Deutschland 83
Reviews and features
Read the following reviews and features on Deutschland 83:
The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
Daily Telegraph review
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it
1) What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?
The production, the performances as well as its 'wry humour' and successful presentation of a period drama.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
It has a stereotyped presentation of some characters and a biased presentation of some political aspects that catered towards western viewers more.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
By including the 'miniscule' vocabulary differences between East and West Germany as well as including archive footage from the times, which captured a realistic image of 1983.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
''East Germany was much less well done (and more cartoonish)'' East Germans were presented as an over exaggerated version , in my opinion and could have been depicted as less of a fetishised view and more realistic especially since this is a period drama and it's historical accuracy is rather vital.
''Great title sequence and loved the soundtrack too'' The fast paced and post-modern title sequence perfectly blurred the lines of the genre and the soundtrack was extremely apt for the series and made the 80s setting much more apparent especially in the supermarket scene
''It was riddled with very silly inaccuracies'' I disagree with this since any inaccuracies were not apparent however this is perhaps why the German audience were less enthusiastic with their support as an inaccurate depiction of their own culture for an international benefit is quite foolish and presents a false history for a country who's history from their own perspective is already dismissed rather a lot.
Interviews and behind-the-scenes video features
Channel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He was grateful for the freedom and mobility he had and that the divide was barely visible.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
Channel 4 have to provide a diverse selection of tv programmes etc. with a focus on innovative content that challenges societies status quo which is seen through the german campaign which provides content without adapting the culture just to cater to an english speaking audience.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
The channel 4 news audience are usually politically conscious and interested on the political climates around the globe.
Behind the scenes clips
The All4 website has a range of clips from behind the scenes of Deutschland 83. Watch the following:
Making Of: Why Should You Watch Deutschland 83
Watch this short promotional clip for Deutschland 83.
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
Nostalgic value as well as the performances from the actors and well executed production design, with historic accuracy as well as offering a behind the scenes insight into the production and what was important or vital to the crew as well as the cast.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
The German perspective on the cold war - in particular the East/West divide is rarely investigated and presented through historical dramas with many existing dramas choosing to either focus on one side from a third party perspective this offers commentary on both.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
Cinematography, production design, historical content/footage, the soundtrack and the acting.
Making Of: Set Design
Watch this interview with Production designer Lars Lange.
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
It's a period drama therefore ensuring that all the visual aspects are historically accurate is vital in making sure both the time period and sub genres are correctly communicated to the audience.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
The setting and costume are extremely accurate as well as research into props and set designs to make sure that all the content and visible aspects are historically accurate and appropriate for the period drama.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
The 80s is an iconic time period with a highly sort after aesthetic that many people view with an aura of nostalgia or appreciation for the retro aspect of the time. The costumes also vary from a modern audience as well as the old technology and give the audience pleasure through either surveillance, seeing old technology/retro store fronts or recognition of the items included.
Textual analysis: trailer
1) The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.
The use of a split screen highlights the differences between East and West but also offer clues towards the narrative and in particular the sub genres [coming of age, spy thriller] of the drama also. The sound is rather fast paced and conventional to the 80s which draws the audience in since it has a catchy tune but is also ominous and leaves an ambiguity to the narrative.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Diversion, Personal Relationships (We don't want him to get caught and seeing the differences between Martin and Moritz allows us to form a 'relationship' with his character without even knowing his name) as well as surveillance through the archive footage.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The Split Screens as well as the fast paced editing are enigma codes and add to the suspense of the series but also the unclear formation of the narrative and its conventional spy aspects, the action codes of the explosion and Martin/Moritz running which suggests high tension scenes and satisfying climaxes to narrative strands.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
Split Screen - 1983/Cold War - many spy dramas are set in war settings and this uses a convention to appeal to cult spy fans especially those who follow similar series' that also dramtise real events.
Close up of gadget - This convention is a marker for the spy genre and was made popular by the James Bond series, the repetition of this convention appeals to audiences as it offers gratification as they recognise the intertextual reference
Explosion shot - This is another convention - a 'high value' action scene with usually a bomb or grenade which creates a powerful shot, made popular in action films but is also a key way to create escapism in tv shows.
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting the confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
The Walkman shot - This offers nostalgic value and is a piece of 80s culture that is easily recognisable by a wider audience - they have been popularised in modern media through the returning retro aesthetic.
