Evaluation: 2- How does your media product represent particular social groups?

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Below is an interview with BBC Radio 4 on their Film Review Programme. (The interview is only for audio purposes but to be able to upload it to this blog it must be a video with some sort of picture) The interview with Samantha Grey gives brief details about the film, characters and the actors who play them, the overall effectiveness of the film, its messages and what I set out to show. In the interview the key theme is to answer the question of: What social groups are represented in the film?

The interview is below:

These are the questions and the brief answers:
(to understand the interview best, please watch/listen to it first then read its ideal response)


1) Tell us some information about the film?

• The main character is Lewis Webster who faces many problems throughout the film. The film follows his life as a flashback through time and starts 50 years ago which we then see him in the current time (2013/2014) in his adult years and how his life has turned out.
• The main narrative is that Lewis starts to question the world which causes many difficulties including bullying, we then leaner that this has helped him to be successful and reach is main aims.

2) How do you feel it went?

• Very well, I am pleased with all overall aspects of the film and how it represents the narrative I set out to show. I am pleased that its being distributed by a good company and how the film is viewed by the audiences.

3) Who's starring in the film?

• The main actor is Charlie Hope who is playing the younger generation of Lewis Webster.
• The co-main actor is David Andrews as the older generation of Lewis Webster.
• Valerie Hope is playing herself as Lewis Webster's Grandmother.
• There are many other small roles which were played by many actors who weren't as experienced so were happy to play parts for experience.

4) Why did you choose those actors?

• The main actor, Charlie Hope, was a clear choice for how I wanted Lewis to be, but he also helped to shape the character and making him more inquisitive.
• David Andrews is a distant family member so was already someone I knew could play the role.
• Valerie Hope likewise was recommended by the main actor, Charlie as a good actor. He also knew her well which made it less awkward to be working/acting with her.

5) What's your main messages?

• Age- How the younger people are less knowledge but don't understand their lives and have challenges that they have to face. The look up to the older people with more experience and knowledgeable.
• Success- No matter what problems and challenges you face, you can still succeed and reach your goals and be successful.

6) How did you show these messages?

• The storyline and script helped to show the message to the narrative.
• The camera angles helped the audience to understand the characters and their emotions. By having close-ups the audience can understand and see how the characters are feeling.

7) What does the film set out to show?
The film has many things it shows, it does present social groups, these are listed below:

• AGE- There are two social groups that are represented in the film. Both the young and old generations are present and help to show their differences but how they depend on each other. The younger generation are seen through Lewis Webster (at the beginning of the film), played by Charlie Hope. The younger generation are inquisitive but lacking in experience and knowledge. This is seen as Lewis becomes consumed by all the questions he wants to know. Lewis has to look to the older generation for help, guidance and advice. The older generation on the other hand is seen more in the film as the Grandmother Valerie, but also other members of his family. These people are in control and are seen as higher up than Lewis both in control and knowledge.
• GENDER-There are also two social groups of gender. The main male character of Lewis is shown as timid and consumed by his annoying habit of questioning everything until is becomes out of control. The main female charcaters are Valerie Hope and Lewis's Mum. They are seen as authoritative but caring. Valerie does seem harsh but this is due to her patience being tested by how annoying Lewis is starting to become.
• CLASS- The Webster family are middle class and take up a conventional role. We see this how Lewis is dressed smart as the time period of the beginning of the film is 50 years ago where it was expected that people were smart as Lewis is wearing trousers and a shirt.
• SEXUALITY- The social group at the time period of which the film is set in would be very normal. This is because people were less open to sexuality and some people were completely against it. This had to be true and close to the reality of 50 years ago.
• BRITISH- This social group is generic to the film as its set in Britain and shows the family living of British people.

8) When is it released to the cinema?

• The film should be in cinemas by Summer 2014 with the premier at the London Film Festival in May.