Download Date 26/09/2021 08:12:14

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Download Date 26/09/2021 08:12:14 Discourses of Power and Representation in British Broadcasting Corporation Documentary Practices: 1999-2013 Item Type Thesis Authors Thornton, Karen D. Rights <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by- nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>. Download date 26/09/2021 08:12:14 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10454/18364 DISCOURSES OF POWER AND REPRESENTATION IN BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION DOCUMENTARY PRACTICES: 1999-2013 KAREN DEBORAH THORNTON Ph.D UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD 2018 Abstract Karen Deborah Thornton Discourses of Power and Representation in British Broadcasting Corporation Documentary Practices: 1999-2013 Keywords: Documentary; Television; Spectacle; BBC; Remediation; Representation; Reality; Power Abstract This dissertation re-evaluates the ways in which contemporary television documentary practices engage their audience. Bringing together historical frameworks, and using them to analyse a range of examples not considered together within this context previously, the main finding is that the use of spectacle to engage the audience into a visceral response cuts across all of the examples analysed, regardless of the subject matter being explored. Drawing on a media archaeological approach, the dissertation draws parallels with the way in which pre-cinema engaged an audience where the primary point of engagement came from the image itself, rather than a narrative. Within a documentary context, which is generally understood as a genre which is there to educate or inform an audience, the primacy of spectacle calls for a re-evaluation of the form and function of documentary itself. Are twenty-first century documentary practices manufacturing an emotional connection to engage the audience over attempting to persuade with reasoning and logic? The answer contained within this dissertation is that they are. i Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................. i Table of Contents ................................................................................. ii Introduction ........................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1 The History of Documentary Practices ................................ 25 Photography ............................................................................... 25 Film ............................................................................................ 34 Television ................................................................................... 44 Conclusion ................................................................................. 51 Chapter 2 Theoretical Frameworks ...................................................... 54 Discourses of power and representation ................................... 57 The philosophy of ‘reality’ .......................................................... 72 Modes of documentary practice ................................................ 76 Spectacle ................................................................................... 88 Remediation .............................................................................. 103 Chapter 3 Walking with Dinosaurs (1999) ............................................ 111 Traditional codes and conventions ............................................ 112 Overview of contemporary generic forms .................................. 117 The impact of technology .......................................................... 121 New natural history: The Walking with Dinosaurs (1999) phenomenon .............................................................................. 124 Deconstructing the dinosaur ...................................................... 129 Deconstructing the construction: The Making of ‘Walking with Dinosaurs’ (1999) documentary ................................................. 138 ii The role of the Walking with Dinosaur (1999) website ............... 144 Public Service Broadcasting or presumptuous folly? ................. 148 Conclusion ................................................................................. 153 Chapter 4 Steve Leonard’s Ultimate Killers (2001) ............................... 155 The spectacle of nature ............................................................. 158 Documentary and celebrity ........................................................ 164 Educating entertainment? .......................................................... 173 Conclusion ................................................................................. 177 Chapter 5 ONE Life (2003) ................................................................... 179 ONE life (2003) series thematics ............................................... 182 ONE life (2003) series one opening sequence .......................... 194 Lager, Mum and Me (2003) ....................................................... 202 Education, information or entertainment? .................................. 206 Conclusion ................................................................................. 211 Chapter 6 The Secret Life of The Shop (2005) ..................................... 214 (Mock) documentary practices ................................................... 216 The Secret Life of The Shop (2005) ........................................... 225 Public Service Broadcasting and the remediation of reality ....... 246 Conclusion ................................................................................. 