Capital case study
Capital: case study blog tasks
Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Capital. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.
Reviews and features
Read the following interviews, reviews and features on Capital:
Guardian review by Sam Wollaston
Telegraph review by Ben Lawrence
London Evening Standard: five things you need to know about Capital
Behind the scenes filming Capital from the Daily Telegraph
1) What positive points do the reviews pick out about Capital?
Capital portrays every day life in London and even though it is very stereotypical, it gives portrays social realsim in that gender inequality and differentiation in ethnicity is still about. Also talks about house prices which also shows how expensive it is to live in London.2) What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?
Even though is gives a message about stereotypes, todays society compared to 2015 has changed dramatically. For example the creation of the #MeToo movement has shifted opinions on sexual harassment for the better. This is similar to gender equality as woman are more equal compared to 2015.3) How does the TV drama change the time period and location for the story in comparison to the original novel?
4) In the Telegraph 'behind the scenes' article, what does the writer say about the London housing market?
In the telegraph it shows that the London house prices hit £500,000. While the pensioner on pepsy road contemplates death, this shows the struggles of living in London (Petunia Howe). House prices are still rocketing skywards, the wealth gap yawns wider than ever and nothing much as changed
5) What references can you find in these reviews and features to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?
It is a state of the nation drama because it explores London poverty that is occurring in todays society. Also shows the inequality in wealth as an average working-class Londoner can become a millionaire accidentally whereby pensioners are suffering from the increased house pricing
Textual analysis
Watch the trailer for Capital:
1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
The introduction has a usage of a crane shot of London housings which is then backed up by editing methods like a swipe shot. It also has the different kinds of jobs in London eventhough it is very stereotypical. As the camera shots are moving very fast, it also represents the high work rate in London.2) What does the camera movement when characters are initially introduced suggest about the drama and its London setting? Pick out one or two shots in particular.
3) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
The rapid camera movements between characters represents the busy life in London. 4) Bastille's 'These Streets' is used as the soundtrack for the trailer. What does this communicate to the audience and why is it effective?
The use of the song 'These Streets' could connote the fact the direct correlation between the show and the music, this shows the parrell sound between the pair and show the unity between the neighbourhood, this is also backed up through the music being upbeat, which reflects the mood.
5) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
Watch the Episode 1 preview for Capital:
1) What does this preview clip suggest about the potential sub-genres for Capital?
This clip suggests the potential sub-genres is that it could be crime, this is created through the use of police in this short clip and also the family reporting to the police which could indicate something has happened to them, which allows the sub-genre to be crime.
2) What elements of the clip might suggest this is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama?
Its state-of-the-nation because it talks about everyday house pricing problems/ problems with society like Islamaphobia. 'you can file it under islamaphobia' It also talks about house prices which is a occurring problem in todays society as London's house price is increasing due to rising population etc.
3) Analyse the mise-en-scene in this clip. How does this provide realism and familiarity for audiences?
The police officer wears smart costume and due to the stereotype saying that white people are usually reinforcing laws, it connects with the viewers quickly which adds realism and familiarity. It is set in a corner shop which is very common in London suggesting familiarity which therefore leads to a personal relationship with the scene. It shows motivated lighting giving it that realism.4) What audience pleasures are provided by this scene?
It provides personal identity and relationship to those who live in Lodon which therefore provides pleasure and people can have that understanding that are many people suffering from the same issue.5) How is the audience positioned to respond to the different characters in this particular sequence?
Watch the Episode 2 preview for Capital:
1) How does this clip represent upper-middle-class family life?
It says that wealth is unfair in London and that due 2) What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?
This clip represents an upper-middle class family life, as the house can be shown to be big with the use of the big kitchen, and also the glimpse of the garden, which shows how financially stable they are and be able to afford expensive houses. Also, the fact that they have a nanny shows how upper-middle-class life how much money they have they can afford someone to looks after their kids. Also, the clothing on both Husband and Wife shows a formal sense which could show they have upper class jobs and therefore they have to dress formally.
