Deutschland 83: case study blog tasks
Reviews and Features
The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
Daily Telegraph review
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it
1) What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?
The Guardian: The main actor Jonas Nay portrays Martin 'superbly'. The series is near perfect with perfect moments like the supermarket scene when Moritz stares at the produce in awe.
Telegraph: The detail in capturing how people behaved in this period is 'extremely well done'. They show the cheap clothes, the excitement teenagers have of listening to illicit western pop music. They showed the difference in language between the two sides.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
Telegraph: The show lacks some drama with it being a period drama.
Guardian: The show lost half its viewers on the last episode in Germany.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
The show put a lot of attention top detail into what life was like on both sides. It appealed to people by using memorable culture events to create nostalgia to the audience.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
1) 'It was well written and gave a perspective on the DDR that is not commonplace. However, the portrayal of the old east Germany , particularly the Stasi, was not sinister enough and the way the state manipulated the populace into spying on their neighbours'. I agree with this review. The perspective was different than what you would normally see in a show like this. But also the spying in East Germany wasn't as sadistic as I thought it should be.
2) 'Great show with a superb soundtrack'. The soundtrack definitely set the tone of the show very well with the pace. The music made the audience feel anticipation along with the actions in the scene. It also make us feel as it we were really in 1983 with the pop culture music being played throughout the first episode.
3) 'Base on real events... it was entertaining'. The fact that the show was based on real events did make it more interesting.
Interviews and Behind the Scenes Video Features
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
Daily Telegraph review
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it
1) What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?
The Guardian: The main actor Jonas Nay portrays Martin 'superbly'. The series is near perfect with perfect moments like the supermarket scene when Moritz stares at the produce in awe.
Telegraph: The detail in capturing how people behaved in this period is 'extremely well done'. They show the cheap clothes, the excitement teenagers have of listening to illicit western pop music. They showed the difference in language between the two sides.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
Telegraph: The show lacks some drama with it being a period drama.
Guardian: The show lost half its viewers on the last episode in Germany.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
The show put a lot of attention top detail into what life was like on both sides. It appealed to people by using memorable culture events to create nostalgia to the audience.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
1) 'It was well written and gave a perspective on the DDR that is not commonplace. However, the portrayal of the old east Germany , particularly the Stasi, was not sinister enough and the way the state manipulated the populace into spying on their neighbours'. I agree with this review. The perspective was different than what you would normally see in a show like this. But also the spying in East Germany wasn't as sadistic as I thought it should be.
2) 'Great show with a superb soundtrack'. The soundtrack definitely set the tone of the show very well with the pace. The music made the audience feel anticipation along with the actions in the scene. It also make us feel as it we were really in 1983 with the pop culture music being played throughout the first episode.
3) 'Base on real events... it was entertaining'. The fact that the show was based on real events did make it more interesting.
Interviews and Behind the Scenes Video Features
They only knew about the cold war in school it wasn't a history that most people are aware of - it was mostly WW2 content. The division doesn't exist anymore.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
The interview is reflecting what the show is trying to portray. The show did the whole dialogue in German to give the show authenticity. The channel provides 'innovative content', and they do this by presenting shows that wouldn't normally make it into other PSB's.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
Channel 4 provides international news and is known for providing deep dive coverages into situations that aren't just national.
Behind The Scene Clips
Making of Deutschland 83
Watch this short promotional clip for Deutschland 83.
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
Textual Analysis: Trailer
1) The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.
The music and the dialogue set the tone for the whole show. The Ronald Reagan speech at the start draw the audience in as they may recognise who it is. The speech was addressing the nation, now it feels like he is addressing the audience, which is effective as the audience are drawn in. In the music, the symbols are hit when the shot changes to the different parts of the show.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Surveillance is an audience gratification as the trailer is showcasing that this is a spy thriller. Entertainment would probably be the main gratification as there are many sequences of violence, as would be expected in a drama or spy thriller. Nostalgia is also another gratification as the music used in the trailer at the end would be something that people remember from the 80s.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The enigma codes leave the audience in questions when explosions and fight scene happen throughout the trailer. The audience then want these questions answered so then they feel encouraged to watch the show. The action code of him taking pictures and spying in the film makes the audience feel that the narrative will progress around what he's capturing.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
3) How does the press release promote the Channel 4 'Walter Presents' collection of international TV drama?
