Deutschland 83 case sudy
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 Guardian
- It’s a perfect moment in a near-perfect series. Deutschland 83’s first episode of eight was the most-watched foreign-language drama in UK history.
- Martin is superbly played by Jonas Nay, a boyish 25-year-old with an interesting scar above his left eye (following a car accident) that renders him a strikingly singular leading man.
The Telegraph
- has won it many fans,
- has gone on to become an international success story, with rave reviews, bloggers celebrating its fashion and soundtrack, and impressive viewing figures, even in the US. In Britain, where the series finished last Sunday, the first episode was the highest-rating subtitled drama in television history.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
The Guardian
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
The period feel was heightened with snatches of news footage of Erich Honecker, the East German leader. Ronald Reagan's "Evil Empire" speech in 1983 was televised and he quoted CS Lewis's Screwtape Letters, where Lewis wrote that the greatest evil is ordered "by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voice".That everyday nature of evil was cleverly captured in Deutschland 83. This is a period drama that sometimes lacks drama but makes up for it with a deep sense of period.
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?
"To me German series often suffer from poor production value and screenplays are either obsessed with complexity or dull and boring." - I disagree with this because Deutschland 83 was filmed very well and had an interesting narrative.
" i happen to live in Bonn and although it was great to recognise occasional glimpses of this city, that scene was really jarring for me! Running through the cit... Forest!
Channel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He values the fact that he has freedom, mobility, he can think and say what he likes.
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!)
It represents the diversity that Channel 4 communicates and shows innovation in creating the show.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
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?
The series is fun, interesting and offers great performances. It is quite adventurous and has many surprises. It is unpredictable and both older and younger audiences would enjoy it.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
A younger audience would learn a lot about the period aspect without getting lessons in History. It is interesting to see the relationship between the East and West Germany on screen because it has affected people directly.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
The cinematography, costumes an production design are 'striking' and truly reflects the events that occurred in Germany.
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?
Everything was significant because they made it all by hand and made sure every little detail was perfect including door knobs or positioning of objects.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
They made sure to do their research in depth in order to have the setting,costumes and props look realistic. They filmed in the Stasi Museum using original motifs of the museum and they hired the original Robotron computers and got them to function.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
it was interesting to see what life was like for East and West Germany citizens and to see the differences between them.
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 sound suggests that the series is filled with non-stop action and assures the audience that they won't be feeling bored at all. The use of editing suggests to the audience that this is not a normal show and sums up what the show is about as well as giving an insight to the audience of what to expect.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Surveillance - people could be watching this show in order to learn more about history
Personal relationship - audiences would feel proud of Jonas Nay's character because he is risking his life for his country.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The use of the timer counting down can be seen as an enigma code because it makes the audience question what will happen when times is up as well as who was the main character running from? The trailer uses the action code (0.17) when the female holds up a gun and the enigma code created questions if she shoots him or not?
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).
(0.17) - When the women holds the gun up to his face
(0.24) - when the main character jumps off the balcony
(0.28) - when the main characters is seen fighting with a women
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?
(0.18) - the supermarket in Bonn with fully stocked shelves
(0,24) - the balcony scene that has the flags hanging
(0.34) - the televised speech
(0.53) - the explosion
This might appeal to an audience because it gives an insight to what happened in Germany between East and West.
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
The 'Two Tribes' could be East and West Germany and the soundtrack is quite fast paced suggesting that there is going to be a lot of action packed drama within the entire series.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
It wouldn't of had the same impact or intrigued as many people as it would have.
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) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
Deutschland 83 is a suspenseful coming-of-age story and Martin Rauch is hiding in plain sight in the West German Army gathering secfrets of NATO military. He mentions that everyone is 'harboring secrets, both political and personal' and the international audience wants to see what these secrets are.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
Episode 1 has consolidated with 2.5 million viewers which makes Deutschland 83 the highest rated foreign language drama in the UK television history.