3) How is the audience positioned to respond to Roger Yount, the main character (banker and father to the two boys)?
The audience is positioned to respond to Rodger as a hardworking unintelligent upper class worker as he goes to work really early in the morning in rough conditions shown by the shot in the train with many people surrounding him. On the other hard he is useless when it comes to taking care of his children as it is evident where he would do the dishes rather than take care of his children
Representations: close-textual analysis
Capital offers a range of fascinating representations - from London and Islam to the issues of asylum seekers and inequality. You need to be able to confidently discuss these issues in the context of 2015 London - with reference to key scenes from episode 1. Representations include: London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging and more.
1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in class:
Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49
The opening scenes presents the history of London and it social change (immigration). Capital reinforces stereotypical which is evident when the men in the Kamal family are working whereby the wife is taking care of the children. The husband counts the money presenting men as hard working. It also represents state-of-the-nation issues shown by the character Albert who dislikes social change.
Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10
Shows well known buildings, like the Shard, which is used to present Rodger. Also shows scenes of the Underground station and overhead shots of Canary Wharf representing London as a busy economy. Rodger is going to work as his wife is at home taking care of the kids which also reinforces stereotypes in the 20th century. (At work there were only 2 females while the rest were males). It also shows are age is a key factor in superiority. The older, the more superior which is shown by the interview with Mark, Rodger and Rodgers boss. Even though Mark is more intelligent than them, they still have that superiority. Marxism is represented as the Polish plumber (the less elite) is more hardworking than the elite.
Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35
This scene shows how expensive it is to live in London. This is shown when Rodger quotes ''£1,000,000 covers very little these days'' This is connotes wealth and inequality as many people in London are more than happy to live with that amount of money. (Another example of Marxism). Rodger and his wife are in bed whereby Rodger asks for sex but she confidently says no which suggests the change in woman's power as she stands up to her decisions
Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40
This scene shows how London controls immigration. Quintina is not legally allowed to work. the less elite is also being exploited as she is in a time of need but the black man asks for a kiss. Also shows how immigrants feel as Quintina quotes ''Perhaps, I will only be raped''
Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00
This scene also shows how expensive living in London is by the over exaggeration by Rodger. It subverts stereotypes as in this scene the woman started exploiting the husband. Also Rodger relied on his bonus to pay his debt. This shows he is used to living at a certain amount of wealth which connotes the end of the wealth spectrum. 'it is fundamentally not fair''
Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55
Presents a warm picture of family life around a dinner table (Skype call all around the world''You can choose which aspects to focus on for each scene: e.g. London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging etc.
2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?
Capital represents stereotypes with the use of the Kamal family. It shows them working at a corner shop being an Asian family therefore reinforcing stereotypes. In the kamal family, it also shows the difference in gender roles whereby the females are the housewives and the men are making money.
Industries and production context
Capital was produced by independent production company Kudos for the BBC. Look at the Kudos website and also read the Kudos Wikipedia page.
1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?
Endemol Shine Group
2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
Spooks
3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
Kudos has produces TV dramas like Broadchurch, Flowers, River, Humans. These programs allowed them to win awards.
4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?
a sense of escapism and diversion which is provided through visual action.
Marketing and promotion
Read the BBC Press Pack for Capital.
1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?
The information starts of by stating awards that the actors have won (for example - BAFTA-winning and multi-award-winning Indian actress). This therefore draws the audience in as the audience feel that the content being produced is good and interesting. The information also adds sudden suspense by saying that the residents all received ANONYMOUS letters which is backed up by rhetorical questions therefore drawing the audience towards the plot for them to want to know more. It ends by talking about BBC a well-trusted corporation therefore giving trust to the audience that Capital will be interesting.
2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
It shows that they are experienced in their field of work and as they are award winning, Capital therefore gains trust and the audience are made to believe that Capital is interesting.
3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
Kudos commissioned Capital for BBC 1
4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
Roger is an evil and complacent banker and that he spends money unecceseraly eventhough though he is a 'well-educated, functioning human being' This may be due to a lack of direction in his life or dissatisfaction5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain?