The show is subtitles into English for domestic viewers, Walter Presents reviewing and promoting this means that the collection of TV Drama that they recommend will be taken as seriously in both domestic and international languages.
Walter Presents
Behind The Scene Clips
Making of Deutschland 83
Watch this short promotional clip for Deutschland 83.
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
It tells the viewers that the unpredictability makes it worth the while to watch. The tension attracts people. They say that older and younger generations are attracted to it. The show is action packed means it will be enjoyable like any other spy thriller. The emotional connection between the characters makes it enjoyable.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
They use characters in the show who are young, and people who are similar ages will enjoy learning about this and it won't feel like they are being taught. This type of contract between the two sides haven't been portrayed like this before.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
They give information about the editing. The editing is fast paced and it is also action packed. All the scenes that show the history are authentic and put in post-production. The camerawork, costume and production design is similar to 'event movies' that paved the way for these types of films
Making Of: Set Design
Watch this interview with Production designer Lars Lange.
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
They use characters in the show who are young, and people who are similar ages will enjoy learning about this and it won't feel like they are being taught. This type of contract between the two sides haven't been portrayed like this before.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
They give information about the editing. The editing is fast paced and it is also action packed. All the scenes that show the history are authentic and put in post-production. The camerawork, costume and production design is similar to 'event movies' that paved the way for these types of films
Making Of: Set Design
Watch this interview with Production designer Lars Lange.
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
- The mise-en-scene helps set the show with the script. These set the show and is the mise-en-scene doesn't correctly set how the narrative is going, its going to derail the story. The sets needed to be different for the surveillance rooms to show the contrast between the two sides of Germany while still transmitting the same feel that everyone is being watched.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
- The cars, desks, computers to the bags were all from the era that the show was set in. These are used to help create the atmosphere and the suspense in the show. The setting of the monitoring station was mostly creative work as the layout and what the station has inside it was kept a secret.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
- The cars, desks, computers to the bags were all from the era that the show was set in. These are used to help create the atmosphere and the suspense in the show. The setting of the monitoring station was mostly creative work as the layout and what the station has inside it was kept a secret.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
- The authenticity of the show and the scenes give the element of nostalgia to the whole show. It makes the audience feel as if they are learning what the time period was like.
Textual Analysis: Trailer
The music and the dialogue set the tone for the whole show. The Ronald Reagan speech at the start draw the audience in as they may recognise who it is. The speech was addressing the nation, now it feels like he is addressing the audience, which is effective as the audience are drawn in. In the music, the symbols are hit when the shot changes to the different parts of the show.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Surveillance is an audience gratification as the trailer is showcasing that this is a spy thriller. Entertainment would probably be the main gratification as there are many sequences of violence, as would be expected in a drama or spy thriller. Nostalgia is also another gratification as the music used in the trailer at the end would be something that people remember from the 80s.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The enigma codes leave the audience in questions when explosions and fight scene happen throughout the trailer. The audience then want these questions answered so then they feel encouraged to watch the show. The action code of him taking pictures and spying in the film makes the audience feel that the narrative will progress around what he's capturing.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
At 0:26 when he gets kicked into the door give a strong case that the sub-genre is spy thriller. Almost every time a fight scene would happen in this genre. Neale's theory applied here is that repetition here gives the audience some familiarity and information on what to expect in the show.
The contrasts of East and West at 0:04 and his difference cover uniforms is a representation and view you wouldn't normally see in any genre, this difference keep the audience attracted to the show.
