RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Docushow (mid 1990s-present)

A presenter-led programme that often deals with lifestyle – gardening, the home, fashion, beauty, health etc.

The format focuses on the experience of real people to illustrate aspects of the chosen theme: buying a house, going on a diet, having plastic surgery or creating a new garden.

As the style has developed the programmes have become more emotional.

Write a list of 5-10 shows

Can you think of any more examples of docu-shows?

The Reality Game Show More commonly referred to as reality

television(2000-present)

This places ordinary people (although carefully selected by the TV producers) within a specifically constructed context.

Introduction of a competitive element from the game show genre, which is more or less dominant depending on the programme

E.G ‘Next Top Model’ ‘Biggest Loser’ ‘Big Brother’

Transformational TV The concept of a psychological makeover

has become central to the programme’s message, suggesting that, for example, a new set of clothes can affect a person’s life in a profound way.

Examples include: What Not to Wear (BBC, 2002- present) Location, Location, Location (Channel 4,

2001 – present) Ten Years Younger (Channel 4 – present)

There is often a ‘transformational’ element to the docu-shows.

The idea that the person’s life will be transformed by the experience of the programme.

Look out for this when you watch and analyse docu-shows.

Transformational TV

Will they find somewhere to live in time? Will they complete the challenge? Will they be able to prevent the dog from

being put down?

There is often a key element of jeaporady in these shows.

This is another element to look out for in docu-shows

JEAPORADY..

Will they agree with everything the presenter says? OR not?

What if the contributors hate each other – have arguments?

This might be more interesting/ entertaining TV

Choice of contributors is based on how the producers think they are going to react in the situation

Conflict is key

Although conflict is a central part of these shows…

The contributors are usually ‘likeable’ meaning the audience will like them.. Want them to succeed… be interested in them.

Sometimes producers make mistakes – have you seen any really awful contributors that you didn’t like all? If so, what impact did this have on you/ your enjoyment of the programme?

Likeablity

Choose a recent docushow on BBC Iplayer or 4OD

Analyse the narrative structure Explain what conventions have been used Does it fit into any documentary modes? Does the programme feature any of the

elements outlined in this ppt? If so, what? When? And Why? Explain.

You can use this as part of TASK 1 if you choose.

Analysis of a ‘Docushow’