"Christmas morning where Roger has been abandoned and left to look after his two 15 children is one that Euros (Director) has done brilliantly. Roger realises that his life is changing but it’s done with such comedy! It is one of those glorious Basil Fawlty moments where the farce is working at one level and the emotional farce is working at another. I also love the Kamals’ chaotic family meals. They are quintessentially archetypal family scenes that everybody lives through, but played with great comedic panache. And when Bogdan the Polish builder talks to Matya the Hungarian nanny about the affluent Londoners they are working for, it’s fascinating. Capital has a wonderful scale but is all about the minute observations of human nature."
8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
"he novel really spoke to me as it has a sweeping Dickensian ambition to it, all life in one street. I loved the sense of this big, expansive panorama of life as well as the small details of human behaviour. The whole of London seen through the microcosm of one street. And the characters are so complex, real and believable.It definitely speaks to me about where London and the country is now. The obsession with property, the fact that London house prices have risen extraordinarily, has only intensified the sense of a society of haves and have-nots."
DVD packaging
Look at the DVD packaging for Capital. There are many marketing techniques employed here.
1) How does the packaging use other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital?
The packaging uses other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital by showing reviews of big trusted corporations in order for the audience to feel like their content is worth watching.
2) What does the use of design and images suggest to the audience about the drama?
the usage of well-known landmarks and pictures of different ethnic groups (Asian, British white, Black African) shos the diversity of the tv drama series. It also tells the audience that it is a state-of-the-nation drama as before the producers mostly would focus if White british characters as people are more trusting in those characters.
3) How are review quotes used on the cover and what do they suggest to the audience about sub-genre, narrative and audience pleasures?
The reviews are in bald which shows that it is well trusted and that people should watch the TV drama as it is guaranteed pleasure.
4) What representation of London does the DVD packaging offer?
The diversity of London through the different ethnic group on the front cover.
Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Capital. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.
Reviews and features
Read the following interviews, reviews and features on Capital:
Guardian review by Sam Wollaston
Telegraph review by Ben Lawrence
London Evening Standard: five things you need to know about Capital
Behind the scenes filming Capital from the Daily Telegraph
1) What positive points do the reviews pick out about Capital?
Capital portrays every day life in London and even though it is very stereotypical, it gives portrays social realsim in that gender inequality and differentiation in ethnicity is still about. Also talks about house prices which also shows how expensive it is to live in London.2) What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?
Even though is gives a message about stereotypes, todays society compared to 2015 has changed dramatically. For example the creation of the #MeToo movement has shifted opinions on sexual harassment for the better. This is similar to gender equality as woman are more equal compared to 2015.3) How does the TV drama change the time period and location for the story in comparison to the original novel?
4) In the Telegraph 'behind the scenes' article, what does the writer say about the London housing market?
In the telegraph it shows that the London house prices hit £500,000. While the pensioner on pepsy road contemplates death, this shows the struggles of living in London (Petunia Howe). House prices are still rocketing skywards, the wealth gap yawns wider than ever and nothing much as changed
5) What references can you find in these reviews and features to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?
It is a state of the nation drama because it explores London poverty that is occurring in todays society. Also shows the inequality in wealth as an average working-class Londoner can become a millionaire accidentally whereby pensioners are suffering from the increased house pricing
Textual analysis
Watch the trailer for Capital:
1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
The introduction has a usage of a crane shot of London housings which is then backed up by editing methods like a swipe shot. It also has the different kinds of jobs in London eventhough it is very stereotypical. As the camera shots are moving very fast, it also represents the high work rate in London.2) What does the camera movement when characters are initially introduced suggest about the drama and its London setting? Pick out one or two shots in particular.
3) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
The rapid camera movements between characters represents the busy life in London. 4) Bastille's 'These Streets' is used as the soundtrack for the trailer. What does this communicate to the audience and why is it effective?
The use of the song 'These Streets' could connote the fact the direct correlation between the show and the music, this shows the parrell sound between the pair and show the unity between the neighbourhood, this is also backed up through the music being upbeat, which reflects the mood.
5) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
Watch the Episode 1 preview for Capital:
1) What does this preview clip suggest about the potential sub-genres for Capital?
This clip suggests the potential sub-genres is that it could be crime, this is created through the use of police in this short clip and also the family reporting to the police which could indicate something has happened to them, which allows the sub-genre to be crime.
2) What elements of the clip might suggest this is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama?
Its state-of-the-nation because it talks about everyday house pricing problems/ problems with society like Islamaphobia. 'you can file it under islamaphobia' It also talks about house prices which is a occurring problem in todays society as London's house price is increasing due to rising population etc.
3) Analyse the mise-en-scene in this clip. How does this provide realism and familiarity for audiences?
The police officer wears smart costume and due to the stereotype saying that white people are usually reinforcing laws, it connects with the viewers quickly which adds realism and familiarity. It is set in a corner shop which is very common in London suggesting familiarity which therefore leads to a personal relationship with the scene. It shows motivated lighting giving it that realism.4) What audience pleasures are provided by this scene?
It provides personal identity and relationship to those who live in Lodon which therefore provides pleasure and people can have that understanding that are many people suffering from the same issue.5) How is the audience positioned to respond to the different characters in this particular sequence?
Watch the Episode 2 preview for Capital:
1) How does this clip represent upper-middle-class family life?
It says that wealth is unfair in London and that due 2) What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?
This clip represents an upper-middle class family life, as the house can be shown to be big with the use of the big kitchen, and also the glimpse of the garden, which shows how financially stable they are and be able to afford expensive houses. Also, the fact that they have a nanny shows how upper-middle-class life how much money they have they can afford someone to looks after their kids. Also, the clothing on both Husband and Wife shows a formal sense which could show they have upper class jobs and therefore they have to dress formally.
3) How is the audience positioned to respond to Roger Yount, the main character (banker and father to the two boys)?
The audience is positioned to respond to Rodger as a hardworking unintelligent upper class worker as he goes to work really early in the morning in rough conditions shown by the shot in the train with many people surrounding him. On the other hard he is useless when it comes to taking care of his children as it is evident where he would do the dishes rather than take care of his children
Representations: close-textual analysis
Capital offers a range of fascinating representations - from London and Islam to the issues of asylum seekers and inequality. You need to be able to confidently discuss these issues in the context of 2015 London - with reference to key scenes from episode 1. Representations include: London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging and more.
1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in class:
Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49
The opening scenes presents the history of London and it social change (immigration). Capital reinforces stereotypical which is evident when the men in the Kamal family are working whereby the wife is taking care of the children. The husband counts the money presenting men as hard working. It also represents state-of-the-nation issues shown by the character Albert who dislikes social change.
Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10
Shows well known buildings, like the Shard, which is used to present Rodger. Also shows scenes of the Underground station and overhead shots of Canary Wharf representing London as a busy economy. Rodger is going to work as his wife is at home taking care of the kids which also reinforces stereotypes in the 20th century. (At work there were only 2 females while the rest were males). It also shows are age is a key factor in superiority. The older, the more superior which is shown by the interview with Mark, Rodger and Rodgers boss. Even though Mark is more intelligent than them, they still have that superiority. Marxism is represented as the Polish plumber (the less elite) is more hardworking than the elite.
Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35
This scene shows how expensive it is to live in London. This is shown when Rodger quotes ''£1,000,000 covers very little these days'' This is connotes wealth and inequality as many people in London are more than happy to live with that amount of money. (Another example of Marxism). Rodger and his wife are in bed whereby Rodger asks for sex but she confidently says no which suggests the change in woman's power as she stands up to her decisions
Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40
This scene shows how London controls immigration. Quintina is not legally allowed to work. the less elite is also being exploited as she is in a time of need but the black man asks for a kiss. Also shows how immigrants feel as Quintina quotes ''Perhaps, I will only be raped''
Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00
This scene also shows how expensive living in London is by the over exaggeration by Rodger. It subverts stereotypes as in this scene the woman started exploiting the husband. Also Rodger relied on his bonus to pay his debt. This shows he is used to living at a certain amount of wealth which connotes the end of the wealth spectrum. 'it is fundamentally not fair''
Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55
Presents a warm picture of family life around a dinner table (Skype call all around the world''You can choose which aspects to focus on for each scene: e.g. London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging etc.