252 Chapter 7 Rain in My Heart (2006) ....................................................... 256 Auteur exploitation? ................................................................... 259 The spectacular body ................................................................. 279 But is it education? ..................................................................... 293 Conclusion ................................................................................. 299 Chapter 8 People Like Us (2013) ......................................................... 301 iii The neoliberal agenda and representation of poverty ............... 303 People Like Us (2013) ............................................................... 310 Family dynamics ........................................................................ 311 Representations of employment ................................................ 330 Pornographic exploitation? ........................................................ 342 Conclusion ................................................................................. 349 Conclusion ............................................................................................ 352 Bibliography .......................................................................................... 363 Journal articles: refereed ........................................................... 363 Articles: general ......................................................................... 365 Book chapters ............................................................................ 371 Web articles ............................................................................... 390 Press-packs/publicity information .............................................. 402 Books ......................................................................................... 406 Film ............................................................................................ 421 Television ................................................................................... 424 Websites .................................................................................... 434 Reports ...................................................................................... 436 Miscellaneous ............................................................................ 439 iv Introduction This dissertation began life in in 2001, two years after the series Walking with Dinosaurs (1999) first aired. Broadcast on prime-time BBC1, the series was billed as “the world’s first natural history of Dinosaurs” (Tim Haines, cited in BBC 1999 Walking with Dinosaurs press-pack), and was discussed both in relation to natural history and documentary practices. Confused and irritated in equal measure by this, the series was neither natural history nor documentary, rather it was a pastiche of contemporary conjecture of the lifestyles of pre- historic life-forms packaged in a series of themed-narratives which utilized the conventions associated with popular factual programming. This began an investigation into both historical and contemporary natural history programming practices and their relationship with the representation of reality. This research was placed on hold for a number of years, and when returned to, the landscape of popular factual programming (of which the natural history genre is a part) had changed. This led to a re- evaluation of the main focus of the thesis which, rather than concentrating on natural history as a distinct entity, began positing this alongside new forms of popular factual programming which had emerged over the previous decade. The identification in 1999 of the ways in which natural history were being presented within a formatted, entertaining,
Recommended publications
  • Captive Orcas
    Captive Orcas ‘Dying to Entertain You’ The Full Story A report for Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) Chippenham, UK Produced by Vanessa Williams Contents Introduction Section 1 The showbiz orca Section 2 Life in the wild FINgerprinting techniques. Community living. Social behaviour. Intelligence. Communication. Orca studies in other parts of the world. Fact file. Latest news on northern/southern residents. Section 3 The world orca trade Capture sites and methods. Legislation. Holding areas [USA/Canada /Iceland/Japan]. Effects of capture upon remaining animals. Potential future capture sites. Transport from the wild. Transport from tank to tank. “Orca laundering”. Breeding loan. Special deals. Section 4 Life in the tank Standards and regulations for captive display [USA/Canada/UK/Japan]. Conditions in captivity: Pool size. Pool design and water quality. Feeding. Acoustics and ambient noise. Social composition and companionship. Solitary confinement. Health of captive orcas: Survival rates and longevity. Causes of death. Stress. Aggressive behaviour towards other orcas. Aggression towards trainers. Section 5 Marine park myths Education. Conservation. Captive breeding. Research. Section 6 The display industry makes a killing Marketing the image. Lobbying. Dubious bedfellows. Drive fisheries. Over-capturing. Section 7 The times they are a-changing The future of marine parks. Changing climate of public opinion. Ethics. Alternatives to display. Whale watching. Cetacean-free facilities. Future of current captives. Release programmes. Section 8 Conclusions and recommendations Appendix: Location of current captives, and details of wild-caught orcas References The information contained in this report is believed to be correct at the time of last publication: 30th April 2001. Some information is inevitably date-sensitive: please notify the author with any comments or updated information.
