Write up your notes in PEE format.

The scene begins with an establishing shot. This is a close up of a skull. It is strange for an establishing shot not to be a wide shot, which would normally set the scene. However this close up suggests something feels a little bit too close for comfort. The skull symbolizes death and foreshadows what is about to happen to Smallwood in this scene. The camera then zooms out to show a churchyard and Smallwood walking through it. The sounds of his footsteps can be clearly heard, suggesting loneliness and being isolated. The other sound that can be heard at this point is church music and a choir singing ‘All things bright and beautiful’ which juxtaposes the feeling of foreboding suggested by the skull and Smallwood’s loneliness.

How social contexts influence television programmes

This is a typical question that you might be asked in your GCSE exam:

Explain how social contexts influence television programmes. Refer to The Avengers from 1965 to support your answer.

In order to answer a question like this you need to show an awareness of the social context and to be able to make references to specific moments from the show.

Firstly, take a moment to consider what was significant about the social context of the 1960s.

Then watch the start to The Avengers again. 

Make notes on any interesting examples of how the social context may have influenced the programme.

Then begin to write a response:

Explain how social contexts influence television programmes. Refer to The Avengers from 1965 to support your answer.

Here are some sentence starters:

During the 1960s, views were different. One thing that has changed during the last fifty years is... (remember to ensure your point is about social context)

An example of how this social context shaped TV programmes, such as The Avengers, is...
This is interesting because...
If this programme were to be made today, then...

Another way that the social context shaped TV programmes is...
However, The Avengers did not simply follow what was socially acceptable. It challenged views too. For example...

Overall, The Avengers has/has not been affected by the social context...

1960s Context

SCH contexts 1960 from TomEccles4

Narrative Strands in Cuffs

Throughout the first episode of Cuffs there are a few narrative strands (or different stories) running through the story.

How many can you think of?

      An example would be Jake Vickers' first day as a police officer and his working relationship with Ryan Draper.

      ACTIVITY 1: Make a list of all of the narrative strands that you can think of. (The following character list might help...)

•PC Jake Vickers

•PC Ryan Draper

•DS Jo Moffat

•DC Carl Hawkins

•DI Felix Kane

•Chief Supt. Robert Vickers

•Simon Reddington

•Keegan Benson

•James Quirk

•Mohammad Bangash

•Amit

For more characters in this episode, visit Imdb Cuffs Characters List (Episode 1)

ACTIVITY 2: Explain why you think there are so many narrative strands.

• Which are the most important?
• Which are the minor stories?
• Why do you think a new narrative strand is introduced before an old one has been resolved?

Analysing the montage

Towards the end of the first episode there is a montage scene, playing the song 'Youth' by Daughter whilst a number of narrative strands are shown.

Youtube Link (start at 49:53)

ACTIVITY 3: Analyse this scene, commenting on:

• the use of camera angles and editing
• the effect of sound
• the narrative strands
• the overall effect on the audience

You will need to choose and print off at least three screengrabs and then write 100-200 words about the overall effect of this scene.