1. AS MEDIA STUDIES
GENDER AND PRIMEVAL
Using the 4 technical codes to look at issues of representation
2. • Objective:
To be able to to analyse representation of gender in a
5 minute extract of Primeval in terms of:
"Mise en scene
"Camera framings, angles, movement and composition
"Sound
"Editing
3. Gender representation and drama
" What does the scene tell you about the roles of men and women in
society?
" How do the 4 codes - camera, sound, editing and mise en scene -
illustrate the issue of representation?
" In what way? What meaning does the viewer take from the codes?
" Can you identify positive, negative and balance stereotypes?
" Or are the portrayals realistic, not conforming to stereotypes?
" How does camera, sound editing and mise en scene REINFORCE the
representation?
4. • Primeval is a BPrritiismh secvieancl e fiction
television programme produced for ITV by
Impossible Pictures. Primeval follows a team
of five scientists tasked with investigating the
appearance of
prehistoric and futuristic creatures across
Great Britain who enter the present.
• Think “Dr Who with animals.”
• The first series followed the efforts of
Professor Nick Cutter and his associates as
they investigate the appearance of life-forms
that invariably threaten the lives of citizens.
5. 1200 word essay TO BE HANDED IN .....
TITLE:
Discuss the ways in which the following contribute to
representations of gender in Primeval.
Camera shots, angle, movement and composition
Sound
Editing
Mise-en-scene
6. WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR:
" Be aware of how to write a good essay –
" strong opening and conclusion,
" fluid thoughts, well written
" Linking the 4 technical codes with the issue of
representation
" looking at the four codes for meaning about
gender roles and representation, looking at WHAT
and WHY.
8. " Sample answer:
" the camera angle here connotes the
man’s superiority. The camera looks up
at him; it signifies that he is dominant
compared to another character / animal
/ his surroundings.
9. " Combining the codes when analysing gender
representation
" Sample answer: combination of camera
framing and sound connotes the vulnerability
of the woman. The single violin creates a
sad, reflective mood. The choice of the
extreme close up allows the viewer to clearly
observe her expression and understand
further her emotional state.
10. Putting the codes into the context of the genre
" Sample answer: the music - typical
of a sci-fi programme of this nature -
increases suspension and highlights
the man’s brave nature with its use of
drum, bass, loud volume and fast
tempo.
11. " Always discussing not only the technical code,
but why the codes reflect gender representation
" Sample answer: the clothes that the women is
wearing make her look professional because a suit
and briefcase are representational of a
businesswomen
