Analysing Opening of 'Deutschland 83' 

The use of Western Style music 'Major Tom' immediately contrasts with the genre of the series. The music we hear in the opening would not have been allowed in the East Bloc. The specific song chosen is also very happy and therefore conflicts with the genre of the series. 

The 4, 3,2,1 introduction represent the division of Germany that occurred after WW2, which was a very conflicted and controversial move made by Allied forces. We therefore think that the writer is trying to give some background knowledge on the Cold War before it has even begun. 

The snips of each specific actor/actress are all very serious. This indicates to the audience that the show is going to raise tough moments. The use of dark grey on the actors face, yet colour surrounding the outside represents the different East and Western zones. It shows that there was constant rivalry between the two zones, and that they were always on top and involved with each other. 

 The opening also contains a snippet of two people kissing, one we know is the main Character 'Martin' who was a worker on the Eastern Bloc. The use of this scene is controversial as this was more behaviour of someone in the West. It almost doubts the regime alive in the East as its saying that even those these people are based within the Soviet Sphere they are living a more Western life. 

Throughout, the whole opening scene there is the use of bombs especially atomic ones. This again, gives the audience knowledge of what the Cold War was really about which was nuclear weapons. It also creates a tense feeling as they are used throughout, which reiterates how close the world came to entering a nuclear war. 

The use of real life clips from the Cold War helps to interest the audience as people find it easier to connect when they can see proof it happened in the world. Throughout, the whole opening there are many accounts of giving an insight into the conflict between the US and the USSR, this gives people extra knowledge and understanding before the episodes have even begun. 

The opening shows the West to be although serious less angry and aggressive. They do state the fact that they are turning to nuclear due to the lack of security. This creates tension for the audience as before the programme has begun properly you can see the conflict the two opposing zones had towards each other. The front-line videos of the war allow the audience to feel more included and able to understand the background of the series. 

The clip chosen to represent the East is quite contrasting to what we have heard about that side of Germany. Although, they have the persona of war hungry they are demanding the end to nuclear war, which is a conflicting idea. We can see that the writer may want us to have a more equal view of the two zones, especially as this series follows life from an Eastern perspective. 

The use of this clip, is to show that many people

were supporting the Eastern zone, however, from History we know that this may not be true so although the preferred reading is that Eastern Germany was not as bad as it seemed, due to our own knowledge we see that this clip may be aimed at making the audience becoming more convinced by East Germany primarily because of what the series 'Deutschland 83' is about. 

Buzzfeed - 

We can see that Buzzfeed is a very successful social newspaper, and although some people do not like the modern changes to the way we show our news, it has still remained very popular. There has been a high rise in digital journalism as it is most convenient for people to use. This idea came from Rupert Murdoch who favoured the idea of digital news, and managed to create this 'new and cheaper business model.' Buzzfeed is all about technology, social media and the monetising of online content, which are things that already consume peoples lives, and therefore it has worked well with the younger generations. Buzzfeed claims it has 'redefined online advertising with its social, content - driven publishing technology.' When looking at the adverts on the online newspaper, they are aimed at a much younger audience, for instance there are many that would be helpful for those wanting to take a gap year,  adverts for companies that have items on sale, all of which will appeal to the younger generation. Buzzfeed are known for having a high platform for advertising and therefore are very selective on what they have placed on their website. As they are projecting to an easy influenced group of people they have a lot of power to convince. Therefore, they often use adverts that people can benefit from, e.g. gap year deals etc. 

Buzzfeed is known for its modern approach the the news, using words like 'lol, omg, cute, wtf,' is essential to create the type of newspaper they want. They like to give off the friendly, playful and child-like side to the site. Buzzfeed have noticed that portrayed the news in an 'exciting and modern' way is likely to bring more readers in. The younger generation is likely to pay more attention if they speak in slang etc. Buzzfeed staff are also expected to product five ideas a day, one of which must include a video. From this we can see that they are keen to product a lot of content in order to reach a large target audience. This is unlike the traditional newspaper which is aimed at a type of person, this will include a certain political view and what they will expect to see from a newspaper. This would traditionally include sport, environment, politics etc. By creating more exciting and informal news they will reach a wider audience. Buzzfeed have also noticed that news travels through blogging, vlogging and other channels online, they can then promote them to spread news even further. 

Buzzfeed when speaking about how they get their news out describe is as 'communication is the new consumption.' This is explaining that the more people discuss the news the more it will be taken in. Therefore, they use lots of 'fun' ways to spread their news around the world. Buzzfeed acknowledged that different social media distribute content, Twitter is based on short term headlines 'breaking news', whilst Facebook will hold a story for a longer amount of time. They said that 'content is king but distribution is queen' therefore we can see that they feel what they publish is important but the spreading of it matters more in order to have a successful online newspaper. 

