Deutschland 83: case study blog tasks

Deutschland 83: case study blog tasks


Introduction: Reviews and features


The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it

In the revies that were a mixture of negative and positive reviews. One negative point that was shared was the belief that the show was too "simple" compared to the actual history that was incorporated in it. The writer of this article stated that the Cold War gives people 'chills' whereas this show did not live up to it. 

German people stated that Deutschland glamorises something that would usually be considered dark and ugly and turns it into something 'sexy and cool'.

• "To me, German series' often suffer from poor production value and screenplays are either obsessed with complexity or dull and boring. The latter dominates" - I strongly disagree with this statement. Deutschland 83 is a perfect example that counteracts this statement. The high production and the attention to detail make this show successful, along with the alluring plot.

•  " Deutschland 83 captured the atmosphere perfectly". I believe that Deutschland 83 was very successful in capturing the essence of Germany at that time.

• "Great series, Greater country"- I agree with this statement. The series was a massive hit and was very successful worldwide. The people of Germany are very proud of the country that they are from, which is understandable and it has been portrayed through this show. 

Interviews and behind-the-scenes video features

Channel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay



Jonas Nay states that growing up in a united Germany makes him value certain aspects of his life such as his freedom and his mobility and his freedom of speech

Channel 4's remit is to deliver high-quality, innovative, alternative content that challenges the status quo. The fact that the interview was in German fits channel 4's remit to innovative. This creative idea puts a twist on traditional interviews and makes its into somethning new and contemporary.

Viewers of Deutschland will be interested in the current political situation in germany as they will be able to compare it to the political issues that were happening during the time of the cold war. The audience pleasure of information and surveilence is offered. 


Behind the scenes clips

According to the promotional clip, audiences should watch Deutschland 83 because itis funny, entertaining and has a great narrative. The clip also claims that the performances for the actors are great. The successful depiction of Germany is another reason why audiences should watch Deutschland 83.

The historical aspect of Deutschland 83 acts as a pleasure for audiences. The information and surveillance pleasure provided in this TV Drama gives audiences an inside view on what life was like in Germany in 1983.  

The technical aspects that are highlighted in the video are that the cinematography is intriguing and it accurately reflects the time in Germany.


Making Of: Set Design

The set design, costume and props were such an essential aspect for Deutschland as they were all handmade in order to make the setting look realistic. The props and costume were also an important aspect as it sets the tone for the time that this show is set.


The setting, costume and props were historically accurate as they were designed by people who had prime knowledge of the time period that the show was set in. 

The props, costume, and music offer ceratin audience pleasures for the audience. The music featured throughout the series offers slightly older audiences nostalgia. Also, the props and costume give audiences an insight into how life was for east and west Germans  


Textual analysis: Audience pleasures and representations

Scene 1: Garden/BBQ scenes (East & West Germany)

4.58 – 8.20 and 34.00 – 37.20

Make notes under the following headings:

These two scenes were purposely designed to juxtapose each other to highlight the key differences between east and west Germany. general themes such as unity, wealth and family are contrasted between the two scenes. In terms of wealth, the sense in east Germany features a house that appears to be a bit run down and dilapidated. Whereas in the that is set in the west, the house looks extravagant and well renovated. This comparison between wealth and social class appears throughout the series. People in the East seem more unified and undivided. The west is- not seen to be as consolidated as the people in the west. 

Scene 2: Martin/Moritz first sees the West German supermarket 

14.30 – 20.25

Make notes under the following headings:

In this scene, Martin is seen standing in an isle of food packaged in bright, bold colours. This contextually links to the Pop Art craze that was present at that time. It also links to the influence that America had over west Germany. in terms of sound, The dietetic sound is music playing in the supermarket. 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics is playing throughout the store, this also emphasises the American influence.

Scene 3: Training montage scene when Martin/Moritz learns how to be a spy

20.40 – 22.40

The training montage follows the aspects of a cliche spy montage. The fast pace created by editing and sound replicates a montage seen in other well-known spy movies like James Bond. The intertextuality offers an audience pleasure for viewers, especially if they are fans of the film series.

Scene 4: Briefcase scene when Martin/Moritz is stealing the NATO nuclear plans

31.13 – 33.30

In this scene, the audience pleasure of personal relationship is being brought out from viewers by the producers. The editing and the non-diegetic sound creates a tense atmosphere and has audiences rooting for martin.

You will do the majority of this textual analysis work in class - this section of your case study simply requires typing up your notes in an easy and memorable way (bullet points are fine).

Production and industry contexts



The UFA Fiction is a German award-winning film and television Company which is a unique leader in the German film and television market. They produced the shows such as Deutschland 83, Deutschland 86 and Deutschland 89

Fremantle is a British international television content and production/distribution subsidiary

Deutschland 83 reflects the international nature of television production as it incorporates aspects of german roots and keeps it authentic.
Walter Presents

Walter is introduced, by Channel 4, as someone who is quite knowledgeable of what makes good TV. Channel 4 is trying to appeal to people who show certain interests in television dramas or media in general. people that appreciate the value of some media creations

Walter Presents reflects the changing nature of television in the digital age by making box sets free in order for the consumer to download it and watch in the comfort of their own home and whenever they want.





Marketing and promotion

Trailer


The audience pleasure of information and surveillance may be offered through this trailer. Highlighting the fact that this TV drama is about the cold war may make people more incised to watch the show. This trailer also offers diversion, the sub-genre of a spy movie that is incorporated in this show will interest some v views 

Action codes are presented through the fast-paced, pop music accompanied by scenes of people running and fight scenes. Enigma codes have created through the scenes of violence and scenes in the hospital. Views might wonder what caused these events to occur 

The UK trailer avoided the use of English subtitles over german dialogue to reach a wider audience. The use of subtitles in the advert might deter people from watching the show. 

Press pack

The incorporation of historical aspects and real-life events in Deutschland makes this TV drama a success. Anna Winger went to great lengths to make sure the plot was historically accurate 

The soundtrack will appeal to certain audiences because it includes music from the 1980s which give audiences the pleasure of nostalgia

Press release

After launching with 1.49 million viewers, the first episode has now consolidated with 2.5 million viewers.


The drama Deutschland was described as 'Unmissable TV' by The Times. 

International marketing

In the UK DVD cover of Deutschland 83, sub-genre is communicated. The subgenre of romance is presented through the right side of the cover, the two people kissing could also potentially hint at the main character, Martin, having a love interest. 

The font featured in both the DVD and the US advertisement, bold font is used to catch the eye of viewers. The colour used in the US complements the pop art featured in the background of the advertisement. 

The distributors Freemantle Media International may have used different marketing campaigns in different countries to fit certain trends that are relevant in said country.