2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?
Capital represents stereotypes with the use of the Kamal family. It shows them working at a corner shop being an Asian family therefore reinforcing stereotypes. In the kamal family, it also shows the difference in gender roles whereby the females are the housewives and the men are making money.
Industries and production context
Capital was produced by independent production company Kudos for the BBC. Look at the Kudos website and also read the Kudos Wikipedia page.
1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?
Endemol Shine Group
2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
Spooks
3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
Kudos has produces TV dramas like Broadchurch, Flowers, River, Humans. These programs allowed them to win awards.
4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer?
a sense of escapism and diversion which is provided through visual action.
Marketing and promotion
Read the BBC Press Pack for Capital.
1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?
The information starts of by stating awards that the actors have won (for example - BAFTA-winning and multi-award-winning Indian actress). This therefore draws the audience in as the audience feel that the content being produced is good and interesting. The information also adds sudden suspense by saying that the residents all received ANONYMOUS letters which is backed up by rhetorical questions therefore drawing the audience towards the plot for them to want to know more. It ends by talking about BBC a well-trusted corporation therefore giving trust to the audience that Capital will be interesting.
2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
It shows that they are experienced in their field of work and as they are award winning, Capital therefore gains trust and the audience are made to believe that Capital is interesting.
3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
Kudos commissioned Capital for BBC 1
4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
Roger is an evil and complacent banker and that he spends money unecceseraly eventhough though he is a 'well-educated, functioning human being' This may be due to a lack of direction in his life or dissatisfaction5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain?
"If you look at the subject of Capital, and the number of communities that are being
represented, there’s awareness that the world is shrinking, and becoming a global village. We are
absorbing cultures, and understanding them, or at least trying to understand them within their own
paradigms."
"Christmas morning where Roger has been abandoned and left to look after his two 15 children is one that Euros (Director) has done brilliantly. Roger realises that his life is changing but it’s done with such comedy! It is one of those glorious Basil Fawlty moments where the farce is working at one level and the emotional farce is working at another. I also love the Kamals’ chaotic family meals. They are quintessentially archetypal family scenes that everybody lives through, but played with great comedic panache. And when Bogdan the Polish builder talks to Matya the Hungarian nanny about the affluent Londoners they are working for, it’s fascinating. Capital has a wonderful scale but is all about the minute observations of human nature."
8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
"he novel really spoke to me as it has a sweeping Dickensian ambition to it, all life in one street. I loved the sense of this big, expansive panorama of life as well as the small details of human behaviour. The whole of London seen through the microcosm of one street. And the characters are so complex, real and believable.It definitely speaks to me about where London and the country is now. The obsession with property, the fact that London house prices have risen extraordinarily, has only intensified the sense of a society of haves and have-nots."
DVD packaging
Look at the DVD packaging for Capital. There are many marketing techniques employed here.
1) How does the packaging use other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital?
The packaging uses other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital by showing reviews of big trusted corporations in order for the audience to feel like their content is worth watching.
2) What does the use of design and images suggest to the audience about the drama?
the usage of well-known landmarks and pictures of different ethnic groups (Asian, British white, Black African) shos the diversity of the tv drama series. It also tells the audience that it is a state-of-the-nation drama as before the producers mostly would focus if White british characters as people are more trusting in those characters.
3) How are review quotes used on the cover and what do they suggest to the audience about sub-genre, narrative and audience pleasures?
The reviews are in bald which shows that it is well trusted and that people should watch the TV drama as it is guaranteed pleasure.
4) What representation of London does the DVD packaging offer?
The diversity of London through the different ethnic group on the front cover.
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