The world and technology has evolved massively, one thing Buzzfeed has noticed and taken into consideration is the fact that we now have 'first-hand social media videos' these are videos posted by witnesses in tragic times. For instance, minutes after the terrorist attacks in Manchester, Westminster etc. all were shown and spoken about by members of the public before any newspaper could get there hands on footage. Buzzfeed has acknowledged this and made an effort to incorporate this into their online newspaper. They are able to publish videos taken by the public as soon as they see them, which makes them an efficient and up to date newspaper. They have noticed that the audience is the 'producer' rather than the listener like they used to be. 

Due to the rise of Buzzfeed many other newspapers have become increasingly aware of what their online news is capable of. Many jobs in journalism now involve being aware of social media, video, analytics and SEO. Buzzfeed has managed to create a very modern way of providing news to the country. 

Me and the Media

Social Networks I Use - 

1. Snapchat
2. Instagram
3. Twitter
4. Facebook

How does the Media affect my day? 

I spend around 3 hours a day on my phone, around 4 hours listening to music and approximately 1-3 hours watching television. When I wake up the first thing that I am likely to do is check my snapchat, send and receives streaks which makes me feel like people want to speak to me, however, people are more interested in having a number next to their name, over speaking to them. I then scroll through Facebook, tagging people in memes and liking posts. By the time I have done this, it is time for me to get up and get on the bus. Once on the bus, I will listen to my music, which ranges between pop and rap, all the way to school. There would be a 25% chance of me engaging in a full conversation much before 8.30. On the way to school I will scroll through, Instagram, Facebook again, and check the daily mail. In which I engross myself in celebrity news, followed by a glimpse at the world news. Once at school, I will reply to any last minute messages or snapchats before going to my lessons. In between lessons I will check my phone, incase I have received any messages that are urgent aka. a timer on a snap streak. I will usually be on my phone during lunch, after lunch and once the day has finished I will then get back onto the bus and repeat the process of checking my phone, and listening to loud music. However, in the afternoon I do have the tendency to engage in more conversation than I did in the morning. Once I get home, I listen to my music whilst finishing any work or homework. Although, I am not a heavy television worker, I am more likely to waste my time scrolling through social media sites, over watching the TV.
Other Media Apps I use 
Although, a lot of my time is spent on communicational sites, I do also use other forms of media in my everyday life. Such as, Unidays, Barclays, Boohoo, Missguided, IPlayer and Youtube. All of these are apps that I frequently look at. Some of them are in order to buy something quickly, and via my phone which makes me able to do it whilst I am on the go. A lot of the apps I use are to make my life easier, and to do simple jobs much more quickly and efficiently. For example, being able to bank via my phone means I check my balance, transfer money etc. without even having to be near a bank. Having all of these services available, makes it incredibly easy to be part of the Media without having to even think about it. 

How does the Media affect me? 

The media definitely affects me subconsciously, I would never say that I feel as though I have had to change because of the way the media makes me feel. However, this wouldn't be true, when I think in to it, I definitely feel affected by it. The way media portrays celebrities and females makes me think about how I portray myself to others. I have become more self-conscious, to some extent, of having the best clothes, makeup and making sure I look a certain way is something I am guilty of. The news often endorses celebrities more than what is going on in the world. It has definitely effected the way I check the media, I am more likely to look to see what Kim Kardashian is up to, over checking on world issues.

How much time do I spend using the Media? 

After looking into how much time I use Media, of some form, I can see that it is a big part of my life. Music is my most used type of Media, after looking into how much time I spend using it in 7 day I realised it was 15 hours. 

How Media theories relate to my Media story! 

Richard Dyer's theory does reflect my actions with social media, I will usually spend time scrolling through purely because I am bored or lonely. If I feel lonely, by tagging my friends in memes, or posting old photos I feel connected with them. If I feel bored, and then post a photo the likes and comments creates excitement for me. It is almost a way to pass the time. I also agree the different groups have different priorities, such as for me checking my social media is something I must do however, someone working in London may need to check their emails. This also relates to the idea of producers making things that will appeal to me, I am someone who will use social media therefore advertising it in areas I will look is going to encourage me to use that form. Another theorist is John Hartley, who looked at social groups to under the media. He spoke about social-demographics, for instance for someone like myself who is middle classed, white, affluent and privately educated will change the way I look at the media. For instance, I can spend more time online shopping, and can afford to pay for monthly subscriptions to watch or listen to Media. Therefore, my experience with the Media is different to someone, for instance working class, who may not be able to have a luxury media experience like I can. 

