Skins

Industry
Create a timeline of developments in Channel 4’s history
From the first broadcast – Film Four – E4 – More 4 – Brookside – Big Brother – web-site – 4OD
Research the remit and charter for Channel 4
How is it funded
Representation
Is it stereotypical /clichéd (listen to Adam and Joe talking about Skins on you tube)
Skateboards
Music
Effie- moody,sultry troubled, acts with eyes not much range
Drugs mushrooms glamorous, hallucinatory scene in the woods, influential methadraone
Becomes a saw like theme youngster in the woods
Boys
Teachers
Bristol
The countryside
In what way is it simplistic, stereotypical and clichéd ?
All older characters are caricatures or figures of fun authority
Costumes/fashion
Consider critical reviews
BAFTA Audience Award (won over X factor and others)
Consider the influence of the internet and social networking sites on the success of the programme
How have digital technologies impacted upon the success of the series ?
Interactive media – how do young audiences consume texts compared to an older audience
Half the audience are over 35 – can you explain why ?
Apply uses and gratification theory
Profile the target audience
Preferred,negotiated, aberrant, opposite readings
BARB figures 1.3 million
American version has been commissioned (MTV set in Baltimore)
Characters
Accents from all over country Nottingham Cornwall
Harry Enfield
Narrative
Males are driving the narrative
Women look strong and deep but do they drive the narrative
Stereotypes
• Caricatures
• Hair and beauty
Cartoonish
Fun
Comedic
Language, nudity
Famous stars
Change the cast
Analyse the marketing and promotion for the show
Watch Charlie Brooker talking about ‘Yoof TV’
Listen to Adam and Joe reviewing Skins
What needs does Skins gratify for a young audience ?
‘fairytale’ ‘guilty pleasure’ ‘well written’
Regulatory issues. What may be controversial.
OFCOM
Compare to Grange Hill or Byker Grove
How have audiences and television for young people moved on