Through globalisation and developments in technology, the way we watch television is completely different to even 15 years ago. We need to explore the rise in popularity of foreign-language television and work out why audiences like it and what is behind the recent surge in interest.
Foreign-language television
Foreign-language television is becoming increasingly mainstream with the rise of on-demand services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime alongside UK digital channels such as BBC4.
Audiences are now accustomed to 'binge-watching' TV drama and seem increasingly open to content from around the world. This perhaps reflects the global nature of the internet and the fact younger generations are more likely to see themselves as global citizens. It also reflects the global nature of the television industry with a small number of international media conglomerates owning the vast majority of TV production companies.
‘Walter Presents’ is a video-on-demand (VOD) service from Channel 4, available through their online streaming site All4. The service presents international TV drama curated by Walter Iuzzolino.
The service aims to avoid so-called arthouse programming in favour of more mainstream productions, aimed at competing against Netflix and Amazon Prime. Walter Iuzzolino stated any selected show must be popular in its native country and it must be “award-winning or critically acclaimed”.
Watch the trailer for the ‘Walter Presents’ service and think about the following questions:
- Close-textual analysis: how does the trailer use film language to encourage the audience to watch?
- What conventions of TV drama are highlighted in the trailer?
- How many clips from Deutschland 83 can you spot?
- What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer?
Meet Walter promo clip
Channel 4 created a short introductory video for ‘Walter Presents’. Watch the clip and think about the following:
- How is Walter introduced?
- What target audience is this aiming at?
- What audience pleasures are suggested from the promo?
- What does Walter say about TV drama?
The rise of foreign-language TV: Blog tasks
To continue our work on Deutschland 83, we need to read a range of articles on the foreign-language TV phenomenon. When answering the questions, consider the issues from both an audience and industry perspective.
Independent: British viewers can't get enough of foreign-language dramas
Read this Independent feature on foreign-language dramas. 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?
2) What does Walter Iuzzolino suggest is the key appeal of his 'Walter Presents' shows?
3) The article makes an interesting claim for the popularity of subtitles in the multi-screen age. What does it suggest?
4) What are the other audiences pleasures of foreign TV drama suggested by the article?
Now look at the bonus article - on Sherlock and how viewers are steering their favourite shows.
5) What examples are provided of how TV companies are increasingly using audiences to inform the production process?
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?
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?
3) Who are the two production and distribution companies behind Deutschland 83 and what did they announce in October?
4) What does the article suggest was the driving force behind the series being renewed for a new season (and possibly two new seasons)?
5) 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?
IndieWire: The rise of international television
Now look at this IndieWire feature on the rise of international television. If the website is blocked, you can access the text from the article here. Answer the questions below:
1) What does the article suggest regarding the difference between TV and film?
2) What cultural differences are highlighted in the article - for example in turning 'Prisoners of War' into 'Homeland' when remade in the US?
3) Why do you think Deutschland 83 was able to rise above these cultural differences to be successful in the US and UK? Did this inadvertently make the drama fail in Germany?
4) What does the article suggest about subtitling?
5) What does Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt suggest is the appeal in foreign television drama?
The Guardian: How tech is changing television
Finally, read this Guardian feature on how tech is changing television. This has some particularly useful aspects from an industry perspective - how TV is made, the different formats of TV drama and more. Answer the following questions:
1) What are the traditional lengths for TV drama and what dictated these programme formats?
2) How have streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime changed the way TV drama narratives are constructed?
3) Why has the rise in streaming led to more complex storylines and an increase in cliffhangers?
4) How have the "economics of production" kept TV drama largely sticking to the 45- or 60-minute episode format?
5) How has "permanent 24/7 connectivity" changed both the production and consumption of TV drama?
There is a fair amount of work here - the questions are not too challenging but there is plenty to read. However, this will prepare you brilliantly for the extended essay question in Media Paper 2 - particularly if the question focuses on industry or audience.
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