I have decided to analyse an extract from the TV series Spooks to help improve my understanding of the key media concepts. I have decided to split the extract into location and characters and throughout comment on ethnicity. I did this because I think it will help me when coming to my coursework as the location and the representation of characters have a huge impact on what my coursework piece will be like. I have decided to focus the representation on ethnicity as that is the original question for the extract. By doing this I have recapped on all the main Media terms and language which will help me when I come to making my coursework as I will know what affect each of the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene have on the extract. I also decided to do ethnicity as in my coursework piece I am using an Indian girl and it was helpful for me to see how a middle aged Indian man is being portrayed to be like. Overall, doing this has helped me a lot as when I come to filming I can clearly see what I should and shouldn't include because of the possible effects.
Location?
The extract opens with a wide, high angle shot, introducing the location. The wide shot lets the audience notice the rich environment contrasted with the ominous low key lighting which fundamentally creates a dark mood, resulting in a sinister tone being created. The low key lighting in the room is displayed throughout the scene, this has a negative effect on the atmosphere. The ambient sound comes in dramatically but because of the supposedly natural noises which are being made it helps make the scene look authentic and realistic to the audience. The shadows which are in the background of the walls are iconic of the Gothic genre, reiterating the hostile mood and gloomy atmosphere. However, the large window which lets in the light is symbolic of the hope within the extract and because of the setting such as the enormous window it again, reinforces the idea of the setting being rich. Even though the window is open it is unclear of what is outside, and where they are which reinforces the ominous signs as it is uncertain of their location.
Characters?
We are firstly introduced to a middle aged Indian business man which is stereotypical. He is introduced whilst the camera is panning at a medium shot. This helps the audience notice his costume; a dark business suit which already displays him as a stereotype. The ethnicity of the man at the beginning of the extract is being represented in a negative way, this may be because of the setting and the ominous signs which are frequently displayed. Furthermore, the dialogue and the speech he makes is very demanding and harsh. Also, his body language is very firm and the use of the recurring low angle shots make him appear dominant within the scene. The continuous slow paced editing of him walking and speaking make him the main focus in the extract, representing his ethnicity as powerful, he is also centralised in the screen the majority of the time which also helps with his significance within the extract. The hidden, undercover man is also important in the extract as even though it is unclear what ethnicity he is due to the costume he is wearing it is evident he works for the Indian man which connotes the Indian man is high in his business. Even though, the firm accusations which the Indian man is speaking out, the ethnicity is represented in a wealthy but dangerous way. The props which the hidden man is holding are things like guns and knifes which are very unsafe. The use of the undercover man being hidden also makes the other two characters; the English women and black man look like they're in danger. Furthermore, the English women is represented in two ways. We are firstly introduced to her with a high angle shot, of her tied up sitting down in a chair. This already displays that she is being held hostage and has no power over the two men which have taken charge. The recurring shot reverse shot from her to the Indian man display her distraught feelings she has to the situation she is in as she feels helpless and weak. However, the sound such as the dialogue represents her ethnicity in a stereotypical way as she is bold, and sticking up for herself; she uses strong language. The mise-en-scene such as the costume also represents her ethnicity in a stereotypical as she is also wearing a business type suit, connoting she has a well payed job. The fact that the English women is being trapped does display her as weak but because of the dialogue and costume she is portrayed in a more stereotypical way and it is implied to the audience that if she wasn't tied up she would be able to escape easily. Also, the is never centralised which again, reinforces the idea of her being dis included and less important within the scene. In addition to this, the black man is represented in an atypical way. Even though the black man is in the same position as the English girl he does not talk or stand up for either of them; his dialogue and screen time is short compared to the English girl which is representing his ethnicity as not only weak but less important than the others in this situation.
Ethnicity?
Overall, the ethnicity in the extract has been represented and constructed in many ways. The Indian man is represented in a stereotypical way - this is mainly through the use of mise-en-scene, screen time, centralisation and camera shots. It is evident to the audience that he is wealthy and because he has people working for him he also comes across as high class. The English women is represented in two ways; because of the mise-en-scene and dialogue she is portrayed as strong and fearful which is a positive representation of the English culture. However, the situation which she is currently in is negative which is why the high angle shots reoccur so that she looks helpless and weak. The black man is represented in a complete atypical as even though his looks, look strong and dominant all of the - sound, editing, camera juxtapose the stereotypical representation as he is portrayed as less important and weak. Also, each of the characters are being represented as higher class as they all have business clothes on which connotes they are all high up in society which link in with the rich and wealthy location.
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