Supermarket shot - The bright colours set to the soundtrack of an iconic 80s song solidifies the time period it's set in but also offers an aspect of hyper realism and diversion for an audience.
Cold War/1983 Opening shot - this shot also offers an explicit time marker in the text but also through the use of archive footage alongside footage from the show to highlight the sub genre of a period drama whilst also appealing to the audience through the idea of surveillance.
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
Using an iconic band from the 80s allows the time period and atmosphere of the tv show to be established as well as the lyrics and message of the song aligning well with the division of Germany and the overall narrative of the tv show.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
It is more easily accessible for a British audience, since subtitles take time for people to read as well as appealing to the audiences who prefer a westernised representation of History.
Production and industry context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around the world.
1) What kind of company is UFA Fiction and what shows have they produced?
A Production Company - They've produced Deutschland 83, Generation War, Ku'damn 56 and The Physician
2) What kind of company is Freemantle Media International and what do they produce?
A Distribution company - they produce a lot of domestic shows such as The X factor as well as soap operas and dramas such as Neighbours and Deutschland 83
3) How does Deutschland 83 reflect the international nature of television production?
Deutschland 83 reflects the international nature as although domestically produced, it has an american writer and a british distribution company therefore although a 'German' production it is much more globally integrated and due to the rise of conglomerates, this is becoming the case for many tv productions.
Walter Presents
Watch this Channel 4 trailer for their Walter Presents international drama.
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
As a man who's dedicated to finding the most compelling dramas, and someone who has impeccable taste and can be trusted with this task.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
A niche audience or in particular, people who enjoy TV dramas and Drama series' and consume them through streaming sites or binge watching.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
It highlights how people are no longer watching live and are choosing streaming sites due to the impatient nature of media consumers in the digital age who have become used to the provision of full series' on demand rather than having to wait week after week to see what happens.
Marketing and promotion
1) How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
She used the scarcity of information regarding East/West conflicts and archive footage mixed with fiction and the coming of age aspect and spy conventions to create a successful drama
2) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
The soundtrack is full of well known 80s tracks which offer an aspect of nostalgia to it's audience as well as a commodification of the era for younger audiences.
Read this Channel 4 press release on the success of Deutschland 83. (If the link doesn't work you can find find the text from the article here).
3) List the key statistics concerning audience figures. Why is considered the most successful foreign language drama?
- Launched with 1.49 million viewers.
-2.5 million viewers for the pilot
-It passed well known british dramas and has received rave reviews.
4) How does the news release describe the drama?
'subtitled sensation/obsession' 'powered by an irresistable 1983 retro soundtrack' 'evocative and gripping'
International marketing
Look at these two different marketing campaigns - the UK DVD release (left) and the American Sundance TV advert (right).
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The walkman suggests a coming of age sub genre however the copy in the background 'over the wall/under cover' implies the spy sub genre as well as his costume. The sunshine also communicates the East/West divide and the political subtexts and conversations hinted by this drama.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
The UK poster shows the difference in lighting from the east and west. It portrays how the west was 'brighter' and had a more privileged and opportunistic lifestyle whilst the East were downcast and the foreground image and costume is ambiguous as the prop of the walkman shows the luxuries as well as Martins age as a young adult and the zeitgeist of the era which implies that although it's a spy drama, it will also have aspects of coming of age dramas as seen through Martin listening to music however this can also be interpreted as him being vulnerable or naive to his surrounding.
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The bright colours are eye catching and create a retro/nostalgic aspect to the poster, giving the poster a video game aesthetic and creates a pop art and post modern graphic depiction of the tv show which contrasts the serious and more subtle graphics of the UK poster. The font is also similar to event posters/wall posters of the 80s and offers an aspect of audience gratification by having recognisable conventions of american pop culture in the poster.
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
Countries have different values and histories and by adapting marketing campaigns this allows differing parts of the narrative to be capitalised on in different countries depending on the dominant demographics in that area. Drama is a profitable genre in the UK so by focusing on the thriller aspect this is in theory going to govern more viewers whereas the American demographic tend to prefer the 80s aesthetic and coming of age aspects of Drama so by amplifying this aspect it changes the most significant aspect of the Drama and therefore how audiences will perceive the show before watching it.
