Spooks Opening Sequence
Media Representation:
How are people and places represented in this opening sequence.
The location is represented as this quiet, suburban street which may be located in a small tranquil town.
In the opening sequence, a small girl is displayed on the screen skipping on a rope by herself on the street, the character is stereotypically represented as an innocent young child, one that couldn't possibly bring any harm to an individual. The couple in the opening sequence are also represented as a young, happy couple. The female is represented as this happy-go-lucky, carefree character who is in a good relationship. The man is represented as a somewhat corporate type character but at the same time retains that stereotypical label of an 'average Joe'. This is shown as he isn't a completly organised man as he doesn't look completly formal, for example when his wife says he's wearing different socks, plus, judging by his clothes, he refuses to wear a tie and has his top button undone, thus showing us an 'average Joe' character.
This young, friendly couple are contrasted with another couple, however the couples are nothing alike. This particular couple also seem to be in a relationship but a loveless relationship, this is shown when the woman tells the man that the young couple still love each other. There is also this potentionally offensive stereotype that this couple may be considered to be 'terrorists' this is because they speak in foreign language which obviously means english isn't their first language. They speak very vaguely of their past about how 'they' destroyed their world and are prepared to destory 'our' world. One can only deduce that this couple lead an entirely different life and came from a third world country.
There is a clear contrast between the two couples shown here as the director has produced a reflection of reality as these couple may infact lead very similar lifestyles that people could very easily feel connected with even if one of the couples has a rather extremist ideology on society.
Media Forms:
How does the extract follow the codes and conventions of an opening sequence
The opening sequence virtually instantly gets the audiences expectations and gives them pleasure in knowing that it's a drama. The opening sequence gives some tension in the scene of when the pair are talking in the vehicle which gives the fact that the genre is drama. The clip has a serious tone, one that isn't found in other genres such as comedy. The extract follows the conventions by using such codes and conventions such as binary opposition, the two couples and the lives they lead. The enigma codes, why are they spying on this couple, plus for what reason. Also what the man meant by 'destroying out world'.
The opening sequence gives the audience that piece of information that will be resolved in the programme. The clip is rather short because it fills the individual with the important and relevant stuff of what the programme will be about, this is done without wasting time, however it doen't offer a recap of the previous episode.
The clip gives a form of personal identity as it reinforces the personal values the couple have and finding the models of behaviour. There's also the form of integration and social interaction as the clip identifies a sense of belonging with the couple. The sequence also gives off an insight into circumstances of others, in this case, the couple in the car.
These media forms and conventions are given in the extract, they follow the same uses in other programmes.
Media Institutions:
What does this text tell us about the media institutions involved?
The main and only institution that were involved in producing the moving image where BBC. The BBC shows a wide variety of shows that educate us, entertain and inform us, it's also for a wide variety of the audience.
This moving text was made to entertain the audience, as other series shown on the BBC such as Heroes, they entertain rather than educate or inform and we know this by the seriousness that surrounds the atmosphere. The institution are also a huge production company so the production values are high. The shows is also broadcasted after the 9pm watershed so the show would contain violence, some scenes of sex and other adult themes. Therefore the programme is shown to a wide variety of the audience. people in the uk also pay a license fee to bbc so the quality must remain top notch.
Media Audience:
What techniques does the opening sequence use to appeal to a weekday mainstream audience?
Techniques such as enigma codes are used frequently in order to keep the audience guessing. The clip ends with a cliffhanger where the two foreign couple give chase to the young couple. The clip has a gradual build up which teases the audience. it leaves them wanting more. As a weekday audience, the viewer wouldn't want to wait for the opening credits as they tend to take a few minutes to begin, therefore this is eliminated in Spooks, this is also the case with Heroes where the programme begins virtually instantly so no time is wasted for the show to begin.