Probably the biggest shot to support the genre is at 0:22, the lock pick scene. This scene is in all spy thrillers in one form or another, in this case its a lock pick, in a show set in the modern day it may be a password hacked by a computer. This aspect being repeated give reassurance of the genre and give the gratification that the audience will get the key conventions they expect in a trailer.
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting the confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
The contrasts of East and West at 0:04 and his difference cover uniforms is a representation and view you wouldn't normally see in any genre, this difference keep the audience attracted to the show.
Probably the biggest shot to support the genre is at 0:22, the lock pick scene. This scene is in all spy thrillers in one form or another, in this case its a lock pick, in a show set in the modern day it may be a password hacked by a computer. This aspect being repeated give reassurance of the genre and give the gratification that the audience will get the key conventions they expect in a trailer.
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting the confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
At 0:33 the TV with Ronald Reagan's speech gives the element of this being a period drama. This may appeal to the audience as they know that the show are willing to use some authenticity to tell the narrative which may be more attractive for some of the audience.
At 0:08 the uniform and the camera show old German uniforms and equipment they would use in 1983. The 'Spy' text on the screen with the camera may appeal to an audience as they may be interested in the difference between the modern contrasts of a James Bond like spy and a spy during The Cold War.
At 0:46 an old gun is shown, this is used to capture the period drama status. This may appeal to an audience as they get an action code that when a gun is cocked, violence will ensue.
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
The songs narrative is that the two superpower countries are at war, the music video on YouTube established this pretty well. But also because the song came out in 1984, it would have been of that era after Able Archer had happened, this means that this song will bring nostalgia to those who remember the song.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
I think it would have taken people away from watching the drama without even seeing the first episode. Domestic audiences don't really watch international shows that have subtitles of dialogue of other languages. They may feel they will be distracted and won't like the show.
Production and Industry Context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around the world.
1) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
The CEO describes it as the compelling series that captivated viewers around the world. The show was produced by award winning creators and directors.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
It had 2.5 million viewers. They said that the show is a subtitles sensation, how the soundtrack is powerful, how its the best show of the year and how gripping the show is.
At 0:08 the uniform and the camera show old German uniforms and equipment they would use in 1983. The 'Spy' text on the screen with the camera may appeal to an audience as they may be interested in the difference between the modern contrasts of a James Bond like spy and a spy during The Cold War.
At 0:46 an old gun is shown, this is used to capture the period drama status. This may appeal to an audience as they get an action code that when a gun is cocked, violence will ensue.
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
The songs narrative is that the two superpower countries are at war, the music video on YouTube established this pretty well. But also because the song came out in 1984, it would have been of that era after Able Archer had happened, this means that this song will bring nostalgia to those who remember the song.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
I think it would have taken people away from watching the drama without even seeing the first episode. Domestic audiences don't really watch international shows that have subtitles of dialogue of other languages. They may feel they will be distracted and won't like the show.
Production and Industry Context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around the world.
1) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
The CEO describes it as the compelling series that captivated viewers around the world. The show was produced by award winning creators and directors.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
It had 2.5 million viewers. They said that the show is a subtitles sensation, how the soundtrack is powerful, how its the best show of the year and how gripping the show is.
3) How does the press release promote the Channel 4 'Walter Presents' collection of international TV drama?
The show is subtitles into English for domestic viewers, Walter Presents reviewing and promoting this means that the collection of TV Drama that they recommend will be taken as seriously in both domestic and international languages.
Walter Presents
Watch this Channel 4 trailer for their Walter Presents international drama.
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
They try to show that he is dedicated to his job and spends a lot of time doing so, we can see this by the amount of mail he gets that are all just video texts.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
They try to show that he is dedicated to his job and spends a lot of time doing so, we can see this by the amount of mail he gets that are all just video texts.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
They are trying to make the audience feel a certain gratification that these texts have been reviewed professionally and the audience can trust these reviews. Its the appeal that they get a second opinion.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
They tell the audience that box sets are available online. It shows that video and texts can now be promoted online and are dominating the amount of time people take to watch shows online.Marketing and promotion
Look at the online Channel 4 press pack for Deutschland 83.