Praise for Deutschland 83
Walter Presents are going to offer over 600 hours of drama that can be downloaded as well since Deutschland 83 forms Walter Presents new on demand service.
Walter Presents
Watch this Channel 4 trailer for their Walter Presents international drama.
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
They introduce Walter as a man that does nothing but watch drama series in order to find the best ones. Walter is seen to dedicate a lot of his time to drama shows.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
They are trying to appeal to people who like the drama genre and possibly people who spend a lot of time watching new series.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
All of Walter Presents shows are going to be available for box sets for free that can be downloaded and watched anywhere.
Marketing and promotion
Look at the online Channel 4 press pack for Deutschland 83.
1) Read the programme information from the press pack. How does the programme information seek to interest a reader from the first paragraph?
The introduction is in present tense and starts off with a short sentence 'it's 1983' which creates a sense of tension and makes the reader feel as though they are actually present in 1983. The fact that it mention Martin Rauch resists the pleasures of the West, the reader would be intrigued to watch it and see if he actually indulges in their pleasures.
2) What does the programme information suggest the main strengths of the programme are?
The fact that it is stylish and fast paced and that it is the first German language drama ever to air in the US. The show is very gripping because it reveals experiences from both sides of the Berlin Wall.
3) Read the press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
Her husband was apart of the West German military in the 1980's where he was a radio signaller. He would listen to Russian troops in East Germany where they would greet him by name meaning they knew he was listening. While creating the show they got some help from a British Military historian who gave them information about Abel Archer. The show is based on facts and they used the timeline of real events and the real political climate of the time as a backdrop, and set fictional characters free in that space. They even interviewed politicians, people in intelligence, diplomats and also just regular people about their experiences. Also, everyone who worked on the project brought personal memories of that time to it.
4) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
1983 was a good year for pop culture and it was the time when music videos were being introduced which would give audiences a visual aspect as to what was going on during that time.
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?
It communicates drama because Martin Rauch is in the centre as the main focus but is divided between East and West Germany. The cover states 'over the wall, under cover,' which suggests that there is going to be a lot of drama as he is on a mission where he is risking his life.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
The UK cover shows the Berlin Wll being Jonas Nay who plays the main character Martin Rauch that is divided in two. The left side of the cover shows East Germany compared to the right side which presents West Germany. By watching the first episode we know Martin Rauch has a girlfriend in the East, however, the West side of the wall shows a couple kissing which could be hinting at the fact Martin Rauch may fall in love with someone from the West.
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The colours used are quite vibrant and stand out which would immediately grab the attention of viewers. The font and graphics used are quite modern and have an urban aspect to it which suggests to the audience that this isn't like any other usual period drama series.
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
They would have used different strategies in order to specifically appeal to the audiences because not everyone has the same views on what happened in Germany.
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 Guardian
- It’s a perfect moment in a near-perfect series. Deutschland 83’s first episode of eight was the most-watched foreign-language drama in UK history.
- Martin is superbly played by Jonas Nay, a boyish 25-year-old with an interesting scar above his left eye (following a car accident) that renders him a strikingly singular leading man.
The Telegraph
- it's rich in period detail
The Guardian
- has gone on to become an international success story, with rave reviews, bloggers celebrating its fashion and soundtrack, and impressive viewing figures, even in the US. In Britain, where the series finished last Sunday, the first episode was the highest-rating subtitled drama in television history.
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
The Guardian
- This Eighties-set German espionage drama might occasionally lack drama
The Telegraph
- The plot of the first episode was pretty simple. he deployed his not very glamorous training in lock-breaking. So far, so unremarkable,
- 1983 isn't so long ago, but Communist East Germany now looks like another planet: the orange curtains, the cheap clothes, the pathetic excitement of teenagers at listening to illicit western pop music, particularly Nena's original German version of 99 Red Balloons.
- This is a period drama that sometimes lacks drama but makes up for it with a deep sense of period.
