linking the 4 technical codes with the issue of representation

looking at the four codes for meaning about gender roles and representation, looking at WHAT and WHY.

P-E-A-T

•Point

•Evidence

•Analysis

•Terminology

Sample answer:

the camera angle here connotes the man’s superiority. The camera looks up at him; it signifies that he is dominant compared to another character / animal / his surroundings.

Combining the codes when analysing gender representation

Sample answer: combination of camera framing and sound connotes the vulnerability of the woman. The single violin creates a sad, reflective mood. The choice of the extreme close up allows the viewer to clearly observe her expression and understand further her emotional state.

Putting the codes into the context of the genre

Sample answer: the music - typical of a sci-fi programme of this nature - increases suspension and highlights the man’s brave nature with its use of drum, bass, loud volume and fast tempo.

Always discussing not only the technical code, but why the codes reflect gender representation

Sample answer: the clothes that the women is wearing make her look professional because a suit and briefcase are representational of a businesswomen