    [Show full text]
  • Educator Guide Spring 2020 February - June
    Educator Guide Spring 2020 February - June Looking for ways to make learning come to life? Let us help you! The Milwaukee Public Museum is the most exciting field trip destination in the region, an educational experience that will last far beyond the visit with your students. We have many free resources that can supplement your field trip experience before, during, and after your visit to foster a deeper engagement with your students and your curriculum. 1 EDUCATOR GUIDE | Fall 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome . 2 Contact Information . 3 Pricing . 3 Planetarium Programs . 3 Theater Offerings . 4 Education Investigations . 5 Exhibit Tours . 6-7 Early Learning . 7 MPM on the Move . 8 Educator Benefits & Resources . 9 Planning Your Visit . 10 Welcome Dear Educator, Welcome to the Spring 2020 semester! We hope that this Educator Guides finds you well. As you will see in the pages to follow, MPM has a lot of unique educational opportunities for your students. Please check our outreach program, MPM on the Move, and explore ways we can bring the Museum to your classroom. Coming to MPM for a field trip? Enhance your students’ learning with programs led by our talented educators and docents. It is our hope that this guide serves as a tool to assist you in creating meaning and memorable experiences for your students. We look forward to working with you and your school this year! Take care, Meghan Schopp Director of Education and Public Programs 2 EDUCATOR GUIDE | Fall 2019 CONTACT INFORMATION By Phone: Call 414-278-2714 or 888-700-9069 Field Trip Call Center Hours: 9 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • Ways of Seeing Animals Documenting and Imag(In)Ing the Other in the Digital Turn
    InMedia The French Journal of Media Studies 8.1. | 2020 Ubiquitous Visuality Ways of Seeing Animals Documenting and Imag(in)ing the Other in the Digital Turn Diane Leblond Electronic version URL: http://journals.openedition.org/inmedia/1957 DOI: 10.4000/inmedia.1957 ISSN: 2259-4728 Publisher Center for Research on the English-Speaking World (CREW) Electronic reference Diane Leblond, “Ways of Seeing Animals”, InMedia [Online], 8.1. | 2020, Online since 15 December 2020, connection on 26 January 2021. URL: http://journals.openedition.org/inmedia/1957 ; DOI: https:// doi.org/10.4000/inmedia.1957 This text was automatically generated on 26 January 2021. © InMedia Ways of Seeing Animals 1 Ways of Seeing Animals Documenting and Imag(in)ing the Other in the Digital Turn Diane Leblond Introduction. Looking at animals: when visual nature questions visual culture 1 A topos of Western philosophy indexes animals’ irreducible alienation from the human condition on their lack of speech. In ancient times, their inarticulate cries provided the necessary analogy to designate non-Greeks as other, the adjective “Barbarian” assimilating foreign languages to incomprehensible birdcalls.1 To this day, the exclusion of animals from the sphere of logos remains one of the crucial questions addressed by philosophy and linguistics.2 In the work of some contemporary critics, however, the tenets of this relation to the animal “other” seem to have undergone a change in focus. With renewed insistence that difference is inextricably bound up in a sense of proximity, such writings have described animals not simply as “other,” but as our speechless others. This approach seems to find particularly fruitful ground where theory proposes to explore ways of seeing as constitutive of the discursive structures that we inhabit.
    [Show full text]
  • Pollution Prompts Call to Revoke RTA's Licence
    THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO Advertising & news enquiries: Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 [email protected] [email protected] http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 21 #10 TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2006 22,300 copies every week $1 at newsagents only TOMORROW’S QUOTES IN INCUBATION Pollution prompts call Bay FM radiothon in full swing Local community radio sta- tion Bay FM 99.9’s biggest to revoke RTA’s licence fundraiser, the annual Radio- thon subscriber drive, is Lesley Patterson investigation into the pollu- construction of the Yelgun to under way. This year more Pollution of the Brunswick tion of the river by the high- Brunswick River Highway than ever before, listeners are River due to the Pacific way upgrade between upgrade,’ says Mr Whitling. encouraged to subscribe and Highway roadworks has Brunswick Heads and Yel- ‘It is apparent that the exist- help keep this vital and pop- reached such a level say envi- gun. Spokesperson for the ing licence is not preventing ular service on the air. Bay ronment groups that they are coalition, Richard Whitling, signifi cant pollution events FM is a non-profi t organisa- calling for an urgent review says they have not yet associated with sediment tion and it is not government of the RTA’s pollution received a reply from Mr runoff from the 10 kilometre funded, nor owned by com- licence. Debus. long construction site,’ he mercial interests. It runs on The move has been sup- On Friday Mr Debus’s added, saying that steps volunteer energy and com- ported by Byron Shire Coun- offi ce told The Echo, ‘We did could be taken by Abigroup munity spirit.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Affiliation Statement for Buffalo National River