The Guardian
- Yet by the time the last episode was shown in Germany last December, it had shed half its starting audience, with only 1.72m viewers. Not quite “the flop of the year”, as Bild called it, but underwhelming nonetheless.
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
The period feel was heightened with snatches of news footage of Erich Honecker, the East German leader. Ronald Reagan's "Evil Empire" speech in 1983 was televised and he quoted CS Lewis's Screwtape Letters, where Lewis wrote that the greatest evil is ordered "by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voice".That everyday nature of evil was cleverly captured in Deutschland 83. This is a period drama that sometimes lacks drama but makes up for it with a deep sense of period.
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?
"To me German series often suffer from poor production value and screenplays are either obsessed with complexity or dull and boring." - I disagree with this because Deutschland 83 was filmed very well and had an interesting narrative.
" i happen to live in Bonn and although it was great to recognise occasional glimpses of this city, that scene was really jarring for me! Running through the cit... Forest!
Despite the lack of coherency I did have fun, at least for the first few episodes, with the costumes and set. My o/h is an Ossi, and I can confirm the decor used in the Eastern scenes is pretty spot on. Her lionised family summer house (a leaky wendy house 5 mins from the village, next to a motorway) is decorated in exactly the same, god-awful fashion as it displayed in the East bits in the show." - I agree with the fact that Germany was presented really well and everything seemed realistic when talking about Jonas Nay went over to West undercover.
"The whole series was something of a learning experience for me. I think that's why I loved it so much. Always happy to have my knowledge topped up!" - I haven't watch the whole series yet but I would because it was definitely an interesting show.
Interviews and behind-the-scenes video featuresChannel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He values the fact that he has freedom, mobility, he can think and say what he likes.
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!)
It represents the diversity that Channel 4 communicates and shows innovation in creating the show.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
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?
The series is fun, interesting and offers great performances. It is quite adventurous and has many surprises. It is unpredictable and both older and younger audiences would enjoy it.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
A younger audience would learn a lot about the period aspect without getting lessons in History. It is interesting to see the relationship between the East and West Germany on screen because it has affected people directly.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
The cinematography, costumes an production design are 'striking' and truly reflects the events that occurred in Germany.
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?
Everything was significant because they made it all by hand and made sure every little detail was perfect including door knobs or positioning of objects.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
They made sure to do their research in depth in order to have the setting,costumes and props look realistic. They filmed in the Stasi Museum using original motifs of the museum and they hired the original Robotron computers and got them to function.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
it was interesting to see what life was like for East and West Germany citizens and to see the differences between them.
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 sound suggests that the series is filled with non-stop action and assures the audience that they won't be feeling bored at all. The use of editing suggests to the audience that this is not a normal show and sums up what the show is about as well as giving an insight to the audience of what to expect.
2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Surveillance - people could be watching this show in order to learn more about history
Personal relationship - audiences would feel proud of Jonas Nay's character because he is risking his life for his country.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The use of the timer counting down can be seen as an enigma code because it makes the audience question what will happen when times is up as well as who was the main character running from? The trailer uses the action code (0.17) when the female holds up a gun and the enigma code created questions if she shoots him or not?
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).
(0.17) - When the women holds the gun up to his face
(0.24) - when the main character jumps off the balcony
(0.28) - when the main characters is seen fighting with a women
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?
(0.18) - the supermarket in Bonn with fully stocked shelves
(0,24) - the balcony scene that has the flags hanging
(0.34) - the televised speech
(0.53) - the explosion
This might appeal to an audience because it gives an insight to what happened in Germany between East and West.
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
The 'Two Tribes' could be East and West Germany and the soundtrack is quite fast paced suggesting that there is going to be a lot of action packed drama within the entire series.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
It wouldn't of had the same impact or intrigued as many people as it would have.
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) Read this Freemantle Media press release on the worldwide success of Deutschland 83. How is the drama described by the distributor? Why was it considered such an international success?
