Homework - Ms.Van Der Sanden

Question 1)

The trailer uses many techniques to persuade its targeted audience to see the film. It uses the names of famous/well known actors and directors, for example Lauren Graham and Alexes Bledel, in order for people to watch the programme, as it makes the audience refer back to previous shows or films they have starred in for example Lauren Graham who starred in ‘Bad Santa’, and episodes of ‘Law and Order’, which automatically attracts their fan based audiences to watch the Gilmore girls. The narrative is very clear through the opening sequence of the show as they use cross-cutting scenes, where they pick out the best bits that hook its audience. The narrative could also persuade an audience as it could be used as a personal identification for those who lack a strong male head figure in the family, as it is shown the programme is focused on the mother and daughter relationship as most scenes and shots include them, whereas there is not much shots with the father. Also, those who are as close to their mothers will also be able to relate to the narrative also as a source of personal identification as it may stand as a representation to their own personal lives. The trailer uses non-diegetic sound of ‘Where you lead’ by Carol King, to suit the dramatic genre of the film. The instruments used in the music helps connote the relationship between the protagonists, an example of this is, the lyrics connote problems both mother and daughter face, however the more upbeat instruments connote the good times they both share. The use of short and fasts shots help the trailer flow and narrative develop giving the audience an insight to what the programme is all about however it uses an enigma code, which is not presented in the trailer. This is because the audience are left to wonder what a specific show will be about, whether it will be joyous or whether it will include some dramatic problems. The audience are unable to tell, as both are portrayed in the genre. The scene where the daughter puts her head on her mother’s shoulder helps suggest that they face problems however she is comforted by her mother and sticking together they will make it through. This allows the audience to see the emotional and intimate relationship between the two, not only through mother and daughter but also as best friends.

Question 2)

The narrative portrays the two female protagonists are from a middle class background. This is shown in the trailer as they lead a simple and fairly normal lifestyle. In the opening sequence they are seen in a local cafe and their rooms do not look so lavishing and posh, which connotes they are from a middle class social class. However in contrast, there is also a scene which shows their grandparents are wealthy shown through their surroundings and sense of dressing, stereotypically if a women wears pearls, it suggests they are well off, which in this case, her grandmother wears pearl bracelets and necklaces, which clearly connotes their higher social class in comparison to their daughter. A man is also seen sitting and smoking a cigar which also stereotypically comes across as a posh thing to do, as cigars are fairly expensive in comparison to normal packets of cigarettes. A prime example which stands as a representation of their social class within the narrative is right at the end, where both mother and daughter are seen eating at a local restaurant which is not posh and elegant but small and cosy, again suggesting they belong to a middle class social class.

Question 3)

Through the opening sequence it is clear the show is targeted at mainstreamers and aspirers, as the narrative appeals to them the most, where the two main leading roles are of those who follow a simple lifestyle, similar to those in these audience groups. As the show is aired during day time hours, it suggests it is targeted at teens from 16 onwards, this may be because the narrative shows the life of a teen therefore will also appeal to them more, however those above the age of 16 would also be attracted as it shows Lauren Graham play the role of a mother and a best friend and as she is of a much older age, she will also attract those of a similar age around 24ish. The physiographic will be of C1, C2, D and E as the show is broadcast on e4 therefore the audience must have sky in order to view the show.