    CULTURAL AFFILIATION STATEMENT BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER, ARKANSAS Final Report Prepared by María Nieves Zedeño Nicholas Laluk Prepared for National Park Service Midwest Region Under Contract Agreement CA 1248-00-02 Task Agreement J6068050087 UAZ-176 Bureau of Applied Research In Anthropology The University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85711 June 1, 2008 Table of Contents and Figures Summary of Findings...........................................................................................................2 Chapter One: Study Overview.............................................................................................5 Chapter Two: Cultural History of Buffalo National River ................................................15 Chapter Three: Protohistoric Ethnic Groups......................................................................41 Chapter Four: The Aboriginal Group ................................................................................64 Chapter Five: Emigrant Tribes...........................................................................................93 References Cited ..............................................................................................................109 Selected Annotations .......................................................................................................137 Figure 1. Buffalo National River, Arkansas ........................................................................6 Figure 2. Sixteenth Century Polities and Ethnic Groups (after Sabo 2001) ......................47
    [Show full text]
  • Trials of Life Living Together
    Trials of life living together Docu BoX tarafından paylaşılan BBC David Attenborough's Trials Of Life 07 of 12 Living Together Trials Of Life Full Version 06of12 Home Making - Duration: Fela Onl views · BBC. David Attenborough looks at how, for better or worse, many animals form surprising partnerships. Birds rid larger animals of itchy hangers-on. Find online suppliers for The Trials of Life: Living Together from the BBC. Documentary · Whole communities of different kinds of animals have been committed by evolution to live together. We show how some of these animal. The Trials of Life: A Natural History of Behaviour is a BBC nature documentary series written Part of David Attenborough's 'Life' series, it was preceded by The Living Planet () and followed by Life in the . For terns, there is safety in numbers as the dense population works together to drive out marauding gulls. : Trials of Life: Living Together [VHS]: David Attenborough, Michael Gunton: Movies & TV. Trials of Life ep7. 7, Trials of Life ep7. category: Educational. rating: (+ more). Play Next Vid». Trials. Overview. Trials of Life: Living Together. This video is part of a series from the BBC that looks at the challenges that animals face in the wild. The series is hosted. The Trials of Life: Episode 07 - Living Together. This episode focuses on those species that co-operate and depend on (or exploit) others. Living Together is the third in Sir David Attenborough's epic Life series, following on from Life on Earth and The Living Planet. It begins with the ways in which. SYMBIOSIS VIDEO: The Trials of Life Episode 7 Living together.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Annual Report 2019-2020
    Leading � rec�very Annual Report 2019–2020 TARONGA ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 A SHARED FUTURE � WILDLIFE AND PE�PLE At Taronga we believe that together we can find a better and more sustainable way for wildlife and people to share this planet. Taronga recognises that the planet’s biodiversity and ecosystems are the life support systems for our own species' health and prosperity. At no time in history has this been more evident, with drought, bushfires, climate change, global pandemics, habitat destruction, ocean acidification and many other crises threatening natural systems and our own future. Whilst we cannot tackle these challenges alone, Taronga is acting now and working to save species, sustain robust ecosystems, provide experiences and create learning opportunities so that we act together. We believe that all of us have a responsibility to protect the world’s precious wildlife, not just for us in our lifetimes, but for generations into the future. Our Zoos create experiences that delight and inspire lasting connections between people and wildlife. We aim to create conservation advocates that value wildlife, speak up for nature and take action to help create a future where both people and wildlife thrive. Our conservation breeding programs for threatened and priority wildlife help a myriad of species, with our program for 11 Legacy Species representing an increased commitment to six Australian and five Sumatran species at risk of extinction. The Koala was added as an 11th Legacy Species in 2019, to reflect increasing threats to its survival. In the last 12 months alone, Taronga partnered with 28 organisations working on the front line of conservation across 17 countries.