1) Read the programme information from the press pack. How does the programme information seek to interest a reader from the first paragraph?
It creates many questions in the readers mind like why was Martin picked, what will they do with the NATO files, how will tension between the two superpowers increase. Because it was set in 'real events', the reader gains the gratification of learning about the war and also brings up nostalgia for those who could remember this specific time of the war.
2) What does the programme information suggest the main strengths of the programme are?
They call the program stylish, fast-paced and utterly gripping. Both sides of Germany are considered in the narrative.
3) Read the press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
The mystery behind the whole show worked well for a historical drama.
She interviewed politicians, former and current intelligence officials and just regular people about the facts.
They gave the perspective of both sides of the show and through the life of a spy, something that most other shows haven't done. So this being a viewpoint that was done so well, the use of contrasts between the two sides gives a whole new attitude to those who haven't experienced wither side.
One part of creating the the detail of the drama is that the cast and crew all had their experiences of what Germany was before and/or after the wall came down and they also worked a lot on this show to create it as accurate as they could while still being entertaining.
4) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
International Marketing
Two different marketing campaigns. The portrait being the UK DVD release and the landscape being the American Sundance TV advert.
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The text on screen, 'Cold War thriller', tell us that this may be a period drama. The other text being, 'Over the wall, under the covers', means that this is also a spy thriller.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
They tell the audience that box sets are available online. It shows that video and texts can now be promoted online and are dominating the amount of time people take to watch shows online.Marketing and promotion
Look at the online Channel 4 press pack for Deutschland 83.
1) Read the programme information from the press pack. How does the programme information seek to interest a reader from the first paragraph?
It creates many questions in the readers mind like why was Martin picked, what will they do with the NATO files, how will tension between the two superpowers increase. Because it was set in 'real events', the reader gains the gratification of learning about the war and also brings up nostalgia for those who could remember this specific time of the war.
2) What does the programme information suggest the main strengths of the programme are?
They call the program stylish, fast-paced and utterly gripping. Both sides of Germany are considered in the narrative.
3) Read the press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
The mystery behind the whole show worked well for a historical drama.
She interviewed politicians, former and current intelligence officials and just regular people about the facts.
They gave the perspective of both sides of the show and through the life of a spy, something that most other shows haven't done. So this being a viewpoint that was done so well, the use of contrasts between the two sides gives a whole new attitude to those who haven't experienced wither side.
One part of creating the the detail of the drama is that the cast and crew all had their experiences of what Germany was before and/or after the wall came down and they also worked a lot on this show to create it as accurate as they could while still being entertaining.
4) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
Using the top songs of 1983 means it creates nostalgia which is an audience pleasure and it was a year where pop culture was thriving so it would remembered.
International Marketing
Two different marketing campaigns. The portrait being the UK DVD release and the landscape being the American Sundance TV advert.
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The text on screen, 'Cold War thriller', tell us that this may be a period drama. The other text being, 'Over the wall, under the covers', means that this is also a spy thriller.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
The Walkman that Mortiz is holding is telling the audience that the drama will be set during the cold war and that the graffiti on the walls might convey the difference between the two sides of Germany in the drama.
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The bright and vibrant colours and the font is a modern style of techniques that are used in advertisements. This means that the producers of the advert are trying to attract a younger audience, those who won't remember the Cold War or even be alive during the time the Berlin Wall was up. The missiles also tell the audience that this will be action packed, which is a genre that attracts a young audience.
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
They used different marketing campaigns due to the history that a young or even older audience would know. The cold war is mostly something that would be taught more in American schools. There is then some background with the younger audience what the show will entail, so they attract the young audience with techniques that would attract them e.g. font and colour. The UK ad is targeted towards a different audience. Perhaps a much older generation who remember the Cold War. The DVD shows the two contrasts of the East and West which is something the audience may not have seen.
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