Psychographic Profilling

The Aspirer - This advert would appeal to the 'aspirer' as it is a high class brand that provides a fashionable piece of jewellery, that is would be recognised by many people which would interest the buyer. This advert also had celebrity endorsement which would attract the buyer even more into purchasing one. The use of a golf player also shows luxury, as golf is usually seen as a sport enjoyed by people of high affluence, this may encourage someone who is looking for the wealthy lifestyle to purchase one of these watches endorsed by someone of such high fortune. There are technical signifiers as well, such as the colour scheme and lighting which adds to the feel of sophistication in the advert. The tagline "what are you made of", is a rhetorical question and it makes people think what they really want out of a product.                                          













The Explorer  - This advert would appeal to the 'explorer' as it is a new product that they can look into. It is not a well known brand but there advert is colourful and looks appealing. Explorers are often students that would be interested in trying a new drinks product as they have the time to find new attractive products. The design of the advert is bright and inviting which would make them likely to look into purchasing one. The use of someone young is significant to the ad as a lot of explorers would be people of a young age, seeing someone similar to them in the advert could encourage a purchase of it. The drink itself is fruit water, which could appeal to someone who is interested in trying new products, also the idea that it isn't a juice is a good selling point for people wanting to explore something new. This advert is a signifier for a female audience, and it gives off the idea that this girl is attractive and healthy. However, she does fit with the phrase 'blonde and stupid' which may be something people normally avoid, yet the 'explorer' could be interested in it.


The Mainstreamer - This advert would appeal to the 'mainstreamer' as it is a well known product and advert. This means that the buyer in this category would feel comfortable buying it because they know exactly what they will receive when they buy it. They won't have any surprises or have to spend time finding out what is different about it. It is also a family brand that people have been trusting in for years. It also has a recognised slogan which again adds to the trusting value, it also is recognisable which means someone who is wants to keep to similar brands will likely purchase it. This advert is also for the plain, original Kit Kat which is what a mainstreamer would want. They wouldn't be looking for an advert that signifies change such as Cookie&Cream Kit Kat.

The Reformer - This advert would appeal to the 'reformer' as it is not a well known product and in no way is materialistic. It is a practical product that will help them in their daily lives, as well as being more aware about new products. The product will not raise their social status but it will fulfil their need to find brands with good quality, which would increase their social awareness. This advert is not for a product that you would usually see in the media, which is why is would be attractive to someone who is looking to try new products. It signifies something unusual by the name of the product, and reformers are normally looking for unique and niche products that they can try and use, which may also be a benefit to other companies.

The Resigned - This advert would appeal to the 'resigned' as it is a well known product that they are to have likely used for many years. They will be trusting in this product and it will have 'never let them down.' The product will be trusting by them, and it won't be overly expensive and they will likely purchase it weekly.  The advert has a figure that they are used to seeing which will draw them in even more. This advert signifies normality, it is very simple and the use of the character is done confidently as the brand know that everybody knows who it is. The logo 'PG' is small, because the character can advertise it enough. The simplicity of this ad is why 'resigned' are so drawn to it, its not complicated or overwhelming.

                                                






The Struggler - This advert would appeal to the 'struggler' as it will be a product they are likely to enjoy a lot. It also is not very expensive for them as stereotypically they won't have a lot of money. They are likely to use products in this market a lot and therefore will look at the advert to decide what they want more. The advert signifies comedy, which may attract them, it is almost childlike which will make them likely to purchase. The use of the holiday setting in the advert is showing that drinking fosters will give you the holiday effect, which someone like the struggler will be drawn to, as they are likely to be people who cannot afford holidays but they can aspire to one.

The Succeeder - This advert would appeal to the 'succeeder' as it is a well known brand that will give them a high class in society, as they are likely to feel as though they already have one. They are likely to have a well-paid job and this car will bring their status at work and in society up even further. It is a car that is well trusted and people know that them having this means they are well-paid. This advert signifies wealth, even down to the colour of the car, it is very slick. The view also looks admirable and could be somewhere where someone of high affluence would go on the weekend.

Lucy Clark 

I am an A-level Media Student, I am drawn to the creative aspect of Media. I also am interested in picking up new skills such as photoshop whilst doing the Media A-level course. I am interested in learning about the film, television and music with media. I enjoy watching 'rom-com' movies, such as Blended and Grown Ups. I enjoy watching boxsets, my favourites being the Inbetweeners and Gavin & Stacey. Both these boxsets and films appeal to me as they are easy to watch, and no matter how many times you watch them they always remain funny. I don't enjoy watching horror or adventurous box sets or films. My favourite type of music is pop and rap, the artists that I enjoy the most are Ed Sheeran and Stormzy. The best song by Ed Sheeran is 'Shape of You'.