    [Show full text]
  • On This Date Daily Trivia Happy Birthday! Quote Of
    THE SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2021 On This Date 1834 – The Emancipation Act was Quote of the Day enacted throughout the British “Study as if you were going to Dominions. Most enslaved people were live forever; live as if you re-designated as “apprentices,” and were going to die tomorrow.” their enslavement was ended in stages over the following six years. ~ Maria Mitchell 1941 – The first Jeep, the army’s little truck that could do anything, was produced. The American Bantam Happy Birthday! Car Company developed the working Maria Mitchell (1818–1889) was the prototype in just 49 days. General first professional female astronomer Dwight D. Eisenhower said that the in the United States. Born in Allies could not have won World Nantucket, Massachusetts, Mitchell War II without it. Because Bantam pursued her interest in astronomy couldn’t meet the army’s production with encouragement from her demands, other companies, including parents and the use of her father’s Ford, also started producing Jeeps. telescope. In October 1847, Mitchell discovered a comet, a feat that brought her international acclaim. The comet became known as “Miss Mitchell’s Comet.” The next year, the pioneering stargazer became the first woman admitted to the Daily Trivia American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Jeep was probably named after Mitchell went on to Eugene the Jeep, a Popeye comic become a professor strip character known for its of astronomy at magical abilities. Vassar College. ©ActivityConnection.com – The Daily Chronicles (CAN) UNDAY UGUST S , A 1, 2021 Today is Mahjong Day. While some folks think that this Chinese matching game was invented by Confucius, most historians believe that it was not created until the late 19th century, when a popular card game was converted to tiles.
    [Show full text]
  • Biology Has Been Taught at Bristol – As Botany and Zoology – Since Before the University Was Founded in 1909
    Biology has been taught at Bristol – as Botany and Zoology – since before the University was founded in 1909. Bristol has made significant contributions to many fields, from animal cognition and medicinal plants to entomology, evolutionary Game Theory and bird flight – and the BBC Natural History Unit's proximity to the University has led to television careers for a number of graduates! In 1876, University College, the precursor to the University, appointed Dr. Frederick Adolph Leipner as Lecturer in Botany, Zoology and, amusingly, German. Leipner had trained at the Bristol Medical School, but taught botany and natural philosophy, later combining this with teaching in Vegetable Physiology at the Medical School. He became Professor of Botany in 1884 and was a founding member of the Bristol Naturalists' Society, becoming its President in 1893. Bristol today is proud of its interdisciplinary strengths and, among others, offers Joint Honours Degrees in Geology and Biology, and in Psychology and Zoology. A portent of these modern links is seen in one of the University's most notable early appointments, Conwy Lloyd Morgan, appointed as Professor of Zoology and Geology in 1884 and then – somehow fitting in service as Vice- Chancellor – becoming the first Chair in Psychology (and Ethics). Lloyd Morgan is most famous as a pioneer of the study of comparative animal cognition. He was a highly influential figure for the North American Behaviourist movement: “Lloyd Morgan's cannon” is a comparative psychologist's version of Occam's Razor whereby no behaviour should be ascribed to more complex cognitive mechanisms than strictly necessary. He was the first Fellow of the Royal Society to be elected for psychological work.
