TV: Capital case study

 Reviews and features

1) What positive points does the review pick out about Capital? What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?

The cast is brilliant, it’s based on an acclaimed novel, it’s relatable to a lot of Londoners. Criticisms are character depth and development and plot points may feel rushed 

2) What references can you find in the reviews and feature to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?

As it shows its social issues and the diverse experiences of the characters, it capture modern day London by showing various different neighbourhoods and ethnicities 

Trailer analysis

1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?

The use of wide shots shows the iconic landmarks of London and also other things like busy streets this establishes the chaos in London but also the beauty 

2) How does the trailer introduce the different narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?

A series of quick cuts that creates tension and an enigma code, the trailer juxtaposes various characters showing hints of their life and conflict

Capital in Media Magazine

1) What does the article suggest about the 'state of the nation' genre and how Capital is an example of this?

The state of nation suggest social issues are examined and often reflecting modern life and the political climate and capital shows various peoples lives 

2) What does the article suggest regarding the setting of Capital?

The setting highlights the contrast between wealth and poverty 

3) What are the major themes in Capital and what does the article suggest regarding the impact of money on communities?

Social inequality, Capitalism and identity, the article suggests that money plays a significant role in influencing relationships and social structures 

4) What different representations in Capital are discussed in the article?

Good v bad, rich v poor and industrious v feckless 

5) What does the final section of the article suggest regarding genre and overall message of the drama?

Genre plays a crucial role in conveying its overall message. The overall message could revolve around capitalism on individuals and social realism to address economic issues 

Capital media fact sheet 

  1) What does the factsheet say about the characters on the first page?

The first episode focuses on Petunia, Roger and arabella. We are also introduced to the kamal family 

2) Focusing on the industrial contexts, how does Capital help the BBC meet its obligations as a public service broadcaster?

As the drama addresses relevant social issues and it produces high quality videos to maintain bbc reputation and capital is not only entertaining but also brings discussion 

3) What do we learn about the ownership structure for production company Kudos? 

Reflects a horizontally integrated company 

4) How can David Hesmondhalgh's ideas in The Cultural Industries be linked to Capital and Kudos? 

The company's operations can be analysed through Hesmondhalgh by observing how the need for commercial success and audience ratings drives the content of shows, it links to capital as they want to maximise profit by showing the diverse characters linking back to the audience 

5) How does the factsheet suggest Capital meets the genre conventions of crime and social realism?

Conventions of crime: narrative enigma, restricted narrative, resolution of a mystery, question of morality, debates around innocence and violence, verisimilitude, power struggles

Conventions of social realism: represent regions of uk with authenticity, narrative explore social issues, triumph over adversity, humour and seriousness, wide shots of setting 

6) How does the factsheet analyse the DVD packaging and what this communicates to the audience?

The DVD uses the same promotional images that feature in media pack this creates a recognisable brand image for capital 

7) Look at page 5 of the factsheet. Choose one of the audience theories in the table and apply it to Capital.

Reception theory hall: the preferred reading of capital is it shows the diversity of London and shows an accurate representation of London in this day and age 

8) What does the factsheet suggest regarding binary oppositions in Capital?  

To highlight the difference or inequality in Pepsy road, then raise questions about inequality in London 

Representations: close-textual analysis

1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in the lesson:

2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?

 Stereotypes are both reinforced and subverted in different ways as the show explores themes such as wealth inequality, gentrification, social class and the characters and issues it portrays

Industries and production context

1) Who is the parent company for Kudos? What changes of ownership have there been for Kudos? This is an example of conglomerate ownership.

Endemol shine group is the parent company for Kudos. Endemol Shine Group itself is a part of Banijay group, a global media conglomerate that owns and operates a variety of production companies around the world

2) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced and for which channels? What awards have they won?

A series called broadchurch and won the 2013 Peabody award, a show called humans won nominations and awards, the tunnel won several nominations and good reviews 

3) How does Capital help the BBC to fulfil its remit as a public service broadcaster? You may want to look back at our work on public service broadcasting last term

The BBC aim to inform, educate and entertain. Capital does this as they explore lives of different people and the social issues they face. This informs educates and entertains the audience as the find it engaging but are also learning about the economy