TV: Industry contexts

 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?

The article displays that now in todays society the traditional audience for foreign language subtitled media has drastically changed.This is because the audience for foreign language media has now become very mainstream instead of targeting one niche audience.

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

Walter Iuzzolino suggests the key appeal of his "Walter Presents" shows is their curated, high-quality, and "hand-picked" nature, which acts as a "truffle hunter" alternative to algorithm-based recommendations.

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

It suggests now that people are more likely to watch shows regarding subtitles because of the rise of foreign language TV shows

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

Personal identity-People from foreign backgrounds can relate to shows when they see their language is being displayed

Diversion-A foreign language show could be so interesting that a person feel a sense of escapism from the real world to the show

Surveillance-watching a foreign show helps people with learning a new language

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?

Premiering on AMC Network’s Sundance TV in June 2015, the show was the first German-language TV series to premiere on a US network.

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?

Statistics:

-Germany’s 3.19 million viewing in the first episode,1.63 million in the last episode

-Channel 4 viewings were 2.13 million

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

The two production and distributing companies were SundanceTV and FremantleMedia and they announced that there will be a second series of Deutschland 83 (called Deutschland 86, more likely than not followed by the pivotal year of 89).

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 uses social media to advertise international TV dramas so that people around the world can watch international TV dramas

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? 

There has been many pay cuts and pay reductions for people and the BBC has plunged many funds it has had which as made it harder to make 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 peak of the global streaming market was £5.1bn and is now £3.4bn

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? 

The typical production costs is £5m an hour,this is a big challenge for British public service broadcasters because it means that if a Tv drama does bad the psb looses out on critical funds and profits they could have made

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

Optimism for the British television industry, even amidst structural challenges and a "reset" of the streaming boom, remains high due to its proven status as a global creative hub, robust inward investment, and significant growth in ad-supported streaming. While domestic commissioners have tightened budgets, the UK continues to be a magnet for high-end international production, leading to a projected total film and TV production spend of £6.8 billion in 2025

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?

David Hesmondhalgh argues that the creative industries have become more commercialised since the 1980s.

2) What is technological convergence? 

Technological convergence is when different types of technology come together into one device or platform.

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

Streaming sites,On demand,no sceduled shows 

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 uses shows like Money Heist as an example.