Deutschland 83 is a suspenseful coming-of-age story and Martin Rauch is hiding in plain sight in the West German Army gathering secfrets of NATO military. He mentions that everyone is 'harboring secrets, both political and personal' and the international audience wants to see what these secrets are.
2) Read this Freemantle Media press release on Deutschland 83 becoming Channel 4's highest rated foreign drama. What was the consolidated viewing figure for Episode 1 of Deutschland 83? What praise for Deutschland 83 is included in the press release?
Episode 1 has consolidated with 2.5 million viewers which makes Deutschland 83 the highest rated foreign language drama in the UK television history.
Praise for Deutschland 83
“It’s only January but let’s call it already: coolest show of the year.” - Grazia
“This is the next subtitled sensation……..unmissable TV.” - TV Times
“This pacy saga could be your new subtitled obsession.” - The Guardian
“A stylish curtain-raiser for Walter Presents.” - The Times
“Great fun, and powered by an irresistible 1983 vintage soundtrack.” - The Daily Telegraph
“Evocative and gripping.” - The Daily Mail
3) How does the press release promote the Channel 4 'Walter Presents' collection of international TV drama?Walter Presents are going to offer over 600 hours of drama that can be downloaded as well since Deutschland 83 forms Walter Presents new on demand service.
Walter Presents
Watch this Channel 4 trailer for their Walter Presents international drama.
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
They introduce Walter as a man that does nothing but watch drama series in order to find the best ones. Walter is seen to dedicate a lot of his time to drama shows.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
They are trying to appeal to people who like the drama genre and possibly people who spend a lot of time watching new series.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
All of Walter Presents shows are going to be available for box sets for free that can be downloaded and watched anywhere.
Marketing and promotion
Look at the online Channel 4 press pack for Deutschland 83.
1) Read the programme information from the press pack. How does the programme information seek to interest a reader from the first paragraph?
The introduction is in present tense and starts off with a short sentence 'it's 1983' which creates a sense of tension and makes the reader feel as though they are actually present in 1983. The fact that it mention Martin Rauch resists the pleasures of the West, the reader would be intrigued to watch it and see if he actually indulges in their pleasures.
2) What does the programme information suggest the main strengths of the programme are?
The fact that it is stylish and fast paced and that it is the first German language drama ever to air in the US. The show is very gripping because it reveals experiences from both sides of the Berlin Wall.
3) Read the press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
Her husband was apart of the West German military in the 1980's where he was a radio signaller. He would listen to Russian troops in East Germany where they would greet him by name meaning they knew he was listening. While creating the show they got some help from a British Military historian who gave them information about Abel Archer. The show is based on facts and they used the timeline of real events and the real political climate of the time as a backdrop, and set fictional characters free in that space. They even interviewed politicians, people in intelligence, diplomats and also just regular people about their experiences. Also, everyone who worked on the project brought personal memories of that time to it.
4) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
1983 was a good year for pop culture and it was the time when music videos were being introduced which would give audiences a visual aspect as to what was going on during that time.
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?
It communicates drama because Martin Rauch is in the centre as the main focus but is divided between East and West Germany. The cover states 'over the wall, under cover,' which suggests that there is going to be a lot of drama as he is on a mission where he is risking his life.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
The UK cover shows the Berlin Wll being Jonas Nay who plays the main character Martin Rauch that is divided in two. The left side of the cover shows East Germany compared to the right side which presents West Germany. By watching the first episode we know Martin Rauch has a girlfriend in the East, however, the West side of the wall shows a couple kissing which could be hinting at the fact Martin Rauch may fall in love with someone from the West.
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The colours used are quite vibrant and stand out which would immediately grab the attention of viewers. The font and graphics used are quite modern and have an urban aspect to it which suggests to the audience that this isn't like any other usual period drama series.
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
They would have used different strategies in order to specifically appeal to the audiences because not everyone has the same views on what happened in Germany.
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