    [Show full text]
  • Investment Opportunity
    Investment opportunity RacerRacer A love story. An obsession. Racer. A love story. An obsession Racer is a heart stopping original screenplay by Oscar nominee and Bafta winning writer Ronan Blaney. A feature film inspired by the early life of legendary motorcycle racing star, Joey Dunlop. Joey, from Ballymoney in Northern Ireland, was at the height of his sporting prowess from the dramatic and politically charged 1970s right through to his death in 2000, winning the world renowned Isle of Man TT Races a record breaking, and not yet beaten, 26 times. Our film portrays the early life of a conflicted and quiet man who remained true to himself whilst allowing his enormous skill as a racer and his track record to do the talking. Racer Ali MacPhail Note from the Producer Racer has the dual commercial power of being a thrilling sports movie and an original love story. This film will show the strength of the family bond and how extraordinarily conflicted a character can become. How can Joey leave his wife and babies at home and immerse himself in this lethal sport? Joey witnessed first his friend and then even closer to home, his brother-in-law, being killed in horrific crashes in road racing but yet still couldn’t give up the most dangerous motor sport of all. The racers ride at speeds of up to 190 miles per hour on country roads with nothing but lamp posts, trees and dry-stone dykes for natural crash barriers. At the beginning of the TT Race, the riders pass through the middle of a council estate – a bizarre setting for a world-famous race – and a detail which many people will be unaware.
    [Show full text]
  • IP-Bloolooplive UK WEB.Pdf
    Thanks to our sponsors Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor Supported by Video by Creative & Design Partner WELCOME TO Blooloop has been leading the way networking the global visitor attractions sector online for over a decade. We have put together for you today what we hope will be an interesting and memorable programme, featuring leaders from the visitor attractions industry. They will be sharing experiences and strategies from across the sector to inspire, educate and entertain. We would like to thank our sponsors, partners and the DfIT for their support. Thank you very much for attending and supporting this event. We hope you enjoy it! Charles Read Managing Director blooloop.com Access blooloopLIVE UK 2017 on the Whova app using the code: blooL1V3uk AGENDA 09:00 Registration opens 10:00 Welcome 10:10 Session 1: The bigBig picturePicture We set the scene with a review of the market covering the UK, Brexit Andreas Anderson, CEO & President, Liseberg Group and beyond. Andreas Anderson, CEO & President of Liseberg Group and Lesley Morisetti, Director, Morisetti Associates future IAAPA chairman, will give us his personal view of the future Michael Collins, Senior Partner, LDP of the industry. 11:20 Break 14:4511:50 Session 2: Fine focusFocus We zoom in on case studies and key strategies from leading attractions. Chris Michaels, Digital Director, National Gallery Sarah Coward, Development Director and Deputy CEO, The National Holocaust Centre and Museum Eleanor Harris, Director Visitor Experience & Enterprises, Royal Museums Greenwich 13:00 Lunch 14:00 Session 3: TheAttraction big picture Evolution We begin the afternoon looking at how the attractions landscape is Tim Haines, Multi BAFTA and Emmy award winning producer, evolving.
    [Show full text]
  • Reality TV and the Reinvention of Britishness
    From Making Do to Making-Over: Reality TV and the Reinvention of Britishness RACHEL JENNINGS O YOU LIVE IN TRACK SUITS TO CONCEAL YOUR SAGGY TITS AND big bum? Do not despair—you can still go to the ball. If you Dare brave enough to face those scary godmothers Trinny and Susannah, they will tell you in no uncertain terms What Not to Wear. Do you suspect your garden may have inspired T. S. Eliot to write The Wasteland? No fear. The matey experts from Ground Force can transform it into a pastoral idyll in two days. Has your pokey, gloomy British house been stagnating on the market? Perhaps you need the infamous House Doctor to breeze through and eradicate both your personal history and personality with a few cans of magnolia. A significant proportion of British reality TV is in the makeover line, involving the rapid transformation of some facet of a person’s lifestyle through a process that blends fairytale themes with religious ritual. The subject (or victim) on each episode is a Cinderella character (hereafter referred to collectively as ‘‘Cindy,’’ whether an individual, couple, or family unit) who relinquishes existential responsibility and personal power to one or more authority figures. These fairy god- mothers (of both sexes) navigate Cindy through a battle to give up the past leading to her rebirth, frequently on the third or seventh day. It is easy to comprehend why makeover shows are a hit in the United States—they slot neatly into the American dream of con- stant reinvention of the self, played out on a moving frontier.
    [Show full text]