Read the following reviews and features on Deutschland 83:
The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
Daily Telegraph review
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it
1) What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?
The production, the performances as well as its 'wry humour' and successful presentation of a period drama.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
It has a stereotyped presentation of some characters and a biased presentation of some political aspects that catered towards western viewers more.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
By including the 'miniscule' vocabulary differences between East and West Germany as well as including archive footage from the times, which captured a realistic image of 1983.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
''East Germany was much less well done (and more cartoonish)'' East Germans were presented as an over exaggerated version , in my opinion and could have been depicted as less of a fetishised view and more realistic especially since this is a period drama and it's historical accuracy is rather vital.
''Great title sequence and loved the soundtrack too'' The fast paced and post-modern title sequence perfectly blurred the lines of the genre and the soundtrack was extremely apt for the series and made the 80s setting much more apparent especially in the supermarket scene
''It was riddled with very silly inaccuracies'' I disagree with this since any inaccuracies were not apparent however this is perhaps why the German audience were less enthusiastic with their support as an inaccurate depiction of their own culture for an international benefit is quite foolish and presents a false history for a country who's history from their own perspective is already dismissed rather a lot.
Interviews and behind-the-scenes video features
Channel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He was grateful for the freedom and mobility he had and that the divide was barely visible.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
Channel 4 have to provide a diverse selection of tv programmes etc. with a focus on innovative content that challenges societies status quo which is seen through the german campaign which provides content without adapting the culture just to cater to an english speaking audience.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
The channel 4 news audience are usually politically conscious and interested on the political climates around the globe.
Behind the scenes clips
The All4 website has a range of clips from behind the scenes of Deutschland 83. Watch the following:
Making Of: Why Should You Watch Deutschland 83
Watch this short promotional clip for Deutschland 83.
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
Nostalgic value as well as the performances from the actors and well executed production design, with historic accuracy as well as offering a behind the scenes insight into the production and what was important or vital to the crew as well as the cast.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
The German perspective on the cold war - in particular the East/West divide is rarely investigated and presented through historical dramas with many existing dramas choosing to either focus on one side from a third party perspective this offers commentary on both.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
Cinematography, production design, historical content/footage, the soundtrack and the acting.
Making Of: Set Design
Watch this interview with Production designer Lars Lange.
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
It's a period drama therefore ensuring that all the visual aspects are historically accurate is vital in making sure both the time period and sub genres are correctly communicated to the audience.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
The setting and costume are extremely accurate as well as research into props and set designs to make sure that all the content and visible aspects are historically accurate and appropriate for the period drama.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
The 80s is an iconic time period with a highly sort after aesthetic that many people view with an aura of nostalgia or appreciation for the retro aspect of the time. The costumes also vary from a modern audience as well as the old technology and give the audience pleasure through either surveillance, seeing old technology/retro store fronts or recognition of the items included.
Textual analysis: trailer
1) The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.
The use of a split screen highlights the differences between East and West but also offer clues towards the narrative and in particular the sub genres [coming of age, spy thriller] of the drama also. The sound is rather fast paced and conventional to the 80s which draws the audience in since it has a catchy tune but is also ominous and leaves an ambiguity to the narrative.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Diversion, Personal Relationships (We don't want him to get caught and seeing the differences between Martin and Moritz allows us to form a 'relationship' with his character without even knowing his name) as well as surveillance through the archive footage.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The Split Screens as well as the fast paced editing are enigma codes and add to the suspense of the series but also the unclear formation of the narrative and its conventional spy aspects, the action codes of the explosion and Martin/Moritz running which suggests high tension scenes and satisfying climaxes to narrative strands.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
Split Screen - 1983/Cold War - many spy dramas are set in war settings and this uses a convention to appeal to cult spy fans especially those who follow similar series' that also dramtise real events.
Close up of gadget - This convention is a marker for the spy genre and was made popular by the James Bond series, the repetition of this convention appeals to audiences as it offers gratification as they recognise the intertextual reference
Explosion shot - This is another convention - a 'high value' action scene with usually a bomb or grenade which creates a powerful shot, made popular in action films but is also a key way to create escapism in tv shows.
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting the confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
The Walkman shot - This offers nostalgic value and is a piece of 80s culture that is easily recognisable by a wider audience - they have been popularised in modern media through the returning retro aesthetic.
Supermarket shot - The bright colours set to the soundtrack of an iconic 80s song solidifies the time period it's set in but also offers an aspect of hyper realism and diversion for an audience.
Cold War/1983 Opening shot - this shot also offers an explicit time marker in the text but also through the use of archive footage alongside footage from the show to highlight the sub genre of a period drama whilst also appealing to the audience through the idea of surveillance.
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
Using an iconic band from the 80s allows the time period and atmosphere of the tv show to be established as well as the lyrics and message of the song aligning well with the division of Germany and the overall narrative of the tv show.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
It is more easily accessible for a British audience, since subtitles take time for people to read as well as appealing to the audiences who prefer a westernised representation of History.
Production and industry context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around the world.
1) What kind of company is UFA Fiction and what shows have they produced?
A Production Company - They've produced Deutschland 83, Generation War, Ku'damn 56 and The Physician
2) What kind of company is Freemantle Media International and what do they produce?
A Distribution company - they produce a lot of domestic shows such as The X factor as well as soap operas and dramas such as Neighbours and Deutschland 83
3) How does Deutschland 83 reflect the international nature of television production?
Deutschland 83 reflects the international nature as although domestically produced, it has an american writer and a british distribution company therefore although a 'German' production it is much more globally integrated and due to the rise of conglomerates, this is becoming the case for many tv productions.
Walter Presents
Watch this Channel 4 trailer for their Walter Presents international drama.
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
As a man who's dedicated to finding the most compelling dramas, and someone who has impeccable taste and can be trusted with this task.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
A niche audience or in particular, people who enjoy TV dramas and Drama series' and consume them through streaming sites or binge watching.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
It highlights how people are no longer watching live and are choosing streaming sites due to the impatient nature of media consumers in the digital age who have become used to the provision of full series' on demand rather than having to wait week after week to see what happens.
Marketing and promotion
1) How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
She used the scarcity of information regarding East/West conflicts and archive footage mixed with fiction and the coming of age aspect and spy conventions to create a successful drama
2) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
The soundtrack is full of well known 80s tracks which offer an aspect of nostalgia to it's audience as well as a commodification of the era for younger audiences.
Read this Channel 4 press release on the success of Deutschland 83. (If the link doesn't work you can find find the text from the article here).
3) List the key statistics concerning audience figures. Why is considered the most successful foreign language drama?
- Launched with 1.49 million viewers.
-2.5 million viewers for the pilot
-It passed well known british dramas and has received rave reviews.
4) How does the news release describe the drama?
'subtitled sensation/obsession' 'powered by an irresistable 1983 retro soundtrack' 'evocative and gripping'
International marketing
Look at these two different marketing campaigns - the UK DVD release (left) and the American Sundance TV advert (right).
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The walkman suggests a coming of age sub genre however the copy in the background 'over the wall/under cover' implies the spy sub genre as well as his costume. The sunshine also communicates the East/West divide and the political subtexts and conversations hinted by this drama.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
The UK poster shows the difference in lighting from the east and west. It portrays how the west was 'brighter' and had a more privileged and opportunistic lifestyle whilst the East were downcast and the foreground image and costume is ambiguous as the prop of the walkman shows the luxuries as well as Martins age as a young adult and the zeitgeist of the era which implies that although it's a spy drama, it will also have aspects of coming of age dramas as seen through Martin listening to music however this can also be interpreted as him being vulnerable or naive to his surrounding.
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The bright colours are eye catching and create a retro/nostalgic aspect to the poster, giving the poster a video game aesthetic and creates a pop art and post modern graphic depiction of the tv show which contrasts the serious and more subtle graphics of the UK poster. The font is also similar to event posters/wall posters of the 80s and offers an aspect of audience gratification by having recognisable conventions of american pop culture in the poster.
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
Countries have different values and histories and by adapting marketing campaigns this allows differing parts of the narrative to be capitalised on in different countries depending on the dominant demographics in that area. Drama is a profitable genre in the UK so by focusing on the thriller aspect this is in theory going to govern more viewers whereas the American demographic tend to prefer the 80s aesthetic and coming of age aspects of Drama so by amplifying this aspect it changes the most significant aspect of the Drama and therefore how audiences will perceive the show before watching it.
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